2020 is going to be the year of the virtual Christmas Event. In this article we look at some of the pros and cons of going virtual this Christmas.
Decide on your tech.
Ok so you want to run a virtual Christmas party. Great.
First of all you need to decide what platform you want to use and make sure your tech is up to the job.
We use Zoom for our virtual events. This is the platform that has the most functionality that we need and it’s pretty well known now by…um…everyone! Zoom recommends minimum internet speeds of 1.5 megabits/second. So really most people should be able to get a decent connection to your event. But it might be worth reminding people not to have all 12 of their children streaming Netflix at the same time! Just in case.
If you and your team are particularly used to a different platform then it might be easier to just use that. But check with any entertainers you want to book if they are familiar with it, or it has all the functionality they need.
If you are performing, or broadcasting then you may also need to look at lighting and a decent camera and external microphone. Laptop webcam and mic may be sufficient for an audience member but not so if you are doing a bit more for the event.
Make a Schedule.
Like a physical event your virtual Christmas event needs to have a schedule. The only difference is it really needs to have a schedule. Not only that but the event will run a whole lot smoother if you communicate the schedule to your guests in advance.
Don’t worry you can still add in some surprises. But you definitely want to avoid any confusion about what is going to happen throughout the night.
Build a festive virtual event space.
This doesn’t need to be particularly complicated and could just be a landing page. But it is a launch pad for the event and somewhere for guests to return to if they get stuck.
But if you have the time/budget you can build a full virtual Christmas party venue for your guests to explore. Complete with Christmas trees and Santa’s sleigh!
If you get this environment right you can allow guests to mingle online and meet each other. Almost like a real Christmas party.
There are different packages available that allow you to do this, or you can hire an event company to build one for you.
We’re putting one together to house our Virtual Christmas Party Packages too.
Pick the right entertainment.
In our view the best entertainment for virtual Christmas events has to be interactive. If you want to engage your guests, you have to include your guests.
So instead of just a dance performance, you have a dance class as well. Instead of a just circus performer you have a circus workshop. If you have a live band, make sure they are interactive, will take requests and have a laugh with your guests. If you book a DJ, (yes a DJ!) they need to be part of the event, organise dance-offs etc. get everyone involved.
We are putting time into find the right acts for virtual events so if you want to shortcut the process then get in touch.
