From Meh to Magnetic: How to Actually Wow People at Virtual Events

Okay, let’s be real. The event world didn’t just “shift” to digital; it did a full-on backflip and landed in a brand new arena. You might roll your eyes at the thought of another online event, but here’s the truth: it’s not about recreating the old stuff on a screen, it’s about reinventing connection. Virtual events can be electric, engaging, and unforgettable, if you know how to do it right.

So, what’s really going on in this virtual event world?

Imagine your traditional events. Now stripped of travel headaches and budget explosions. Virtual events break barriers and welcome people from everywhere, with lower costs and sharper data insights. But before you start daydreaming, know this: a boring online presentation is basically a crime against your audience. You can’t just throw a camera on someone and call it a day. Attention spans online are shorter, distractions are louder, and tech hiccups can crush everything in seconds.

To win in this space, you need a strategy. Choose your platform like it’s your stage, craft your content to be binge-worthy, and promote it with the energy of a hype machine. Botch one of these three and your event collapses faster than you can say “technical difficulty.”

How do you keep people from bailing halfway through?

Engagement, baby. Virtual events thrive when people feel like they’re part of the show, not just passive viewers. This isn’t “talk at them and hope for the best.” This is about designing experiences that feel alive: Polls, Q&A, breakout rooms, humor, energy. The people who nail this are basically digital hosts. They know how to light up a screen, keep the pace, and make every attendee feel like they showed up to the right party.

Great content informs, but engagement moves people. That combo? Pure magic. It’s the difference between a snoozefest and an event where people leave thinking, “Wow, I didn’t expect to actually enjoy that.”

And what about the tech gremlins that always show up?

Here’s the blunt truth: if your audio cuts out or your video looks like it was filmed in a cave, people will click out. Fast. Your setup matters. Know your platform inside and out, test your gear, and rehearse like your reputation is on the line. Spoiler alert: it is.

When glitches hit (because they will), you need a plan. Have a backup device, assign someone to manage tech issues, and keep your cool. Attendees don’t need to see your panic face; they need confidence that you’ve got it handled. Sometimes, the best move is to pause or reschedule. Sanity matters more than forcing a train wreck.

So where does this leave us?

Virtual events aren’t a temporary patch; they’re the future of connection. The choice is clear: adapt and thrive, or ignore it and fade out. With the right mix of strategy, energy, and tech savvy, you can pull off virtual events that don’t just “work”. They wow.

Expand your toolkit even further

Upgrade your skills and take your expertise even further with training that is practical and easy to apply. The Pivoting to Virtual Events: Mastering the Art of Connection course will help you strengthen communication, build trust, and create a more motivated team. Pair that with Effective One-on-Ones for Managers: Strategies for Success, which teaches you how to design online experiences that truly engage and connect with audiences.

The digital space is only going to keep expanding, so why not be the one who knows how to lead it? With preparation and creativity, you can design experiences that spark connection and keep people coming back for more.

References

• International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) – Virtual Event Best Practices.
• American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) – Laying the Foundation for Your Hybrid Event.
• Harvard Business Review (HBR) – What It Takes to Run a Great Virtual Event.