---
title: "Virtual vs. In-Person Training: Which Setting Wins?"
description: Training is a valuable resource that should be considered in any setting, virtual or in-person. Which setting works best for your team?
---

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# [Virtual vs. In-Person Training: Which Setting Wins?](https://hub.redteamconsulting.com/red-team-blog-posts/2022/08/01/virtual-vs-in-person-training)

 Written by [Meghan Quinn](https://hub.redteamconsulting.com/red-team-blog-posts/author/meghan-quinn) | Aug 1, 2022 8:41:34 AM

You’ve heard us preach the [importance of providing training opportunities to your team](https://redteamconsulting.com/2019/08/08/6-reasons-federal-proposal-training/). Not only does it offer them a chance to grow their skillset and contribution level, but it also improves the overall quality of their work environment. Since March 2020, Red Team has led all our trainings in a virtual setting. However, lately we have been feeling the itch to get back to in-person instruction – you may be feeling the same way, as well.

For the companies that continued training virtually through the pandemic – bravo! It is important to be adaptable and continue offering these perks to your team, particularly in this workforce shortage environment. [Red Team is a strong proponent of training](https://redteamconsulting.com/2021/12/01/integrate-training-into-your-corporate-culture/) regardless of the setting and we think offering something is always better than nothing. Virtual training is a great option depending on your need, but nothing can truly replace in-person instruction.

If you have the option to choose between holding a virtual or in-person training, here are 5 reasons why we think you should select an in-person setting.

#### 5 Reasons Why You Should Choose In-person Trainings

###### **1. It’s harder for attendees to multi-task with email and pings.**

Training attendees only get as much out of a training course as they put into it. Minimizing external distractions will help the group pay attention and retain the information.

###### **2. Group exercises are more effective.**

Teams can better work through training scenarios without screens by directly interacting with one another and talking through the solution. Groups often must get acclimated with the software features in a virtual setting before actually diving into the exercise.

###### **3. Avoid technical difficulties.**

We have all suffered through technical difficulties while working virtually. These challenges are greatly reduced when conducting an in-person training which saves on time and patience.

###### **4. Build connections with your team.**

Gathering your team in person provides a great opportunity to boost morale and build relationships, especially for those who joined the company during COVID or are spread out geographically.

###### **5. Build connections with your instructor.**

Building credibility is a large part of creating a positive learning atmosphere for our instructors and attendees. In-person instruction can help achieve that at a much quicker rate.

**Pro Tips:**

- Bundle the in-person training with another corporate event, like an offsite or in-person all hands meeting
- Take the group to dinner post-training to get to know one another outside of the office in a neutral environment

#### When Virtual Trainings Work Better

As with most things in life, nothing is black and white and there are scenarios in which virtual training is the best option. Here are a couple instances where virtual training should be considered.

###### **1. Attendees are spread out geographically. **

Hosting your team for an in-person training can be costly! If the budget is tight it’s important to factor the cost of airfare, lodging, and feeding into the overall budget for the training.

###### **2. If you want to re-use the training recording for internal purposes.**

A benefit to hosting a virtual training is you can keep the recording of the training. Since in-person trainings aren’t recorded, this wouldn’t be feasible.

When in doubt, check to see if the training organization has a hybrid option with some attendees joining in-person and virtually. Red Team offers a hybrid instruction option to meet the needs of our clients wherever they may be.

#### Final Thoughts

Training is a valuable resource that should be considered in any setting. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons with what is important to your team and organization before making a decision.

[View full post](https://hub.redteamconsulting.com/red-team-blog-posts/2022/08/01/virtual-vs-in-person-training)

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