Virtual vs. Hybrid Events
Learn how virtual and hybrid event formats differ and how they can help you achieve your event goals.
Jump to a Topic:
What’s the Difference?
Virtual or hybrid? Learn the key differences between these two event types.
Virtual Event
In a virtual event, all event elements and all attendee participation take place virtually. These events are entirely online, as planned from the start.
Hybrid Event
Some event elements and some attendee participation take place in-person at a physical location, while others take place virtually. These events have limited physical attendance and broad virtual outreach.
Virtual vs. Hybrid Formats
Hybrid events come in many formats. You have many options for structuring your event to accommodate your presenters and participants.
Traditional Format
Streaming live event to remote participants
Countless Formats
Nodes/pods, in-person sister locations, remote presenters, etc.
*Adapted from 2021 PCMA Convening Leaders
How to Decide?
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding to move to a virtual or hybrid format.
- What are the goals of your event?
- What does your program look like? (complexity, high collaboration, etc.)
- Are there current travel restrictions in place?
- Who are your target audiences?
- Is your audience global or local?
- How flexible is your budget?
- How much time do you have to plan?
| Virtual | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel restrictions in place | ✓ | |
| Mostly global audience | ✓ | |
| Mostly local audience | ✓ | |
| High collaboration goals | ✓ | |
| Flexible budget | ✓ | |
| Attract new audiences | ✓ | |
| Short planning time | ✓ |