Ideas for virtual events 31 How to get 31 ideas for engaging guests at virtual events
The process of putting together an event that is perfect isn't easy. If you've attended an event online in the last year, you likely know how it went, what didn't, and the things you'd like to enhance to provide an unforgettable experience.
What exactly is a virtual event?
1. Determine your virtual event goals.
2. Identify your target audience.
3. Create content that is streamable.
4. Tickets for gate events and registration.
5. Optimize your attendee experience.
The beauty of virtual events is the fact that they're cost-effective and do not have the constraint of a physical venue. There are no maximum occupancy limits for conference rooms, marketers can stress less about chairs, tables and astronomical costs for bar tabs.
As long as you stay focused on engaging with your target audience effectively, you have full creative permission to create a digital experience specifically tailored to your business.
External and internal virtual event ideas
Out of the many virtual event concepts floating out there, which one is right for you? There are a lot of options to choose from as activities range from intimate online discussions to large virtual conferences. The possibilities for your event is as vast as your imagination.
In this piece, we're going to divide our virtual event ideas into two distinct types: internal and external events.
Virtual events that are internal to the organization
Virtual events that are external to the event
External events are geared towards prospective customers or customers. Some examples include ticketed events and events that are gated for patrons and others. It is possible to expand your repertoire of event concepts for external events by incorporating virtual performance, art conferences, summits and fitness classes.
The aim of these online events is to draw and keep customers in the loop, increase awareness for your products and to reach a wider crowd than a traditional person-to-person gathering.
After all is set we can begin to explore our 31 virtual event ideas.
15 internal virtual event ideas
When it is done properly When done right, an event that is internal will bring employees together, create new cross-functional relationships and aid in aligning with the corporate culture. These are the top virtual events to use in a workplace.
1. Virtual employee award ceremony
One of the best options for a fun and rewarding occasion is to hold the virtual awards ceremony for employees. Because, let's face it, who doesn't like being recognized and getting prizes?
Virtual award ceremonies are an excellent way to recognize your hard working team participants in a positive way.
Have fun with it! If you want to amp your virtual experience, set an appropriate dress code prior to the event. You can roll out a virtual red carpet and have your employees dressed to the fashion or keep it casual by offering drinks recipes or tastings to complement the occasion.
2. Virtual holiday party
The holidays are the most popular part of the corporate workplace. From Halloween through New Years to your standard winter and spring holiday It's never a bad idea to have a reason for a gathering.
Live stream your event online and consider hiring some live entertainment. Extra points when you send the swag bag, or gift bags to employees on at the time of the occasion.
3. Virtual wellness party
Employee burnout and digital fatigue have become a major concern for employees with remote working. It's the reason why wellness initiatives are a popular trend for employees within the company. It's crucial to realize the fact that fatigue from digital devices is real and taking breaks to concentrate on health of employees is crucial.
One way to keep employees fresh and engaged is by organizing virtual wellness events. You can think of lunch and learning, yoga or meditation classes, or fitness competitions. And while these don't have to be specifically "wellness" designed to concentrate on reinvigorating your team, it never hurts to encourage team members to relax and take the time to relax.
4. Fireside chat with a celebrity or industry thought leader
A few good ideas for hosts include celebrities, industry thought leaders and motivational speakers who will be able to talk about a fascinating topic.
5. Virtual Happy Hour
This is a pretty straightforward option that's always a classic. Host a virtual happy hour is the best method to let your team virtually unwind and relax. In contrast to every other Zoom video call or virtual conference, happy hours should have no restrictions and without a scheduled agenda that you must follow.
It's never a bad idea to think out some fun games to try out while your team is relaxing. Here are some great suggestions for virtual happy hours to test out at the next time you have an online meeting.
6. Virtual recruiting event
How about turning the bonding time of your team as a way to recruit new employees? Make a list of virtual team events for you to select the most appropriate events to attract potential employees. This could be a lunch and learn, hackathon or even a panel discussion that is that your group hosts.
If you are planning a recruitment event, encourage team members to invite friends or former colleagues. Also, I've observed in the past that many companies like to invite prospective new employees out for a team gathering or two to help all participants determine if they're a right person for your business and culture.
7. The virtual morning show
"With the launch of a bi-weekly live show to our global audience, in the midst of the time of a pandemic. It took weeks, not months.
