Seminar vs Workshop
What is the difference between a seminar and a workshop?
A seminar is a session where a speaker or small panel teaches or leads a discussion on a subject. A workshop is a session where participants practice a skill or produce something. In short, people listen and discuss in a seminar, and they do in a workshop.
A webinar is the online cousin of a seminar. This guide compares all three and ends with a short list to help you choose.
Updated by the Eventdex team
4.7/5 from 39 reviews on each
Seminar meaning, briefly
A seminar is a meeting for instruction or discussion on a defined subject. It is usually led by an expert, with time for questions. The group is often small enough for people to take part. For more, see the what is a seminar guide.
Seminar, workshop and webinar compared
These are the usual meanings. Check each event's description before you assume.
| Seminar | Workshop | Webinar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Learn and discuss | Build a skill by doing | Share content online |
| Led by | One expert or a panel | A facilitator | One or more presenters |
| Attendee role | Listen, ask, discuss | Practice and produce | Watch, chat, ask |
| Group size | Small to mid-size | Small | Any size online |
| Where | In person or online | Usually in person | Online |
| Output | Knowledge | A finished task or skill | Knowledge, often a recording |
Seminar vs webinar
The difference is mostly the room. A seminar often meets in person. A webinar meets online, so people can join from anywhere. Many seminars now run online, which blurs the line.
If your audience is spread out, a webinar helps. If you want face-to-face talk, choose a seminar. For online formats, see what is a webinar, and webinar vs webcast for how a webinar differs from a broadcast.
Which should you choose?
Start with the result you want from the session.
Want people to learn about a subject?
Choose a seminar.
Want people to leave able to do something?
Choose a workshop.
Is your audience in many places?
Choose a webinar, or run the seminar online.
Do you need a small, hands-on group?
Choose a workshop and cap the places.
Do you need experts to debate one topic?
A symposium may fit better. See symposium vs conference.
Symposium vs conference
Planning notes for each
Workshops need materials, space to move and a limit on numbers. Seminars need a clear topic and time for questions. Webinars need a platform, a rehearsal and a plan for questions.
All three need a registration form so you know who is coming. See the event registration form guide for what to ask.
Where Eventdex fits
Eventdex's pages describe registration with waitlists for a ticket, an event mobile app, and virtual and hybrid event management. Eventdex's pages do not describe workshop materials or facilitation, so plan those yourself.
The Eventdex platform
Tools for sessions in person and online
- Registration and ticketingRegistration pages with free, paid or donation-based tickets.Learn more about Registration and ticketing
- Event mobile appThe schedule and announcements in attendees' pockets.Learn more about Event mobile app
- Virtual event managementServices for running online events from start to finish.Learn more about Virtual event management
- Event technologyHow the tools around an event fit together.Learn more about Event technology
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FAQ
Seminar vs Workshop: common questions
What is the difference between a seminar and a workshop?
A seminar is for learning and discussion. A workshop is for practicing a skill. People listen in a seminar and do in a workshop.
What does seminar mean?
A meeting for instruction or discussion on a defined subject, usually led by an expert.
Is a webinar the same as a seminar?
Close. A webinar is a seminar held online. Seminars may also meet in person.
Which is smaller, a seminar or a workshop?
Workshops are usually smaller because people practice. Seminars can be larger, but discussion works best in smaller groups.
Can I register attendees for both with Eventdex?
Eventdex's pages describe registration and ticketing for events, including waitlists. They do not describe workshop-specific tools.
Register attendees for your next session
Start with a free interactive floor plan, or talk to an event specialist on +1 (866) 434-5088.