Who doesn’t like quality team gatherings?
Whether it’s a happy hour, outing or an outright party, creating memorable events has never been so important, especially as today’s workforce looks drastically different than it did just two years ago.
But with today’s economy presenting new challenges, businesses need to find exciting and innovative ways to bring their teams together, wherever they may be.
Even several years post-Covid, offices remain closed, and employees are increasingly remote, favoring a better work/life balance over the daily commute. Largely, companies have been willing to cater for the shift to home working. However, it does mean that creating cohesion within departments and getting people together for team building is an exercise in and of itself.
Thankfully, these days, employers have many tools at their disposal. Digital conferences, webinars and various virtual corporate events allow organizations to reach far-flung staff members easily. Not only that, but these tools are often more practical and cost-effective than face-to-face meetings, the costs of which for global workforces can usually run into tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars. Let’s discuss the trend towards virtual experiences in more detail.
Leveraging technology for enhanced engagement
With so many options to choose from and technologies to try, how do you hold a virtual event designed to build camaraderie amongst a remote-based team?
And how can you use these tools to design and execute an itinerary that delivers your company’s core message while keeping your audience 100% on board throughout the session?
There are several tried-and-tested virtual event concepts that are almost guaranteed to boost employee engagement:
Live polls and surveys
Live polls and surveys can be used to enhance engagement, provide real-time insights, and help you tailor the event to the participants’ needs and preferences, even in real time.
They provide you with a simple yet effective way to gauge your audience’s engagement levels different points throughout the event. For example, you can use live polls to ask attendees questions about the content presented during the event to see if they are following along and understanding your key points, and whether the pace is on point. These in-event check-ins are sometimes referred to as pulse checks.
Polls can help you determine which topics or sessions have gone down particularly well, so your hosts and speakers can adjust the flow of the event accordingly. Using this tactic means participants feel like they’re having their say, and organizers feel empowered to make smarter decisions.
Live polls can also be used to:
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- Collect demographic data before the event to help you better understand who’s going to be attending and what they expect
- Break the ice on the day! Before your event gets into full swing, try a fun quiz at the start of the session to energize your audience and get them into the ‘zone’
- Ask for opinions, stories and insights from all attendees, so audience members can get to know one another and explore networking opportunities with liked-minded colleagues
- Gather immediate feedback on live sessions by asking guests to rate what they’ve seen or provide constructive comments
- Shape future events by asking participants which topics they’d like to explore further
Gamification strategies
Gamification makes everything more entertaining – and there are several core benefits for event organizers, too.
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- Points systems can be used to award participants for attending sessions, taking part in polls, asking questions, or networking with other guests. Leaderboards can then be designed to show the ‘top’ participants from each session, tapping into the audience’s competitive streak and encouraging them to stay engaged
- Interactive quizzes help to reinforce key information from the event and, as we mentioned earlier, gauge important feedback
- Live polls help to generate points for discussion, boosting engagement even more
- Challenges – or ‘missions’ – that enable attendees to unlock rewards will keep them immersed in what’s happening and incentivize them to attend
- Similarly, treasure hunts or scavenger hunts boost active participation and level up the fun factor
- Social media challenges – either before or after the event – like asking participants to share photos or share content with relevant hashtags can help build the buzz and raise awareness of the event and/or your brand
- Giving out virtual badges and trophies enables participants to celebrate their wins and gives them a sense of achievement
- Giving participants the opportunity to create customizable avatars helps to create a personalized virtual reality
- Additional games like networking bingo make otherwise run-of-the-mill networking sessions much more engaging and exciting
Interactive Q&A sessions
Aside from waking up audience members after long periods of speaking or demonstrating, interactive Q&A sessions provide guests with a chance to get involved in the conversation. Well-organized Q&A workshops will:
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- Encourage people to actively participate rather than passively consume information
- Create a two-way communication channel between speakers and their audience
- Humanize the speaker and help establish their credibility as an authority on their topic
- Customize the learning experience by providing more insight on complex topics – which adds value for participants and helps organizers understand what’s most important to them
- Give the audience a chance to raise any concerns or clarify anything they’ve heard
- Encourage interactions across the audience and help to develop connections that could be useful post-event
- Create a more memorable event that facilities critical thinking and helps attendees apply their new knowledge to their own situations
Personalization is key to participant satisfaction
As we’ve touched on already, giving the people what they want is a surefire way to keep them engaged and make sure they’re satisfied with your event. Many of the techniques above are designed to create more personalized experiences that leave participants with a positive view of their colleagues, superiors, and the overall brand.
