10 Unique Virtual Event Ideas to Boost Engagement and Participation

We’ve all been there. You log into a virtual event, give it five minutes, and suddenly the washing up seems oddly appealing. That’s not a dig, it’s just the honest reality of screen fatigue and digital distraction. But this is where virtual event ideas come in.  

When planned with purpose and a splash of creativity, virtual events can be just as immersive and interactive as their in-person cousins. And the secret lies in great virtual event ideas. 

In this post, we’ll share ten unique virtual event ideas that energise your audience, increase participation, and ensure people stay off mute and on message. So, whether you’re hosting a leadership town hall, training session, or company celebration, these ideas are your virtual Swiss Army knife.

1. Live Illustrators and Digital Scribes

First off, picture this: your team is in the middle of a strategy session. Instead of just another slide deck, a digital illustrator is live-sketching the conversation in real time. It’s dynamic. It’s visual. And it makes people want to pay attention. 

The market value of the global virtual events market is expected to grow to over $1 trillion by 2030. And live scribing adds a layer of visual storytelling to your virtual event that helps you stand out in this blossoming market.  

Giving it some thought as a virtual event idea. It captures messages in a way that’s memorable and shareable. Plus, it doubles as brilliant post-event content. 

Top Tip: Use the final artwork as a follow-up gift or summary—it’s far more interesting than a PowerPoint recap.

2. Virtual Escape Rooms with a Twist

Forget pub quizzes. Level up with a custom-built escape room tailored to your organisation’s values or goals. Whether you’re reinforcing company culture or encouraging collaboration across departments, themed challenges can drive deeper engagement. 

From “Escape the Budget Cuts” to “The Great Hybrid Heist,” these activities combine problem-solving, storytelling, and teamwork—all without leaving your desk. 

Running with virtual event ideas like this relies on tightly run and precise technical preparation. This should include dry runs to troubleshoot issues and offer a seamless and professional experience. Check out our blog on the 10 mistakes to avoid when running virtual events to keep your idea from fizzling out.

3. Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Format

Let your audience decide where the session goes. Instead of a one-way presentation, create branching pathways based on audience interests. 

For example: 

• “Would you like to explore Case Study A or B?” 
• “Shall we tackle leadership challenges or team dynamics first?” 

You can use polls, breakout rooms, or clickable slides to guide the journey. This sense of control boosts attentiveness and makes the session feel personalised. And it’s one of those virtual event ideas that can have a lot of impact. 

4. Themed ‘Unconferences’

Flip the script on the traditional event. Unconferences allow participants to set the agenda by choosing discussion topics, suggesting breakout sessions, or even leading short segments themselves. 

It encourages active participation over passive listening, which is especially useful for teams navigating the new world of hybrid work. 

Speaking of which, if you're managing a split workforce, we’ve got you covered with this post on hybrid workforce engagement.

5. Behind-the-Scenes Takeovers

Give your people a peek behind the curtain with employee-led tours, day-in-the-life segments, or “How We Work” features. 

Such virtual event ideas are popular for internal comms events or onboarding sessions. That’s because they humanise businesses, showcase real voices, and spark conversations in a way that brand video never could. 

Plus, they’re easy to produce. A phone camera and a sense of humour go a long way.

6. Pet or Plant Cameos

Yes, really. Invite attendees to show off their pets, plants, or even proudest lockdown DIY achievements. That’s of course during break times or transitions, right? These lighthearted moments create genuine connection. And that’s important when you’re trying to warm up a quieter crowd. 

And no, it doesn’t have to be cheesy. A well-timed “Bring Your Pet to the Call” segment makes people feel good. And it works wonders on staff morale.

7. Live Polling and Gamified Challenges

It’s one thing to say your audience is engaged. It’s another to measure it. Tools like Mentimeter, Slido, or Kahoot let you run quick quizzes, pulse checks, and interactive challenges throughout your event. 

Gamify attendance (“who logged on first?”), reward right answers, or let teams compete in friendly rivalry.  

Bonus Idea: Create a leaderboard with virtual badges or small prizes—it's one of those virtual event ideas that can add a bit of sparkle and competitiveness.

8. Silent Meetings and Visual-Only Sessions

Shake things up with a quiet session. No talking. Just visuals, music, or thought prompts. It could be a silent reflection on a key issue or a “watch together” moment to digest pre-recorded content. 

It sounds unusual, but silence often encourages deeper thought. It’s particularly effective for leadership events or discussions around values and strategy. 

And trust us—everyone will remember it.

9. Augmented Reality (AR) Elements

This is one of those virtual event ideas for the brave and bold. Incorporate AR filters, interactive 3D models, or virtual photo booths into your event. It’s a great way to add a touch of novelty, especially if you’re launching a product, rebranding, or hosting a celebration. 

Current research shows a growing trend for more immersive virtual events that combine VR and intuitive AR with AI, IoT, and 5G technologies. 

Not sure how to start? You don’t need to go full sci-fi. Even something as simple as a branded Instagram filter or virtual prop can create buzz.

10. “Off-Camera” Activities

Not everyone wants to be on camera all the time. That’s okay. 

Design segments that work without video or mic input—think digital whiteboards, shared documents, or collaborative playlists. Encourage people to contribute with emojis, polls, or silent brainstorming sessions. 

This approach is helpful for neurodivergent participants or anyone suffering from Zoom fatigue. Inclusivity is engagement, too. 

Wrapping Up: Engagement Is a Design Choice 

When you boil it down, engagement isn’t a matter of chance—it’s a matter of design. Creative virtual event ideas are the spark that transforms a passive viewing experience into something participatory, personal, and—dare we say—fun. 

The trick is choosing the best format for your audience and objectives. Not every idea works for every context. But a willingness to experiment, adapt, and think beyond the usual structure? That’s where the magic lies. 

And if something doesn’t land perfectly? Learn, adjust, and try again. We’ve all had our awkward silences and tech fails. (Yes, even us. Ask us about that time the CEO’s cat ended the call…) 

Don’t let your next virtual event blend into the digital wallpaper. Whether you go all out with a gamified experience or simply add a visual twist, unique virtual event ideas can be the difference between “just another Zoom” and something genuinely memorable. 

And if you’re stuck on where to start or want a sounding board for your next big idea, give us a shout. We love this stuff.