25 Virtual Event Ideas and Activities for Companies to Boost Employee Engagement

Who doesn’t like quality team gatherings? Whether it’s a happy hour, outing or an outright party, creating memorable events has never been so important, especially as today’s workforce looks drastically different than it did just two years ago.

Offices are closed, and employees are remote, meaning that getting people together for team building is an exercise in and of itself. But digital conferences, webinars and various virtual corporate events offer organizations the opportunity to bring teams together, no matter where they are.

Not only that, but these tools are often more practical and cost-effective than face-to-face meetings.

But how do you hold a virtual event designed to build camaraderie amongst a remote-based team? Gamification and other fun activities are always solid tactics for creating successful virtual events for companies. Check out these 25 virtual event ideas that are guaranteed to boost employee engagement.

Virtual Event Ideas for Collaboration and Team Bonding

1) Run a virtual scavenger hunt

Who doesn’t love digging for digital treasure? Scavenger hunts are the perfect real-time team-building activity for larger groups, bringing teammates together from across the globe and making them one of the more interesting online event ideas.

The idea is to set your players’ time-limited tasks they can complete either online or offline. You can pit individuals against each other or organize your staff into teams to help forge new relationships (and strengthen existing ones). Get your staff to take a selfie with their pet; ask them to grab a certain item from around the house; tell them to unearth their most outlandish item of clothing from the depths of their closets, or even get them to bake a homemade cake as part of a bigger challenge.

If a player can’t find a certain item or complete a particular task, all they need to do is hold up a piece of paper to the screen marked with an “X” to signal they’ll need to sit this part out.

It’s easy to incorporate quizzes and photo/video capture tasks into the mix alongside the game’s traditional ‘go fetch’ element.

For the smoothest possible experience, you’ll need to choose a host responsible for monitoring points, answering questions, and keeping your virtual scavenger hunt on track.

Who wins? The person or team who completes all the challenges the quickest or most creatively and entertainingly. That’s the beauty of a digital scavenger hunt: you can choose how points are distributed and what prizes are on offer from your virtual event.

2) Manage a murder mystery

Whether hosted as a standalone social event or incorporated into a longer conference for some light entertainment relief between segments, online murder mystery game nights never fail to keep teams on their toes and strengthen relationships.

Invite your attendees to unravel clues and solve puzzles to piece together your story, all against the backdrop of a strong theme. Ask your staff to dive into the deep end and dress up in costume while on-screen for extra digital engagement and guaranteed laughs.

There’s no need to pack all the intrigue into a murder mystery event, either. Murder mysteries work particularly well when the full story is told over multiple “episodes.” It’s an effective way to keep your employees returning for more — and you can use different elements of the ON24 platform to keep the fun going.

Post-event-related content onto the ON24 Forums to keep the mystery alive; use ON24 Breakouts for smaller brainstorming sessions between team members or simply use the in-session chat function to drop hints.

3) Host a virtual escape room

Virtual escape rooms offer an exciting way to boost collaboration. Teams race against the clock to solve puzzles, find clues, and “escape” the digital room.

Choose from themes like haunted houses, spy missions, or fantasy quests. Use professional platforms like Escapely to deliver a seamless experience. Include a game host to guide participants and ensure the activity runs smoothly.

4) Build something together

Creative collaboration fosters camaraderie. Organize an activity where employees collectively build something, such as a virtual LEGO design, a shared mural, or a brainstorming board using platforms like Miro.

This activity encourages teamwork, provides opportunities for creative expression, and can tie into organizational goals like brainstorming product ideas. 

5) Host a virtual game night

Recreate the joy of digitally playing board games with platforms like Jackbox Games or Tabletopia. From trivia to Pictionary to strategy games, there’s something for everyone.

Customize the experience with company-themed questions or challenges to ensure relevance and fun. Break large groups into teams for closer bonding.

Virtual Event Ideas for Recognition and Celebration

6) Arrange an awards ceremony

Who doesn’t love being recognized for their hard work? So, what better way to prove to your employees you respect and appreciate them than with a virtual awards ceremony?

It’s totally possible to recreate the buzz and excitement of in-person awards in a virtual space without the added stress of extra costs. Hold a date that works for everyone and send personalized invitations to build anticipation before the event. Ask guests to dress to impress for the occasion to encourage an air of sophistication. Free dinners always boost attendance, too!

