35 Examples Of Virtual Events & Activities for Work

You found our list of the best virtual events for companies.

Virtual events are online gatherings usually held over video platforms like Zoom, Webex, and Google Meet. Examples include virtual team building events, webinars, and conferences. The purpose of these experiences is to help remote employees get to know each other, leading to better communication and teamwork, or to help outsiders get to know the company, leading to positive business outcomes. These activities are also known as “online events,” and “virtual gatherings.”

These events are a form of remote team building activities and virtual corporate events that support online employee engagement. You can use virtual event companies to help you run these experiences.

This list includes:

• Fun virtual event activities
• Unique virtual event experiences
• Free virtual event ideas
• Types of virtual events (with examples)
• How to host virtual events

Here is the lists!

Fun Virtual Event Activities

Here are interactive and engaging virtual events that are high-energy and encourage participation.

1. Online Office Games

Online Office Games is a fully hosted virtual team building experience designed to ignite team spirit and camaraderie.

This experience is teambuilding.com’s flagship event, has engaged over 150,000+ participants to date, and has a 4.95/5 star rating on 8400+ reviews.

Online Office Games ensures a hassle-free, exciting virtual experience with:

• 90 minutes of expertly facilitated gameplay with a teambuilding.com host
• A dynamic mix of mini-games, including lightning scavenger hunts and trivia challenges
• Friendly competition that encourages collaboration and communication
• Customizable options and themes to fit special occasions and team goals
• Available on most virtual conference software (Zoom, Webex, Google Meet, Teams)
• 100% happiness guarantee

We have run Online Office Games for Google, Apple, Amazon, and many other organizations.

Learn more about Online Office Games.

2. Themed Zoom Lunch or Dinner

Lunches or dinners are easy virtual social events, especially since many companies provide meal credits for meetings. These events create a relaxed space for teams to connect and chat casually.

We recommend budgeting $25 – $35 per employee for food. You can send teammates digital gift cards through Hoppier or credits for meal delivery services like Grubhub, or reimburse their takeout receipts.

Then, schedule a video call, invite each employee to show what they ordered, and eat together.

We recommend selecting a fun food theme for the event to create a shared experience and add an extra layer of excitement.

For example:

• Try Something New: Each team member tastes a food they have never had before
• Guilty Pleasures: Bring your favorite indulgent snack or comfort food
• Tiny Bites: Only mini foods are allowed, like sliders, sushi rolls, or bite-sized desserts
• Around the World: Everyone selects a dish from a different country to share

A key advantage of Zoom meals is that unlike at a restaurant where you can only talk to those sitting next to you, a video call lets you chat with anyone at any time. Plus, teammates order their food before the call starts and can start socializing right away.

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3. Virtual Amazing Race

Hosting an amazing race is a fun and popular virtual event idea for online socials. For this activity, divide your participants into small teams and have them compete for points and prizes. For example, you might do scavenger hunts, rapid-fire Bingo, and other games that incorporate elements of collaboration and competition.

Learn more about virtual amazing races.

4. Online Game Night

An online game night is simple to organize, highly interactive, and effortlessly brings teams together. Simply pick a few games, get teammates on a Zoom call, and play together as a group.

Here are popular games:

• Jackbox Games
• Codenames
• Skribbl.io
• Garctic Phone

You could also play party games like Pictionary or charades, or online board and card games.

The key to a successful event is to choose games that encourage conversation and teamwork. To keep engagement high, rotate hosts each round, use breakout rooms for small-group play, and send prizes to the winners.

We suggest scheduling a monthly game night, since setting a recurring event saves you planning hassle.

Also, “game night” is just a phrase. You can host these events during the workday too.

Here are more online game night ideas.

5. Virtual Karaoke

Virtual karaoke breaks down barriers, gets folks out of their comfort zones, and encourages participants to take risks.

Here are some of our suggestions for epic karaoke songs that inspire group sing-alongs:

• Respect by Aretha Franklin
• Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
• I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
• Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
• Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonny Tyler
• Happy by Pharell Williams
• Single Ladies by Beyonce
• Closing Time by Semisonic

Here is how to host virtual karaoke:

1. Collect song requests
2. Using Watch2Gether, create a playlist of YouTube karaoke videos your teammates will be able to stream simultaneously
3. Send attendees a video call invite, along with the link to the Watch2Gether room
4. Assign group numbers and solo performances, or let team members jump in whenever they feel like it
5. Sing together

The Karafun karaoke app also works well for this event.

