Mastering Hybrid Engagement: A Practical Training for Planners

Hybrid engagement has become standard practice in community planning, but too often it simply means adding a Zoom link to an in-person meeting. While this expands access, it doesn't necessarily create a more inclusive, connected, or meaningful engagement experience.

In our recent Mastering Hybrid Engagement training, Chris Haller, Founder of Konveio, and Kelly Hickler, Founder of Cinnovation Studio, explored how planners can move beyond the traditional “Room + Zoom” approach to intentionally combine engagement methods that reach more people and generate better community feedback.

Drawing on their free guide, Designing Hybrid Engagement, Chris and Kelly introduced a practical framework and demonstrated real-world examples of connecting in-person and digital participation.

Watch the full training below to explore the framework, practical applications, and lessons learned.

Key Takeaways from the Training

1. Think beyond online versus in-person.

The training introduced a four-quadrant framework combining online and in-person activities with synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (on-your-own-time) participation. Each approach offers different strengths in flexibility, accessibility, and personal connection.

2. Design hybrid experiences, not disconnected activities.

From interactive open houses to collaborative design charrettes, Chris demonstrated how planners can connect physical and digital experiences using presentation boards, sticky notes, dot voting, interactive mapping, and feedback loops.

3. Give participants more ways to engage.

A Sacramento housing project illustrated the value of offering multiple participation options. Approximately 70% of participation came through self-guided online activities, while in-person workshops and virtual office hours provided additional opportunities for connection and discussion.

4. Plan for meaningful results from the beginning.

Chris and Kelly emphasized that effective hybrid engagement requires more than choosing the right tools. It means understanding your audience, removing participation barriers, connecting feedback across formats, and planning how results will inform decisions.

Explore the Hybrid Engagement Framework

Whether you're organizing a community workshop, regional planning process, or collaborative design effort, the training offers practical ideas for making engagement more intentional, inclusive, and effective.

Download the free Designing Hybrid Engagement guide to explore the framework, compare engagement methods, and start planning your next hybrid experience.

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