Virtual Events Are Here to Stay: How to Make Yours Feel Human in a Digital World

An Iconic Virtual Event Moment - Usher, Sam Smith, Ariana Grande, Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, One Direction, and The Roots performing an a cappella rendition of Queen’s “We Are the Champions” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Can you believe the pandemic was 5 years ago? Somehow it feels like just last year we were all downloading Zoom backgrounds and figuring out how to unmute ourselves in meetings. Back then, visual events were a lifeline - a temporary solution to an unexpected crisis. Fast-forward to today, and they’ve evolved into strategic tools hat many brands can’t imagine living without.

We’ve come a long way. But with that progress comes a new challenge: how do we make these digital experiences feel less like a screen and more like a story? In this blog, we’ll explore why virtual events are here to stay and how you can male yours feel human – because its not just about tech anymore, it’s about connection.

Why Virtual Events aren’t going anyway

Virtual events have proven they’re more than just a pandemic workaround. Here’s why they’re sticking around:

·         Cost-effective: No venues, travel, or catering means lower budgets and higher ROI

·         Global reach: One link can connect people across time zones and continents.

·         Inclusive and flexible: They accommodate people with disabilities, parents, students, and those with mobility or travel restrictions

·         Scalable: Whether its 10 people or 10000, virtual platforms can handle it.

·         Sustainable: Less travel means a lower carbon footprint

Hybrid models are also becoming the norm – blending live experiences with digital access to reach broader audiences. Hybrid formats will remain a key part of event planning strategies for the foreseeable future.

But while all this is great for logistics and access, something is still missing.

The problem: Where’s the human Connection?

Despite their benefits, virtual events often feel flat.

We’ve all experienced Zoom/Teams fatigue, where every webinar blends into the next. The lack of eye contact, spontaneous conversation, and real emotional energy makes it easy for participants to tune out. Virtual formats can also fall into the trap of one-way communication, where audiences passively receive information instead of being truly engaged.

This disconnect is the biggest barrier to meaningful impact.

So, how do we fix it? By designing human first virtual experiences

5 ways to make virtual events feel more human

1.      Start with Storytelling, not slides

Skip the corporate intros and start with a powerful story or a shared emotion. Anchor your event in something real – whether it’s a challenge your audience relates to or a moment of celebration. Human beings connect through narrative, not bullet points.

2.      Design for Interaction, Not Just Attendance

Use features like live polls, breakout rooms, emoji reaction, or Q&A segments to bring people into the conversation. Gamify the experience where appropriate. Event simple icebreakers at the start of a session can shift people from passive viewers to archive participants.

3.      Create Multi-Sensory Moments

Virtual doesn’t have to mean flat. Send pre-events kits with snacks, candles, or branded items. Use music, visuals, or soundscapes to set a tone. Encourage attendees to move around, stretch, or interact physically with prompts. When more senses are engaged, more memories are made.

4.      Put Faces Before Logos

Show the people behind the brand. Feature diverse speakers, behind-the-senses footage, or short personal video messages from team members. Use conversational language. Humanising the host makes the experience feel warmer, more authentic, and more trustworthy.

5.      Keep it Short, Smart and Surprising

Attention spans are shorter online. Plan for shorter sessions, insert surprise elements and keep things dynamic. Break long events into smaller modules people can engage with on their own time.

Coral Communications’ International Women’s Month Webinar

This past March, Coral Communications hosted a global International Women’s Month webinar featuring inspiring women leaders from across industries and continents. Instead of sticking to a rigid format. We:

·         Started with a powerful personal keynote

·         Used audience driven questions to shape the conversation

·         Encouraged speakers to share photos on social media, creating a global digital support

This resulted in high engagement. We received heartfelt messages from participants who felt truly seen and heard. That is the power of designing for humans and not just screens.

The future of Virtual is Human

Virtual events don’t have to be forgettable. When we lead with empathy, creativity, and a clear intention to connect – not just present – we create digital moments that resonate long after the screen goes dark.

So, as you plan your next webinar, hybrid summit, or virtual meetup, ask yourself: Does this feel human?

If you are looking to craft an experience that truly connects, collaborate with us. Let’s make virtual events feel alive again.

Let us help you do that.

Contact Us to find out how.