6. Ultimate Game Show

Ultimate Game Show is one of the most fun virtual events for offices. In this online experience, hosts lead teams through three different fan-favorite game shows like Price Hike and Coworker Feud.

This event is a chance to build strong connections, cultivate teamwork, and spark friendly competition within your group.

Ultimate Game Show includes everything you need for an unforgettable event:

• 90 minutes of expertly hosted, game-show-style challenges
• A mix of iconic games inspired by classic TV favorites
• Team-based competitions that test strategy, quick thinking, and collaboration
• A dedicated planning team to make your event seamless and stress-free
• 100% happiness guarantee

We have run this event for 20,000+ team members, and 98% of team members who shared feedback report feeling happier after playing.

The experience is also available in Halloween, holiday, or “build-your-own” versions, as well as versions for Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Pride Month.

Learn more about Ultimate Game Show.

7. Online Improv Night

Improv teaches flexibility and is a ton of fun. You can host an online improv event over a video call to help your team think quickly and creatively in the moment.

Here are improv activities:

• Scenes from a Chat: Attendees privately message scenario ideas, like “unlikely crimes” or “bad things to say to a wedding planner.” The leader picks one, and teammates act it out
• One Word Story: Players take turns adding one word at a time to build a story based on a fun title like “The Worst Trip to the Zoo Ever”
• Rhyming Fools: Two to four players act out a scene, like “divorce hearing” or “sale at the mall”, but every line must rhyme
• Party People: One teammate hosts a party while guests act out secret quirks, like “a sloth” or “trying to frame the host for murder.” The host must guess each one
• To Your Right: Each player grabs the nearest object to their right and weaves it into a spontaneous group story

These events are flexible and welcoming because employees who do not want to act can still join by suggesting scenes.

Here is a list of more virtual improv games.

Unique Virtual Event Experiences

Here are some of the most creative ideas for virtual events. These experiences are uncommon or unexpected activities that offer fresh, engaging ways to connect remote teams and make virtual gatherings memorable.

8. tiny campfire

tiny campfire is a virtual campfire experience designed to build camaraderie in online offices.

In the days leading up to the event, each team member receives a premium s’mores kit with a tealight candle to roast marshmallows at their desks. At event time your “camp counselor” teambuilding.com host guides teams through games and activities that spark fun and conversation.

This experience has received glowing reviews from companies like Amazon, LinkedIn, and Netflix, making it a standout choice for virtual team socials.

Virtual Campfire includes everything you need for a successful event:

• 90 minutes of expert hosting led by a world-class teambuilding.com host
• A gourmet s’mores kit delivered to each participant for a delicious hands-on experience
• Camp-style icebreaker games to spark connection and find common ground
• A mix of storytelling, problem-solving, and teamwork challenges
• A dedicated behind-the-scenes event team to handle questions and logistics
• 100% happiness guarantee

Learn more about tiny campfire.

9. Virtual Prom

Virtual prom lets employees dress up, enjoy a throwback moment together, and create new memories inspired by old ones.

How to host one:

1. Choose a day and time
2. Pick a theme like “under the sea,” or “80’s ball”
3. Send out virtual meeting invitations
4. Ask employees to dress up
5. Collect song requests, or allow teammates to create a group playlist on Spotify
6. Create a photo backdrop by making a custom Zoom background
7. Give employees an allowance for snacks and drinks
8. Hang out together on a video call. Encourage employees to dance and participate in party games
9. At the end of the call, name a prom king and queen

Like proms, work events can be awkward. Virtual proms offer a fun and campy way to overcome jitters and interact with peers. After all, only the most comfortable teams dare to flaunt shoulder pads in front of each other.

10. Remote Breakfast in Bed

You and your coworkers can start the workday on a cozy note with a virtual breakfast in bed. Weekday mornings are usually rushed, but a remote breakfast in bed lets employees start the day slowly and connect with teammates.

Here’s how to host one:

1. Schedule a morning video call
2. Invite team members to wear pajamas and fuzzy slippers
3. Give everyone 30 minutes to relax, eat breakfast, and chat
4. Spark conversation with prompts like “What’s the most vivid dream you’ve had?” or “Do you have any morning rituals?”

While some offices have daily check-ins, remote teams often miss that ritual. A virtual breakfast sets a positive tone for the workday with good food and great company.

