In-person events are making a comeback for Summer 2021 and Team SEQ is here for it! While many of our clients are interested in hosting their next event fully in-person, a number are still considering a virtual component for attendees with varying levels of comfort (and a virtual element means a greater reach for your event!). Pride events across the country are taking on the hybrid approach, implementing protocols that keep Pride a safe and inclusive space for all while remaining a Covid-safe event. Hybrid events are trending! Team SEQ is sharing updates on major U.S. city June Pride celebrations: what they are planning for in-person and how much will remain virtual.
- NYC - New York City’s annual Pride Parade will resume in-person this year! Pride Fest, an annual LGBTQ+ street fair, will also resume in-person. All in-person activations will be following the most current guidelines for public events in the city. NYC Pride Organizers are offering a virtual MarketFest, a free virtual Vendor Directory focused on amplifying LGBTQ+ small businesses (we love it!), for those not comfortable joining the in-person festivities. A more multifaceted virtual events program has been planned for 2021 and will be hosted throughout June, like a family movie night, a three-day human rights conference, and a virtual dance party called Pride Island. Count us in!
- LA - The City of Angels is focused heavily on virtual events for Pride this year, but they are opting to offer an in-person Pride night at Dodgers Stadium on June 11 with a special package available only to fully vaccinated attendees. Additionally, they are hosting an in-person outdoor LGBTQ+ movie night on June 26 at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. All the more reason to get that vaccination if you are able!
- Chicago - Pride in the Park in the Windy City is back this year! Chicago will host their annual two-day event, but with stricter safety guidelines. It will be ticketed and guests will have to verify that they've been vaccinated or provide other health information through an app before arriving at the event. Although the parade has been tentatively rescheduled for October, many virtual event celebrations will remain in June, with a number hosted by Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus.
- Boston - Similarly, Boston Pride (adorably tag-lined #WickedProud) will emphasize virtual events, with a few in-person activations. There will be a Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall Plaza that will be simultaneously live-streamed (we love a good live stream) and Fenway will host a Pride Night. There will also be a virtual lighting ceremony, called Pride Lights, to commemorate the lives lost in the HIV and AIDS epidemic that still affects the community. Boston Pride Organizers are even planning Instagram events, like Express Your Pride! which brings the experience to in-person and virtual audiences.
We love to see major event producers offering both the human connection and face-to-face interaction of in-person events, while also providing a robust solution for those who are not yet comfortable with large crowds or unable to get vaccinated. Hybrid events offer so many benefits beyond just safety, we can’t wait to keep that conversation going!
Unsure how to plan your next hybrid event? We have a guide for you here. Ready to take the plunge into hybrid? Our team of experts can help! Sign up for a free consultation with one of our trusted event professionals. We can’t wait to connect!