Is Digital Engagement Replacing Community Stalls? Open Voice Lab Podcast Episode 2 Now Live
Episode 2 of our Open Voice Lab Podcast is now live! And we are diving into one of the biggest debates in modern engagement: are community stalls still effective, or has digital engagement already taken over?
Community stalls have been a core part of engagement and consultation for decades. But with digital reach, targeted ads, online listening, and high‑volume conversations happening on social media every day, many organisations are asking whether traditional face‑to‑face methods still deliver the value they once did.
In this episode, Rachel and Alexia explore the realities behind both approaches.
We talk digital reach, targeting, paid social, listening on Reddit and Mumsnet, responding to comments, safety at community stalls, conflict resolution, and the resource intensity behind both approaches. We also explore why engagement teams need to be confident, human and evidence‑led - whether they’re online or in the middle of a busy town centre.
If you work in engagement, consultation, participation, public involvement, digital engagement or communications across the NHS, local government, charities, VCSE organisations or community groups, this episode is for you.
Questions We Explore About Community Stalls vs Digital Engagement
Are community stalls still effective for engagement?
Community stalls can still be effective when you need depth, nuance and face‑to‑face conversations. They’re particularly valuable for building trust, understanding emotion and gathering rich insight — but they require staff, planning and resources.
Is digital engagement better than face‑to‑face engagement?
Digital engagement offers reach, targeting, speed and the ability to listen to existing conversations online. It’s not “better” by default..
Can digital engagement replace community stalls completely?
Not entirely. Digital can reach thousands, but it can’t always replicate the depth of a human conversation. Most organisations benefit from a blended approach.
How do you decide between digital engagement and community stalls?
It depends on your goals. If you need scale, targeting or quick feedback, digital works well. If you need depth, trust or sensitive conversations, stalls or in‑person methods may be stronger.
What are the risks of community stalls?
Safety, harassment, conflict, weather, staffing and resource intensity. The episode explores how teams can prepare and manage these risks.
What are the risks of digital engagement?
High‑volume comments, misinformation, visibility to leadership teams, and the need for confident, human responses rather than corporate messaging.
How can organisations listen better online?
By using platforms like Reddit, Mumsnet and local Facebook groups to understand what people are already saying — not just what they say when prompted.
What skills do engagement teams need in 2026?
Confidence, responsiveness, evidence‑led decision‑making, digital literacy, and the ability to be human in both online and offline conversations.
We’d love your feedback
What do you think?
Do you prefer digital engagement or community stalls?
What challenges do you face when trying to reach people?
What topics should we cover next?
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