Why you might want to host a virtual or hybrid event (and how to get started!)

The reality is sinking in–COVID-19 isn’t going away any time soon. Not being able to gather has also shifted realities for nonprofits that once relied on in-person events to engage supporters and raise funds, facilitate trainings, recruit volunteers, and more. 

When the pandemic first hit, our team at Emergence immediately started helping our clients shift to hosting virtual events. We dug in, mastered the art of designing meaningful virtual events, and then started launching full-fledged fundraising events online. And in this virtual space, we found a new opportunity–to create a space for community-based program staff to speak directly to donors about their work.  

When Red Cloud Indian School was faced with canceling a core fundraising event usually held off-site, Emergence helped their Advancement team pivot to a virtual format. We worked with a videographer to create a series of videos to provide attendees with a better understanding of the community content and Red Cloud’s mission. Through a series of rotating breakout rooms, we had program staff lead discussions about their work–and engage directly with donors to help them learn. 

The result? Many attendees reported a higher level of engagement, even beyond the typical in-person event. They engaged directly with program staff on-the-ground and in the community, and that interaction deepened their experience. 

As we move forward and the pandemic evolves, hybrid events are another powerful way to bring people in both physical and virtual settings together. 

When the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition was ready to host its annual planning day, our team brought local and national partners together in a hybrid format–making sure every voice was amplified, whether they were joining virtually or in-person. We used a large screen to connect virtual participants into the meeting room and hosted virtual breakout rooms simultaneously with in-person group work. In designing the day’s schedule, we intentionally break up sessions to engage virtual participants more fully: they were able to come in and out of sessions, actively join into small group discussions, and not feel trapped staring at a conference room throughout the day. Ultimately, the day resulted in more engagement, and not less, than if it had been held in only one physical space. 

Need advice on hosting a virtual or hybrid event? Reach out and let’s connect on how to get started!