Online, In-Person & Hybrid

Online, In-Person & Hybrid

We are now over three years on from the lifting of Covid-19 lockdowns, but we are still gathering in the same way we did when it was illegal to be in a room together. Why?

Meeting online saves time and travel expenses. With budgets squeezed for many this is an important consideration.

But meeting online isn’t always the best way to gather. The purpose of our meetings and events should play a key role in dictating their format, not just cost.

One alternative is the old-school in-person events.

People increasingly want these back.

In June, I attended an in-person gathering of Volunteer Engagement Professionals in Manchester.

About fifty people attended from across the UK.

There was excitement as people learnt & networked.

It worked because the purpose determined the format.

Next week I host a hybrid conference.

The content is delivered online to groups of people gathered in-person in their communities across North America.

It is truly hybrid — blending online and in-person.

It works because the purpose drives the format.

If online is the best way to meet the purpose we set for our gathering, then great.

But if not, let’s try something different now.

Alison Stevens (she/her/elle)

Connector and facilitator | Fostering community connections, organizational health and personal growth

5 个月

Great message, Rob Jackson - including the important nuance about purpose. On line and hybrid meetings still have their pnlace.

ian cardwell

Volunteer Engagement Professional at Praxis Care

5 个月

Because of the area I cover, small meetings are still best online - saves charity money, better use of my time etc. I do agree in-person conferences have their place. It's been disappointing that the idea of hybrid meetings/training hasn't taken off as hoped. I think all 3 are here to stay and would worry if everything went back in-person.

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