No matter how big or small your team, it still takes lots of hard work and attention to detail to throw an amazing virtual holiday party. And since we've been in this virtual events game for a while, we're happy to share some notes to help you as you begin your planning.
Here are the 3 most important tips to ensure your event is everything you want it to be.
With virtual events, you can't rely on the casual connections that result from sharing the same physical space. And let's be real — you also can't rely on drinks to help mix it up and stir conversation.
So, your virtual holiday party needs to be more purposeful. You need fun, well-coordinated activities to help liven the mood and make the event feel meaningful. You may want to work with a partner who can bring engaging, interactive games and activities like trivia, murder mystery parties, or a sip & paint experience. Want to really elevate the event? Give your team different break out options to choose from. Providing a little something for everybody means they'll feel even better about their own customized, curated holiday experience. Cheers to that!
When your events are in-person, it's easy (and somewhat magical) to be in the moment and let things happen on the fly. But with virtual events, you need to come up with a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Otherwise, things can get messy quickly.
We recommend starting with a full group session and welcome remarks from a prominent leader of the company to set the tone, run through the event agenda, and get the company excited. But from that point onward, you'll want those super fun, engaging activities for the team to sync up tightly.
>> Develop a schedule with the right mix of games, activities, and moments of connection!
With the right schedule, a virtual event feels just as meaningful, coordinated, and personal as being in-person. It might be different this year, but your team will feel well taken care of, and you'll look like a pro.
Even after months of videoconferencing, unfortunately, technology is often a challenge for some folks. So, you'll need to make sure that you have the technology ironed out.
What platforms are you using? Will you be using breakout rooms? Does everyone know where they're going and what they're doing? Have you tested out the functionality you need? Who do you need internally or externally to ensure this is a success?
Ultimately, the technology is your virtual venue, so it's extremely important to make sure you feel comfortable with how to use it. Want to eliminate this common stress point from your planning? Consider partnering with a trusted vendor.
We know time is ticking and that virtual event planning is really starting to ramp up. Looking for a partner to make sure this year's event goes smoothly? We'd love to help!