Hybrid Events

Nonprofits Choose the Hybrid Model for Events with the Decline of Covid-19

Eventually Learning Team

The COVID-19 pandemic is the most unexpected occurrence of the last few decades. It has struck the event industry like a lightning bolt and has made things challenging for organizations that mainly depended on live events for their business promotions. The nonprofits have been deeply impacted as they have had to switch to virtual events and have had to dispense of in-person events suddenly.

Now, the tide is turning again as over three in five Americans are vaccinated, and people are eager to get outside their homes and visit other places. However, if you own or manage a nonprofit, you might want to remember that in-person events aren't exactly back in full swing yet. In considering this, one of the best options you have is hybrid events, which are a combination of live and virtual components. These events are taking center stage for nonprofit organizations as COVID-19 wanes.

2 Questions to Ask Before You Organize a Hybrid Event

If you plan to organize a hybrid event, you will first need to organize an in-person event. A few questions you need to ask as an organizer before planning a hybrid event are:

  • What percentage of attendees has been vaccinated up to this point? Have they taken the jabs?
  • Do I need to follow any local, state or federal regulations regarding the capacity of attendees to gather at the chosen venue?
  • Which COVID-19 protocols do I need to commit to?
  • Will you have any international attendees/speakers/hosts? Do they need to quarantine?
  • How strict are you about COVID-19 protocols and regulations?

3 Why are Hybrid Events taking center stage in the Current Climate?

There are multiple reasons for hybrid events grabbing a lot of attention even as COVID-19 wanes, especially among nonprofits.

3.1 Accessibility

One key reason that a hybrid event for nonprofits is a good bet is because of increased accessibility. Earlier in the pandemic, nonprofit organizations could reach only local participants via in-person or peer-to-peer events. However, now, virtual events have allowed nonprofits to reach an audience beyond the local communities.

1 Introduction

3.2 Safety

The fear unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic is still fresh in the minds of the people. Most US citizens got their first jab of the vaccination, while many others are getting their second doses and even their booster dose. With vaccinations and regulations in place, the peace of mind of the participants is one of the most obvious advantages to nonprofits who plan to organize hybrid events at a large scale. People can attend an event without worrying about feeling uncomfortable in a large crowd.

3.3 Money Savings

It is common knowledge that organizing a hybrid conference or hybrid meeting is far less than the cost of organizing an in-person conference or meeting. Nonprofits that choose hybrid events save plenty on infrastructure costs, food expenses and other incidental expenditures. Because in-person events are on a smaller scale, they aren't usually costly. The availability of funds is typically a pain point for nonprofits, so saving money is one of the most apparent advantages when organizing a hybrid event.

3.4 Flexibility

When nonprofits organize a hybrid conference or hybrid meeting, they gain flexibility. For example, the virtual aspect of the event increases significantly when there are restrictions on organizing an in-person event due to COVID-19. The added flexibility of putting the virtual aspect at the forefront allows nonprofits to resume getting the audience's attention to meet the goals of the event, such as raising money.

3.5 Networking

Wider networking opportunities are another advantage of the hybrid event for nonprofits. As nonprofits reach out to a larger audience via virtual mediums, they give people more opportunities to network than before. In addition, communication features like virtual breakout rooms and networking lounges allow attendees and organizers to bond personally and grow their networks.

3.6 Education

All events include knowledge seekers and contributors because it is known that offering educational opportunities is a must for nonprofits planning hybrid events. When you take instances of hybrid events where attendees have learned something new, you'll find that they have always been more eager to attend the next event coming down the road. In addition, NGOs can keep the audience engaged by using polls, chat boxes and Q&A to get an idea of how the audience members are learning.

4 Top Three Categories

When it comes to a hybrid event for nonprofits, many nonprofit organizations follow one of these three top categories for planning their events depending upon the current scenario.

4.1 Live-Plus Events

There are countless examples of hybrid events organized locally at a small scale, but attendees can experience the same event virtually via live streaming. For instance, if a nonprofit organizes a small cycling competition to raise funds for a cause, virtual attendees living far away can attend the event online and donate for the cause while seeing the action live.

4.2 Earned Access

Some hybrid events organized by nonprofits are very exclusive and have limited attendees. It allows for better networking opportunities and helps leverage the power of FOMO (fear of missing out). For instance, when organizing fundraising programs, NGOs invite attendees who have a fundraising minimum (they commit to donating a minimum amount for the cause) to attend the event in person. In contrast, everyone else can attend the fundraising programs virtually.

4.3 Staged

Many nonprofits who want to reach a wider audience are giving more options to attendees. They can attend an event by staying in their locality, or they can attend online. As in the example given above, a nonprofit organization recently organized a cycling event in which attendees were encouraged to cycle around within their vicinity to explore new paths while staying connected via online mediums.

FAQs

1. How are Hybrid Events Taking Place in a Pandemic Situation?

Hybrid events are taking center stage in the current pandemic situation so that people who can't be present during an in-person event can attend it virtually. Similarly, people who want to attend an in-person event exclusively can follow the Covid19 protocols set by their local authorities.

2. What are the Advantages of Hybrid Events in a Pandemic?

Hybrid events, like hybrid conferences or hybrid meetings, have some prominent advantages. For example, a person who doesn't want to step out of the home can attend the event virtually. The popularity of virtual events for nonprofits is also rising as people prefer online events like webinars over in-person or live events.

3. How are Hybrid Events Organized Nowadays?

Nowadays, hybrid events are organized using the latest technology tools while keeping online safety and security in mind. As the COVID-19 situation continues, hybrid events are witnessing a constant rise because organizers, attendees, and sponsors constantly opt for this option and find it highly convenient.

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