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We’re excited to launch the first installment of our monthly series, The Inside Track with Jamie Baulch, where we’ll be sharing insights, opinions and thought leadership from Jamie Baulch, founder of BidAid.

This month, we look at hybrid events, which became all the rage during COVID times, but where do hybrid events sit in today’s charity fundraising world? Let’s get the inside track from Jamie…

Q1: You were an early advocate for hybrid fundraising – how have you seen their role evolve post-pandemic?

When we first started pushing hybrid events, they were seen as a stopgap during the pandemic. Now, they’ve evolved into a powerful way to extend reach beyond the ballroom. The pandemic taught charities that digital audiences can be just as engaged and generous if the experience is designed well. Post-pandemic, many donors who can’t travel due to geography, diary clashes, or cost still want to be part of the moment. Hybrid allows that. It’s no longer just a safety net – it’s become a revenue multiplier.

Q2: What challenges do charities face in delivering hybrid events that feel both engaging and personal?

The main challenge is connection. A physical gala is full of atmosphere, but online guests need that same energy translated through the screen. If the tech is clunky, if the auction lots aren’t exciting enough, or if the storytelling doesn’t land, the virtual audience can feel like second-class supporters. Charities also worry about the cost of adding a digital layer on top of a live event. That’s why having the right software, exclusive prizes, and strong MCs is critical – they bridge that gap and make both audiences feel equally important.

Q3: How does BidAid help organisers maximise participation from both in-person and online audiences?

BidAid was built for exactly this. Our software is mobile-first, meaning guests in the room and those tuning in remotely get the same simple bidding experience through QR codes, hub screens, or direct links. We provide high-end memorabilia, artwork, and exclusive experiences that capture attention on both sides. Importantly, we don’t just provide tech – we bring in our “black book” of celebrities and suppliers, which helps charities attract prizes that people actually want to bid on. That mix of seamless technology and premium content ensures participation is maximised.

Q4: Can you share an example of a hybrid event where the auction turnout exceeded expectations?

Yes – the Caudwell Children Ball in Monaco. We set it up as a hybrid fundraiser and saw approximately £97,000 raised purely from online participants who couldn’t physically be there. On top of that, the in-room auction went on to generate a further £1.06 million. Without the hybrid model, that £97,000 would have been left on the table. It proved that if you do hybrid well, you don’t just replicate the room – you extend it and add a whole new revenue stream.

Q5: Do you think the hybrid model will remain dominant, or are we seeing a swing back to physical-only?

I think live events will always be the heartbeat of charity fundraising – nothing beats that energy in the room. But the hybrid model isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s becoming the new normal for major fundraisers. Donors’ lives are busy, and hybrid makes supporting a cause more accessible. We are seeing a swing back to physical galas, yes, but the smart organisers are keeping hybrids as part of the mix. It’s not “either/or” anymore – it’s “both/and,” and that’s where the real growth is.

Wednesday, 15th October 2025