For extra engagement, allow your employees to suggest awards categories and nominate their teammates. Encourage everyone to write heartfelt acceptance speeches before they log on; even if they’re not selected for an award, this process gives everybody a chance to celebrate their work and their co-workers and add a layer of fun to the online event.

Don’t forget to post the results across your company’s social media accounts during or after your awards ceremony to give your staff the public kudos they deserve.

7) Celebrate themed days

Celebrate themes like “Favorite Book Day,” “Cultural Appreciation Day,” or “Throwback Thursday.” Invite employees to dress accordingly, share stories, and participate in themed contests.

These events allow employees to express their individuality and build connections based on shared interests.

8) Plan a “Kudos Fest”

Dedicate a session for employees to acknowledge their colleagues’ contributions publicly. Use the chat function or a virtual whiteboard to let participants share kudos messages.

Provide fun incentives like random shoutouts or digital badges for participation.

9) Host a virtual talent show

Discover hidden talents by organizing a virtual talent show. From singing and dancing to unique skills like juggling, give employees a platform to shine.

Encourage participation by keeping the atmosphere supportive and lighthearted—award prizes for creativity, humor or effort.

Virtual Event Ideas for Relaxation and Fun

10) Organize a virtual concert 

Give your team a short break from reality with a private virtual concert that’s pre-recorded, incorporated into your conference, or live-streamed directly to their devices.

Whether it’s a classical recital to stimulate creativity, a comedy act for some light relief, or a tribute act for a mass singalong, a digital gig will provide a welcome respite from the working week.

You could even arrange a virtual concert as a stand-alone treat for the staff – the ideas are endless. With virtual streaming platforms, there’s no need to worry about getting to and from a venue — everyone will have access to quality entertainment from the comfort of home.

You can enhance the experience by customizing ON24’s Speakers’ Gallery to include headshots and bios of all the performers involved. Doing so will give attendees additional content to engage with and allow them to learn more about the people on screen – almost as if they were at a physical venue. 

11) Indulge in a digital happy hour

You don’t need to spend hours planning your experience to run a digital hangout that creates genuine connections. Organize an online catch-up over drinks for a more casual alternative to a corporate virtual event.

Provide a stipend so attendees can stock up beforehand or send pre-made kits out to attendees beforehand. Be sure to provide tasty options for non-drinkers in the group, too.

You can go with the flow and let your team take over the conversation for a more relaxed approach, or you can prepare ice-breaking games and activities in advance. Virtual cocktail-making sessions are popular, but you could also try favorites like trivia, charades, kudos or conference call bingo.

And the best part? Nobody needs to worry about getting home after too many glasses! 

12) Arrange virtual wellness sessions

Promote well-being with guided yoga, meditation, or fitness classes. Bring in professional instructors to guide the sessions and offer tips for stress management.

Pair these activities with resources on workplace wellness to keep the momentum going.

13) Host a virtual pet show

Give employees a chance to show off their furry (or scaly!) friends with a pet show. Create fun categories like “Most Unique Trick” or “Best Dressed Pet.”

Encourage employees to share funny or heartwarming pet stories to break the ice.

Virtual Event Ideas for Creativity and Skill-Building

14) Host a virtual cooking class

Cooking together is a great way to spark creativity and build connections. Virtual cooking classes allow employees to share a unique experience while learning a new recipe.

Send out a list of ingredients in advance or ship pre-measured kits to participants. On the event day, a professional chef or an enthusiastic team member can lead the session via a video platform. Choose simple yet impressive recipes, such as homemade pasta or international dishes that encourage cultural exchange.

Encourage participants to share their progress on camera, creating a sense of camaraderie and fun. End the session by showcasing everyone’s finished dishes and celebrating the most creative presentations.

15) Run a virtual photo contest

Tap into your team’s visual creativity by hosting a photo contest around a specific theme, such as “A Day in My Life” or “My Home Office Vibes.”

Employees can use smartphones to capture meaningful or funny moments that align with the theme. Once submissions are in, create a virtual gallery for the team to view and vote on their favorites. Use breakout rooms for small groups to discuss the photos, adding a layer of connection and engagement.

Reward winners with fun prizes, like gift cards or a feature in your company newsletter, to make the contest more exciting.

16) Plan a DIY craft session 

Let your team unleash their inner artist with a guided DIY craft session. Send craft kits in advance with materials for a project, such as painting plant pots, creating vision boards, or decorating reusable tote bags.

