Based on what I am seeing (and hearing from other auctioneers across the country) I am hopeful that supporters’ generosity will continue as 2021 continues and that a sense of optimism will only grow.
While in 2020 the buzzword was “virtual,” there is no doubt that the most-used event phrase of 2021 is going to be “hybrid.” The great news for us is that we have 5-6 months to learn the pros and cons from spring events in case we decide to combine the best of both models.

In practice, what we envision as hybrid events -and what many people think will become the new normal – likely is not, for 2 reasons: added cost and added planning. My guess is 50% of orgs that host annual in-person fundraisers will try a hybrid event in 2021 or early 2022, but that only 30% of those who try it will opt to make it their ongoing model. To do a hybrid event well (as opposed to solely live streaming the program, which won’t have the same appeal for at-home viewers) will require planning the in-person event and paying for that in-room technology while also planning a distinct but thematically connected steaming “tv show” of sorts, with all the requisite planning and cost. I suspect planning what amounts to dual events simultaneously will prove to be more than most already overtaxed teams can manage, especially given that even more responsibility may fall to volunteer chairs and committee members due to COVID-related staffing cuts.

Confused? Frustrated? Overwhelmed? Worried? Stuck?

I can help you and your nonprofit figure out what fundraising steps to take next. We’re all about Future Focused Fundraising. Let’s figure out your next best step.