With the rise of remote work, virtual offsites have become a popular way for teams to connect, collaborate, and align on goals and strategies. However, planning and hosting a virtual offsite can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to facilitating virtual meetings. This article will offer all the tips and tricks to plan and host a successful virtual offsite event.

1. Define the Objectives and Agenda

Before you start planning the offsite, identify the objectives and agenda. Doing so will help you determine the event’s purpose and what you hope to achieve. What do you want to achieve? What topics do you want to cover? What are the main outcomes you’re aiming for? Make sure you clearly communicate these objectives to all participants so everyone is aligned and knows what to expect.

2. Choose the Right Platform

The outcome of a virtual offsite depends mainly on the platform you choose. Many virtual meeting platforms are available, such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. Pick a platform that is easy to use, reliable, and has the features you need to facilitate the offsite. For example, you may need breakout rooms for group discussions, screen sharing for presentations, and chat features for real-time feedback.

3. Test the Technology

Technology can be unpredictable, so make sure you and your team test the platform and equipment before the offsite. Make sure everyone knows how to use the platform and that their equipment, such as webcams and microphones, is working correctly. If possible, schedule a practice session a few days before the offsite to iron out any technical issues and ensure a smooth experience on the day.

4. Create Engaging Activities

Virtual offsites can be just as engaging as in-person offsites if you plan the right activities. Consider using icebreakers, team-building exercises, and interactive presentations to keep participants engaged and motivated. You could also incorporate gamification elements like quizzes or challenges to make the offsite more fun and interactive.

5. Encourage Participation

Oftentimes, virtual offsites can be challenging for participants who are used to in-person meetings. To keep everyone engaged, encourage participation throughout the offsite. Use polls and surveys to gather feedback, ask open-ended questions to spark discussion, and create opportunities for participants to share their thoughts and ideas.

6. Provide Short Breaks and Intermissions

Just like in-person offsites, virtual offsites can be exhausting and mentally draining. Schedule breaks throughout the day to give everyone a chance to recharge. Encourage participants to step away from their screens and take a walk, stretch, or grab a snack. You can also schedule longer breaks for lunch or dinner to allow participants to fully disconnect and recharge before returning to the offsite.

7. Follow up and Follow Through

After the virtual offsite is over, follow up with participants and provide a summary of the key takeaways and action items. This will help ensure everyone is on the same page and understands what needs to be done moving forward. Assign tasks and deadlines to team members and hold them accountable for completing them.

The Bottomline

Virtual offsites can be as effective as in-person offsites if planned and executed properly. A successful one usually entails careful preparation, effective communication, and a willingness to adapt to the virtual environment. By following these tips and practices, you can create a memorable and engaging virtual offsite that brings your team together and helps you achieve your goals.

Are you planning to integrate online team-building activities into your virtual offsite? BreakoutIQ can help! We offer a variety of hosted virtual team-building activities designed to engage and motivate your remote team. 

Call 415-503-9747 or email us at events@breakoutiq.com for more details.