During the session, a craft expert can provide step-by-step instructions while participants follow along. Encourage team members to share their creations on camera and explain their designs. This hands-on activity boosts creativity and gives employees a tangible memento of the experience.

17) Host a “learn and share” knowledge

Allow employees to teach or learn something new with a “learn and share” session.

Ask employees to volunteer as hosts for a short session on a skill or topic they’re passionate about, such as photography tips, gardening hacks, or personal finance advice. Sessions can be scheduled throughout the day or week, allowing employees to pick and choose the ones that interest them.

These sessions create a culture of learning and help team members connect over shared interests outside of work.

18) Organize a virtual book club 

Encourage intellectual engagement with a company book club. Select a book—fiction or nonfiction—that resonates with your team, or let employees vote on the selection.

Distribute digital or physical copies to participants and schedule a series of virtual discussions to break down themes, characters, and takeaways. To keep the sessions lively, include creative elements like themed trivia or assigning team members to play the moderator role.

This activity promotes deeper conversations and fosters a shared sense of discovery.

19) Run a brainstorming hackathon 

Combine creativity with problem-solving in a brainstorming hackathon.

Identify a challenge your company or team faces and invite employees to collaborate on solutions in a structured virtual session. Break participants into smaller teams and assign each team a different aspect of the challenge to focus on.

Provide digital collaboration tools like Miro or Jamboard to capture ideas. Set a timeline for brainstorming, prototyping, and presenting solutions. End with a showcase of ideas and reward the team with the most innovative or feasible proposal.

20) Plan a virtual painting or art class

Let your employees channel their creativity by hosting a virtual painting or art class.

Send participants a kit with painting supplies, including a canvas, paints, and brushes. A professional artist or art instructor can guide the team step-by-step through creating their masterpiece.

Encourage everyone to share their finished works at the end of the session, and consider creating a virtual gallery where the team can vote on their favorite pieces.

Virtual Event Ideas for Fun and Connection 

21) Host a branded game show

It may take a little preparation, but a virtual game show is guaranteed to engage and energize teams — especially when prizes are involved!

Pick an iconic TV show and follow a theme. Some fan favorites include Wheel of Fortune, The Price Is Right, Family Feud, The Weakest Link, and Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

Customize each format for an on-brand experience and mix general knowledge trivia with more relevant questions to your company and the people on your call.

Another tip? Create timed breakouts for in-team discussions while the game is in play. By separating teams from the rest of the call for just a few minutes, you’ll give staff time to confer their answers and get to know each other better personally.

22) Play virtual bingo

Put a creative twist on a classic game by hosting a virtual bingo session.

Design custom bingo cards featuring work-from-home scenarios (“someone’s pet appears on screen”) or fun facts about the team (“someone’s favorite movie is mentioned”). Share the cards digitally, and have a host call out scenarios during the session.

Bingo is easy to play and ensures active participation without requiring prior preparation.

23) Host a virtual karaoke night

Bring out your team’s inner performers with a virtual karaoke session.

Set up a playlist of popular songs using a platform like YouTube or Smule and let participants take turns belting out their favorites. To make the event even more fun, create categories like “Best Duet” or “Most Enthusiastic Performance” and award prizes to the winners.

This lighthearted activity guarantees laughter and creates lasting memories for your team.

24) Organize a virtual “Around the World” experience

Take your employees on a virtual global tour with an “Around the World” event.

Choose a few countries or cultures to showcase and plan activities like a virtual cooking demonstration of regional dishes, a live-streamed cultural dance performance, or a short language lesson.

This immersive event fosters cross-cultural appreciation while allowing employees to learn something new.

25) Schedule speed networking sessions

Help employees strengthen cross-team relationships with speed networking sessions.

Pair participants for quick, timed one-on-one chats and provide icebreaker prompts to guide the conversations. After each round, participants rotate to meet new colleagues.

This activity encourages interaction and helps build stronger connections across departments.

Plan unique virtual meetings and events that align with your goals

Whether you’re going all-in with a budget-busting pre-planned virtual event or hosting a fun one-off session to boost team morale, it is possible to use these kinds of digital experiences to engage your staff and achieve your corporate objectives.

Before you choose your next virtual event, consider what benefits it will bring to your teams. Will the format encourage strong communication between everyone on the call? Will your staff get to show off their problem-solving skills? And perhaps just as importantly, will everyone feel included and get a chance to shine?