Here is a list of the best virtual team events to do online.
Virtual team events are group gatherings held on video conference platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. For example, murder mysteries, online wine tasting, and remote game nights. These events aim to help remote teams socialize and foster camaraderie in online offices. These activities are also known as “online team events” and “remote team events.”
These activities are examples of virtual team building ideas, online team socials, and ways to have fun at work with employees. These events also make interesting online team meeting ideas.
This list includes:
- the best virtual team events ideas
- virtual team events with kits
- virtual team events for large groups
- Zoom team events
Let’s get to it!
List of virtual team events
From virtual gameshows to remote meditations, here is a list of engaging virtual event ideas for online teams.
1. Umm True?!
Umm True?! is a fast-paced 60-minute virtual event that puts a fun twist on trivia. Each question has two possible answers. Players must guess correctly to earn points. A host leads the team through three rounds of rapid-fire quiz games on subjects like Forgotten History or Weird Laws and Regulations. Beyond learning fun facts to pull out at parties, team members also learn about each other.
Learn more about Umm True?!
2. Espionage
Espionage is a thrilling game that involves people-reading, problem-solving, and staying calm under pressure. In this 90-minute online event, teammates assume the roles of spies-in-training on a mission to save the world. However, double agents have infiltrated the group and seek to sabotage the team’s efforts. By participating in a series of mini-games, players move forward with the mission while trying to root out the moles. Throughout the game, a host issues challenges and hints and deploys James-Bond-worthy spy-themed special effects.
Learn more about Espionage.
3. Murder in Ancient Egypt
Murder in Ancient Egypt is a 90-minute online murder mystery that incorporates real history. A knowledgeable and energetic host switches between storytelling and clue-giving to test whether teams can crack the case and identify the correct killer in a real-life crime tale from centuries past. Teams will share suspicions, solve puzzles, and talk through theories in breakout rooms, competing to be the quickest and most correct group of detectives.
This virtual murder mystery game series also comes in prohibition-era and Elizabethan-era storyline versions.
Learn more about Murder in Ancient Egypt.
4. War of the Wizards
War of the Wizards is one of the most engaging hosted virtual team events. This hour-and-a-half online roleplaying game challenges teams to use strategy and imagination to concoct a collaborative story. Each team plays as a group of wizard’s minions who casts spells and battles obstacles to trek across a fantasy landscape and vanquish an evil wizard bent on destroying the world. A host gives teams prompts and challenges that help players unleash their full creativity and inner silliness. Teams practice group decision-making skills and teamwork while having a ridiculously-fun time with remote coworkers.
Learn more about War of the Wizards.
5. Art Heist: The Vanishing Van Gogh
Art Heist is an online murder mystery minus the murder. In this 90-minute online group game, players assume the roles of investigators tracking down a painting thief and missing masterpiece. Participants band together with teammates to solve puzzles and compete for clues against other teams. A host moves the story along, gives hints, explains challenges, and unveils the answers while encouraging communication and collaboration between coworkers.
Learn more about Art Heist.
6. Online Office Games
Online Office Games is one of the most popular hosted virtual team events. This hosted online competition is a virtual version of Office Olympics. In this 90-minute competition, teams face off in Zoom challenges like trivia and “Can You Hear Me Now?” These icebreaker games give online employees the chance to break the ice with remote teammates, show their abilities, have a good time with coworkers, and win ultimate bragging rights. The games are collaborative and competitive and do not require special skills, enabling all employees to participate and enjoy the activities.
Learn more about Online Office Games.
7. Superhero Academy
Superhero Academy is a 90-minute online adventure for teams. In this competition, employees take on superhero personalities and flex their skills to battle through themed challenges and mini-games. To add to the excitement, a few teams are supervillains in disguise, and the heroes must root out these imposters to successfully save the world. This event is energetic and emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and communication.
Learn more about Superhero Academy.
8. tiny campfire
tiny campfire is one of the most unique paid virtual team events. This 90-minute Zoom event is an online bonfire that includes historic ghost stories and engaging camp-style games led by an enthusiastic guide. The experience aims to bring virtual fun and bonding to remote teams. Best of all, attendees receive gourmet s’mores kits with premium craft chocolate, fancy marshmallows, and candles for roasting.
