Jun 16, 2025
If Your Virtual Event Is Putting People to Sleep, You’re Doing It Wrong
Virtual events are here to stay. So why do so many still leave us ready for a nap? Between endless slides, glitchy tech and robotic presentations, a poorly run digital event is a one-way road to people shutting their laptops and checking out. It doesn’t have to be this way. We've spent the past five years crafting digital-first events that keep people awake, engaged and inspired long after they log off. Let’s look at how you can turn your next digital or hybrid event into an experience that’s actually worth attending.
Use branding and teasers to build anticipation
First impressions matter - even online. That’s why engaging your audience should begin before the event kicks off. Branded invitations, teasers and cleverly spun narratives can create intrigue and excitement. When participants feel they're stepping into a well-thought-out experience, they're already more engaged and ready to dive in.
Have you thought about your event journey? Check out our blog on ‘Designing the Event Journey: Why Branding Begins Before the Invite’ to spark some ideas for creating an immersive event experience.
Add gamification to keep engagement high
Gamification is a powerful way to boost participation - we’re all still kids at heart, right? Quizzes, interactive polls, virtual scavenger hunts or digital leaderboards spark friendly competition, inspire creativity and provide moments of real-life joy. It’s a simple strategy we used to transform ordinary presentations into fun, vibrant sessions.
Tie the gamification in with your event’s purpose! For our client’s transformation project kick-off, we created a quiz to see how much people knew about the project already - helping them learn in a fun and interactive way.
Prioritise genuine interactivity
On that note, we can’t stress enough how important interactivity is in digital and hybrid events. No one wants to sit in front of a screen listening to an hour-long monologue, so creating opportunities for two-way conversations can make a big difference. Q&A sessions, breakout rooms and live chat features can help turn attendees from passive observers into active participants.
We encourage presenters to engage with their audience directly, responding to comments in real-time, so everyone feels part of the conversation.
Visual impact matters
A poorly designed presentation can send your event straight into snooze territory. Powerful, visually compelling slides are where the magic happens, making an idea memorable and meaningful. Instead of cluttering slides with text-heavy information, use visuals, storytelling and simple messaging that reinforce key points and engage emotions.
PowerPoint animations are your friend! Bring graphics to life with moving elements, helping people focus on the important information at the right time.
Break up the content to keep energy flowing
Long, uninterrupted sessions can make even the most interesting content feel overwhelming. So, we suggest structuring your agenda into shorter, digestible segments. Mix it up with various formats: keynote presentations, interactive panels, mini-breaks and Q&A sessions. Changing gears often keeps your audience refreshed and attentive, rather than fatigued by information overload.
For our clients, we produce a video for them to premiere at their hybrid events to inject some dynamic energy and immerse attendees in the bigger picture.
Keep things fresh with new voices
No one enjoys listening to the same voice drone on for hours. That’s why it pays to diversify your speakers - not just in terms of topics, but in style, experience and presentation approach. Fresh voices mean fresh perspectives, and fresh perspectives keep attendees intrigued and tuned in.
Look beyond leadership. Include external experts, internal thought leaders, and even unexpected contributors who can add unique, engaging viewpoints.
Check your speakers' tech
Nothing ruins a carefully planned event like technical hiccups. In hybrid formats, it's crucial to test all technology in advance. Check audio quality, visual clarity, internet stability and compatibility across platforms. Think three steps ahead to predict potential tech challenges before they occur, ensuring speakers feel confident and attendees experience smooth sessions.
If you’re running a hybrid event, make sure the technical experience is the same for everyone! Whether they are speaking from an auditorium, a conference room or from their home office, your presenters should be easy to see and hear for both online and in-person attendees.
Wrap it up with meaning
Ending your event on a strong note matters just as much as starting well. Summarise key takeaways clearly, thank your audience genuinely and leave them with something memorable - a powerful quote, a call to action or even a fun closing activity. This final touchpoint rounds out the experience and ensures your attendees sign off feeling connected, inspired and excited for your next event.
If your event is project-based, don’t forget to add a ‘rate the session’ survey! This will help you learn for the next event, and help cater to your audience’s needs.
Hybrid events might be digital-first, but they don’t have to feel second-best. With thoughtful planning, strategic engagement and creative interaction, your online events can have just as much impact (if not more!) than hosting in person.
Ready to rethink your approach to virtual and hybrid events? Let’s chat!