When hosting a virtual event or meeting, keeping guests engaged and entertained can be challenging because it is difficult to gauge their attentiveness from behind a computer screen. Having captivating entertainment and an experienced host are keys to keeping your audience paying attention and engaged. That’s why we are sharing our advice for these two aspects and outlining ten of our favourite entertainment options you could consider for your next virtual or hybrid event.
A key element for your virtual event to be successful is to have an engaging host. The host should have a deep understanding of the client’s expectations and know the event’s purpose and the client’s goals. In addition, a host should have an excellent technical knowledge of the platform, including how to engage and moderate guest comments and participation.
Important Things To Consider Before Booking Your Event Entertainment
Before booking the ideal entertainment for your next virtual or hybrid event, be sure to consider the following questions.
- What does your agenda look like, and where are the moments to introduce engaging entertainment?
- What is the average age of the guests, and what kind of entertainment would be engaging to that audience or across the range of audience?
Ten Event Entertainment Ideas For Your Virtual Event & Hybrid Event
1. Interactive Technology
Incorporating interactive technology will help maintain your participant’s attention and provide a better experience. E.g., Live Polls, Virtual Swag closets, Social Technology.
2. Guest Speaker or Celebrity
Another successful way to add the “Wow!” factor to your event is to add an influential guest speaker or celebrity. We’ve seen success with just a personalized pre-recorded message!
3. Mind-reading or Magic Show
Wayne Hoffman, a nationally renowned mentalist and illusionist, offers a two-in-one virtual mind-reading and magic show. The show, titled Distant Deceptions, can last between five minutes and one hour, providing brief or extended entertainment to virtual event attendees.
4. DJ Battle
Featuring three DJs blasting tunes from your choice of genres, the hour-long battle encourages attendees to talk to the DJs (you may even get a shout-out) and each other via a chat function—not to mention it pairs perfectly with dancing shoes.
5. Comedy Show
Funny Business Agency and Treuer Laughs boast virtual comedy shows to boost energy levels at virtual events. Planners can choose from various shows (pre-recorded or live), from celebrity comedians and clean stand-up to sketch comedy and more.
6. Beauty Tutorial
For planners targeting younger millennials or Gen Z with their virtual event, a beauty tutorial from a local influencer may be the way to go. Global fashion brand SHEIN recently hosted a virtual fundraiser which included a beauty tutorial from renowned makeup artist and beauty influencer Chrisspy, who guided guests through a 10-minute makeup tutorial using SHEIN’s products.
7. Discover Live’s Interactive Virtual Travel Experience
On the date and time of your confirmed tour, your guests join via HD video streaming through any device. The virtual travel-certified tour guide will interact with you and share their local expertise as you discover almost any city—think Paris, Rome, Egypt, Buenos Aires and beyond. The platform can accommodate groups of any size.
8. Illusionist Luc Langevin
Montréal-based master magician and illusionist Luc Langevin’s virtual show, titled Interconnected, takes place from inside the artist’s “warehouse of illusions.” At-home spectators participate in innovative acts throughout the performance, including card tricks and optical illusions.
9. Mentalist and Illusionist
Hart Keene’s interactive virtual show, Remote Control, features mind-reading and mentalism, illusions and clean comedy. He can also act as an emcee for a virtual event or create pre-recorded content for virtual meetings, happy hours, holiday parties, etc.
10. Jeff Civillico
Las Vegas performer and experienced corporate entertainer Jeff Civillico now offers virtual versions of his popular comedy shows streamed live from a Vegas studio. Professionally produced, the virtual show features a 20-foot video wall with company branding, plus a whole production team is available to assist and support with audio, lighting and transitions.
The above event entertainment ideas are not only fun and creative entertainment options for your virtual event or hybrid event, but they are sure to keep your audience engaged. If you are looking for more guidance on booking the perfect event entertainment for your next virtual or hybrid event the Bright Ideas team is here to help you! Head on over to our contact us page and fill out a quote request form to get started!
You might also enjoy reading the following blogs:
Event Consulting Series | Booking The Ideal Event Entertainment
I’m intrigued about mind reading, and it would actually be one of those that can keep the virtual audience on their toes! What a great event idea!
Yes I agree and if the audience member is chosen at random, it really keeps the audience engaged! Thanks for your comment!
Thanks!