Learn more about tiny campfire.
9. Ghost Hunt in the Haunted Mansion
Ghost Hunt in the Haunted Mansion is an online escape room that harnesses the spirit of paranormal investigating. In this hour and a half host-led event, guests virtually tour the famous Winchester Mansion. Teammates work together to solve puzzles and riddles to escape the haunted house within the time limit. The game is full of spooky fun and fascinating facts and is playable year-round, including Halloween.
Learn more about Ghost Hunt in the Haunted Mansion.
10. Ultimate Game Show
Ultimate Game Show is a fast-paced, competitive showdown for remote teams. For 90 minutes, teams go head to head in Zoom mini-games inspired by classic game shows. A host keeps energy high and keeps score. Whether competing for real prizes or bragging rights, high-performing teams will enjoy the friendly rivalry and fun atmosphere. This experience works well for hybrid and virtual teams and is an engaging way for coworkers to spend time together online.
Learn more about Ultimate Game Show.
11. Cocktail Shake-Up
Cocktail Shake-Up is the ultimate virtual happy hour for teams. During this 90-minute Zoom event, a remote bartender teaches team members how to mix themed cocktails and leads attendees in small and large group online icebreakers. This experience is equal parts social, relaxing, and hands-on, and is an ideal way for virtual teammates to make connections.
Learn more about Cocktail Shake-Up.
12. Virtual Team Trivia
Virtual Team Trivia is one of the most popular virtual work team events. Each game takes place on Zoom and lasts for 60 minutes. A host leads teams through multiple rounds of trivia in various formats in both breakout rooms and the central main room. The game comes in many versions, such as general, international, and sea & space, and there are seasonal iterations for events like Black History Month, Pride, and Halloween. This activity is quick, straightforward, and engaging, and works fantastically as a repeat team building event.
Learn more about Virtual Team Trivia.
13. Gingerbread Wars
Gingerbread Wars is one of the best holiday virtual team events. In this festive 90-minute Zoom event, teammates get creative and competitive. Attendees receive a gingerbread cookie decorating kit in the days leading up to the event. During the call, a host issues various challenges that prompt innovative decorating. The most entertaining and imaginative creations win points for the team each round. Although somewhat competitive, this event is cheerful and inclusive and makes a fantastic way for virtual teams to get into the holiday spirit.
Learn more about Gingerbread Wars.
14. Zoom Coffee Tasting
Zoom coffee tasting experiences are both practical and fun. Hardworking employees often run on caffeine, and this event allows team members to come together, sample new blends, and learn more about their favorite work drink. The easiest way to do an online coffee tasting is to book with a barista or an event company that will ship participants samplers. However, you can also do a DIY or BYOB event and have participants bring coffee to the call. During these experiences, teammates learn how best to brew and enjoy a cup of joe and learn more about how coffee grows and its fascinating history and culture.
Learn more about virtual coffee tasting experiences.
15. Online Tea Tasting
Online tea tasting experiences make zen virtual team events. These experiences are ideal for folks who abstain from alcohol or caffeine. During these gatherings, team members come together to learn how to steep and sip teas from around the world. In addition, these Zoom events often include mindfulness exercises like meditation, and the relaxing atmosphere is a perfect way to relax after a stressful or hectic season at work.
Learn more about online tea tasting.
16. Remote Talent Shows
Remote talent shows allow teammates to showcase non-work skills. These events can bring great entertainment and joy to online offices and can be excellent ways for remote colleagues to get to know each other on a more human level. To organize a show, announce the event at least a few weeks in advance. Then, call for acts, and encourage employees to team up with coworkers for group acts. Once you have performers, determine a lineup. Then, create a meeting link and gather on the platform at showtime. Be sure to spotlight each performer during their act so that they appear large and center screen. Next, you can recruit a panel of judges to decide a winner, ask the audience to vote, or host a non-competitive event and simply enjoy each others’ talents.
Pro tip: Consider hosting a show of strange skills to allow non-traditional talents to shine. For example, singing spontaneously in Pig Latin, making shadow puppets, or reciting Pi to one hundred digits.
