Keeping a virtual audience engaged during your hybrid event isn’t easy. Despite giving the potential for impressive reach, event planners have to overcome the notoriously high drop-off rate. Virtual attendees expect more than just a livestream. They want entertainment, connection, and seamless tech that keeps them engaged from start to finish. From avoiding awkward downtime to delivering interactive, screen-friendly entertainment, these four expert-backed tips will keep your attendees connected—and coming back for more.
1. Avoid Dreaded Down Time
Breaks and intermissions are acceptable and even welcomed by in-person event attendees. It is the perfect time to grab refreshments or stop by the bathroom. These breaks need to be longer for attendees so they have a chance to get what they need and get back. For virtual attendees, this is a long break where you risk losing them. Because they are attending virtually, outside distractions can draw their attention away from the event. Engagement will drop as virtual attendees step away and fail to return after the break. Planning an alternative schedule for virtual attendees ensures there are no extended periods of no programming.
Another potential risk of dead time for virtual attendees results from problematic technology. Poor connections and signals can result in a choppy video and sound feed. Virtual attendees will disengage if they struggle to see and hear the event. Ensure that all streaming technology is tested and ready to go pre-event.
2. First Impressions Matter Online, Too
Start your event off strong to immediately grab and hold the attention of virtual attendees. With in-person attendees, this is easier because you can make a strong first impression when the attendees enter the event venue. Captivating events have immersive and thematic designs that draw the attendees in. Create a virtual version of this by having a strong first impression. It could be a welcome video or sequence that they view before “entering” the virtual event. You could create a personalized welcome experience for when they log in. That way, the event speaks directly to each virtual attendee and draws them in.
3. Create Interactive Activities
The best way to keep virtual attendees engaged is to have them participate in activities. Instead of just watching in-person attendees, virtual attendees should actively be a part of the event. Have virtual guests participate in live feedback requests, polls, Q&A sessions, or ice-breaker activities. Have virtual guests join in a game show format.
4. Event Entertainment Online & In-Person
The entertainment you book can make or break an event. For virtual attendees, it’s crucial to have entertainment that engages. This can be a challenge because virtual attendees are in another location and on their computers. It’s too easy for them to get distracted or drawn away. They may only half pay attention as they browse other websites. To keep virtual attendees focused on the event, plan exciting entertainment. It could be live musical performances, game show contests, or surprise guest appearances. Send out reminders to registered virtual attendees when the entertainment is about to start. That way, you can reengage attendees who may have navigated away.
Learn Hybrid Event Strategies at The Expo
Planning a hybrid event that is a success requires you to do more than plan an event agenda and stream your event. Virtual or in-person, your attendees deserve a great experience—and you have the tools to deliver it. Avoid downtime, start strong, make it interactive, and wow them with show-stopping entertainment.
If you're ready to lead the charge in next-gen event engagement, exhibiting at The Event Planner Expo 2025 is your chance. Put your solutions in front of thousands of industry leaders who are actively looking for partners that can deliver real impact. Become an exhibitor today and showcase your expertise!
