The 5 Main Types of Virtual Events (and When to Use Each)
Virtual events are no longer a temporary fix. They’ve become an essential part of how businesses, schools, and communities connect. From large-scale conferences to internal company updates, hosting online gatherings gives organizers the ability to reach wider audiences, save costs, and create flexible, engaging experiences.
In fact, industry reports show that virtual events remain one of the most effective tools for brand awareness, community building, and lead generation. With audiences now expecting digital access to events of all sizes, knowing the different types of virtual events, and when to use each, is critical.
This guide will walk you through the five most common formats, along with examples of when each works best.
What Are Virtual Events?
Before diving into the types, let’s quickly define what makes an event “virtual.”
- What: A virtual event is any gathering hosted primarily online, where participants join via the internet to learn, network, or collaborate. These events can range from intimate workshops to live broadcasts with thousands of viewers.
- Why: Virtual events are cost-effective, scalable, and flexible. Organizers benefit from engagement tools, analytics, and the ability to repurpose content afterward. Attendees enjoy convenience and accessibility, as they can join from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
- How: Most virtual events don’t require special equipment. A laptop or smartphone with a webcam is enough to take part in chats, polls, breakout rooms, and multimedia presentations.
The 5 Major Types of Virtual Events
1. Virtual Conferences
What they are: These are the digital equivalent of large, multi-track conferences. They often include keynotes, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, all hosted online.
Best for:
- Annual industry conferences
- Trade shows or expos
- Large-scale product launches
Why use them: Virtual conferences are ideal for organizations that want to bring together a big audience over multiple days. They allow participants to customize their experience, moving between sessions and networking lounges much like at an in-person event.
Example: A technology company might host a virtual conference featuring a live-streamed keynote, interactive workshops in breakout rooms, and networking sessions where attendees can connect one-on-one.
2. Webinars
What they are: Webinars (short for “web seminars”) are typically one-off sessions focused on a single topic. They’re smaller in scale compared to conferences and usually include a presenter or panel with audience Q&A.
Best for:
- Educational tutorials
- Product demos
- Thought leadership sessions
Why use them: Webinars are easy to set up, highly accessible, and great for building authority in a specific niche. They also work well for lead generation because they can be gated behind registration forms.
Example: A marketing team might host a webinar to demonstrate new campaign tools, combining a live presentation with polls and a final Q&A to keep the audience engaged.
3. Hybrid Events
What they are: Hybrid events combine in-person and virtual participation. They might include live-streaming sessions from a physical venue, offering remote attendees interactive features such as chat, polls, or breakout rooms.
Best for:
- Conferences with global audiences
- Corporate events where not everyone can travel
- Festivals, summits, or trade shows seeking maximum reach
Why use them: Hybrid formats blend the best of both worlds. They expand reach beyond geographic limitations while preserving the energy of in-person gatherings. They also provide a safety net if some attendees can’t attend in person.
Example: A university open day could host campus tours and talks onsite while streaming sessions online for international students.
4. Town Halls and Live Webcasts
What they are: These are live video streams aimed at a specific audience, often within a company or community. They’re typically one-to-many broadcasts with limited interactivity.
Best for:
- Company-wide meetings or updates
- Departmental briefings
- Stakeholder communications
Why use them: Town halls and webcasts build alignment and culture. They give leadership a platform to share updates, celebrate wins, or answer questions from employees or partners. Because they’re often streamed live, they create a sense of urgency and belonging.
Example: A multinational company might use a quarterly town hall webcast to connect executives with employees worldwide, allowing moderated Q&A to encourage participation.
5. Online Training and Classes
What they are: Online training events focus on education and skill-building. They range from short workshops to semester-long virtual classes and often include interactive tools for learning and assessment.
Best for:
- Employee onboarding
- Professional development courses
- Certification or compliance training
Why use them: Online training scales easily while maintaining interactivity. Features like screen sharing, breakout groups, and resource libraries help keep learners engaged and ensure knowledge retention.
Example: A company could onboard new hires through a virtual training series that combines live instruction, recorded video modules, and group exercises.
How to Choose the Right Virtual Event Type
Selecting the right format depends on your goals, audience size, and level of interaction needed. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Brand awareness and lead generation → Virtual Conferences or Webinars
- Community building → Hybrid Events or Virtual Conferences
- Internal communication → Town Halls and Webcasts
- Education and skill development → Online Training and Classes
If you’re aiming for scale, conferences and hybrid events are the way to go. For intimate, focused knowledge sharing, webinars and training sessions are best. For keeping teams aligned, town halls are indispensable.
The landscape of virtual events has matured. What began as a necessity is now a cornerstone of modern communication and engagement. Understanding the main types of virtual events helps you match the right format to your goals.
The future of events isn’t about choosing between in-person or online, but about combining formats strategically to create accessible, engaging, and impactful experiences. By selecting the right type of virtual event, you’ll not only connect with your audience but also leave a lasting impression.