There’s a rule of thumb in the events and exhibitions industry: you have about three seconds to catch the eye of someone walking past your booth at a live event. Those three seconds decide whether your event succeeds. In a virtual setting, though, you don’t just get one shot at those three seconds — you have to earn attention again and again throughout the event.
The past couple of years have completely reshaped the events industry by pushing everything online. It’s time to embrace that shift. Online platforms can be full of distractions, but they can also be a powerful source of engagement — much like watching a film or a TV series. So why not borrow Hollywood’s playbook to build a virtual event that wows its audience?
Using a Hollywood Approach to Arrange a Movie-Like Storytelling Virtual Event
It might come as a surprise, but studies show the average attention span of someone sitting in front of a screen is only about eight seconds before they start looking for something else to focus on. The key is to make those first moments count enough to keep them watching.
Below are some core principles borrowed from how Hollywood plans its productions. Whether you’re hosting a small virtual meetup or a large virtual gala or concert, these techniques will help your event capture attention — and hold onto it.
1. Plot — Beginning, Middle, End
Just as a film producer carefully plans the script before directing the crew and cast, a good event organizer understands why it’s essential to communicate with the audience well before the event itself.
When it comes to virtual events, you need to engage your audience long before the event begins. Plot your event step by step so the audience can anticipate what’s coming next. Keep it interesting.
Consider the full arc of your event and ask yourself:
- What’s the story I want to tell my audience through this event?
- Why would a guest want to stay for the whole thing?
- Does my story have a clear beginning, middle, and end?
Keep in mind that a film would never open with someone reading off a piece of paper while seated at a table. Since virtual events are still a relatively new format, it’s worth consulting an experienced event planning company for detailed guidance on structuring one well.
2. Production Value
In virtual events, you can’t win the viewer’s attention and engagement through plot alone. How you visually communicate matters just as much. Static noise and a flashlight held under someone’s chin might work for a horror-movie gag, but it won’t do your event any favors — so choose the right platform and setup for your needs.
For larger events, consider recording on a proper set; for smaller ones, a solid videoconferencing app like Zoom can work well. Make sure your lighting and audio equipment are up to the task of delivering your message clearly. Remember, everything the audience sees matters — choose every element carefully, including backdrops and outfits, just as you would for a film production.
3. Careful Casting of Characters
Hire an experienced moderator or host who can keep people engaged throughout the event. Avoid virtual fatigue by bringing in someone skilled at holding an audience’s attention rather than a stiff, corporate-sounding presenter people will tune out. An experienced event company understands the importance of the right speaker and can help you find hosts who keep the atmosphere lively.
4. Plot Twists and an Element of Surprise
Surprise is a key ingredient in storytelling — doing something unexpected. Think of the moment in The Empire Strikes Back when Darth Vader reveals to Luke, “I am your father.” People love plot twists and unexpected turns.
To bring this into your event, consider adding an unannounced performance or a surprise guest appearance. To get the most out of it, build anticipation and buzz around the event well ahead of time.
5. Keep Your Guests Entertained
Andrew Stanton of Pixar has said storytelling is a lot like telling a joke — the best jokes and the best stories both rely on the same ingredients: tension, surprise, and the unexpected. Humor is one of the strongest tools for keeping people engaged.
Everyone enjoys a good laugh. A skilled host knows how to keep an audience on the edge of their seats and create a sense of lightness rather than letting attention drift away.
6. A Dramatic Ending
We’ve all seen films that keep us on the edge of our seats the whole way through, only to end on a flat, unsatisfying note. Every part of your production should build toward a single defining moment — an exclusive announcement, a big reveal, or a surprise performance. Keep your audience wondering what’s coming next by teasing something special still to come.
Think of your event’s closing moments like fireworks at the end of a festival.
Don’t Just Organize Virtual Events — Plot Them
When it comes to virtual events, set your expectations high, and meet them. Plot your event like a Hollywood film, and your audience will love the experience and come back for more. Follow these steps to direct your event just like a movie, and grab your virtual attendees’ attention. Use storytelling techniques to inform your audience and keep them entertained throughout.
Just like binge-watching a great series, your audience will forget they’re staring at a screen and follow your story as if they were sitting in a cinema.