You could also choose this theme for a virtual webinar. Most webinars do not show participants onscreen, so folks are welcome to watch in their pajamas, enjoy a breakfast, and learn something before starting their workday.

11. Uncommon Holidays

Remote teams have fewer chances to casually hang out or celebrate together than in-office teams.

Uncommon holidays give virtual teams a reason to get together and party in between mainstream holidays.

Here are a few fun ideas:

• National Donut Day (June 7th): Send digital gift cards for donuts and enjoy a sweet start to the day together over a casual video call
• Administrative Professionals’ Day (April 23rd): Take a moment to appreciate your support staff by flooding their inboxes with kind messages or shoutouts in your team chat
• World Wildlife Day (March 3rd): Tune into a live animal cam, like the one at the San Diego Zoo, and enjoy a midday break filled with cute critters
• National Taco Day (October 4th): Give your team a stipend to order tacos, then share foodie photos in the group chat

These mini-celebrations can be as short as 10 or 15 minutes, meaning that you can fit even more socials into your team’s schedule.

12. Virtual Science Fair

Virtual science fairs are a fun and unique way for teams to connect. Employees can present interesting experiments or industry insights using slideshow screen sharing. The projects can be work-related, or can be actual science experiments.

Keep in mind that topics do not have to be serious. For example, an experiment might be “Memes vs Pet Pics: Which images get the most emoji love in Slack?”

To make the event interactive, use the platform’s polling feature to vote for the best “booth.”

13. Online Mystery Box Challenge

This online social is like the show Chopped, but instead of cooking, teams build sculptures or inventions from mystery items.

To run the event, send each participant a mystery box filled with random objects. Then, have team members open their boxes on-screen during the call, and give them 10 to 20 minutes to create their object.

You can give participants a specific theme like “secret agent gadgets,” or “alien technology,” or leave the activity open-ended.

When the timer runs out, teammates present their items, using their storytelling skills and powers of persuasion to convince their coworkers why their piece is the best. The event ends with team members voting for a winner using your video call’s polling function.

14. Explorer Afternoons

Explorer Afternoons encourage remote employees to step away from their usual workspace and bond with coworkers in a new environment.

Using a mobile video call app, you and your teammates can call in from any location.

For example:

• Join from your backyard or a park
• Call in from a favorite coffee shop
• Explore a new spot in town and share your experience
• Go to a location a coworker suggests
• Take your team on a tour of your home, and point out your favorite feature

If you cannot join the live call from these locations, then you can visit earlier in the week, take a picture, and share it in the group chat or on the call.

15. Remote Jam Sessions

Remote jam sessions let musicians play and improvise together over video instead of in person. These fun, casual meetups boost creativity and make a great virtual team event.

To host a remote jam session, set up a video call and invite employees to bring instruments. Nonmusical teammates are welcome as well because every great performance needs an audience!

If your team does not have many musicians, then take a cue from Jimmy Fallon and play songs using classroom instruments or office supplies.

Jam sessions help teams relax, collaborate, and enjoy their teammates’ talents. Plus, these events give a whole new meaning to the phrase, “My teammates are rockstars.”

Free Virtual Event Activities

Here are ideas for free virtual events if you have limited or no budget.

16. Zoom Pet Parties

Many teammates enjoy seeing dogs and cats crash Zoom meetings. You can host a pet-themed social on Zoom to help your animal-loving teammates connect with their coworkers and their coworkers’ furry friends.

Here are some ideas:

• Ask coworkers to send in photos of their pets before the event, screen share the photos one by one, and play a guessing game matching each pet with their owner
• Have a photo contest where each participant or team makes a funny altered photo of the pet of honor
• Spotlights a different team member’s pets one at a time while fun music plays. Bonus points for themed outfits!
• Award pets fun titles like “Best Zoom Crasher,” “Loudest Bark,” or “Most Likely to Nap Through a Meeting”

These events are especially exciting if any of your team members own unconventional pets, such as teacup pigs or llamas.

Similarly, here are ideas for a virtual take your dog to work day.

17. Online TV Watch Party

Online TV watch parties bring teams together online to watch special broadcasts like awards shows, sporting events, or season finales.

Technically these events are not totally free since you will need access to a streaming service, but someone on your team likely already has a subscription.

To hold these events, teammates join a video call to chat while the host streams the show while screen sharing or team members can watch from their own devices.

Fun ideas:

• Host a pre-show with predictions and interviews
• Encourage themed outfits like red carpet looks for awards, team jerseys for games, or costumes for TV shows
• Plan games or discussions for commercial breaks

These events turn passive watching into an interactive experience, giving remote teams a way to bond over pop culture moments in real-time.

18. Virtual Speed Dating

Virtual speed dating pairs employees up for quick five-minute conversations. While the point of regular speed dating is to find love, the aim of virtual speed dating is to get to know many different coworkers.

To host this event, invite team members to a Zoom and use breakout rooms to split folks into smaller groups for side discussions. This video from Zoom explains how to use the breakout room feature.

You can pre-assign attendees to breakout rooms before the meeting or have them count off to pick a room. We recommend giving groups five to eight minutes to chat each round and pairs two or three minutes before switching partners.

This type of event also works well for virtual conferences.

Here are networking icebreaker questions you can use.

19. Dramatic Readings

Dramatic readings are virtual events activities where team members give over-the-top readings to stories their teammates submit. This event helps team members flex their comedy skills and is a fantastic icebreaker.

How to host:

• Have team members submit short stories or snippets. For example, bizarre Amazon reviews, cringey romance novel excerpts, or personal stories (like the time someone’s mom accidentally left them at the grocery store)
• Ask for volunteers to read
• Send readers their scripts in the chat, and give each teammate 30 seconds to prepare
• Spotlight each performer when it is their turn to read
• Vote on the most dramatic performance, best accent work, or most unexpected plot twist

This activity sparks laughter, builds confidence, and strengthens team connections, one overly emotional reading at a time!

20. Virtual Open Mic

A virtual open mic is a chance for teammates to share talents like poetry, music, or comedy with their coworkers during a video call.

How to host:

• Send a video meeting invite
• Set content guidelines to keep it inclusive
• Have teammates sign up for 5 to 10-minute slots
• Choose an emcee to introduce each act
• Sit back and enjoy the show!

For extra fun, send a recap to the whole team afterward.

Virtual open mics help teammates appreciate each other beyond work and build confidence.

21. Virtual Dance Party

Dancing is a great team bonding activity because it lets coworkers loosen up, have fun, and share a more playful, authentic side of themselves. Not to mention, dancing is a great stress reliever!

To host a virtual team dance party, you can invite your teammates to a call, queue up a playlist full of groovy tunes, and bust a move.

Another fun twist on a dance party is a silent disco. At in-person silent discos, everyone dances to music on their own headset. In a virtual version, teammates mute their mics, dance to their own song, and other guests try to guess the tune based on their moves.

22. Online Podcast Listening Party

You and your remote teammates can have a podcast listening party together. First, choose a podcast. For example, true crime podcasts are popular, but before you pick one you should check that all teammates are okay with this kind of content.

You can all stream the podcast together, comment on the drama, and make predictions. Or, you can listen to the podcast separately and then meet up to discuss.

Types Of Virtual Events (with Examples)

Here are the different types of virtual events remote companies might host. Some of these interactive virtual events are run internally for employees, while others are externally-focused to attract new customers or engage existing clients.

1. Virtual Team Building Events

Virtual team building events bring remote teams together through interactive activities designed to strengthen relationships, boost morale, and improve collaboration. These events help employees connect beyond work tasks, creating a sense of camaraderie despite physical distance.

The most common types of team building are online trivia, escape rooms, and DIY classes. However, there are many creative ways to foster connection between remote teams.

For example:

• Virtual Murder Mystery: A scripted mystery game where employees play detective to solve a virtual “whodunit”
• Reverse Shark Tank: Instead of pitching great ideas, teams compete to come up with the worst business idea possible and “sell” it
• Office Lore & Legends: Employees share funny, mysterious, or legendary workplace stories, and the team votes on whether or not they believe the story and pick the best one
• Remote Yearbook Superlatives: Employees vote on lighthearted awards like “Most Likely to Have 100 Tabs Open,” then gather to reveal the results

The best virtual team building events encourage participation from all personality types, not just the most outspoken voices. Hosts can make events more inclusive by picking a mix of exercises that tap into different skill sets and areas of expertise, and requiring different team members to answer or contribute.

Also, mixing structured activities with casual conversations makes virtual events feel more natural and engaging.

