5 Hybrid Event Ideas

Virtual fundraising events have been incredibly successful this past year.

They often exceed revenue, capture a broader audience and are less expensive to produce than an in-person gathering. In fact, they have been so successful that even when gathering is deemed safe again, it will be a gradual process with phases, and many organizations will likely hold on to the virtual model for events.

When it comes to events, our philosophy is “it’s easier to add than to takeaway”. So keep planning for virtual. And when the time comes you can add to the experience using one of these examples below.

 

THE WATCH PARTY

Overview: A virtual event hosted by the organization, with opportunities for stakeholders to host a viewing party for friends and family in their own home.

Risk = low

Cost = low

What works:

  • Overlay event fundraising model with a house party fundraising model
  • Intimate gathering
  • Engages supporters

Recommendations:

  • Stay within bounds of hosts’ comfort level
  • Have a host agreement that aligns with local CDC guidelines
  • Ask host to speak at their party in support of your organization
  • Provide a host party packet to ease planning
  • Offer mobile bidding or text-to-give so all viewers can give using a smartphone
  • Follow local restrictions and guidelines

THE OPEN HOUSE

Overview: A virtual event with the option to view from the organization’s space or from home.

Risk = High

Cost = Medium

What works:

  • Shine the spotlight on your organization’s space
  • Connect others to your program and mission
  • Save on venue rental expenses
  • Give stakeholders an “inside look”
  • Engage staff and volunteers to provide tours

Recommendations:

  • Add precautionary measures to help guests feel comfortable and safe
  • Create space for virtual event viewing
  • Offer mobile bidding or text-to-give so all viewers can give using a smartphone
  • Follow local restrictions and guidelines

THE DRIVE-IN

Overview: A virtual event with the option to watch from a car in front of a big screen or from home.

Risk = Medium

Cost = Medium

What works:

  • Fun, interactive and charming
  • A unique way to engage community partners
  • Gather in a novel way
  • Bring the drive-in movie experience to your guests

Recommendations:

  • Broadcast the live event on a big screen and over the radio for guests in cars
  • Provide drive-in guests with goodie boxes
  • Air a live segment at the drive-in to give viewers at home a chance to be part of the action
  • Offer mobile bidding or text-to-give so all viewers can give using a smartphone
  • Follow local restrictions and guidelines

Check out how Clackamas Women’s Services did it: Case Study: Hybrid Events.

THE OUTDOOR GATHERING

Overview: A virtual event with the option to watch from where it is recorded in an outdoor space or from home.

Risk = High

Cost = Medium

What works:

  • Great for warm summer evenings – good weather encourages attendance
  • Broadcast live segments from the outdoor space
  • Gives your event a festival-like atmosphere

Recommendations:

  • Partner with an AV team to broadcast the live event
  • Distance guests with theatre-style seating
  • Provide adequate restroom facilities
  • Offer mobile bidding or text-to-give so all viewers can give using a smartphone
  • Follow local restrictions and guidelines

THE LARGE GATHERING

Overview: A live event broadcasted as a virtual event with the option to attend in person or from home (think: Academy Awards). 

Risk = High

Cost = High

Pros:

  • Reach your local audience in person and a broader audience online
  • Broadcast live performances to viewers tuning in from home, like an awards show
  • Offers a dynamic way to rethink galas in person

Recommendations:

  • Offer mobile bidding or text-to-give so all viewers can give using a smartphone
  • Follow local restrictions and guidelines

Disclaimer: We strongly recommend planning a 100% virtual event in 2021 to stay safe and align with CDC guidelines. 

Information in this article comes from a previously recorded webinar. Watch it here: From Virtual to Hybrid Planning, Into 2021 and Ahead with Swaim Strategies 

Planning your next fundraising event? We’d love to hear about it. Reach out to us at swaimstrategies.com/rfp.

Recent Posts
Contact Us

Drop us a note and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Not readable? Change text. captcha txt