Seminars, Courses, Classes, Workshops, Onsite, In-House, Etc.

Seminars, workshops courses, classes - How do you compare apples to oranges?  Is there really a difference?  We get calls from time to time from people looking for in-house training, but they want us to come to their site.  This is always a little confusing because in-house training usually implies that training will be delivered inside an organization by the organization's employees.

In an effort to reduce confusion, we've attempted to differentiate various terms.  If you have any feedback or comments, please drop us a line at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Class: A group of people studying the same subject or a meeting of a group for instruction.

Course: A series of lessons versus a one-session program.  Often courses take place in an academic setting such as a college or university.

In-house training: Training delivered within an organization led by an employee of that organization.

Lunch and learn: A program that delivered during lunch usually lasting no more than an hour.

Onsite training: Training that occurs at the client's organization.  Programs are delivered by an outside consultant.

Seminar: In the context of a university, a seminar usually refers to the meetings of a group of students who regularly meet to study and/or discuss a particular topic.  In the training business, seminars usually refer to public programs offered in hotels and other public venues.

Workshop: A short-format session usually lasting a few hours.  Workshops tend to emphasize discussion and participation.