2. Virtual Conferences

Virtual conferences are large-scale online events that bring together industry professionals, experts, and attendees for learning, networking, and collaboration. These events typically span multiple sessions, covering a range of topics through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. Unlike single-session webinars, virtual conferences offer a more immersive experience with various opportunities for engagement.

Here are some engaging features:

• Keynote Speakers: Industry leaders share insights and trends in live or recorded talks
• Panel Discussions: Experts debate and discuss key topics with audience participation
• Breakout Sessions: Smaller, topic-focused discussions allow for deeper engagement
• Virtual Expo Halls: Attendees explore exhibitor booths, product demos, and networking lounges
• Networking & Matchmaking: AI-powered tools connect attendees with relevant peers

A well-planned virtual conference balances structured learning with interactive elements, ensuring attendees leave with valuable insights and meaningful connections.

3. Webinars

Webinars are live or recorded online presentations that educate, inform, or engage an audience on a specific topic. These events allow businesses to share expertise and connect with clients, potential customers, or industry peers in an interactive format.

Here are common features:

• Live & On-Demand Options: Webinars stream live, and organizers also send a recorded version for later viewing
• Multi-Speaker Panels: Webinars can feature multiple guest experts and moderated discussions
• Q&A Sessions: Attendees ask questions and receive real-time answers from presenters.
• Polls & Surveys: Hosts collect audience insights and encourage interaction
• Presentation Deck Sharing: Attendees access slides to follow along during the webinar and download them afterward for future reference

Presentation Deck Sharing: Attendees access slides to follow along during the webinar and download them afterward for future reference.

The best webinars feel like conversations, not lectures, and leave attendees with a clear next step. Strong moderation and well-prepared speakers ensure that webinars stay on topic and maintain audience interest.

4. Virtual Trade Shows

Virtual trade shows allow companies to showcase products, connect with potential customers, and network with industry professionals in an online format.

Unlike virtual conferences, which focus on speakers and panels, trade shows emphasize exhibitor booths, product demos, and live interactions.

These events often include virtual expo halls, interactive chat features, and on-demand content, making it easy for attendees to explore and engage at their own pace.

Here are some common features:

• Virtual Booths: Exhibitors set up digital spaces where attendees can browse materials, watch demos, and chat with representatives
• Live Product Demos: Companies showcase new products in real-time with Q&A sessions
• Augmented Reality Product Displays: Some events use AR to let attendees view products in 3D
• Appointment Scheduling: Attendees book one-on-one meetings with vendors and experts
• Virtual Swag Bags: Vendors give away digital items like eBooks, discount codes, or exclusive content

Digital trade shows help businesses reach a wider audience without the high costs of travel and booth setup, making them an efficient way to generate leads and showcase innovations.

5. Virtual Social Events

Social events help remote teams bond by creating space for casual chats, shared interests, and fun interactions. These events recreate the casual connections that happen in an office setting. Unlike remote team building events, which tend to be more structured, online work socials are casual and have loose agendas.

Here are some engaging ideas:

• Hobby Club Night: Each month features a different hobby, like photography, gardening, or painting, with a team showcase
• Mystery Guest Social: A surprise guest (team member, industry expert, or even a fun entertainer) joins for a casual Q&A
• Trivia & Games Night: A rotating series of trivia themes, escape rooms, and interactive online games
• Virtual Culture Night: Each month, a team member shares about their culture, traditions, or favorite local foods

Social events help remote teams feel more connected, making work relationships stronger and collaboration smoother.

6. Virtual Holiday Parties

Virtual holiday parties bring remote teams together to celebrate the year’s end and recognize their hard work and achievements. These celebrations tend to be the most common events that remote companies host for employees.

Here are some unique ideas:

• Holiday Around the World: Teammates share favorite holiday traditions, foods, or stories from their culture
• Year-in-Review Awards: A lighthearted award show recognizing fun moments and team achievements from the past year
• Team Trivia Showdown: A mix of company, pop culture, and holiday-themed trivia with small prizes
• Festive Photo Challenge: Employees share fun or nostalgic holiday photos, with the team guessing which team member submitted the photo, or voting on superlatives like “best sweater”

Since remote teams often include members from different cultures and backgrounds, holiday parties are most meaningful when they are inclusive and focus on togetherness and celebration rather than a single tradition.

Learn how to throw virtual holiday parties.

7. Virtual Meeting Events

Virtual meeting events bring remote teams together for important discussions, updates, and decision-making. These gatherings keep teams aligned, encourage transparency, and provide space for collaboration, no matter where participants are located.

