Hybrid and virtual event ticketing: best practices for modern fundraisers

What started as a pandemic workaround has now become a lasting part of nonprofit fundraising. Since COVID-19 forced events online, hybrid and virtual formats have proven their value, and they’re here to stay.

Today, 80% of event professionals say hybrid events deliver better reach and engagement than other types of events. Nonprofits that offer both in-person and virtual options are also more likely to meet their fundraising goals.

As this model becomes the norm, it’s important to rethink how ticketing works for hybrid and virtual events. Below, we break down how to get it right across both formats.

Pricing strategies for virtual vs. in-person attendance

Setting the right ticket prices is a balancing act between covering costs and delivering value to attendees. Pricing looks different for in-person, virtual, and hybrid guests; each needs its own strategy based on cost and value.

Tech stack integration: ticketing, streaming, and engagement tools

A successful hybrid or virtual event depends on how well your tools work together behind the scenes. For modern fundraisers, integrating ticketing, streaming, and engagement platforms into one seamless system is essential.

Start with your ticketing platform. It should support both in-person and virtual attendance, offer tiered pricing, and sync directly with your donor database or CRM. Look for tools that allow automatic confirmations, reminders, and easy check-in processes. BetterWorld, for example, lets you sell tickets for any format and keeps all guest info in one place.

Next, make sure your livestream is easy to access from the same place attendees bought their tickets. Instead of sending guests to different links or platforms, embed the stream directly on your event page.

Finally, layer in engagement. Use tools that allow live chat, real-time donation tracking, or virtual bidding if you’re hosting an auction. Integration here helps maintain momentum and keeps supporters actively involved, no matter where they are.

Managing different attendee experiences without doubling your workload

A major challenge in hybrid events is meeting the needs of both in-person and virtual attendees without doubling your team’s effort. Planners often cite this balance as a top concern, but you don’t need to run two events to get it right.

First, design your agenda so that in-person and virtual guests follow the same schedule. Stream your main speakers live from the stage to online viewers. Use a single mobile bidding platform so everyone can join the auction.

Secondly, split your team’s focus by role rather than by event version. Assign a moderator or virtual host to support online guests, such as welcoming them in chat, relaying their questions, and keeping them engaged.

At the same time, your in-room MC can handle the crowd. Ask speakers to acknowledge both groups and repeat questions into the mic so remote viewers stay in the loop.

Use one email plan for everyone. You can include both venue directions and a livestream link in the same message, and your ticketing platform can send tailored follow-ups where needed.

Lastly, live-streaming alone isn’t enough. To keep everyone engaged, include polls, moderated chats, and networking tools that work across both groups.

Virtual sponsor recognition and benefits fulfillment

Sponsorship plays a vital role in hybrid and virtual events, often helping cover the additional tech costs associated with these formats. In fact, 72% of sponsors now say they are open to supporting hybrid events because they offer broader exposure.

But to attract and retain sponsor support, nonprofits must offer visible and meaningful value across both in-person and virtual channels.

Boost visibility

Place sponsor logos on registration pages, livestream screens, sidebars, slides, and digital programs. Add them to lower-third graphics and thank them verbally during the event. Feature sponsors in pre- and post-event social posts, and use the same placements for virtual and in-person audiences.

Offer interactive opportunities

Let sponsors host polls, trivia, short videos, or giveaways. Invite them to introduce speakers or sessions. Set up virtual booths or breakout rooms to encourage real-time interaction.

Deliver on benefits and ROI

Track clicks, impressions, session views, and engagement. Grab screenshots showing their visibility. Share post-event reports with reach data, then follow up with thank-you notes and continued exposure, such as keeping logos on your event page or keeping recordings available for a few weeks.

Post-event content distribution to maximize impact

Virtual and hybrid events generate valuable digital content, so don’t let it go to waste after the livestream ends.

Record everything

Capture livestreams, breakout sessions, and key in-person moments. Offer on-demand viewing to all registrants. Nearly 47% of webinar views happen after the live event, and 82% of organizers now share replay content.

Extend the engagement

Let attendees rewatch powerful moments or access content they missed. You can also give virtual guests access to exclusive in-person content as a thank-you. Break down speeches into short clips for social media or turn discussions into blog posts to keep your mission front and center.

Make it accessible and shareable

Even in-person attendees revisit content, so upload your recordings to YouTube, Facebook, or your website. Make sharing easy to boost visibility and attract new supporters.

How BetterWorld takes the hassle out of hosting events

BetterWorld makes it easy to run hybrid and virtual fundraising events all in one place. Set up tickets, stream your event, showcase sponsors, and track everything from one simple dashboard.

With no platform fees and tools built to save time, it’s no wonder over 105,000 nonprofits trust BetterWorld.

Save hours. Raise more. Stress less. Sign up now!