Hybrid events can drive unmatched reach, engagement, and ROI. Whether it’s a full-scale conference, a series of talks, or even a hackathon—a hybrid event has the potential to outperform the standard one. But it does not need to be your default option in every situation.
Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of hybrid events to help you develop a strategy that best fits your needs:

Pro

Attendees can choose when and where to attend the event

Expands your reach to global audiences, speakers, and sponsors

Con

More physical space needed for socially distanced people and staging

Typically costs you more than in-person or virtual events

Pro

Introduces you to audiences who never considered attending an in-person event

Increases chances of attracting more exhibitors, sponsors, and revenue

Provides more branding opportunities

Con

Needs more production equipment for content streaming

More logistical complexity (although experienced partners can simplify this for you)

Requires more lead time to plan

Pro

The number of attendees in the physical and virtual spaces can be modulated to evolving conditions

Have the ability to convert virtual audiences into in-person participants in the future

Con

Many event planners and marketers don’t have the required skill sets to produce hybrid events

Require two planning and production teams for the in-person and virtual components