Here are some common types of online meetings:

• Town Halls
• All-Hands Meetings
• Annual Company Meetings
• Team Meetings
• Leadership Roundtables
• Project Kickoffs
• Strategy Workshops
• Client or Stakeholder Meetings

These events are most effective when well-planned, engaging, and purposeful. Clear agendas, interactive elements like live Q&As or breakout discussions, and actionable takeaways help these events drive impact.

Check out these games for virtual meetings.

8. Virtual Retirement Parties

Virtual retirement parties give remote teams a chance to celebrate a retiring colleague by gathering on Zoom for one last celebration. These parties honor years of contributions, strengthen team bonds, and provide a warm send-off, even from afar.

Here are some unique ideas:

• Memory Lane Slideshow: A surprise presentation filled with photos, videos, and heartfelt messages from colleagues over the years
• “This Is Your Work Life” Game: A trivia-style game with fun facts, inside jokes, and key milestones from the retiree’s career
• Future Bucket List Challenge: Teammates suggest fun activities for the retiree’s next chapter, with a live vote on the best ideas

A well-planned virtual farewell ensures retirees feel appreciated while giving teammates closure and a chance to express gratitude.

Here is how to throw virtual retirement parties.

9. Virtual Appreciation Events

Virtual appreciation events give companies a way to celebrate employees and clients online in a meaningful, interactive setting. These events go beyond a simple “thank you” email by creating memorable experiences that recognize contributions, strengthen relationships, and boost loyalty.

Here are some unique ideas:

• Surprise Care Package Party: Send attendees a mystery gift box, then open them together on a live call
• Gratitude Storytelling Hour: Team members or clients share personal stories of times they felt truly appreciated, creating an emotional and memorable experience
• Appreciation Escape Room: A themed digital escape game where each solved puzzle reveals a heartfelt message or fun fact about a teammate or client
• Live ‘Wall of Thanks’: Use a virtual whiteboard where attendees post shoutouts, kind words, and inside jokes in real time

Thoughtful recognition helps remote employees feel included and not out of sight, out of mind, and the same is true of client appreciation.

Here are virtual employee appreciation event ideas.

10. Virtual Networking Events

Virtual networking events help remote teams or professionals in specific industries connect in a meaningful way, going beyond small talk to build real relationships.

Here are some unique ideas:

• The Five-Minute Favor Exchange: Attendees share a skill or resource they can offer, and something they need help with. For example, “I can help with public speaking tips, and I need help with workflow automation”
• Unexpected Icebreaker Roulette: Participants spin a digital wheel to get a quirky, thought-provoking question before being paired for a chat
• LinkedIn Connection Challenge: Teammates pair up to find an unexpected shared connection or experience on their LinkedIn page within five minutes

Instead of just chatting, structured challenges and activities help people bond over problem-solving, creativity, and unexpected discoveries.

Here are virtual networking event ideas.

11. Virtual Trainings

Virtual training events help teams learn new skills, share knowledge, and grow together from anywhere. Companies often hold these sessions to teach team members new rules and policies, software, or tasks. Training can be asynchronous and self-directed, or can be live and collaborative.

Either way, these sessions keep employees engaged and make learning more interactive.

Here are some unique ideas:

• Reverse Training: Employees teach leaders a skill, flipping the usual training format
• Interactive Case Studies: Teams solve real-world scenarios in a live discussion
• Microlearning Showdown: Teammates compete in quick, bite-sized training challenges
• Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Workshop: Learners make decisions that shape the session’s direction

Making training hands-on through challenges, role-playing, or group discussions keeps sessions engaging and helps ideas stick.

Check out more virtual training ideas.

12. Virtual Birthday Parties

Online birthday parties are an easy but often overlooked way to bring teams together. Whether in a decorated break room or on a video call, celebrating birthdays makes employees feel valued and boosts morale.

Here are some unique ideas:

• Ask teammates to sign an ecard or record a short video message
• Allow the birthday teammate to pick a party theme
• Make special, personalized virtual backgrounds inspired by the celebrant
• Play virtual party games
• Start a “birthday fund,” to buy a sweet treat like a cupcake for the guest of honor

Check out our list of virtual birthday party ideas for more inspiration.

13. Virtual Retreats

Many remote companies host in-person meetups or retreats so work-from-home employees can meet and work together face-to-face. However, when budgets are tight or teams need to gather sooner than an in-person retreat would allow, virtual retreats are a fast and affordable solution.

A virtual retreat is an online team building experience where teams connect, collaborate, and recharge through activities like workshops, games, and discussions.

Here is what an example agenda might look like:

10:00 AM: Welcome & Icebreaker (Fun team activity to start the day)

10:30 AM: Workshop (Interactive session on a key topic)

11:15 AM: Team Challenge (Engaging game or problem-solving activity)

12:00 PM: Lunch Break (Optional virtual networking)

1:00 PM: Panel or Speaker (Inspiring talk or discussion)

1:45 PM: Breakout Sessions (Small group collaboration)

2:30 PM: Wrap-Up & Reflections (Takeaways and closing remarks)

Learn more about virtual retreats.

How to host virtual events

Here is how to plan a virtual event that runs smoothly and is fun for your coworkers.

1. Set a Goal

First, decide what result you want from the event, like team bonding, learning, or just fun. A clear goal helps shape the activities and format.

Here are some examples:

• Foster casual conversations and connections between coworkers
• Encourage cross-department interaction and collaboration
• Improve remote communication skills
• Strengthen manager-employee connections
• Encourage knowledge sharing between departments and individuals
• Increase use of company collaboration tools
• Celebrate company wins
• Recognize outstanding employees
• Reinforce company culture and values
• Boost employee morale and raise energy levels
• Promote inclusivity
• Onboard new teammates and refresh team relationships

Some events can have multiple benefits for the team. But leaders should focus on one main goal and no more than two or three smaller goals. Most virtual events last one to two hours. Too many goals can make the event feel scattered and less effective. A better approach is to plan ongoing events, each with a different goal.

2. Pick the Right Platform

Next, choose a reliable platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. While many companies default to their standard meeting software, it is important to consider features that can enhance engagement.

For example, Zoom is great for interactive virtual events because it offers breakout rooms for small-group discussions, reactions for real-time engagement, and webinar mode for large audiences. Microsoft Teams integrates seamlessly with Office 365, making it ideal for training sessions or workshops where participants collaborate on shared documents in real time.

If you need a casual, social setting, then platforms like Gather create immersive virtual spaces where attendees can move around and mingle.

For client-facing events, pick platforms with features that improve attendee experience and help you achieve business outcomes. For example, a webinar platform with file-sharing modules where attendees can instantly download and follow along with the presentation.

3. Build Your Event Team

If you are hosting the event, choose a cohost who can help run activities and step in if you experience technical issues. A good cohost is organized, adaptable, and comfortable speaking in front of a group. The cohost should also be familiar with the platform’s tools, such as breakout rooms, polls, and screen sharing, to ensure smooth transitions during the event.

For larger events, consider having multiple cohosts with defined roles. One cohost can monitor the chat and answer questions, another can manage breakout rooms, and a third can handle tech support, troubleshooting issues like audio problems or screen-sharing glitches. If your event includes interactive elements, such as a trivia game or panel discussion, then assign a cohost to engage participants and keep energy levels high.

If you plan to use vendors for your virtual event, then you can start researching companies and options as well.

4. Confirm the Budget

If your company does not already have a budget for virtual team socials, then you can request some if needed. While there are many free virtual event ideas, budget can help you add kits, instructors, or meals. These extras can make the event more appealing to your team members and get more folks to attend.

Here are two examples.

Quarterly Team Building Social

$30 – $80 per person: Hosted experience like a trivia game, escape room, or virtual scavenger hunt

$15 – $35 per person: Food stipend for a snack or meal to enjoy during the event

$30 – $50 total: Digital gift cards, company swag, or raffle prizes for engagement

Virtual Holiday Party

$50 -$80 per person: Hosted experience like a virtual holiday party, game show, or gingerbread cookie decorating

$25 – $50: Higher than average meal budget to enjoy a premium snack and a drink

$30 – $50: Add a DIY kit or a box of snacks onto the event

$50 – $60: Send employees gift boxes

Budgets may vary depending on the company, industry, and how often teams get together. If teams regularly participate in virtual socials, each event may have a smaller budget to keep costs sustainable. However, if the holiday party is the only virtual gathering of the year, the budget should be more generous to create a standout experience.

5. Plan Engaging Activities

One of the biggest challenges of hosting virtual events is entertaining guests and giving all participants a chance to participate. You can include interactive elements like games, breakout discussions, or live performances to keep attendees engaged. Hosts can also call out to specific participants, or pose a question that all team members answer in the chat or on polls.

In fact, all virtual events should have some level of interactivity. According to the 8% rule, eight percent of any work meeting should revolve around making personal connections. If your meeting runs an hour, then at least five minutes of that time should go towards relationship-building.

According to findings from Vanderbilt University, virtual attendees often lose focus after just ten minutes. Using this logic, it is smart to plan an agenda that switches formats and activities about this often. For example, send employees to breakout rooms for discussions, swap speakers, or break up the flow with a trivia question. Subtly switching the format throughout the event keeps attendees alert and reduces the temptation to open other browser tabs.

6. Invite Your Teammates

Next, tell your coworkers about the social event with clear, engaging messaging that highlights the fun and purpose of the event. Your invite should clearly answer three key questions upfront: What is the event? When is it? Why should they join?

For example:

“Join us for the Ultimate Foodie Virtual Trivia Showdown! (Paid, on-the-clock team social.) Test your knowledge, team up with coworkers, and compete for $25 GrubHub gift cards. Thursday at 4 PM ET – don’t miss the fun!”

A combination of calendar invites, reminders, and personal nudges boosts attendance because it ensures employees see the invite and keep the event top of mind.

The calendar invite should serve as the “master invite” with all important details in one place, since emails and direct messages can get lost, but teammates can view the calendar at a glance.

Here are more details worth including:

• Virtual meeting link
• Should guests prepare or bring anything to the meeting?
• Link to an agenda
• Short description of event, with link for folks who want to know more
• Who to reach out to with any questions
• Whether the event is mandatory or optional

We recommend making team socials paid and on the clock to encourage participation. Using language like, “All employees are expected to attend unless otherwise discussed with their manager” sets a clear expectation while allowing flexibility for those with work conflicts. This approach ensures employees do not feel pressured to attend if they have legitimate conflicts while reinforcing the importance of the event for team bonding.

If there are extras like meal credits, kits, or a special guest, mention them in the invite to encourage more coworkers to join.

7. Test Your Tech

It is best to do a trial run to check audio, video, and interactive tools before you do the event, especially if you do not run events often.

Here is a checklist of points to check:

• Set Up Your Hosting Space: Ensure good lighting, a distraction-free background, and necessary materials
• Audio & Video: Test microphone and camera quality for clear communication
• Internet Connection: Ensure a stable connection and have a backup (hotspot or second network)
• Platform Features: Familiarize yourself with breakout rooms, polls, chat functions, and screen sharing
• Event Link & Access: Confirm attendees can join easily and that there are no permission issues. Have all links ready and double check that they are correct
• Alternative Communication Plan: Have a Slack channel, email, or phone ready in case of issues
• Plan B for Activities: Prepare alternative games or discussions if a tool doesn’t work
• Run of Show: Review timing, transitions, and engagement points. Consider doing a full rehearsal for important events to ensure everything runs smoothly
• Test Guest or Speaker Setup: If you have external guests, check their tech and brief them on the format

Be sure to have a backup plan for tech issues. Also, a trial run will allow you to feel confident and be a personable host.

8. Host and Engage

When event time comes, enter the meeting room five or ten minutes early to be ready. It is best to give guests the first five minutes of the event to arrive and settle in before starting activities. Even though attendees can join online events instantly, they may be coming from another meeting or finishing a work task, and may need time to join the room and mentally prepare. A five-minute buffer allows latecomers to settle in, encourages casual conversation, and creates a smoother transition into the event.

Be sure to keep your eye on the clock to keep the event flowing as planned, and interact with attendees in chat and through activities.

Conclusion

These engaging virtual events prove that distance does not have to mean disconnection. With the right mix of creativity and planning, teams can bond, unwind, and make memories while working from home. These events help remote coworkers build connections, boost morale, and create a sense of belonging. Not to mention, these gatherings help you create a fun remote work culture that employees want to be part of. Well executed online events can also help you represent your company to new audiences and attract new customers or position your team as an authority in your industry. Whatever the reason for the event, planning and choosing thoughtful activities that fit your audience can help your event be a success and ensure you see returns on your investment.

Next, check out our lists of virtual murdering mystery games, alternatives to Zoom, and fun Friday ideas to do virtually.

We also have a list of online volunteering ideas and these virtual activities for groups.