How to Plan Fundraising Events Two Years into the Covid-19 Pandemic
The Wisdom of WOC is a weekly advice column where the WOC Community can submit its questions about fundraising and philanthropy, and have them answered by our founder, Yolanda F. Johnson, and special guest editors from the WOC community.
From Our Mailbag
Q: What are the latest trends on virtual/hybrid/in-person events? How can we plan if we can’t be sure of what will happen?
—Anonymous
A: This is the $1million question lately! The next few weeks will be VERY telling, as many mask mandates and Covid measures have been or are being lifted. The weeks following such a major shift may very well tell us if things are truly moving forward towards more normalcy or not. If the number of infections continues to decline, we’re on track for what looks to be a very productive and active summer to early fall event season. If not, at least we have determined how to get to the “heart” of technology and hold meaningful virtual events instead.
I am planning events again as of May and some events to which I was invited this month have been postponed, for the very reason that many people want to gauge how things will move forward and if the lower Covid numbers will remain steady. Then again, others are plowing ahead with their March hybrid events as well. It’s very interesting to see.
Of course, if you have the budget to produce both an in-person and virtual element event, hybrid might be for you. There are many organizations who are holding hybrid events throughout 2022, to accommodate those who are ready to meet in-person, as well as those who aren’t quite there yet. Hybrid can mean different things, from live streaming an in-person event, to holding the in-person and virtual events on different dates altogether. You'll want to determine what is best for you and your audience.
Also, I encourage you to stick to what works best for you with regard to your Covid policy. You need to first think ethically, in order to keep you, your staff and your guests safe. You also need to think financially, to maximize your revenue and keep expenses reasonable. And, you need to think about your community. Knowing and understanding your event audience will be key to making the decisions that will work as well as possible for everyone involved. If your audience isn’t ready, don't attempt in-person just yet. If some are, see if your budget can bear hybrid. If the majority are ready to mingle in-person again, go for it, just be safe and smart as you move things forward.
This Week’s Expert
Yolanda F. Johnson, Founder of WOC
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