5 Tips to Boost Attendance for Your Virtual Events in 2025
Would you show up for this purple cork pizza-making experience?
Virtual events are more popular than ever, and based on the results of purple cork’s annual State of Marketing Events survey, 2025 looks to continue the trend. In fact, only 14% of respondents are planning to decrease the number of virtual events they execute in 2025. Because a common challenge we hear from our clients is event attendance, in this survey we asked our event and marketing professionals to share insights into how they successfully drive people to show up on event day. Here are five tips, directly inspired by their real-world experiences, to help you increase participation at your virtual events.
1. Make It Personal and Relevant
One of the most common tips from event planners is to focus on personalization. One respondent noted, "Make it personal! Understand what is compelling to your audience." This means curating content that speaks directly to the attendees’ needs, whether they're prospects or customers. Virtual events should not be one-size-fits-all—tailoring your content to address specific pain points or interests makes it more attractive to your audience.
Another planner suggested focusing on "enticing product mixes and actionable information." By offering solutions that are immediately relevant and applicable, you're more likely to draw interest from busy professionals looking to maximize their time.
2. Promote Early and Frequently
The survey showed a consistent trend: effective promotion is key. One respondent emphasized the importance of "multiple reminders!" to keep the event top of mind for potential attendees. In today’s fast-paced world, people often forget about events even after they register, so it’s essential to send reminders consistently as the event approaches.
Additionally, one planner highlighted using LinkedIn InMail as an effective promotional tool, helping to reach a broader professional audience. Leveraging multiple platforms (social media, email campaigns, and direct messages) will ensure you capture attention from different corners of your target market.
3. Build a Sense of Community
Virtual events are more engaging when they don’t feel like a one-way street. One savvy respondent suggested, "Drive the 'community' aspect of the meeting, rather than making it just about the content." Creating opportunities for attendees to interact, whether through breakout rooms, live discussions, or virtual networking lounges, can significantly boost attendance.
Another planner advised, "Social proof your event – share who else is attending." People are more likely to sign up for an event when they see peers, industry leaders, or relevant influencers on the attendee list. By highlighting key attendees, you can create a sense of excitement and credibility around the event.
And, of course, who you pick to speak is important. One respondent recommends, “a quality guest speaker on a hot topic,” as a way to drive attendance.
4. Add Interactive and Fun Elements
Adding engaging features to your event can make a big difference in attendance. Respondents mentioned interactive sessions as a key draw, with one noting, "Continuing education and interactive sessions" as their top tip. This includes live polls, Q&A sessions, or even hands-on workshops that encourage participation, helping attendees feel like they're part of the conversation.
Another lighthearted but effective suggestion was to include a fun element, like alcohol: "Alcohol. :)" Whether it’s a virtual wine tasting or a happy hour, incorporating wine, whisky or cocktails into your event gives attendees an extra reason to join and stay engaged. But don’t limit yourself to alcohol. Food tastings, mocktails, and cooking classes are great excuses to bring people together.
5. Offer Incentives and Rewards
Many respondents recommended offering something tangible to entice people to attend. Whether it’s a product sample or exclusive content, an incentive can tip the scales in your favor. One event planner kept it simple with "Free takeaway," while another suggested using gifts as part of the strategy: "Add gift."
Of course, purple cork takes the work out of sending products for the tasting events we execute, allowing clients to focus on the event strategy and content. When you get a product in the mail that you’re excited to taste with the winemaker or distiller, for example, you’re more likely to show up for the event.
Beyond the tasting itself, incentives don’t need to be extravagant—a small reward can go a long way in getting people to sign up and show up. You can offer something related to your product or service, such as a discount or exclusive access to content, and you’ll create an added layer of value for attendees.
Conclusion
Driving attendance to virtual events in 2025 will require a mix of personalization, strategic promotion, and engaging experiences. As our survey responses show, understanding your audience and creating a sense of community, while offering the right mix of incentives and interactive features, can significantly increase participation.
By incorporating these proven tips from industry experts, you can create a more compelling virtual event experience that draws a crowd and leaves attendees eager for more. Looking for help with your next virtual event? Reach out to purple cork to see how our event experiences help build relationships and close deals.
