In many industries, virtual events are replacing in-person events. Online events enable businesses to reach people all over the world, from virtual happy hours with employees to full-fledged industry conferences. Here are some strategies for leveraging virtual venues if you want to host more events for your small business. #TWN
A virtual event is a gathering that takes place entirely online. They may include webinars, video and audio sessions, and live chat or audio interactions between attendees. Some virtual events take place in a single session, while others span multiple days of content and online interaction. And these can be events aimed at attracting new customers, educating them, or simply having fun.
If you're new to virtual event planning, there are some key differences to keep in mind when compared to planning an in-person event. Here are a few virtual event planning tips to help you make the process and event run smoothly.
The ideal virtual event concept can assist you in increasing engagement with remote team members, customers, and industry leaders. These social gatherings should encourage interaction and provide a fun virtual experience for everyone.
If you want to host an interesting virtual event for your next event, here are some event planning tips that will surely impress your virtual audience.
An instructor would teach mixology to your team during a cocktail class. It would be especially useful for bartenders and event planners. However, it could also be a fun office team-building activity.
Attendees can make individual connections quickly by participating in speed networking. It can be advantageous for professional organizations, chambers of commerce, or businesses with large teams that do not all know each other.
A video performance by a musical artist would be included in a virtual concert. In addition, your team may bond over the experience or even communicate via text message during the event.
A team can be brought together by bonding over movies. You can all begin at the same time and then communicate via video chat or text throughout.
Scavenger hunts require teams to collaborate. Create goals and divide people into groups to encourage collaboration.
Coffee breaks enable team members to discuss ideas or simply get to know one another. Make it a lighthearted video chat in which everyone brings their own coffee.
Happy hours are similarly unpretentious. Everyone can make their own drinks at home and meet new people in a relaxed setting.
Some workplaces allow employees to bring their pets to work. If your team is dispersed, encourage everyone to bring their pets to a meeting or coworking session to add some fun.
Inspire your team to work together and have fun while learning new facts by watching your favorite game show, such as Jeopardy or Family Feud.
Video tours of museums and other attractions can be purchased from tourism companies. Then everyone can share their stories.
Paint and wine nights are popular bonding activities. To encourage creativity while also having fun, host one on a video chat platform.
If you have a small team, have everyone prepare a dish and talk while video chatting.
Prom may be a fun way to bring people together for larger teams or industry organizations. Everyone should get dressed up and take pictures. You can also share music and activities on the internet.
For a more relaxed experience, host lunch on a video chat platform where you can also discuss ideas without adhering to a strict meeting format.
Many in-person teams celebrate birthdays in the office. So, if you have a remote team, host a video recognition event to recognize each team member.
A successful virtual world event does not require a specific business goal. Your next online event could simply be something enjoyable for your team to do in a virtual setting. Here are a few ideas to think about.
Hold a public contest in which employees compete against one another or host an internal trivia night in which departments compete against one another.
A virtual giveaway can be used to recognize and reward your employees or loyal customers. Invite guests and give each one an entry into your contest.
Mindfulness activities, such as meditation and yoga, can assist your team in controlling their thoughts. To boost morale, make it a monthly option.
Use social media to engage customers or employees in an ongoing contest. A local gym, for example, may organize a weight-lifting challenge in which people can participate using a hashtag.
A video chat platform game night can serve as a team-building activity. Alternatively, you can host ongoing gaming challenges in which people connect via social media.
Wellness is promoted by video fitness classes. Inviting a guest instructor or registering your team as virtual attendees for a public class are both options. Personal trainers or gyms may also provide these services to customers.
Escape rooms have evolved into enjoyable outings and team-building exercises. Create a virtual room to encourage remote workers to collaborate and come up with innovative solutions.
Murder mysteries also foster problem-solving skills. Create your own or find an online event company to invite your employees to.
Team creativity can be stimulated by craft nights. If your company sells craft supplies or tutorials, an online event can increase customer engagement.
Professional gamers and gaming companies may benefit from challenges in which anyone can compete. Share your content on Twitch and encourage others to do the same.
Some online events take place solely through video chat or social media. Larger virtual corporate events, on the other hand, are frequently held in dedicated online venue spaces that can accommodate more guests and features. Here are a few examples of virtual events that work well in these environments.
Recognize your employees' unique contributions by giving each one a personalized award.
You can sell tickets to high-level clients or invite your entire team to this formal event. Then, offer special entertainment, raffles, and other activities.
Businesses can sponsor these educational events, or professional organizations can make them available to their members. Simply select the appropriate video conferencing platform software and provide breakout sessions to allow guests to customize their experience.
Summits are similar to conferences. They do, however, have multiple hosts who share a variety of information. It can assist thought leaders in broadening their reach.
A virtual meeting can assist your team in sharing ideas. You can even set up pre-event chat rooms to allow departments to collaborate.
Remote teams can benefit from online team-building events to get to know one another and collaborate.
An exhibition hall enables various businesses within an industry to share their products or services with potential buyers or investors.
Give customers a tour of your office or another location from every angle to give them a behind-the-scenes look.
Invite guest speakers to enhance the value of various events. Alternatively, you could host a dedicated lecture to educate your team or provide value to customers.
Employees can learn about a variety of topics by taking online courses. You can also sell courses to customers.
Training sessions provide a more hands-on learning experience.
Using event apps or video platforms, your team can share ideas.
Fundraisers are beneficial to nonprofits and businesses that raise funds for charitable causes. To add value for attendees, hold raffles and contests.
Coworking spaces can be beneficial for remote teams who miss the camaraderie of the office.
Livestreaming can provide a real-time immersive experience, such as a day in the life at your office. It could increase engagement among remote employees or customers.
You may have to work a little harder to engage people in events that they can't attend in person. However, the following techniques may be useful in planning for virtual events: