Whilst the world is looking forward to the thrill of live events and the promise of brighter times ahead we do know that virtual….
Is. Still. Here.
In fact the majority of our corporates foresee that all events for the rest of 2021 will be of the virtual or hybrid variety. So here, at Lemon Lane, we want to give a huge shout out to the wild, the wacky, the fun, and the emotive entertainment that has kept us engaged, excited and gripped to the edge of our office chairs over the past 12 months.
WHY do I need entertainment?
We like to refer to our 2 favourite ‘e’ words; engagement and experience. We all know by now that engagement is key to ensure our attendees don’t get distracted or lose focus sitting behind their screens. Whilst virtual events are a great solution for helping us stay connected, staring at a screen can be exhausting.
By integrating entertainment and activities into your virtual event it breaks up the one way communication of content within the programme. Virtual entertainment enables opportunity for gamification, promote networking or socialising and most importantly it provides some fun. Fun that would normally be experienced at in person events; which at the end of the day, is what we are after, right?…
So, come on already, give me some ideas…
Ok ok, we’re getting there…the options are endless when it comes to virtual entertainment, however it all really depends on your virtual event objectives and what experience you want your attendees to have.
If it’s to simply ‘entertain’, why not include music sets such as, a live DJ sets, a beatboxing group or bring some magic to the screen (literally) with a virtual magician? Improv comedy acts are also a great way to engage the audience as it requires their participation, making it very personable and clearly, in real time! If broadcasting from a studio, having dance acts or circus performers are also possible, and create great entertainment segments, just as they would at a live event.
It always helps to see an outside perspective on a key objective. Keynote speakers are still a valuable tool for a virtual event, providing the messaging is aligned. Not only will they inform and inspire, they entertain. Adapting to the virtual world, keynotes are just as effective in a Q&A format; it enables the two-way communication and can really involve the audience. A keynote speaker is often a way of delivering a key strategic message to a business in a way that an internal stakeholder would not be able to.
Wellness and good mental health is a key objective for many companies (as it should be!). Weave this throughout the virtual event in an entertaining manner. Start the day with breathing exercises, continue with stretching and movement and allow plenty of breaks so people are able to stop, reflect and take in the content. Why not even arrange a exercise or wellness guru to speak at the event?
If your attendees need a lunch time ‘pick me up’ then Disco Yoga is a fun take on your standard yoga class…..sequins and glitter balls are a must! If it’s the end of day wrap up, team building and themed quizzes are also a great way to bring people together and have fun; anything from escape rooms, murder mysteries, music bingo, cocktail making masterclasses………as we said earlier, ‘virtually’ anything is possible.
Sounds great, show me how…
As event planners we are sometimes guilty of thinking things have been ‘done’ however don’t underestimate the impact some of these entertainment acts can have in the virtual realm.
When planning your agenda keep in mind the following:
- Keep it punchy! Like any virtual event agenda, rule of thumb is to keep segments succinct and snappy! Anything that is too long will lose the attention of the attendee and you risk hitting the ‘drop out zone’.
- Make it real! Whilst we are not there in person, bringing a piece of that entertainment or activity to the attendee will make it feel real and special. Everyone loves a delivery and something tangible that can link to the entertainment will be sure to promote attendance. Whether it’s something to eat & drink whilst watching, props to assist with an activity, theming elements to dress up your living room or perhaps a follow up gift that connects the audience back to the experience, its easy, impactful and can be very cost effective.
- Tailor it! There are lots of activities and entertainment out there, most are easy to adapt and can be personalised. Be sure to make it relevant to your company and audience.
- Make it interactive! It’s key to the success of the entertainment. Get the attendees involved and make them part of the experience (no hiding behind the camera!!)
Lemon Lane have delivered some amazing virtual entertainment segments to their clients’ events over the recent months (and yes, we definitely have some favourites!) If you need help to liven up your event, then don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Lemon Lane who would be more than happy to assist you with your needs.