The entire process was managed using the platform, working online with our staff and the agency. We also went online several times per week, in several languages." Alvin Mudun, Senior Web Product Manager, EMEA, Zendesk
8. Virtual training
While a lot of options in this list are designed to spark connections and engage employees, there are many great suggestions that can help you turn tasks like onboarding and training into fun and engaging activities.
"Organizing our training videos according to topics or teams- all quickly searchable and presented on an amazing branded home page -- helps us shorten ramp up time and connect to teams on a larger scale." Steve Hamaday, Virtual Training Manager
Through streaming their training sessions, Axalta reached a much more large audience. They also delivered facts in a fun and engaging manner than the standard classroom setups of the previous. Utilize video streaming to stream training materials and aid in reaching your global workforce.
9. Virtual video game streams
If the past year has provided us with any insight is that there are numerous ways to be entertained and connect with your the people you love than you thought. While games on video have always been the most popular leisure activity for children and adults alike, it's become clear that gaming has become easier and enjoyable with the advent of streaming.
Hosting a virtual video game nightwhere the team are able to log in and join in the fun is a great place to begin. You can also host streams with celebrities from the world of video games where employees and clients can watch along in real-time.
10. Social media challenges
Though technically it is an event is open to participation at any time you want and whenever you'd like, following along with the most recent social media contests could be an excellent opportunity for groups to get together virtually.
While it might feel funny to copy the most recent TikTok dance moves from teen influencers, there are plenty of great social media contests that aren't that difficult to complete with a smartphone camera to participate in.
11. Virtual Mixology Class
In the meantime, let's look at another great internal virtual event concept, one that includes alcohol! (But it's true that you don't need to.) You can host a virtual mixer training class in which a professional bartender can instruct your staff on how to create the ideal martini or custom cocktail.
A class in mixology can be even more engaging as it challenges the brain , while also satisfying your thirst. Once you've completed your class, you'll be able to absolutely have the entire class virtually hang out and chat after.
12. Virtual comedy roast
One word of caution about this concept: only attempt an internal virtual comedy show if the team enjoys it! Make a plan, communicate with your leadership and -when the group is in agreement that you can open the floor to some appropriate jokes to make the atmosphere more enjoyable.
Comedy roasts are extremely famous and vary from formal gatherings with famous hosts, to casual gatherings in which staff members hurl a punch or two at a willing participant.
13. Peloton bikeathon
This is among the most active options on our list. The idea of hosting an internal bikeathon can be a great option made possible by the streaming-friendly workout bike firm. It is also possible to host a marathon, fun-run or another type of exercise or workout.
14. Virtual book club
If you're searching for an event series for your group, an online book club could be ideal for you. The benefits of book clubs is that they combine individual reading with more engaging collective discussions and commentary. The club may meet each week or month depending on the group's preference.
Virtual book clubs don't have to be restricted or rigid since members can join at their pace of choice. Just leave it up for your bookworms to pick what books they'd like to study and how often they want to check in.
15. Virtual movie premiere/screening
Then, hold a virtual movie premiere or screening of your group. We all watch movies in our homes and rarely get a chance to attend film premieres along with colleagues and acquaintances.
Watch the film online in the virtual setting of a group in which people view the movie with others. Engage the audience through virtual gatherings prior to and after the film to talk about the film.
16 external virtual event ideas
1. Virtual concert of music
2. Virtual theater performance
Like a performance, you can also opt to host virtual theater performances. Theatrical performances can be both entertaining as well as invigorating for your mind and soul. There's also a great range of variety to pick from which ranges from small one-act shows or full-blown musical productions.
Much like other industries that have been affected by the virus, theaters all over the world have embraced ways to live stream their performances to audiences enjoy across the globe. Opera Philadelphia, Ballet Idaho and Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts all have embraced the use of video to make the arts more accessible to their global public.
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3. Virtual Summit
Virtual summits are an excellent method to advertise your company and build a greater audience. We've seen some great examples of these types of summits from Facebook's F8 Refresh celebration and Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference.
The virtual conferences have grown into global phenomenons as people who love the brands faithfully return every year. But, it's not the talk show and the PowerPoint. Consider ways to make use of break-outs, group meetings as well as other events to excite your streaming audience.
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4. Virtual fitness class
If you're participating in a virtual event in your workplace does not mean that you won't work up a sweat. The virtual fitness classes add wellness and fun into your programming to entertain your clients as well as your customers.
