Most fundraising events won’t fail in 2026 because donors changed. They’ll fall short because the experience didn’t.

In this “home team” conversation, we call out what organizations are still getting wrong—and what the best teams are already doing differently. From the death of the “hybrid event” as a livestream add-on, to why “simpler” events aren’t a trend (they’re a correction), this episode is a straight-up standard-setting breakdown of what excellent looks like next year.

What Most Organizations Will Get Wrong in 2026

1) Thinking “hybrid” means “in-person + camera.”

The crew makes the case that the COVID-era definition of hybrid is done. If you want a remote audience, you have to build a real, intentional experience for them—not tack on a tripod in the back of the room.

2) Blaming donor behavior instead of clunky execution.

Donors still want connection. They still want to give. What they won’t tolerate anymore is friction—long check-in lines, confusing processes, and experiences that feel outdated compared to the convenience they get everywhere else.

3) Treating “simpler events” like a trend.

This isn’t minimalist chic—it’s reality. Too many revenue moments, too many “things,” too many asks… and guests hit a wall. Simplicity is the correction that improves the donor experience and makes it easier to execute well.

4) Planning from the inside out.

If you start with revenue goals and budget constraints, you’ll design a functional event—not a memorable one. The teams that win in 2026 start the other way: outside-in. What should guests feel? What should flow effortlessly? What should disappear?

Who This Episode Is For

Development directors, event leads, and nonprofit teams running signature events where “good enough” isn’t good enough—especially if your board, major donors, and top sponsors will be in the room and you can’t afford a clunky experience.

Key Takeaways

• If you want remote participation, design for remote—don’t livestream an in-room event and call it a day.
• Donor expectations aren’t the problem—your execution is.
• More programming doesn’t equal more money. It often equals guest fatigue.
• Start with the guest experience, then build the revenue mechanics around it.

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