Why Personalised Virtual Events Are More Important Than Ever

TLDR: As audiences increasingly expect personalised experiences, virtual events have evolved to be just as engaging as in-person ones. By using technology to tailor activities, boost interaction and create meaningful connection, bespoke virtual experiences - such as those delivered by Big Smoke Events - prove that online celebrations and team events can be memorable, impactful and genuinely human.

The continual progress of technology has transformed how we experience content. From Spotify playlists to Netflix recommendations, we’ve become accustomed to experiences tailored to our personal preferences and behaviours – and the events industry is no exception.

As many events companies have pivoted online, they’ve quickly become fluent in using digital platforms, apps and tools that make personalisation seamless and impactful. The result is a new generation of virtual events that can achieve the same – and in some cases greater – levels of engagement as traditional in-person experiences.

Personalisation Is What People Expect

Recently, we ran an Instagram poll to understand how important personalisation is when it comes to events. The response was a resounding yes – with the vast majority of our audience favouring bespoke experiences.

This doesn’t come as a surprise. As technology advances, expectations rise. People no longer want generic, one-size-fits-all events. They want experiences that feel relevant, thoughtful and tailored to them. Personalisation boosts engagement, encourages participation and ultimately adds real value to any celebration or team activity.

Celebrating in a Virtual World

While many people have felt disappointed by postponed or cancelled celebrations due to global health restrictions, the events industry has adapted rapidly – offering creative and flexible virtual alternatives.

Today, there’s a wide range of remote-friendly events available, many of which can be customised to suit a specific person, theme or organisation. Even during uncertain times, there’s no reason milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings or team achievements should go uncelebrated.

If recent months have taught us anything, it’s that while a Zoom or Teams call can’t replace face-to-face interaction, it can keep people connected, engaged and emotionally close.

Creating Connection Through Virtual Activity

Ice-breaking activities are particularly effective in virtual settings. Experiences such as personalised quizzes or interactive challenges help people relax, spark conversation and feel involved – rather than passively watching a screen.

These moments of interaction create genuine bonding experiences, especially for remote teams who may not have the opportunity to connect in person.

Bespoke Virtual Events with Big Smoke Events

At The Big Smoke Events, we’ve fully embraced the virtual space, expanding our offering to deliver a wide range of fully bespoke online experiences.

From Virtual Scavenger Hunts and personalised quizzes to energetic Ping Pong Challenge Shows, our events are designed to cater to different teams, personalities and occasions. Whether you’re planning a corporate celebration, team-building session or private event, every experience is tailored with care and creativity.

We believe personalisation isn’t an added extra – it’s what turns a virtual event into a memorable one.

👉 Explore our virtual event offerings here and see how we can help you create an experience that truly connects your team

About the Author: Francesca Hubbard

Founder, creative force, and the heart behind our people-first culture. Fran built Big Smoke from a weekend hobby into 2,000+ events through warmth, detail, and genuine fun.