As an event management company, we’ve seen firsthand how the way companies meet has evolved. Hybrid meetings, once a necessity, are now one of several strategic options for connecting teams, clients, and communities.

At Variety Communications, we’ve supported everything from fully physical conferences to hybrid product launches and virtual townhalls. And we’ve learned that the most successful events aren’t about following trends, they’re about choosing the right format for the purpose.

When Hybrid Meetings Makes Sense

Hybrid meetings open up flexibility. They allow for broader reach, accommodate travel limitations, and bring together distributed teams without compromising accessibility. We’ve helped clients run hybrid sessions where regional teams tuned in remotely, while key stakeholders gathered in person for more focused engagement.

It’s a practical and inclusive format, especially for:

• Regional updates or global alignments
• Events with speakers or attendees across time zones
• Scenarios where not everyone can be on-site, but participation is still crucial

But Hybrid Meetings Not the Only Way

While hybrid is a great option, it’s not always necessary or ideal. Some sessions, like team bonding activities, creative workshops, or sensitive internal discussions benefit more from being fully in-person. Others, like webinars or quick info-sharing sessions, might be best kept virtual for efficiency.

Our role as your event partner is to help you evaluate what works best, not to push one format over another.

The Real Question: What Are You Trying to Achieve?

Rather than starting with “Should this be hybrid?”, we encourage clients to begin with:

• What’s the objective of this meeting or event?
• Who needs to be involved and how do they participate best?
• What kind of interaction or outcome are we aiming for?

Once those answers are clear, the format becomes easier to decide. Hybrid might be the right fit or not. And that’s okay.

Moving Forward With Purpose

The way we meet will continue to evolve, and hybrid will remain a valuable tool in the mix. Take a look at our recent Hybrid event:

At Variety Communications, our focus is on designing intentional, effective gatherings. Regardless of the format. Whether it’s face-to-face, virtual, or a combination of both, what matters most is that it serves your people and your purpose.

Need help figuring out the best setup for your next event? Let’s explore your options together.