A compilation of the best ways to create engagement in your events
Today we take our discussion from listing the key ingredients of successful small and large virtual events to dissecting a key ingredient for either – two-way engagement tactics. If we piqued your interest with our most recent two-part blog series –Read on below for = a list of the best ways to engage and interact with your audiences, before, during, and after your event.
- Polls – polling before the event is a good way to improve audience engagement because it shows your guests that the virtual event content will be tailored to their interests. Live polling and quick questionnaires are great engagement tools and can often be more effective in a virtual setting.
Watch us use #Chatterbox and Live Polling with sports content across the FanView Network. #fanview #sportstech #LA https://t.co/d94H5Dk8SB
— Fanview (@fanviewtv) November 12, 2015
- Gamification from Live Contests & Competitions – incorporating lives games and competitions into your virtual event gives you the chance to feature sponsors and audience members in creative and engaging ways. Games and contests that drive active participation will also have attendees checking back in after the event and interacting with the event’s social media pages to see who won, a practice we at Best.Day.Ever. refer to as the “unveilings”.
- Trivia Night – trivia has always been a staple of classic game nights; and it’s an easy game to play online! People love to share their random knowledge, so determine a theme to set the stage, and to build anticipation towards the event, divide your attendees into teams ahead of time. Be sure to track their scores on leaderboards – this will add another level of competitiveness and urgency to the experience.
In partnership with @nfl @inspirechange initiative and @miamidolphins we are taking our Big Draft #Virtual! Lots of fun planned including exercises hosted by players and cheerleaders, a celebration of our bigs, live Q&A, Dolphin Trivia & more!
RSVP at: https://t.co/J3RsXTpiCF pic.twitter.com/jH3otSCM3o
— BBBS of Miami (@BBBSMiami) April 11, 2020
- Gamify Connections – Passive gamification is another great way to connect with your audience members and promote various event CTAs such as networking, sessions, and virtual booths.` By awarding points for certain actions and including prizes for those who rack up the most points; you’ll add an extra element of surprise to your event. This is just one way to gamify your virtual event – try coming up with your own unique approaches to gamify the experience for your guests!
- Magic Sessions – magicians, love them or hate them, have a penchat entertaining and have proven to be just as interactive onscreen as they are in person. Consider how incorporating magic acts and illusions into your virtual event can deliver a fully new and immersive experience for your attendees.
- Introduce Your Pets – when in-office work was still going on, there weren’t many opportunities for you to introduce your pets to your coworkers – but now that virtual events have grown in popularity,our furry friends can get in the spotlight! During your next event, ask your attendees to introduce their pets to the group. Welcoming pets into your event is one of the most effective ways to open up a conversation and keep it flowing. Pro tip – send goodie bags to those pets that were introduced, this will go a long way in showing your appreciation for those individuals who made the extra effort to participate.
- Karaoke – you know it’s 2020 when karaoke nights have gone digital. Virtual karaoke is a fantastic way to break down barriers and comfort zones of your quieter attendees and encourage them to take risks in a way that won’t stress them out. Just collect song requests, create a playlist, and off you go!
UPC’s having a VIRTUAL KARAOKE on TOMORROW, April 13th from 7:30 to 8:30 PM through Zoom! Bust out that power ballad and sing away those quarantine feelings! We’ll be sharing how to access the event tomorrow! 🎶 #UNTUPC #UNT pic.twitter.com/mzZKNehTzp
— UNT UPC (@UNT_UPC) April 12, 2020
- Comedy Show – think about adding in a pre-recorded or live comedy experience into your event – from celebrity comedians to improv performers, the latter offering a two-way engagement opportunity. This will help keep your audience’s attention during the event.
- Virtual Improv – ever watch the show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” ?Improv teaches flexibility and creates a relaxed atmosphere by breaking down barriers. Try playing games like One Word Story where each player contributes one word at a time to create a group story.
- Virtual Trade Show – even when conducted online, trade shows allow your business to capture and generate new leads in a new and refreshing way. They are also a good way of teaching your audience about your products or services and showcase them in a way that captivates their attention.
- Fitness & Wellness Class – online fitness and wellness classes are a great way to promote and create awareness around healthy habits during COVID-19 – and honestly isn’t it more fun to work out with friends? Don’t limit yourself to traditional workouts, try exploring new and innovative options that will create a supportive atmosphere.
As much as we miss engaging and connecting with our guests in-person, we hope that this list of tips can help you engage in new and exciting ways with your audiences until we can meet again.
At Best.Day.Ever., we strive to keep engaged with our guests by coming up with new and innovative two-way engagement tactics – keeping our guests happy and connected. For more information on how BDE can help your business stay connected and relevant, click the button below.