Corporate virtual events have become an integral part of contemporary work life, particularly in the context of remote and hybrid teams. Leveraging digital platforms to facilitate online gatherings, conferences, and workshops, hosting a virtual event allows geographically dispersed employees to connect seamlessly. The shift towards virtual events has permitted organizations to adapt to a dynamic and globalized business landscape.
The importance of corporate events for remote and hybrid teams lies in their ability to foster collaboration, engagement, and a sense of community among team members. In a virtual environment, these events provide a valuable opportunity for employees to connect, share insights, and build relationships. Whether it's an annual conference, team-building activities, or training sessions, virtual events offer a flexible and inclusive solution that accommodates diverse schedules and locations.
Here are 35 virtual events that corporations and small businesses can host entirely online:
1. Online cooking classes
Getting the whole company together for a virtual cooking class is a great team-building event that breaks the traditional work routine. Participating in a virtual cooking class fosters teamwork as colleagues collaborate on recipes and share cooking tips in a fun and relaxed environment. Since the event is virtual, send cooking class kits to teams wherever they are and have an outside chef lead the class while the team cooks. The hands-on nature of the experience encourages communication, problem-solving, and a sense of accomplishment as participants work together to create a meal.
Why: Online cooking classes promote a positive company culture by emphasizing work-life balance and employee well-being
When: Once a year or part of a wider virtual team-building event
2. Virtual Coffee Breaks
Many remote companies have frequent meetings, discuss deadlines, and connect on work-related topics. Yet, it's also important to remember that virtual teams must prioritize connection. Virtual coffee breaks are online gatherings where coworkers give a designated coffee break over Zoom or Google Meet and take time to enjoy a casual and informal conversation. These virtual breaks aim to recreate the social experience of taking a coffee break together in a physical workplace or social setting despite being in different locations.
Why: Encourages casual conversations and employee bonding
When: Bi-weekly or whenever a new team member is onboarding
3. Speed Networking
Networking events are the best place to start for corporations looking to foster connections and encourage team bonding. These individuals will engage in brief, timed one-on-one conversations to exchange introductions and discuss their professional backgrounds or interests. The format allows attendees to meet a diverse array of people on their team quickly, making it an excellent tool for expanding networks and generating meaningful connections. Speed networking encourages participants to be concise and impactful in their interactions, contributing to a more interactive and engaging online experience.
Why: Facilitates quick interactions, mimicking in-person networking
When: This game is an excellent fit for onboarding sessions and icebreaker events
4. Skill-up workshops
Ensuring your employees keep their skills sharp is vital to growth within the company. A virtual workshop is beneficial as it caters to remote work environments, enabling participants from diverse locations to access valuable training without needing physical presence. The interactive nature of online workshops encourages engagement, collaboration, and immediate application of newly acquired skills.
Why: Promotes skill development and continuous learning culture within an organization, fostering employee growth and adaptability
When: Monthly or quarterly, depending on the company budget
5. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
This great group-focused activity involves participants searching for specific items or solving clues within their environments while connecting virtually. A Virtual scavenger hunt is a creative and engaging activity that can add fun and camaraderie to an online corporate event. Participants can be divided into teams or play individually, depending on the group size. Create breakout rooms or virtual spaces for each team to collaborate, encouraging team-building collaboration and problem-solving among colleagues.
Why: Fosters collaboration and encourages participants to share aspects of their personal spaces, contributing to a more intimate and human connection
When: Team-building events or half-day activity
6. Webinars
Online seminars enable businesses to connect with a broad audience in real time, regardless of geographical constraints. Webinars are an effective means of delivering presentations, sharing industry insights, and conducting training sessions, providing a cost-efficient and scalable solution for corporate communication.
Interactive features like Q&A sessions foster participant engagement and allow for real-time feedback while showcasing expertise within the organization.
Why: Offers exposure to new industries, fostering curiosity and learning
When: Several times yearly or as part of an online industry event
7. Virtual Trivia Night
This interactive activity brings employees together in a fun and relaxed setting, allowing them to showcase their knowledge across various topics. Trivia is an engaging and entertaining addition to virtual corporate events, fostering team spirit and friendly competition among colleagues. Break coworkers into teams and ensure that multiple trivia categories cater to different interests, ensuring participants can contribute their expertise in various areas. Trivia Night encourages communication and collaboration as teams work together to answer questions, promoting unity and can also be an effective icebreaker activity.
Why: Enhances knowledge, teamwork, and friendly competition
When: Monthly or as part of an icebreaker event
8. Virtual Happy Hours
Informal gatherings provide a relaxed platform for employees to unwind, share experiences, and build personal relationships in a casual setting. Work happy hours are a delightful and effective way to enhance the social fabric of virtual corporate events, fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection among remote teams. So, if you’re at the end of the year and looking for a way to decompress and boost employee well-being, a virtual happy hour is a great way to unwind and get to know each other better.
Why: Boosts morale and fosters social connections.
When: Fridays or to celebrate team achievements.
9. Work Anniversary Celebrations
Celebrations offer a platform to acknowledge milestones, express gratitude, and reinforce a positive company culture. Work anniversary celebrations in virtual corporate events provide a meaningful way to recognize and appreciate the dedication and contributions of employees over time. Celebrating colleagues online helps bridge the gap created by physical distance, creating a sense of community among remote team members. Leadership can honor individual achievements by publicly recognizing work anniversaries and demonstrating a commitment to employee appreciation and retention.
Why: Builds a positive work culture and makes employees feel valued
When: Based on work anniversaries
10. Themed Costume Parties
For a lighthearted and inclusive atmosphere, virtual costume parties are a great way to make participants let loose and get into the festive spirit. Encouraging employees to choose to present costumes can spark conversations and camaraderie among coworkers. A virtual costume party can be done alongside a tram team building activities, encouraging employees to dress to impress for a night of games and virtual cocktails.
Why: Provides a creative outlet and boosts team spirit
When: Holiday like Halloween or as part of a cultural celebration
11. Virtual Holiday Party
Set up an event with virtual games and holiday-themed contests that center connection and employee bonding. Throwing a holiday party is one of the best ways to unite employees, especially those who don't share a physical space. See these virtual get-togethers, often at the end of the year, as an opportunity for team members to unwind, express gratitude, and strengthen the sense of community within the corporate environment.
Why: Brings teams together during festive seasons and at the end of the year
When: Year-end or during major holidays
12. Hackathon
Typically based on time-bound collaborative projects where cross-functional teams work together to find creative solutions to specific challenges, Hackathons are well suited to virtual realm teams. Hackathons in virtual corporate events serve as dynamic platforms for innovation, collaboration, and employee skill development. Encouraging employees to share ideas and think outside the box, virtual Hackathons allow teams to showcase technical skills and promote teamwork as participants leverage each other's strengths to achieve common goals.
Why: Encourages innovation and cross-functional collaboration
When: Annually or during product development cycles
13. Brainstorming Sessions
Brainstorming sessions in virtual corporate events serve as invaluable forums for cultivating creativity, problem-solving, and idea generation among remote teams. Through collaborative online platforms, participants can share their thoughts and insights, transcending physical distances and diverse time zones. Companies can pick a specific topic or future project to focus on for the virtual brainstorming session and create an inclusive environment where team members can contribute their perspectives, fostering a diversity of ideas.
Why: Fosters creativity and idea-sharing
When: At the beginning of project kick-offs or during virtual retreats
14. Pecha Kucha
Corporations can better connect employees by ensuring they know what their coworkers are doing, which is especially helpful during training sessions. In a concise and engaging format that efficiently communicates ideas and insights, Pecha Kucha presenters use a slideshow to present an idea, concept, or project in a limited time frame ( 6 minutes and 40 seconds). Presentations are time-efficient and captivate audience attention, preventing information overload and ensuring that key points are communicated effectively, providing an alternative to traditional lengthy meetings, fostering a culture of succinct and impactful communication that resonates well with a diverse audience.
Why: Promotes skill building, skills and teamwork
When: Training sessions, client pitches, or product launches
15. Show and tell (your work!)
Showcasing and discussing projects through virtual show-and-tell sessions in corporate meetings allows team members to visually present their work, providing a more tangible and engaging understanding of project progress and achievements. Virtual show-and-tell promotes transparency and collaboration in addition to feedback and discussion. Show-and-tell sessions can bridge the physical gap for remote teams by creating a shared visual experience, making project updates more memorable, and fostering a more robust connection among team members.
Why: It helps employees be more connected to their coworkers and have a better understanding of what’s happening within the company
When: Quarterly meetings, onboarding sessions
16. Employee Appreciation Awards
Whether presented in a virtual or in-person setting, Employee Appreciation Awards are a powerful tool for reinforcing recognition and appreciation within an organization. Hosting a virtual award ceremony helps to create a culture of gratitude, motivating employees to excel and contribute their best efforts. Employee Appreciation Awards can encompass various categories, such as outstanding teamwork, innovation, leadership, or milestones like years of service. Formally recognizing employees through awards boosts morale and fosters a positive and supportive work environment.
Why: Celebrates team members' contributions and shows employees that they are valued
When: Quarterly or annually
17. Online Escape Room
One of the most popular team activities, online Escape Rooms, is particularly well-suited for remote teams, as they promote creative thinking and collaboration skills crucial for effective teamwork. There are many virtual experiences where participants can join a virtual meeting space to work together to solve puzzles, decipher clues, and progress through the virtual escape room scenario. The organizer will set a time limit, and facilitators can guide participants, provide hints when needed, and ensure a smooth flow of the activity.
Why: Fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and communication
When: During team-building retreats
18. Conflict resolution course
A conflict resolution course in a corporate virtual event is a proactive and strategic initiative to foster a positive workplace culture. Participants learn essential conflict-resolution skills, including effective communication, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving. You can host interactive workshops, role-playing scenarios, and discussions to address specific workplace challenges online. By addressing conflicts head-on, corporations can enhance team cohesion, reduce workplace stress, and improve employee satisfaction and performance.
Why: Encourages communication and empathy in the workplace
When: During team-building events and annual trainings
19. Virtual book club
Reading and discussing books together provide a unique platform for employees to bond over shared interests and ideas outside the typical work context. Creating a virtual book club fosters community and camaraderie among team members. A virtual book club encourages intellectual stimulation and critical thinking, contributing to professional growth and development. Overall, it's a creative and enjoyable way to build a more cohesive and vibrant corporate community.
Why: Encourages intellectual conversations and team bonding
When: Bi-monthly or quarterly, allowing time for reading
20. Monthly Mentorship
This initiative fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth, allowing employees to meet seasoned mentors who can provide guidance, insights, and industry expertise. A monthly mentorship program (or bi-monthly if you are pressed for time) stands out as an invaluable corporate virtual event, providing a structured framework for professional development and knowledge sharing within the organization. The virtual format ensures accessibility for participants across diverse locations and time zones, promoting inclusivity. Employees can gain valuable insights into career advancement, skill development, and goal achievement through regular mentorship interactions, enhancing job satisfaction and retention.
Why: Facilitates mentorship connections and promotes career development
When: Bi-annually or as part of a mentorship program launch
21. Virtual Fitness Classes
This program encompasses a variety of activities and resources designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional health among team members. A virtual wellness program is a highly beneficial corporate virtual event that addresses employees' holistic well-being in the digital age. Through virtual fitness classes, mindfulness sessions, nutritional workshops, and stress-management seminars, employees can access tools that empower them to prioritize their well-being from the comfort of their homes or workspaces. Corporations that invest in the health and wellness of employees will find their team happier, more productive, and have improved work-life balance.
Why: Promotes physical well-being and team camaraderie
When: Weekly or bi-weekly during lunch breaks or after work hours
22. Mindfulness and Meditation Sessions
Get the team together to enjoy a virtual guided practice session focusing on mindfulness, reflection, and relaxation techniques. Mindfulness and meditation offer employees a practical and accessible means to enhance their mental well-being. By incorporating these into the workday through virtual platforms, employees can effectively manage stress, improve concentration, and foster emotional resilience. Implementing mindfulness and meditation sessions supports employees' mental health. It contributes to a positive workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being and fostering a more focused, resilient, and productive workforce.
Why: Supports mental well-being and stress reduction
When: Monthly or as needed during high-stress periods
23. Step Challenge
This simple event has a powerful outcome, as it promotes the well-being of employees through physical activity by asking participants to track their daily steps, fostering a sense of competition and motivation to lead a more active lifestyle. Employees can monitor their progress and contribute to a collective goal by utilizing fitness trackers or smartphone apps. The virtual format allows for widespread participation, irrespective of geographical location, making it an inclusive initiative for remote or dispersed teams.
Why: Promotes healthy competition and physical activity
When: As part of a company wellness initiative or wellness program
24. Charades
Virtual Charades is an excellent corporate virtual event, infusing energy and laughter into remote work interactions. This classic party game adapts seamlessly to virtual platforms, with participants taking turns acting out a word or phrase without speaking while their colleagues attempt to guess what it is. This activity not only provides a welcome break from work demands but also serves as a dynamic teambuilding exercise, fostering communication skills, creativity, and collaboration.
Why: Encourages team building and relaxation
When: Holiday parties, teambuilding events, icebreaker events
25. Cultural Exchange Events
This initiative encourages employees to share and celebrate their diverse cultural backgrounds through virtual activities, presentations, or interactive sessions. Cultural events serve as a valuable and enriching corporate virtual experience, fostering diversity, inclusion, and a deeper understanding among team members. Participants can showcase traditions, cuisines, and customs, creating an open platform for cross-cultural dialogue.
Why: Promotes understanding and appreciation of different cultures
When: Part of team-building or diversity and inclusion initiatives
26. Diversity Panel Discussions
Typically featuring a diverse group of panelists, this event aims to share insights, experiences, and perspectives on workplace diversity topics. A Diversity panel is a great way to spark meaningful conversation and provide a platform for open dialogue and education around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the organization. Through virtual discussions, participants gain a deeper understanding of various backgrounds, experiences, and challenges individuals within the organization face. This format encourages exchanging ideas, facilitates mutual understanding, and promotes a more inclusive corporate culture.
Why: Encourages open dialogue and understanding
When: Quarterly or as part of diversity training
27. Paint and sip
Corporate events should encourage creativity, and a paint-and-sip virtual event combines artistic expression and social interaction. Participants join a virtual platform where a professional artist guides them to create their masterpieces while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere and perhaps even a beverage. This activity provides a refreshing break from daily work routines and fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared experience among team members. The virtual format allows employees from different locations to unite in a fun and collaborative setting, promoting team cohesion.
Why: Encourages team building and relaxation
When: Holiday parties, teambuilding events, icebreaker events
28. Storytelling Circles
In a virtual setting, getting colleagues together to participate in a storytelling circle fosters a sense of vulnerability, empathy, and camaraderie among team members, transcending the typical workplace interactions. Storytelling creates space for employees to share personal narratives and connect more deeply. This initiative involves participants taking turns to tell their stories, whether related to professional experiences, personal growth, or overcoming challenges.
Why: Builds empathy and connects team members on a personal level
When: Bi-monthly or as part of team-building events
29. Virtual Pride Parade
Employees from multiple locations can actively engage in a Pride parade in the virtual space, regardless of physical proximity, providing a robust and inclusive corporate event that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusivity, and promotes LGBTQ+ visibility within the organization. On a virtual platform, employees can participate in various activities, such as sharing personal stories, showcasing LGBTQ+ culture, and expressing allyship. The company is committed to an inclusive and supportive workplace for individuals by organizing a virtual Pride Parade.
Why: Celebrates diversity and inclusion within the organization
When: Annually during Pride Month or as part of LGBTQ+ awareness initiatives
30. Virtual guessing games
A classic icebreaker activity promotes fun and connection to virtual interactions and cultivates a deeper understanding of team members beyond their professional roles. Easy to play in a remote setting, participants share interesting or lesser-known facts about themselves through virtual team building, and others attempt to guess which colleague the facts describe. Virtual guessing games are entertaining and fosters employee team building and camaraderie.
Why: Encourages team building and relaxation
When: Holiday parties, teambuilding events, icebreaker events
31. Online Pictionary
Teams can use online platforms or a dedicated Pictionary app, allowing real-time drawing and guessing. Divide participants into teams, letting each team take turns selecting a word or phrase to be drawn. Each team chooses a designated artist who uses the virtual drawing tools to illustrate the chosen word or phrase while the team members attempt to guess it within a time limit. It's essential to ensure that all participants can access the drawing tools and that the chosen platform supports seamless interaction.
Why: Online Pictionary is interactive, adding a playful and social element to the online experience while promoting teamwork communication, and is a relaxing activity
When: Friday afternoons or during a casual team-building session.
32. Virtual city tour
Taking a tour using the virtual format accommodates diverse locations, allowing employees from different regions to engage in the experience together. A guided virtual tour will enable participants to explore a chosen city's landmarks, culture, history, and a break from routine, promoting exploration and shared discovery among team members. A virtual city tour sparks interest and curiosity and fosters a sense of unity and global perspective within the organization.
Why: Promotes work-life balance and team cohesion
When: Teambuilding events, icebreaker events
33. Virtual Lunch and Learn sessions
Virtual Lunch and Learns emerged as an excellent corporate virtual event, combining professional development with a relaxed and social atmosphere. In this activity, team members come together virtually during their lunch break to engage in educational sessions or workshops led by experts within or outside the organization. Participants not only gain valuable insights and skills but also have the opportunity to connect with colleagues in a more informal setting. Virtual Lunch and Learn promotes continuous learning, team collaboration, and a positive work culture that values personal and professional growth.
Why: Promotes work-life balance and continuing education
When: Bi-weekly or once a month
34. Virtual retreats
During these sessions, teams come together virtually to engage in a mix of educational workshops, strategic planning sessions, and team-building exercises, all within the virtual realm. This format allows employees to enhance their skills, collaborate on projects, and strengthen team dynamics from the comfort of their locations. Virtual retreats and learnings foster a culture of continuous learning and provide a unique opportunity for teams to connect personally, building trust and camaraderie.
Why: Promotes team building and work-life balance
When: Quarterly or once a year
Why virtual events should be a part of your teambuilding experience
While virtual events have proven invaluable in maintaining connectivity, face-to-face interactions to strengthen team bonds are essential to foster deeper connections needed for a company to be productive.
To ensure continuous growth, teams should meet off-site 2 to 3 times yearly. For a seamless and tailored off-site meeting experience, Surf Office can help you plan your ideal retreat, ensuring teams meet their professional objectives and enjoy a well-rounded experience, contributing to a more robust and resilient team bond.
