Different Types of Events According to Strategy: Virtual, Hybrid, and In-Person

Some events are all about energy in the room and face-to-face connection. Others need to reach people in different places or offer flexibility without losing impact. That’s where virtual and hybrid events come into play, opening up new ways to engage audiences and share stories far and wide.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Each format – in-person, virtual, or hybrid – offers something different, and the right one depends on what you’re trying to achieve. 

We’ve helped clients across all kinds of industries find the best fit for their event, and we’re here to do the same for you. Today, we’ll break down the three key formats of events and how each can support your goals.

In-person events and their real-time impact

In-person events offer a level of human connection and sensory experience that’s hard to replicate. They’re spontaneous and create the kind of buzz that people keep talking about long after the event ends.

When is in-person the right choice?

These events are ideal when the goal is to build relationships or make a bold impression. In-person experiences bring people together in a way that feels personal and powerful.

The benefits speak for themselves. You can create emotional connections, build loyalty, and deliver premium guest experiences.

We saw this in action when we partnered with Sophos for their UKI Partner Conference in Manchester. After a rigorous tender process, SEVEN was appointed to manage the end-to-end delivery of this important two-day event for 450 guests. The goal was to bring together customers and prospects for a valuable mix of networking and product education.

Victoria Warehouse, with its unique industrial charm, was chosen as the venue. It was a blank canvas that we completely transformed to reflect the event’s “evolve” theme. 

From branding and stage design in the plenary space to interactive breakout sessions and a bespoke exhibition area, every corner was carefully considered.

Our team took care of all the attendee logistics too, coordinating accommodation across four hotels and making sure every guest felt looked after. The welcome reception at the Imperial War Museum set the tone, followed by a full conference day that ended with an unforgettable party. Think laser quest domes, LED ping pong, street food, cocktails, and an epic LED drummers’ performance.

It was an in-person event done right  that was rich in content, full of energy, and designed to leave a lasting impression.

Virtual events that provide accessibility and agility at scale

Virtual events have come a long way. What once felt like a quick fix during the pandemic has evolved into a smart, scalable way to connect teams, customers, and communities.

They’re ideal for organisations looking to communicate with remote teams, engage global markets, or deliver thought leadership through sessions like webinars and product updates. 

Why go virtual?

Virtual events are cost-effective, flexible, and highly inclusive, making it easy to invite broader audiences and accommodate different time zones. Plus, with built-in data and real-time analytics, you get instant insight into what’s working and where to optimise.

When done well, virtual events can feel just as polished and purposeful as in-person ones. That’s where our expertise at SEVEN comes in.

How we brought Pepsi Lipton’s event to life

A great example of this is our work with Pepsi Lipton on their annual European Marketing Conference. After hosting a successful virtual event during the pandemic, the client chose to keep the format the same. However, this time, they wanted to extend their reach and make the event accessible to a wider European audience.

With a tight timeline and a need for flexibility, SEVEN delivered a fully branded virtual experience using our bespoke platform. The agenda spanned two full days, packed with presentations, activities, and over 40 different speakers. 

We managed diaries for technical checks and rehearsals, even as content was being finalised right up to the last moment.

To wrap things up, we streamed an awards ceremony on Zoom so attendees could interact, celebrate winners, and enjoy a social element. We followed it with a round of virtual musical bingo, tying in the “together we shine” theme in a fun and uplifting way.

Hybrid events, which bring together the best of both worlds

With hybrid, you don’t have to choose between reach and connection. These events are designed for scale, sustainability, and accessibility and are perfect for companies with multi-site teams or global audiences. 

At SEVEN, we deliver hybrid event solutions that make sure your attendees have a seamless experience. 

Elevating Telefónica’s hybrid kick-off

When Telefónica returned to SEVEN for their annual hybrid kick-off event, they wanted to build on the success of the previous year and take the online experience even further.

Our team designed and built an upgraded event app and web portal to deliver a fresh, intuitive experience for both physical and virtual attendees. Guests at the IET Savoy Place venue used the app to navigate the day, while remote participants logged in via the platform to watch, interact, and join the conversation in real time.

We also connected satellite offices in Belfast and Edinburgh via a two-way live link, bringing remote teams directly into the room and into the action. This resulted in higher engagement, more platform interactions, and a fully connected audience across all locations.

How do you decide what’s right for your event?

The right format depends on your goal, who you’re speaking to, and how you want your audience to feel.

Start by asking a few key questions:

• Who’s the audience, and where are they based?
  
• What’s the goal — awareness, engagement, reward, or connection?
  
• Are there must-have elements like interactivity, networking, or on-demand content?
  

These answers help guide whether your event should be in-person, fully virtual, or a hybrid blend of both. Each format offers its own strengths, and at SEVEN, we’re here to help you find the best fit.

Closing thoughts: Let’s find your perfect format

Every event is a chance to connect, inspire, and make something memorable, and we’re here to help you get it right. 

Explore our full range of event services to see how we can support your next project.

Get in touch with our team at hello@sevenevents.co.uk, and let’s bring your event vision to life.