Going Hybrid
Guests enjoying the program at Open Arms’ fundraiser in 2019. Photo by Michael B. Maine.
Thinking about planning your next event and having a hard time deciding on how and where to hold it?! You’re not alone! THE big decision of the year for everyone is going to be “virtual, hybrid, or in person?” Let’s talk about some questions to ask yourself and your team, as well as things to consider while you’re answering!
QUESTION #1
TRUE OR FALSE: The majority of guests I want to invite to my event live within a 20-mile radius.
TRUE – You should go In-Person!
FALSE – Stay online!
MORE THOUGHTS:
Many of our clients in 2020 and 2021 have been surprised to discover how many people joined their event from far-away places. If you work with people who reside state-wide, region-wide or nation-wide, or have international followers, keep in mind that a fully in-person event will automatically exclude these guests.
If you’re finding yourself somewhere in between the TRUE and FALSE you could consider a smaller in-person event, accompanied by a livestream of the main program!
QUESTION #2
TRUE OR FALSE: My community is closely inter-personally linked. Guests get great enjoyment from seeing each other for socializing or networking in-person.
TRUE – You should go In-Person!
FALSE – Stay online!
MORE THOUGHTS:
Our experience is that an already close-knit community are the most likely to enjoy each other at an in-person event. This could be a group of people who actively volunteer together or parents at the same school! Another group to think about for an in-person event would be members of an affinity or industry group who have strong motivations to network and exchange ideas.
If many of your guests are connected to the community through only one person (their ‘table captain’ or another ambassador), make sure you look at the hybrid and livestream options, because those might serve your purposes better.
While we know that these questions aren’t necessarily going to give you a magic answer to your questions, we hope that they can start an honest discussion to help you determine the right direction for your next event! If you’re still feeling undecided or have more questions about all of the possibilities, we’re here to help!
