Hosting a Hybrid Event
What is a hybrid event? Simply put, one that includes both in-person and virtual elements. They range widely, but share some similarities and concerns.
Why Hybrid?
Why include a virtual element even if you have the go-ahead for in person? A few good reasons:
- Maximize potential participation. Hybrid events are inclusive, with something for everyone. When participants can join locally and from anywhere in the world, your event is truly for everyone.
- Maximal flexibility. The future is still uncertain. Starting with a virtual option makes it easier for people to trust that they'll be able to join your event in some capacity.
Coordinate with Your Timer
If you're planning to do any sort of modified in-person element, your timer will be key. Make sure you talk through your plan with them thoroughly - and get their advice - before you put it into action. Many timers can also manage your virtual results. Ways of modifying the start to increase social distancing include:
- Open, rolling start (start anytime in a 5 hour period)
- Flexible wave start (break runners into waves, and then allow them to start anytime within their 15-30 minute wave time)
- Pre-assigned wave start (specific start times for each runner)
- Corrals can help assign and manage waves. You'll find this feature at RaceDay Tools >> Corrals >> Set Up Corrals
Most races will keep the results separate for in-person and virtual events, especially if awards are offered.
Participant Management Considerations
Making it easy for participants to switch between in-person and virtual options (as long as in-person caps allow) gives your participants peace of mind and makes them more likely to register in advance.
- When possible, budget both options to be the same cost, allowing participants to seamlessly swap between the two.
- For a typical 5K, the costs can naturally be relatively similar when you eliminate some scalable in-person costs (fewer porta-potties, less food, etc.) and add in the cost of shipping.
- Allow event transfers to let people sign up for in-person, but change if they can no longer travel, etc.
- Be clear about your refund policy. If you can't offer refunds in the event of a move to virtual explain what the options will be (transfer to virtual, deferral, etc). The more flexible you are able to be, the more likely participants will be to register.
Expect late registrations!
Additional Resources for Hybrid Events
- Hybrid Hub for all your hybrid race best practices
- GoVirtual Hub for best practices and setup guides for any virtual elements of your event
- How-to Setup Virtual Results for the virtual element of your event
- Find a Timer to help with scoring both the in-person and virtual components of your event
- Looking Forward Guidelines with suggestions for safety modifications for in-person events