Virtual fitness classes run the gamut from yoga to pilates to kickboxing. Since many of these virtual fitness classes already exist around the globe, think about reaching out to your favorite hosts to host an event tailored for your target audience.
5. Virtual art conference
It all goes to show you that when you have the best idea with the appropriate technology and people behind it, any virtual event is absolutely feasible.
6. Virtual trivia
Another slam dunk idea clients and customers might love the online version of trivia! This game is popular to play at home parties and friends at a bar. Plus, as far as gatherings for groups, hosting an online trivia night isn't much harder than having one on the ground.
Participants can choose to take part in virtual trivia games on their own, with a team, or even in groups of players spread across the globe. If you'd like to find out more about hosting some virtual trivia nights for your patrons, be sure to visit Geeks who Drink since they provide a variety of options online.
7. Virtual cooking course
A virtual cooking course could be the trick to engage customers while adding a little excitement to their daily.
Make a meal for the attendees ahead of time or drop off a package of food items to their doorstep. You can stream the class online and use Q&A, chats, and polls to get your chefs. Extra points for sharing the final results via social.
8. Virtual photography contest
Instagram has inspired a whole new generation of photographers because users can take, edit, and post amazing photos using a mobile device.
You can open submissions to your own contest for virtual photography. Host a virtual gallery and then have an awards celebration for the top of the list.
9. Virtual museum visit
While we'd all prefer to travel around the world to check out world-class museums, it's wonderful to see a collection of art from afar. With the advancement of streaming technology and made it possible to remote access museums is now an actual possibility.
The idea of hosting a virtual visit to a museum for your guests is a life changing experience right now. There are amazing museums offering virtual experiences across the globe.
10. Virtual scavenger hunt
Are you feeling competitive? Bring your customers and clients to a virtual scavenger hunt.
Two ways can approach the concept. If you're looking to design the event as a hybrid where people must physically move between locations in order to follow the clues Try adding clues that are based on location. If you're going virtual you can even create an internet-based scavenger hunt sorts as you ask participants to turn into internet-based sleuths while they search across the web looking in search of clues.
11. Virtual murder mystery night
If you're interested in taking an alternative approach to enlightening your audience's minds, launch a murder mystery party. The games are great to online-based events since they're extremely casual and don't require many pieces besides communicating between the players.
In addition to murder mysteries, there are many other games that your clients or clients may join playing online.
12. Virtual Sports Watch Party
There are many important events throughout the year that all athletes have marked in their calendars. Starting from the Super Bowl to the World Cup, if you can't attend them in person the important events are best enjoyed with friends and other fans who can enjoy the game with.
If you suspect that your crowd may be a bit disengaged and want to catch the action with other fans, then organizing a sports viewing gathering is an excellent opportunity to let your fans experience the camaraderie that comes with watching their teams of choice through a virtual environment.
13. You can host the event of your choice Ted Talk or thought leadership occasion
Naturally, if you have the ability to host a Ted Talk, do that but, you must set up a stream in which one of the key members of your team is able to demonstrate a strong understanding of your business and also demonstrate how your company can remedy the most common issues or problems, will contribute to building up a larger client base.
14. Virtual wine club
In assessing which online event concept will best suit your company, you need to think about the objectives you have for engaging. Do you want the virtual event to be an event that is only one-time to promote a brand new service? Do you wish to establish a regular engagement with a target group of people?
If you're in search of the perfect virtual event that can be made into something that is repeated all year long, think about organizing a wine club online. There are plenty of wines to choose from online that let participants select their favourite wine from around the world. When they have their picks in the mail, hosting an online weekly or monthly wine club that allows members to meet online and discuss their favorite wines is an excellent way to create regular engagement.
15. Virtual gala
16. Virtual networking events
If your business would like to create a more professional experience for people working in corporate by hosting the virtual speed networking events could be an excellent opportunity to connect with potential clients, as well as expose yourself to new hires as a recruiting instrument.
A good way to approach a virtual speed networking event could be to contact the other companies who are part of your network. They could need new team members and hosting a speed networking event with several different job types and job openings.
Wrap-up: The handbook for virtual events
Virtual events have proven to be stimulating and effective ways to connect people around all over the globe. We hope that these suggestions inspire you to power your next big event.
More and more businesses look to virtual events as a way of reaching internal and external audiences take a look at what professional video tools, tricks, and resources you can use to elevate your videos to the next level.