We’ve come a long way when it comes to measuring the performance of an event. Attendance used to be one of the most important metrics, followed by online feedback, and media appearances.
Today, however “Engagement” is the ultimate goal for gatherings – which is simply wanting guests to interact and connect with the brand experience as much as possible.
Think of it as the difference between watching a sporting game as a spectator vs. getting to take the shot from mid-field at halftime. Both people enjoyed the event, but one was engaged in it as a participant.
As digital and hybrid events are likely to remain popular for a while, engagement can be slightly challenging to figure out in ways that involve the entire audience (especially when the audience is split between in-person and face-to-face).
At VIBE, we’ve been successfully using a number of different approaches to engagement.
- Poll Position:
Ideal for in-person and digital audiences alike, a quick audience poll can serve as a great icebreaker and also a good way to check in on training sessions, product launches, and new campaigns.
Answers are up and tabulated in seconds and are great visual elements. Provide hand-held buzzers or app-based responses for in-person attendees and let remote audiences participate online. - Health & Wellness:
These days, it seems like everyone could use a chance to unwind and release themselves from stress. Why not consider a guided meditation for your in-person and at-home attendees?
Other ways to incorporate health & wellness include a yoga or stretching session, aromatherapy oils, candles, or hand-held massage balls. - Picture This:
Whether you called it Win, Lose or Draw or Pictionary, the artistic team guessing game is a fun way to get in-person and digital audiences united in the same fun experience.
Look at existing games like Drawful that lets players draw on their cell screens or digital devices or create your own experience with an interactive drawing or paint application.
- Lip Sync and Karaoke Battles:
These were practically made to entertain multiple types of audiences and the digital integration of backgrounds or even avatars to represent singers makes for a seamless activity across multiple platforms.
- It’s Magic:
We’ve all gotten so used to watching magic on TV specials throughout the years, we’ve almost forgotten it can be just as amazing in person.
When it comes to connecting digital and remote audiences, make sure to use your live attendees as audience volunteers and then use digital guests for more mind-reading-style illusions.
If you attended our Good Vibes (https://youtu.be/SXGn5EEPGcY) or Good Vibes USA events last year, you’ll have already experienced some of these.
We can even demo some of these experiences online or share footage and feedback from satisfied guests. Connect with us at info@thevibeagency.com to get started.
About the VIBE Agency: The VIBE Agency is a Miami-based award-winning full-service production agency that specializes in the creation and orchestration of live and virtual experiences for the corporate industry.
The agency is forward-thinking and was recognized as one of the 50 top event companies by Special Events magazine in 2019 and 2020.
Most recently, Valerie Bihet, founder of the VIBE was named a Smart Women in Meetings 2021 Hall of Fame honoree by Smartmeetings, for her consistent work advancing the industry. If it can’t be live, make it VIBE!