And don’t forget, the data collected through polls, surveys, gamification features and Q&A sessions can also be analyzed to inform a more impactful content program, either after this event or in preparation for the next.
The importance of engagement in virtual events
You can spend a great deal of time and resources planning a brilliant virtual get-together – but without buy-in from the people it’s designed to engage, your event is guaranteed to fall flat on its face and offer little to no real-world benefit to your workforce.
The same issues from years gone by are still present today. Firstly, people are people. They have different preferences, personalities, schedules, responsibilities, and opinions about what team-building events should look and feel like. Bring cultural differences and various time zones into the mix, too, and it can be extremely tricky to arrange a virtual event that’s going to be attended, and received positively by, everyone.
Secondly, their expectations of your event will be high, and their attention spans will be short. As the organizer, you have a matter of minutes to convince staff that your event is worth their time and energy, otherwise they’ll be inclined to switch off their webcams and use their time more productively elsewhere. So, it’s vital to take an engagement-first approach to organizing virtual events: one that is designed with your audience’s needs front of mind.
Virtual Event Ideas for Collaboration and Team Bonding
1) Run a virtual scavenger hunt
Who doesn’t love digging for digital treasure? Scavenger hunts are the perfect real-time team-building activity for larger groups, bringing teammates together from across the globe and making them one of the more interesting online event ideas.
The idea is to set your players’ time-limited tasks they can complete either online or offline. You can pit individuals against each other or organize your staff into teams to help forge new relationships (and strengthen existing ones). Get your staff to take a selfie with their pet; ask them to grab a certain item from around the house; tell them to unearth their most outlandish item of clothing from the depths of their closets, or even get them to bake a homemade cake as part of a bigger challenge.
If a player can’t find a certain item or complete a particular task, all they need to do is hold up a piece of paper to the screen marked with an “X” to signal they’ll need to sit this part out.
It’s easy to incorporate quizzes and photo/video capture tasks into the mix alongside the game’s traditional “go fetch” element.
For the smoothest possible experience, you’ll need to choose a host responsible for monitoring points, answering questions, and keeping your virtual scavenger hunt on track.
Who wins? The person or team who completes all the challenges the quickest or most creatively and entertainingly. That’s the beauty of a digital scavenger hunt: you can choose how points are distributed and what prizes are on offer from your virtual event.
2) Manage a murder mystery
Whether hosted as a standalone social event or incorporated into a longer conference for some light entertainment relief between segments, online murder mystery game nights never fail to keep teams on their toes and strengthen relationships.
Invite your attendees to unravel clues and solve puzzles to piece together your story, all against the backdrop of a strong theme. Ask your staff to dive into the deep end and dress up in costume while on-screen for extra digital engagement and guaranteed laughs.
There’s no need to pack all the intrigue into a murder mystery event, either. Murder mysteries work particularly well when the full story is told over multiple “episodes.” It’s an effective way to keep your employees returning for more — and you can use different elements of the ON24 platform to keep the fun going.
Post-event-related content onto the ON24 Forums to keep the mystery alive; use ON24 Breakouts for smaller brainstorming sessions between team members or simply use the in-session chat function to drop hints.
3) Host a virtual escape room
Virtual escape rooms offer an exciting way to boost collaboration. Teams race against the clock to solve puzzles, find clues, and “escape” the digital room.
Choose from themes like haunted houses, spy missions, or fantasy quests. Use professional platforms like Escapely to deliver a seamless experience. Include a game host to guide participants and ensure the activity runs smoothly.
4) Build something together
Creative collaboration fosters camaraderie. Organize an activity where employees collectively build something, such as a virtual LEGO design, a shared mural, or a brainstorming board using platforms like Miro.
This activity encourages teamwork, provides opportunities for creative expression, and can tie into organizational goals like brainstorming product ideas.
5) Host a virtual game night
Recreate the joy of digitally playing board games with platforms like Jackbox Games or Tabletopia. From trivia to Pictionary to strategy games, there’s something for everyone.
Customize the experience with company-themed questions or challenges to ensure relevance and fun. Break large groups into teams for closer bonding.
Virtual Event Ideas for Recognition and Celebration
6) Arrange an awards ceremony
Who doesn’t love being recognized for their hard work? So, what better way to prove to your employees you respect and appreciate them than with a virtual awards ceremony?
It’s totally possible to recreate the buzz and excitement of in-person awards in a virtual space without the added stress of extra costs. Hold a date that works for everyone and send personalized invitations to build anticipation before the event. Ask guests to dress to impress for the occasion to encourage an air of sophistication. Free dinners always boost attendance, too!
For extra engagement, allow your employees to suggest awards categories and nominate their teammates. Encourage everyone to write heartfelt acceptance speeches before they log on; even if they’re not selected for an award, this process gives everybody a chance to celebrate their work and their co-workers and add a layer of fun to the online event.
Don’t forget to post the results across your company’s social media accounts during or after your awards ceremony to give your staff the public kudos they deserve.
7) Celebrate themed days
Celebrate themes like “Favorite Book Day,” “Cultural Appreciation Day,” or “Throwback Thursday.” Invite employees to dress accordingly, share stories, and participate in themed contests.
These events allow employees to express their individuality and build connections based on shared interests.
8) Plan a “Kudos Fest”
Dedicate a session for employees to acknowledge their colleagues’ contributions publicly. Use the chat function or a virtual whiteboard to let participants share kudos messages.
Provide fun incentives like random shoutouts or digital badges for participation.
9) Host a virtual talent show
Discover hidden talents by organizing a virtual talent show. From singing and dancing to unique skills like juggling, give employees a platform to shine.
Encourage participation by keeping the atmosphere supportive and lighthearted—award prizes for creativity, humor or effort.
Virtual Event Ideas for Relaxation and Fun
10) Organize a virtual concert
Give your team a short break from reality with a private virtual concert that’s pre-recorded, incorporated into your conference, or live-streamed directly to their devices.
Whether it’s a classical recital to stimulate creativity, a comedy act for some light relief, or a tribute act for a mass singalong, a digital gig will provide a welcome respite from the working week.
You could even arrange a virtual concert as a stand-alone treat for the staff – the ideas are endless. With virtual event platforms, there’s no need to worry about getting to and from a venue — everyone will have access to quality entertainment from the comfort of home.
You can enhance the experience by customizing ON24’s Speakers’ Gallery to include headshots and bios of all the performers involved. Doing so will give attendees additional content to engage with and allow them to learn more about the people on screen – almost as if they were at a physical venue.
11) Indulge in a digital happy hour
You don’t need to spend hours planning your experience to run a digital hangout that creates genuine connections. Organize an online catch-up over drinks for a more casual alternative to a corporate virtual event.
Provide a stipend so attendees can stock up beforehand or send pre-made kits out to attendees beforehand. Be sure to provide tasty options for non-drinkers in the group, too.
You can go with the flow and let your team take over the conversation for a more relaxed approach, or you can prepare ice-breaking games and activities in advance. Virtual cocktail-making sessions are popular, but you could also try favorites like trivia, charades, kudos or conference call bingo.
And the best part? Nobody needs to worry about getting home after too many glasses!
12) Arrange virtual wellness sessions
Promote well-being with guided yoga, meditation, or fitness classes. Bring in professional instructors to guide the sessions and offer tips for stress management.
Pair these activities with resources on workplace wellness to keep the momentum going.
13) Host a virtual pet show
Give employees a chance to show off their furry (or scaly!) friends with a pet show. Create fun categories like “Most Unique Trick” or “Best Dressed Pet.”
Encourage employees to share funny or heartwarming pet stories to break the ice.
Virtual Event Ideas for Creativity and Skill-Building
14) Host a virtual cooking class
Cooking together is a great way to spark creativity and build connections. Virtual cooking classes allow employees to share a unique experience while learning a new recipe.
Send out a list of ingredients in advance or ship pre-measured kits to participants. On the event day, a professional chef or an enthusiastic team member can lead the session via a video platform. Choose simple yet impressive recipes, such as homemade pasta or international dishes that encourage cultural exchange.
Encourage participants to share their progress on camera, creating a sense of camaraderie and fun. End the session by showcasing everyone’s finished dishes and celebrating the most creative presentations.
15) Run a virtual photo contest
Tap into your team’s visual creativity by hosting a photo contest around a specific theme, such as “A Day in My Life” or “My Home Office Vibes.”
Employees can use smartphones to capture meaningful or funny moments that align with the theme. Once submissions are in, create a virtual gallery for the team to view and vote on their favorites. Use breakout rooms for small groups to discuss the photos, adding a layer of connection and engagement.
Reward winners with fun prizes, like gift cards or a feature in your company newsletter, to make the contest more exciting.
