Virtual Conference Ideas
What are good ideas for a virtual conference?
A virtual conference is a conference held online. People join sessions on a screen and meet each other through chat, video and apps. The hard part is not the technology. It is keeping people watching and talking.
This guide gives concrete virtual conference ideas: session formats, engagement ideas, networking ideas and a sample one-day agenda. For hosting steps, see the guide on how to host a virtual event.
Updated by the Eventdex team
4.7/5 from 39 reviews on each
Session formats that work online
Long talks tire people on a screen. Vary the format and keep most sessions short.
Short keynote
One strong talk, 20 to 30 minutes, followed by questions. Open with a poll.
Panel with a moderator
Three or four speakers and one moderator who reads audience questions aloud.
Fireside chat
One host and one guest in a relaxed talk. It feels personal and needs little preparation.
Live demo or workshop
Show how to do something, then let people try it. Share any files in advance.
Lightning talks
Five or six speakers with five minutes each. The pace keeps people watching.
Roundtable discussion
Small groups talk about one topic with a host. This is where people feel heard.
Poster or e-poster session
Researchers or exhibitors present short pieces that attendees browse at their own pace.
Engagement ideas
Online attendees can leave with one click. Give them a reason to stay and a way to take part.
Live polls and Q&A
Ask one question per session. Let people upvote questions so the best ones reach the speaker.
Live event Q&A and pollsGamify the day
Award points for attending, asking and connecting. Show a leaderboard.
Virtual event gamificationShort sessions with real breaks
Build in 10 to 15 minute breaks. Tell people to step away from the screen.
Chat prompts
Ask a simple question in the chat at the start: "Where are you joining from?" It warms the room.
Recordings
Offer recordings so people in other time zones can catch up. Tell them where to find them.
Networking ideas
Networking is the hardest part of a virtual conference and the one attendees value most. Structure it. An open chat room rarely works.
Speed networking
Pair attendees for a few minutes of video, then move them on. Eventdex's pages describe a speed networking platform.
Virtual speed networkingMatched one-to-one meetings
Match people by interest and let them book short video calls. Eventdex's pages describe AI matchmaking and scheduled meetings.
Business matchmaking appTopic lounges
Open rooms named by topic, such as "First-time attendees". People join the ones they care about.
Virtual exhibitor booths
Sponsors host a booth with chat or video and downloads. Add booth visits to the points scheme.
Sample one-day virtual conference agenda
Use this as a starting point. Times are suggestions and should follow your audience's time zones.
| Time | Session | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 | Welcome and house rules | Host, one poll |
| 9:15 | Opening keynote | Talk with live Q&A |
| 10:00 | Break and chat prompt | Break |
| 10:15 | Two parallel tracks | Panel and live demo |
| 11:15 | Speed networking | Matched video pairs |
| 12:00 | Lunch and booth visits | Booths and lounges |
| 13:00 | Roundtables | Small groups with hosts |
| 14:00 | Lightning talks | Five short talks |
| 15:00 | Break | Break, leaderboard update |
| 15:15 | Closing keynote | Fireside chat |
| 16:00 | Wrap-up and survey link | Host, prize draw |
Plan the basics first
Ideas need a platform, a plan and promotion. Choose software that supports sessions, networking and recordings. Test every speaker's audio and video before the day.
Virtual conference platform
What to look for when you choose software for a virtual conference.
Virtual conference platform
The Eventdex platform
Tools for an online conference
- Virtual conferencesHow Eventdex supports conferences held online.Learn more about Virtual conferences
- Live Q&A and pollsCollect questions and run polls during a session.Learn more about Live Q&A and polls
- Virtual speed networkingShort video meetings between attendees.Learn more about Virtual speed networking
- GamificationPoints and a leaderboard for attendees.Learn more about Gamification
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University at Buffalo
Eversource Energy
Georgia Tech
Influence Communications
FAQ
Virtual Conference Ideas: common questions
What is a virtual conference?
A virtual conference is a conference held online. Attendees watch sessions on a screen and meet through chat, video and apps, usually over one or more days.
What are good virtual conference ideas?
Mix short keynotes, panels, workshops, lightning talks and roundtables. Add live polls and Q&A, a points game, matched meetings and virtual booths. Keep most sessions short.
How do you host a virtual conference?
Set a goal, pick a platform, build an agenda with short sessions and breaks, test every speaker, promote the event and plan the follow-up. The guide on how to host a virtual event covers each step.
How do you network at a virtual conference?
Use structure. Speed networking, matched one-to-one meetings and topic lounges work better than an open chat. Tell attendees how to book a meeting before the event starts.
Which Eventdex tools suit a virtual conference?
Eventdex's pages describe live Q&A and polls, speed networking, AI matchmaking, gamification and virtual conference support. Eventdex's pages do not describe programming the agenda for you.
Run your virtual conference with Eventdex
Start with a free interactive floor plan, or talk to an event specialist on +1 (866) 434-5088.