By: Whova Team | Last Updated: Feb 17, 2026
A hybrid event is an event format where people attend either in person or remotely. Some participants show up at a physical venue. Others can join through a digital platform from wherever they are.
The format became particularly popular during the pandemic when travel restrictions limited in-person gatherings. Now it’s stuck around because it has allowed events to expand their reach. Now, attendees who can’t travel due to budget constraints, scheduling conflicts, or geographic distance can still participate and engage.
Hybrid events need technology that connects both audiences. Live streaming, interactive chat features, and virtual networking tools bridge the gap. A hybrid event platform handles these technical requirements so both groups get value.
Why Are Hybrid Events Used?
Hybrid events solve practical problems:
- Wider reach: Geographic barriers aren’t an obstacle when people can join remotely. An event in New York is accessible to attendees in Tokyo or London.
- Flexibility: Participants choose how they attend based on their schedule, budget, or preferences.
- Cost-effectiveness: Organizations save on venue size and catering expenses. And, attendees don’t have to pay for flights and hotels.
- Increased engagement: Digital tools like live polls, Q&A features, and virtual networking keep remote participants involved.
Common examples include industry conferences, product launches, annual company meetings, trade shows, and professional training workshops.
Key Characteristics of a Hybrid Event
The defining feature of hybrid events is that they’re built for people in the room and people joining remotely. But it’s not just about streaming sessions online. The virtual side needs its own infrastructure: chat functions that actually get responses, Q&As that don’t feel like an afterthought and breakout rooms where remote attendees can network without feeling like ghosts at the party.
When the hybrid format is working well, both audiences get the same content quality—whether that’s a live keynote or pre-recorded sessions available on demand. The technology matters here. You need platforms that can handle the dual-audience setup without making either group feel like second-class participants. (Check out the best hybrid event platforms and this hybrid event checklist for specifics.)