Hybrid Is the New Normal: Conference Resilience and Innovation in the Post-Pandemic Transition

The Covid-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted the global conference (congress) industry, prompting an accelerated shift toward hybrid and online formats. This paper aims to explore the transformative impact of the pandemic on delegate (participant) preferences, technological adoption, and the perceived value of hybrid events. Drawing on an extensive literature review and empirical data from a primary survey, a conceptual model is developed and tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results demonstrate that technological advancement is a key driver of hybrid participation, while prior conference experience moderates the relationship between technology and attendance preferences. Hybrid events are shown to increase accessibility and flexibility but cannot fully replicate the interpersonal dynamics and immersive elements of in-person conferences. The study confirms that hybrid is not a temporary fix, but rather a structural innovation shaping the “new normal” of conference design. Attendee segmentation, experience-driven formats, and balanced technological integration emerge as crucial factors for future event success. These findings contribute to the evolving understanding of resilience and innovation in the post-pandemic conference landscape and provide practical implications for event organizers seeking to enhance engagement across diverse participation modes.