Learn more about remote talent shows.
17. Online Award Shows
Without intentionality, work can get overlooked in online offices. Many remote team members are unaware of what their coworkers do, never mind teammates’ accomplishments. Online award shows are a way to shed light on achievements and dole out virtual employee recognition. These events are a way to shine a spotlight on the stars among your staff and give above-and-beyond employees visibility within the organization. To organize the awards, first come up with categories. Next, devise a way to nominate and pick the honorees, either by judges’ panel, crowdsourced voting, or a combination of these two methods. Then, decide the prizes. For example, you can email winners certificates and e-gift cards or mail trophies to their houses. Finally, make a slideshow with the categories, nominees, and winners, and do the presentation during the awards meetings.
Online award shows do not have to be serious. You are welcome to create lighthearted and playful categories to foster inside jokes and a sense of fun among the team.
Learn more about online award shows.
18. Virtual Chocolate Tasting
Virtual chocolate tasting is one of the most popular paid virtual team events. Often led by a chef or chocolatier, these experiences give remote team members the chance to try different kinds of chocolate. Some classes pair chocolate with wine, while others teach teammates to make truffles or bars. These events let virtual participants indulge in sweet treats while interacting with peers. Plus, the love of chocolate can be an influential uniting factor.
Learn more about virtual chocolate tasting experiences.
19. Zoom Beer Tasting
Beer tasting is a great Zoom team event that gives team members the chance to sip craft beer together and learn about the brewing process. This experience is a popular choice for online happy hours, as attendees can expand their horizons while sharing a drink. Some brewers or event facilitators will ship kits with samples to attendees, depending on alcohol shipping regulations in the state or country. Other experiences are BYOB and give guests shopping lists of brands or beer types to buy. These classes teach teammates the history and culture of beer and increase appreciation for the beverage.
Learn more about Zoom beer tasting.
20. Online Wine Tasting
Online wine tasting provides the fun of winery tours without travel or transportation concerns. Many facilitated online wine tours will ship samples for teammates to sip during the experience if shipping laws allow. You can also bring your own wine or watch while an experienced vintner or sommelier explains how to choose a wine and best enjoy a glass. Many companies opt to include a branded wine glass as a memento of this Zoom event.
Learn more about online wine tasting.
21. Virtual Alcohol Tasting Classes
Virtual alcohol tasting classes allow attendees to sample different spirits such as vodka, whiskey, and tequila. Teammates can learn tips, best practices, and background from a distiller or bartender while sipping strong liquours from the comfort of home. Many of these events are BYOB due to mailing regulations. However, some providers can ship assortments of alcohol. You can also run a DIY alcohol tasting and reimburse participants for the cost of buying mini bottles. We recommend trying less common drinks like limoncello or soju in addition to standards like vodka and whiskey.
Learn more about virtual alcohol tasting experiences.
22. Remote Mixology Classes
Remote mixology classes are popular remote team get-together ideas. These experiences put a hands-on spin on Zoom happy hours by teaching attendees how to mix up craft cocktails. Many folks like to learn these skills directly from experienced bartenders. Often, these experiences include kits with dry ingredients and occasionally alcohol to make the drinks. These events are relaxing yet active and strike a balance between socializing, learning, and doing.
Learn more about remote mixology classes.
23. Zoom Group Fitness Classes
Zoom group fitness classes offset the effects of sedentary remote lifestyles. These workout sessions provide the accountability many folks need to move when working from home. To set up a class, first, poll your team to determine the preferred exercise styles and duration of the class. Next, find an instructor to lead the workout. Then, send interested attendees a link to a Zoom meeting, spotlight your workout guru, and get sweating! Exercise classes can be as short as ten minutes, and you can hold these experiences regularly.
Learn more about Zoom group fitness classes.
24. Virtual Team Coworking Hours
Virtual team coworking hours give face-to-face time to teammates who often only interact from behind a screen. These online events are excellent ways to build camaraderie in remote workplaces. Simply schedule an hour once a month where the entire team can gather on Zoom and work together. Depending on the nature of the work and team members’ personalities, you can make these meetings silent study-hall sessions or allow attendees to chat, brainstorm, and collaborate.