16) Plan a DIY craft session
Let your team unleash their inner artist with a guided DIY craft session. Send craft kits in advance with materials for a project, such as painting plant pots, creating vision boards, or decorating reusable tote bags.
During the session, a craft expert can provide step-by-step instructions while participants follow along. Encourage team members to share their creations on camera and explain their designs. This hands-on activity boosts creativity and gives employees a tangible memento of the experience.
17) Host a “learn and share” knowledge
Allow employees to teach or learn something new with a “learn and share” session.
Ask employees to volunteer as hosts for a short session on a skill or topic they’re passionate about, such as photography tips, gardening hacks, or personal finance advice. Sessions can be scheduled throughout the day or week, allowing employees to pick and choose the ones that interest them.
These sessions create a culture of learning and help team members connect over shared interests outside of work.
18) Organize a virtual book club
Encourage intellectual engagement with a company book club. Select a book—fiction or nonfiction—that resonates with your team, or let employees vote on the selection.
Distribute digital or physical copies to participants and schedule a series of virtual discussions to break down themes, characters, and takeaways. To keep the sessions lively, include creative elements like themed trivia or assigning team members to play the moderator role.
This activity promotes deeper conversations and fosters a shared sense of discovery.
19) Run a brainstorming hackathon
Combine creativity with problem-solving in a brainstorming hackathon.
Identify a challenge your company or team faces and invite employees to collaborate on solutions in a structured virtual session. Break participants into smaller teams and assign each team a different aspect of the challenge to focus on.
Provide digital collaboration tools like Miro or Jamboard to capture ideas. Set a timeline for brainstorming, prototyping, and presenting solutions. End with a showcase of ideas and reward the team with the most innovative or feasible proposal.
20) Plan a virtual painting or art class
Let your employees channel their creativity by hosting a virtual painting or art class.
Send participants a kit with painting supplies, including a canvas, paints, and brushes. A professional artist or art instructor can guide the team step-by-step through creating their masterpiece.
Encourage everyone to share their finished works at the end of the session, and consider creating a virtual gallery where the team can vote on their favorite pieces.
Virtual Event Ideas for Fun and Connection
21) Host a branded game show
It may take a little preparation, but a virtual game show is guaranteed to engage and energize teams — especially when prizes are involved!
Pick an iconic TV show and follow a theme. Some fan favorites include Wheel of Fortune, The Price Is Right, Family Feud, The Weakest Link, and Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
Customize each format for an on-brand experience and mix general knowledge trivia with more relevant questions to your company and the people on your call.
Another tip? Create timed breakouts for in-team discussions while the game is in play. By separating teams from the rest of the call for just a few minutes, you’ll give staff time to confer their answers and get to know each other better personally.
22) Play virtual bingo
Put a creative twist on a classic game by hosting a virtual bingo session.
Design custom bingo cards featuring work-from-home scenarios (“someone’s pet appears on screen”) or fun facts about the team (“someone’s favorite movie is mentioned”). Share the cards digitally, and have a host call out scenarios during the session.
Bingo is easy to play and ensures active participation without requiring prior preparation.
23) Host a virtual karaoke night
Bring out your team’s inner performers with a virtual karaoke session.
Set up a playlist of popular songs using a platform like YouTube or Smule and let participants take turns belting out their favorites. To make the event even more fun, create categories like “Best Duet” or “Most Enthusiastic Performance” and award prizes to the winners.
This lighthearted activity guarantees laughter and creates lasting memories for your team.
24) Organize a virtual “Around the World” experience
Take your employees on a virtual global tour with an “Around the World” event.
Choose a few countries or cultures to showcase and plan activities like a virtual cooking demonstration of regional dishes, a live-streamed cultural dance performance, or a short language lesson.
This immersive event fosters cross-cultural appreciation while allowing employees to learn something new.
25) Schedule speed networking sessions
Help employees strengthen cross-team relationships with speed networking sessions.
Pair participants for quick, timed one-on-one chats and provide icebreaker prompts to guide the conversations. After each round, participants rotate to meet new colleagues.
This activity encourages interaction and helps build stronger connections across departments.
Plan unique virtual meetings and events that align with your goals
Whether you’re going all-in with a budget-busting pre-planned virtual event or hosting a fun one-off session to boost team morale, it is possible to use these kinds of digital experiences to engage your staff and achieve your corporate objectives.
Before you choose your next virtual event, consider what benefits it will bring to your teams. Will the format encourage strong communication between everyone on the call? Will your staff get to show off their problem-solving skills? And perhaps just as importantly, will everyone feel included and get a chance to shine?
