Engagement is the heartbeat of an event — without it, everything falls flat. Even worse, a dull experience leaves a bad impression. But thanks to awesome innovations in the event planning world, the ways to wow your crowd are boundless. Keep reading to discover 10 fun and interactive activities for events that’ll leave guests amazed.

How do you make an event more interactive?

Interactive activities are fun for attendees and create a memorable experience. Ensuring that your audience has a memorable time also enhances brand growth and awareness.

There are many opportunities to make your event an immersive experience. Here are a few examples:

Of course, we’re just scratching the surface. Later we’ll get into how you can flesh out these ideas and bring them to life.

All you need is a little creativity to get started. Check out the following 10 interactive event ideas to help spark inspiration.

#1: Social photo booths

What’s an event without a legendary photo to commemorate it? Photo booths have become an event staple, and now you can incorporate a social media element. Social photo booths allow guests to share their pictures on social media using a specific event hashtag.

Here are more ways photo booths keep your audience engaged:

#2: Campfire session

Quietly listening to a speaker can have a doze-inducing effect. That’s why many creators are turning their speaking events into campfire sessions. With this format, a facilitator guides the discussion with one or more experts. However, instead of in a conference hall, the discussion takes place outdoors in front of a campfire.

Campfire sessions create a relaxed atmosphere and foster a sense of community. They give a break from structured conferences and let attendees unwind and connect with others in a fun way.

#3: Interactive food and drink stations

Imagine the delight attendees will feel as they discover multiple interactive food and beverage stations dotted throughout your event. From a customizable champagne cocktail bar to a live stir-fry station to a wall of donuts, there are plenty of creative ways to feed your attendees and wow them at the same time.

A few other interactive foods and drink ideas include:

Unlike traditional catering options, interactive food and drink stations give attendees an opportunity to connect with one another. The connections they make can go beyond your event and improve attendee satisfaction.

#4: Cirque show

Thanks to acts like Cirque du Soleil, circus performances have become an art form. More recently, they’ve helped event creators add some mystique to their attendees’ experience.

Hire mimes and magicians to engage your participants on the ground. Then let the eye-popping acts of contortionists, acrobats, and aerial performers give them something to talk about and make it easier to break the ice when networking.

#5: Cover band

Live performances give your attendees an opportunity to get up and groove to the music. If your event is using a decades theme, hire a cover band (or if your budget allows it, the real band). For example, a 70s disco dance party would feature bands covering hits from that decade. Attendees will love being immersed in a throwback to their favorite songs, and the energy will stay high.

Work with the band to develop a setlist that will meet or even exceed everyone’s expectations. And, make sure they’re willing to engage with your audience during the performance.

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#6: Customizable swag stations

Customizable swag refers to items, such as clothing, accessories, and other products, that can be personalized. The idea behind it is to give people something they’ll keep, and customizable gear is unique, memorable, and cherishable.

For example, a caricature artist who captures your attendees’ likeness is more likely to help them remember their experience than a branded t-shirt.

A customizable swag station is a fun and interactive way to create a special item that creates a connection to the event. It’s also an awesome marketing tool for sponsors, allowing them to showcase their logo or brand messaging on the swag items.

#7: Contests

A little friendly competition can liven up your event in no time. Weave the contest into your event for maximum impact.

Here are a few ideas that’ll thrill attendees:

#8: Virtual and augmented reality

In the last few years, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have exploded in popularity. Now, this tech is integrated into nearly every form of entertainment, including events.

Both technologies have become increasingly more affordable and allow attendees to test the limits of their imagination. A virtual skydiving simulator, for example, gives people the experience of skydiving without them leaving your event.

#9: Interactive activities for groups

Incorporating team activities is a great way to keep large crowds entertained. Plus, encouraging people to work together allows them to associate positive feelings with your event.

Check out these interactive games for groups that keep audiences engaged:

While we’re on the topic of team building, discover 13 memorable corporate event ideas that’ll delight clients and employees.

#10: Interactive activities for virtual events

Virtual events tend to lack the dynamics of human interaction, so it’s important to compensate with activities that allow guests to socialize. Activities also add variety to your event and make the experience more enjoyable.

Check out these interactive games and activities to include in your next virtual event:

Keep the virtual fun going with these 15 virtual party ideas.

Offer an unforgettable event experience to attendees

Crafting an memorable experience is exciting, but don’t forget to stay on top of the fundamentals. Ensure nothing falls through the cracks with our complete guide to setting up your event. In it, you’ll learn the ins and outs of organizing a dazzling event. Happy planning!