9 Tips to Make Your Virtual Events More Engaging

Let’s be real—virtual events are here to stay. But keeping virtual attendees engaged through a screen? That’s the hard part. At Confetti we’ve seen how a bit of creativity, a great virtual event platform, and the right tools can make virtual events just as fun and memorable as in-person events. So if you’re wondering how to make virtual events more engaging, we know how to wow your virtual event attendees.

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Here are 9 ways event organizers can boost virtual event engagement:

1. Create attention-grabbing invites

The vibe of your event starts before anyone logs in—it starts with your invite. A boring email won’t do your event justice so consider upping your game with visually stunning invites. Free tools like Canva make it easy to create invites that pop.

Think of your invite as a sneak peek. Include details about the theme, activities, or any surprises you have planned. For example, if you’re hosting a retro trivia night add neon colors and quirky fonts to set the tone. And don’t forget to make your invite shareable, whether on social media for public-facing events or within internal communication channels! The more people who see it the better.

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2. Add a theme

Themes are the magic that makes a virtual event stick. They provide a fun framework for everything from your virtual background and activities to the dress code and music playlist.

Imagine a “Hollywood Red Carpet” night. Everyone could dress up in their best attire, use sparkly backgrounds, and play a movie trivia game. Or if you were planning your Q4 holiday party, you could go with a “Winter Wonderland” theme with snowflake backgrounds, hot cocoa recipes, and a contest for the best holiday sweater.

When you embrace a theme, you create an immersive experience that pulls attendees in and keeps them engaged from start to finish, even without being in the same room.

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3. Get creative with virtual backgrounds

A great way to add to your theme is by using virtual backgrounds for an added professional or creative touch. Here are the simple steps to adding virtual backgrounds in Zoom (using Windows/MacOS):

1. Sign in to the Zoom Desktop App:some text
   • Access your account from the desktop application.
2. Access the Settings Menu:some text
   • Click your profile picture in the top-right corner and select Settings from the dropdown.
3. Open the Backgrounds & Effects Tab:some text
   • Navigate to Backgrounds & Effects.
   • If this option isn’t available, enable virtual backgrounds in the Zoom web portal, then sign out and back in.
4. Select or Upload a Background:some text
   • Choose from preloaded options or upload your own:some text
     • Click the "+" icon to add an image or video.
     • Install the virtual background package if prompted.
5. Enable Green Screen (Optional):some text
   • If you have a green screen, check I have a green screen for optimal results.
6. Test Your Background:some text
   • Use the video preview to ensure your background looks as intended before joining a meeting.

With these simple steps, you can transform your backdrop into anything from a beach paradise to a sleek office. Plus, you can also try adding a playful touch with filters!

Need some more inspiration? Check out our blog on how to spice up your virtual Zoom background!

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4. Encourage attendees to dress up

In addition to virtual backgrounds, dressing up is a small thing that makes a big difference in attendee engagement. When attendees get into the spirit of your event by dressing to the theme, they feel more connected to their coworkers who are spread out across the virtual space.

It doesn’t have to be hard! For casual events, a simple suggestion like “Wear your favorite hat” or “Add a splash of color to your outfit” works. For themed events, encourage costumes or specific styles and offer a prize for the best dressed. Even those who don’t normally join in will be tempted by a little friendly competition.

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4. Use Breakout Rooms, Q&As, and Polls

Interactive tools like breakout rooms, Q&A sessions, and polls can make your virtual event more engaging and inclusive:

• Breakout Rooms: These are perfect for smaller group discussions, brainstorming sessions, or team building activities since they foster deeper conversations and collaboration in a more intimate setting.
• Polls: Use real-time polls to gather feedback, check knowledge, or simply keep attendees engaged throughout your session. They provide a quick snapshot of your audience’s opinions or understanding and help the host keep a pulse check on how attendees are feeling.
• Q&A Sessions: Allow participants to ask questions directly and address them live. This encourages active participation and ensures the session feels interactive.

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6. Use interactive content

One of the easiest ways to lose your audience in a virtual setting is to talk at them instead of with them. Interactive content keeps everyone on their toes and wanting to participate.

Games are always a winner—think trivia, scavenger hunts, or even virtual Pictionary. If you want to get people talking, start with a quick icebreaker. Ask weird questions like “What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever Googled?” or “What’s one superpower you’d love to have?”

If you’re using presentations, make them dynamic with tools like Mentimeter or Slido. These platforms allow attendees to submit questions, vote on polls, and even add their own comments, creating a two-way conversation that feels new and exciting.

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7. Use professional hosting and moderation

Have you ever attended a virtual event where the host seemed to get lost in the crowd or the energy just flat-out died? As you know from experience, a good host or moderator can make all the difference.

The right host sets the tone and keeps the energy high. They guide the event, ensuring smooth transitions between segments and sparking conversations among attendees. For larger events, having a dedicated moderator to manage chat and Q&A means everyone gets heard without the chaos of juggling too many things at once.

We’ve seen at Confetti how a good host can make even the most basic events sparkle. That's why all of our vetted hosts are engagement pros. Trust us, it's worth it.

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8. Use high-quality audio and visuals

It’s hard to stay engaged when the host’s audio is choppy, or the lighting makes them look like a shadowy figure in a mystery movie. Quality equipment ensures your event looks and sounds professional.

A good microphone is a must for clear audio—no one wants to strain to hear you over crackling static. Decent lighting, like a ring light or anything casting front-facing light, will make sure you’re well-lit and camera-ready. And if you’re looking to go the extra mile, upgrading to an HD webcam can make your video crystal clear.

Here's the most important step: before the big day, test everything! A quick run-through can help you spot any issues and ensure your setup is ready to impress. No one wants to lose precious event time waiting for technical difficulties to get resolved.

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9. Follow up post-event

Success doesn't come down to your pre-event engagement ideas, and your virtual event doesn’t have to end when the cameras turn off. Following up with your attendees keeps the connection alive and sets the stage for future events.

Start with a thank-you email that includes highlights or a recording of the event. You could also send out a quick survey to gather feedback—this not only shows you value their input but also helps you improve. If your event included prizes or exclusive offers, this is the perfect time to share those as well.

A well-crafted follow-up leaves a lasting impression and builds anticipation for what’s next.

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Plan your next virtual event with Confetti 🎊

Virtual events don’t have to feel distant or dull. With these tips, you’ll create an experience that captivates your attendees and leaves them excited for the next one. At Confetti, we’re here to help you take your events to the next level, whether you’re planning a team building activity, a company celebration, or just a fun hangout.

Ready to get started? Explore our virtual events catalog and find everything you need to make your next event a hit. If you’d like to chat more about your upcoming event, get in touch with our team, we’d love to help! 

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