Virtual team building has come a long way. What started as a quick fix during remote work transitions has evolved into a powerful way to connect teams across locations and time zones. The key is knowing how to make it meaningful, inclusive, and fun.
After hosting thousands of virtual events, we’ve gathered a few lessons that can help you plan an experience your team will actually enjoy, one that sparks laughter, engagement, and a sense of togetherness that lasts long after the screens go dark.
Here’s how to make it happen.
The best virtual team events make sure everyone has a role to play. Look for programs that mix creative, cerebral, and light physical challenges so every type of thinker can contribute.
Inclusivity doesn’t just mean everyone can join. It means designing experiences where all voices matter, whether that’s solving a riddle, answering trivia, or offering a creative idea.
Pro tip: Before booking, ask the provider how their games encourage participation across different personality types and comfort levels. You can even request a few custom questions or challenges to make the event feel connected to your team’s culture and inside jokes.
Nothing derails enthusiasm faster than technical hiccups. A smooth platform setup makes a huge difference. Ideally, your event should be hosted on a single, familiar platform that doesn’t require downloads or logins.
Choose a provider or host who can manage the behind-the-scenes elements, including breakout rooms, screen sharing, and muting, so participants can simply join, relax, and play.
If you’re running the event yourself, do a quick tech rehearsal the day before. Test things like breakout assignments, background music, and chat permissions to ensure everything flows seamlessly.
Pro Tip: Create a short “tech cheat sheet” for attendees. Include how to use mute, camera, and chat features, and share it in advance so everyone feels confident when the event starts.
First impressions matter. The tone you set in the first five minutes determines how engaged people will be for the rest of the event.
Start with upbeat music or a fun visual countdown to signal that this isn’t just another meeting. Then, clearly explain the format and objectives. Encourage cameras on, but keep it low-pressure and remind participants that enthusiasm matters more than perfect lighting.
A brief tutorial on basic platform features, like how to toggle views or use reactions, helps even non-tech-savvy participants feel included.
Pro tip: Build a few minutes of “settle-in” time before jumping into gameplay. It gives people a chance to relax, laugh, and mentally shift gears.
After running countless virtual sessions, we’ve found that breakout groups of around eight people strike the best balance. Smaller groups make it easier for everyone to participate while still keeping the energy high.
If you’re working for a large company, break your participants into smaller teams that mix departments or locations. This encourages fresh connections and helps prevent the event from feeling like a one-way presentation.
For smaller organizations, you can even assign teams intentionally, pairing people who don’t often collaborate or keeping specific groups together for friendly competition.
A little planning goes a long way. Before the event, prepare:
If your company has firewalls or restricted Google access, test all links and tools beforehand. A quick 10-minute trial can save major frustration on game day.
Screenshots, short clips, or even a quick “team photo” moment can turn your event into a lasting memory.
If you’re the organizer, hop between breakout rooms to take candid shots. It’s a great way to capture the laughter and energy your team created. Just remember to ask permission before recording.
A short video recap or shared photo gallery afterward helps reinforce the sense of connection and gives everyone something to smile about later.
The best virtual events don’t end when the screen closes. Afterward, send a short thank-you email with:
This small step reinforces positive team culture and gives you feedback to make your next event even better.
At its core, a great virtual team building event isn’t about competition. It’s about connection. When people laugh, collaborate, and share ideas in a low-stakes environment, they carry that energy back into work.
Research from Harvard Business Review shows that informal social interaction can account for more than half of the positive communication shifts within teams. In other words, a little fun can go a long way.
Whether you’re running your own virtual trivia or partnering with an experienced host, focus on engagement and togetherness over perfection.
Teams that connect regularly perform better. Virtual events don’t have to be elaborate to be effective. Even a short 45-minute activity every quarter can boost morale and strengthen culture.
Mix it up by alternating between competitive games, creative sessions, and collaborative challenges. Keep people guessing and excited about what’s next.
Memorable virtual team building doesn’t happen by accident. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels included, prepared, and connected.
When you focus on simplicity, inclusivity, and energy, your virtual event will do more than entertain. It will strengthen the relationships that make your workplace thrive.
For inspiration, explore team-tested ideas like Survey Showdown or Minutes to Win It. Each one blends collaboration, creativity, and connection into something your team will genuinely enjoy.