This experience gives remote team members the sense of working together and being a part of a larger team and organization. Telecommuters tend to spend significant time working solo and often crave more interaction, and these events can establish a great sense of community and camaraderie.
25. Online Movie-Watching Parties
Online movie-watching parties are one of the most low-maintenance virtual work team events. To plan the party, designate a time and date to stream a film, and send teammates an invitation with a Zoom link. Then, have the host play the film and share their screen or sync the video with an app like Teleparty. To make the activity more team-friendly, encourage participants to come off of mute to comment or interact in the chat. You can periodically pause the film to play games like trivia. Feel free to invite employees’ families to join the fun as well.
Pro tip: For a more memorable experience, give attendees a stipend to buy a meal, snack, or drink to enjoy during the show. Or, send guests boxes of movie snacks like popcorn and candy along with company swag.
Check out this list of feel-good team-centric movies.
26. Remote Cooking Classes
Remote cooking classes are one of the best global virtual team events. Employees worldwide can teach teammates about their cultures and local cuisines by leading an interactive online cooking demonstration. Or, you can book a chef to demonstrate professional cooking methods.
With either approach, be sure to send participants boxes or shopping lists of ingredients before the call, along with instructions on any pre-class steps. Then, put the chef center screen while they lead the recipe using the spotlight feature. Participants can watch the demonstration or cook along. It helps to stop periodically to check for questions.
This event can also segue into a team dinner.
Learn more about online group cooking classes.
27. Team Lunch or Dinner
Remote meals are one of the most common virtual team events. These activities are easy to coordinate and popular since most folks love food. It is customary for the employer to cover the cost of takeout, delivery, or meal ingredients for these events. However, you could also have attendees bring their own dishes to hold these events on a more regular and informal basis. Simply have team members ready meals before the call, then gather on Zoom to eat and chat together. The main rule for these socials is to avoid work talk and focus on getting to know each other on a personal level. You could even give meals themes and have teammates order the same type of cuisine. This touch will help the event feel more cohesive and give the sensation of a shared experience even if team members are not dining at the same restaurant.
Check out this guide to remote team lunches and how to do a virtual team dinner.
28. Online Group Game Night
Game nights make great team building ideas. Even if you and your staff cannot gather around a table to shuffle cards or roll dice, you can schedule an online group game night. Simply get together on Zoom and play online versions of popular card games, board games, and party games. You can have participants play in teams or compete individually and can play just for fun or for points and prizes. These activities make great online team outings because their task-focused nature makes it easier for shier teammates to participate and interact with peers. Not to mention, board games are familiar and beloved by many, and these pastimes can help distanced colleagues find common ground.
Here are lists of online board games and virtual party games.
29. Remote Mindfulness Sessions
Virtual employees are prone to overwork and feelings of isolation. Remote mindfulness sessions can help offset the adverse effects of working from home. You and your team can gather on a video call for guided meditation, focus and gratitude exercises, mental health tips, and much-needed human interaction. Feel free to sip tea and make art or color while talking through these topics.
Check out more virtual employee wellness ideas.
30. Zoom Hangout
Teams do not have to have a reason to get together online. Instead of planning structured activities, you can schedule an ongoing monthly Zoom hangout where team members from different departments pop in to meet and casually banter with coworkers. Attendees are welcome to play games, introduce teammates to pets or family members, share news or photos, or chat. Since these events are easy to plan and optional, you can hold the gatherings at a moment’s notice and have as many hangouts as the schedule or team’s interest allows.
Final Thoughts
Virtual team events have many benefits. These gatherings are often more cost-effective, easier to plan, and less logistical than in-person events. Employees can attend these events from the comfort of their own homes, and these gatherings can accommodate much larger audiences than in-person venues. Breakout rooms can recreate the small group experience and encourage interaction, and kits and care packages add tangible elements.
Virtual team events break up the monotony of the workweek and allow distanced team members to interact and socialize. With careful planning and execution, these events can be just as fun and engaging as physical meetups and memorable for attendees.
Next, check out Zoom team building activities, virtual team building ideas for large groups, and fun virtual meeting games.
We also have a virtual event company directory.
Angela Robinson