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Children’s Research Triangle Hybrid Fundraiser
Objective
Children’s Research Triangle (CRT), a not-for-profit organization, was preparing to hold its annual fundraiser at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel. This gala dinner and live auction is CRT’s main source for raising funds to aid children who face behavioral, emotional, developmental and/or maltreatment challenges.
To this end, maximizing the event’s reach and participant engagement, was important to the customer —particularly after two years of the event being held virtually due to the pandemic. The customer was excited to be back in the ballroom, but also interested in trying a hybrid format for the first time.
Solution
- The Encore team recommended the Chime Go event platform, which featured the organization’s branding and could effectively integrate remote participants in a meaningful way. The live event would start with 15 minutes of speakers followed by the gala dinner for those onsite.
- To prevent virtual attendees from waiting through the 45-minute dinner, Encore experts recommended video recording the speeches at the start of the in-person program, quickly editing in some opening and closing graphics for added polish.
- The Encore team then staggered the virtual portion to broadcast 45 minutes later than the onsite event, with this footage. This allowed the virtual participants to enjoy watching the presentations and performances while the in-room guests ate. After the meal, both audiences could experience the live fundraiser simultaneously.
- Thanks to Chime Go’s easy and flexible setup, the Encore team needed less than a week of lead time to configure the solution to meet the customer’s specific needs
Outcome
Nearly 400 onsite and remote guests were able to attend the . CRT is grateful to have a successful hybrid event model to use for future events, if needed. Abby Vlahos, Development Director at Children’s Research Triangle shared:
“Children’s Research Triangle used Chime Go as part of our first-ever hybrid Gala, and we were very pleased with the experience! … Our virtual guests reported that the platform was easy to use, and the quality was excellent. The Encore team was patient, thorough and timely as we worked out the details of this first-of-its-kind hybrid event for our organization. The event was our highest-grossing Gala to date!”