In the past, when virtual group events were talked about, it was almost always associated with long webinars or business steaming conferences. In the current landscape, the game has changed quite a bit. Virtual events are becoming the new normal outside of the business world and will be sticking around for the foreseeable future. 

The Countdown

We’d like to toss our top tips into the mix to help make your next virtual group event more valuable, engaging, and successful. So we’re counting down three of our best pieces of advice (with some bonus examples, of course) for hosting your best virtual group event.

3…

Have Some Fun 

What is the point of a group event if it is not going to be enjoyable? With that in mind, whatever you do, make sure you have fun with it. A virtual event that is boring or too strict not only makes for a lousy time for everyone, it certainly will not make your group want to come back and do it again later. Keep the conversation light, add some humor, and give people the freedom to be expressive. A fun atmosphere is powerful, so make sure to set that tone early on. 

Let’s Get Physical 

Virtual events  tend to involve a lot of sitting so take a cue from Olivia Newton John and get physical. Adding physical activities to your event provides your group with a welcome break from the monotony of simply sitting in front of a screen and provides more to engage with. From trendy virtual yoga classes to hilarious digital dance offs, there’s no shortage of ways to get your group up, moving, and interacting during your event. 

Invite Influencers to Join 

Want to spice up the event a bit? Consider talking to an influencer to see if they would be willing to chime in for a bit to add some fun, excitement, and insight into whatever it is you are doing. For example if you’re hosting a virtual art event, consider reaching out to a reputable local artist who can give some personal pointers for your group. This will not only give you a mini-break from hosting, but it is a way to change up the scene and gain knowledge at the same time.

2…

Put People First 

When your event is fueled by the use of technology, it can be easy to prioritize that over everything else. The reality is that the best virtual group events, just like those done offline, put people first. Though, technology is the key to get this thing going, make sure you think about the wants, needs, and expectations of your group and use them to inform your approach.  

Not only should the needs of your group be used to inform the event program, but they should also be used to inform your technology choices. You’ll want a platform that makes responding, opting in, making payments, and engaging with event content easy for your group members. Basing your event choices, from which activities to plan to how you plan them, on the needs of your group is key to a successful event.

Send A Pre-Event Survey

As the group leader, you want to make sure that what you are planning is what your group actually wants to do. So, to understand their expectations, put together and send out a pre-event survey. This is a great way to get input from those who will be joining and nail down what you all want to get involved with so everyone one is on the same page the day of.  Bonus points for getting in more social interaction while social distancing. 

1…

Just Do It

We’ve all sacrificed so much to COVID-19 as have our groups, families, and friends. When it comes to your group events, you may feel as though you’re faced with the choice of cancelling or postponing but those don’t have to be your only options. If you have fears about setting up a virtual event for the first time, do it anyway. If you don’t feel like you can manage a large scale virtual event, do it small. Whatever your reasons or fears, just do it. We’re all in this together, so let’s get together – virtually. This is our top tip for creating a successful virtual group event because the first step to success is just to start.

Start Planning Your Virtual Group Event

The digital age is upon us, and virtual group events are becoming more prominent than ever before. This form of communication is the ideal way to take what would have, in the past, had to be an in person gathering and turn into something conveniently tangible right online. #GroupForward through COVID-19 and beyond. Though it may seem like this digital landscape can lead to a much less engaging time, you’d be surprised at just how effective these events can be when these tips are implemented in the planning. 

#GroupForward with GroupTools

Whether it’s the first time or the 50th time you’re working out your virtual group event details, try using the ideas above to ensure that everyone will have an enjoyable and memorable experience. And for a platform that will meet all the needs of your group event attendees, get started with GroupTools today.