Virtual events have now become the “new normal” in our world of events. There is an increased need for attendees to be able to connect and engage with each other in new, innovative ways. Virtual activities are a great way to accomplish this and while the experience may be different than attending an in-person event, virtual activities play a major role in elevating the overall event experience.
These activities help to bring attendees together to connect from anywhere in the world, all while in the comfort of their own homes. I recently executed an event for a group that has employees in North America, the United Kingdom and India. In the past, the group would limit the event to attendees in that region because of the time difference and travel budget considerations. Hosting the event virtually gave the entire group the opportunity to meet together for the first time and to finally put faces to a name! They started with a scavenger hunt as an icebreaker, followed by a customized trivia game, which was very well received by the attendees and helped to increase the engagement and collaboration.
As we move into the fall and 2021, there will be an expectation to step up virtual meeting experiences. Virtual activities are a great tool to help make that happen and also help to elevate events. This also applies for hybrid meetings and ensuring virtual attendees stay engaged throughout an all-day or multi-day conference.
Here are some unique virtual activities conceptualized by The Idea Hunter, a Canadian-based company that has been in the entertainment industry for over 15 years and pivoted to providing virtual activities and entertainment in our current environment. Their niche market is out-of-the box entertainment ideas for any kind of event. They also provide custom/branded gift boxes or kits that are curated and support local companies.
Hosts
Virtual events are very much like producing your own television show. That is why you may want to rethink having a traditional emcee and instead use a powerhouse personality from the world of broadcast journalism, radio or TV. Elevate the energy and make your event feel buzz worthy with any of The Idea Hunter’s hosts, who are all professionally trained anchors and reporters. Two of its most popular hosts include Mike Arsenault from Global News and Michelle Mackey from 680 News.
Digital Artists
From digital portraits to content capture, a digital artist can capture it all virtually. They can prepare something in advance of your event to be played as an entertainment piece (at the start of the event, during breaks, in between speakers or at the end), or join the event and capture content live, which can be shared afterwards. Through The Idea Hunter, You will receive a high-resolution jpeg image, an MP4 time-lapse of the piece coming together, as well as an option to have the art printed and mailed to you.
Photo Booth
Take the world of photo booths into your own hands, in your own home. The Idea Hunter’s custom designed booth experiences are now available for you and meeting attendees on your devices. There are options to customize the booth with a company logo or the event’s brand. Guests receive a link that they can access on their computer, mobile device or tablet. From there, they simply click and follow the steps to take their virtual photo. They can take selfies with photos, GIFs and boomerangs or custom-made augmented reality filters for Instagram and Facebook.
Murder Mystery Team-Builder
Love in the First Degree | A Virtual Murder Mystery
In this 1980s-themed fully virtual Murder Mystery, teams are split into smaller breakout 'tables' of eight to ten participants and tasked with interrogating eight real actors playing the suspects in real-time. Attendees cross-examine their backstories and alibis over three rounds of live interaction before ultimately submitting their best guess for both the murderer and the motive. Who will be proven innocent? Who will be found guilty? Will the murderer be brought to justice? Only you can decide!
Mixology
Become a master mixologist, right in your own home. Whether you’re hosting a virtual happy hour, conference or want to break the ice, The Idea Hunter’s experts will teach you everything you need to know. They have joined forces with Bacardi, the largest privately held spirits company in the world to bring you The Virtual Happy Hour. Bacardi emphasizes perseverance, quality, prestige, innovation and creativity with every drink. Its approach to innovation, matched with The Idea Hunter’s mission to deliver experiences that are never ordinary, is what makes this the perfect mix. Your group will be paired with an ambassador who matches your event objectives and attendee demographics. From there you will receive a digital cocktail menu for attendees to follow along with in the demonstration.
Elevate the experience by providing each guest with a customized 5 O’Clock Box.
For any inquiries, contact The Idea Hunter, Hailey O’Bright at hailey@theideahunter.ca.
When deciding on what to do for a virtual activity, make sure to tie in your event’s objective and brand. Put yourself in the attendee’s seat and ask yourself “what would you want to do” during a long day or after staring at the computer for hours. Above all, have fun with it, be innovative and use this opportunity to execute the best virtual event experience for your attendees.
Susannah Frances, CMP
Senior Event Planner
Sun Life