Marketing events has never been more complex, or more exciting. With hybrid and virtual events now the norm, event planners must think outside the box when it comes to marketing channels. And even though online marketing is essential, flyers, yes, even printed flyers, still have a significant part to play in the mix.
In fact, when used strategically, flyers can bridge the physical and digital worlds, making them ideal for hybrid and virtual event campaigns. Whether you’re sharing them in coffee shops, mailing them to a segmented list, or including them in swag bags, flyers have a tactile charm that digital ads often lack. And with modern promotional flyers printing services offering fast, affordable options, it’s easier than ever to include print in your event marketing strategy.
Let’s examine how and why flyers endure in the era of virtual and hybrid events.
Why Flyers Still Work, Even for Virtual Events
It might seem counterintuitive to market virtual experiences using tangible materials, but here’s why it’s logical:
1. Physical Presence Improves Recall
As found in a study by Canada Post and TrueImpact, direct mail requires 21% less cognitive effort to process than digital media, and people remember printed ads more easily. That means a flyer is more likely to stick in a person’s head, literally.
2. Flyers Reach Offline Audiences
Not everyone is on Instagram or LinkedIn. Physical flyers can reach people in offline areas, community centers, local shops, libraries, in which online ads can’t. This is especially useful in advertising events to less tech-savvy people or people in a specific geographic area.
3. Increases Perceived Value
A well-made flyer gives an event a measure of legitimacy. It shows effort and professionalism, something that can add perceived value, especially useful for convincing people to attend a paid or premium online event.
How Flyers Can Help Hybrid and Virtual Events
So where do flyers fit into a marketing plan for events taking place online or partially online? Here are some smart ways they add value:
1. Include Flyers in Swag Bags or Event Kits
Sending swag or welcome kits to your virtual or hybrid event attendees through the mail? Include a printed flyer that displays the schedule, speakers featured, or directions on how to enter breakout sessions. It gives attendees something tangible to hold and look at.
2. Use QR Codes for Easy Online Access
Print flyers with QR codes that lead users to:
- Event registration pages
- Speaker bios
- Virtual venue websites
- Social media groups or hashtags
This gives recipients an easy path to transition from offline activity to online experience through a quick scan.
3. Promote Local Hybrid Meetups
If your hybrid event has in-person localized hubs or satellite meetups, flyers can help drive attendance in target cities or neighborhoods. Post them in coworking spaces, gyms, college campuses, and coffee shops near the local venues.
4. Partner With Local Businesses
Collaborate with businesses that are a good match for your audience, bookstores, yoga studios, computer stores, and ask them to post your flyers. Cross-promote their brand in exchange at your event or on your event website.
Design Tips for Virtual and Hybrid Event Flyers
Make It Digital-Friendly
Even if you’re printing flyers, remember that most individuals will probably view them online. Make sure that:
- Fonts are screen-readable
- QR codes are large and bold enough to scan
- Colors have good contrast for mobile viewing
Highlight the Online Element
Make it obvious that your event is virtual or hybrid. “Join from anywhere,” “Stream live,” or “Attend in person or online” sets expectations right away.
Include a Call to Action
Every flyer should tell readers exactly what to do next:
- “Register now at [URL]”
- “Scan to save your spot”
- “Visit our event hub for more info”
Be Consistent With Your Branding
Use the same colors, fonts, and design elements on your digital and printed materials for a consistent brand experience.
Real-World Examples
Big events successfully use flyers to push attendance, even when events are completely virtual.
- TEDx events often promote virtual talks with community-distributed flyers.
- Tech conferences like CES and Web Summit send printed agendas and sponsor flyers in advance to complement digital schedules.
- University or non-profit sponsored educational webinars frequently include flyers in community mailers and newsletters to engage with offline masses.
In these cases, flyers aren’t replacing digital promotion, they’re supplementing it.
Stats That Back It Up
Still on the fence? Here’s what the numbers say:
- 82% of consumers have more faith in print ads than digital ads for making decisions, says MarketingSherpa.
- Direct mail flyers are more responsive than email: up to 5.3%, versus a paltry 0.6% for email, according to the Data & Marketing Association.
- Adding QR codes to print material has been shown to increase conversions by up to 45%, especially when linked to mobile-optimized landing pages.
Mistakes to Avoid
When using flyers for virtual or hybrid events, steer clear of these common missteps:
| Mistake | Why It Hurts |
| No online hook | Flyers without QR codes or URLs aren’t linked to the online event. |
| Cluttered designs | Too much information overload on the flyer is difficult to concentrate. |
| Inconsistent branding | Mismatched visuals can confuse or water down your message. |
| Ignoring mobile experience | If QR code links bring users to unresponsive or desktop-only pages, they’ll drop off. |
Final Thoughts
Flyers are far from outdated, they’re being revamped. For hybrid and virtual events, they offer a tangible, interactive, and strategic complement to your online marketing. By incorporating flyers into your marketing mix in a thoughtful manner, you’re developing multiple touchpoints that build awareness, credibility, and attendance.
As the services of printing promotional flyers are now widely available and it is so easy to incorporate elements like QR codes and mobile links, there has never been a better time to bring this old-school tactic into your modern event strategy.
