What are the best icebreakers for virtual conferences?

1 Use polls and quizzes

One of the easiest and most effective ways to get your attendees involved and interested is to use polls and quizzes throughout your conference. You can use them to gather feedback, test knowledge, or just have some fun. You can use online tools like Mentimeter, Kahoot, or Poll Everywhere to create interactive polls and quizzes that you can display on your screen and invite your attendees to participate using their devices. You can also use polls and quizzes to segment your audience and tailor your content accordingly.

2 Play games and challenges

Another way to add some excitement and energy to your virtual conference is to play games and challenges with your attendees. You can use games and challenges to introduce topics, reinforce learning, or reward participation. You can choose from a variety of online games and challenges that suit your conference theme and goals, such as trivia, bingo, scavenger hunt, or escape room. You can also create your own games and challenges using platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. For example, you can ask your attendees to show something related to your topic from their home or office, or to complete a task within a time limit.

3 Encourage networking and collaboration

One of the main benefits of attending a conference is the opportunity to network and collaborate with other professionals in your field. However, this can be harder to achieve in a virtual setting, where you may not be able to see or hear everyone. To overcome this challenge, you can encourage networking and collaboration among your attendees by using breakout rooms, chat rooms, or online platforms like Slack, LinkedIn, or Facebook. You can assign your attendees to different groups based on their interests, roles, or locations, and give them prompts or questions to discuss. You can also invite them to share their contact details, projects, or resources with each other.

4 Use visuals and audio

One of the drawbacks of virtual conferences is the lack of visual and audio cues that can help you communicate and connect with your attendees. To overcome this, you can use visuals and audio to enhance your presentation and interaction. You can use images, videos, slides, or animations to illustrate your points and capture your audience's attention. You can also use music, sound effects, or podcasts to create a mood and stimulate your audience's senses. You can also ask your attendees to turn on their cameras and microphones, or use emojis, reactions, or gestures to express themselves.

5 Share stories and experiences

One of the most powerful and personal ways to break the ice and build rapport with your attendees is to share stories and experiences related to your topic. You can use stories and experiences to introduce yourself, explain your background, or demonstrate your expertise. You can also use stories and experiences to inspire, motivate, or persuade your audience. You can share your own stories and experiences, or invite your attendees to share theirs. You can also use storytelling techniques like humor, suspense, or emotion to make your stories and experiences more engaging and memorable.

6 Ask questions and feedback

One of the simplest and most effective ways to break the ice and create a dialogue with your attendees is to ask questions and feedback throughout your conference. You can use questions and feedback to check understanding, clarify doubts, or solicit opinions. You can also use questions and feedback to spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, or provoke debate. You can ask open-ended, closed-ended, or hypothetical questions, or use surveys, ratings, or reviews to collect feedback. You can also encourage your attendees to ask questions and feedback from you or each other.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?