28 September 2023

18 Interactive Conference Ideas to Engage Your Audience in 2023

In the world of conferences, engagement is key. A successful conference is one where attendees are actively participating, networking, and learning. To make your 2023 conference a standout event, it’s essential to plan interactive conference activities that captivate your audience. In this blog, we’ll explore a range of interactive ideas for conferences designed to keep your attendees engaged and excited throughout the event. 

Interactive Ideas For Conferences

1. Icebreaker Sessions & Networking Opportunities

Kickstart your conference with icebreaker activities to encourage networking and break the ice among attendees. Speed networking, group challenges, or even a fun quiz related to your conference theme can get people talking and forming connections. Use networking apps or platforms to facilitate connections between attendees based on their interests and profiles.

2. Technology-driven Engagement

Utilise technology to your advantage with interactive conference session ideas. Consider live polling, audience response systems, or dedicated conference apps that allow attendees to ask questions, provide feedback, and interact with speakers in real time. Consider live streaming or recording sessions for virtual attendees, allowing them to engage with the content remotely. Make sure to read our blog about how tech can affect your conference here.

3. Gamification

Turn your conference into a game by incorporating gamification elements like quizzes or challenges related to the conference theme. Create a leaderboard to recognise the most engaged attendees, offer prizes for participation, or design a conference-wide scavenger hunt that encourages exploration. You can even create a conference app with gamified features, where attendees can earn points for engaging in various activities. 

4. Interactive Workshops and Demos

Organise workshops where attendees can roll up their sleeves and actively engage with the content. Whether it’s a hands-on demonstration, a brainstorming session, or a skill-building workshop, these sessions provide valuable learning experiences and serve as excellent interactive ideas for conferences. They also provide opportunities for attendees to practice new skills or techniques learned during these sessions.

5. Q&A and Discussion Panels with a Twist

Transform traditional panel discussions into interactive forums. Encourage audience participation by allowing attendees to submit questions in advance or during sessions. Consider hosting live Q&A sessions with speakers, where attendees can engage in real-time discussions. Encourage debate and audience participation, making attendees feel like a part of the conversation.

6. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences

If your budget allows, consider incorporating VR or AR experiences into your conference planning for immersive experiences. Virtual tours, immersive presentations, or interactive demos can make your event unforgettable.

7. Speed Mentoring Sessions

Offer attendees the opportunity to engage in one-on-one or small group mentoring sessions with industry experts. These intensive interaction activity ideas can provide invaluable insights and create memorable experiences.

8. Brainstorming Sessions

Pose thought-provoking questions or challenges to your audience and facilitate brainstorming sessions. Encourage attendees to share their ideas and solutions, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

9. Live Entertainment

Break up the conference agenda with live entertainment, such as musical performances, magic shows, or motivational speakers. These interludes can provide a refreshing change of pace, serving as exciting interactive conference ideas to engage your audience.

10. Audience Engagement Tools

Use social media platforms, event-specific hashtags, and dedicated event apps to encourage attendees to share their experiences and insights. You can set up live social media walls or displays to showcase attendee-generated content.

11. Interactive Exhibits and Booths

Create interactive exhibition spaces where attendees can engage with products, services, and innovations relevant to your conference theme. Include demonstrations, simulations, and hands-on experiences.

12. Roundtable Discussions

Host small-group roundtable discussions led by experts in various fields. These intimate sessions allow for in-depth conversations and networking opportunities.

13. Storytelling Sessions

Invite keynote speakers to share personal and professional stories that resonate with your audience. Stories have the power to captivate, inspire, and engage attendees on a deep level.

14. Artistic and Creative Activities

Incorporate artistic elements like painting, photography, or creative writing workshops that align with your conference theme. These activities can provide a unique and immersive experience. This is one of our favourite interactive conference session ideas, that we know your attendees will love.

15. Collaborative Problem-Solving

Challenge attendees to work together on real-world problems relevant to your conference theme. Encourage them to devise solutions and present their findings. You can organise group activities like brainstorming sessions, hackathons, or problem-solving challenges that encourage collaboration. It might be worth creating teams or groups within the conference to foster teamwork and shared learning experiences.

16. Interactive Surveys and Feedback Sessions

Collect input and feedback from attendees throughout the conference. Use surveys, live polls, and feedback sessions to make real-time adjustments during the conference and improve the event.

17. Personalisation

Tailor content and recommendations based on attendee preferences and profiles. Offer personalised schedules or session suggestions to enhance the attendee experience.

18. Post-Conference Engagement

Extend the interactive experience beyond the conference by offering resources, follow-up webinars, and networking opportunities. Create online discussion forums or communities for ongoing engagement and knowledge sharing.

Event Legacy is key to continuing the success of your event. One of the best ways to do this is to continue the sentiment of your large event on a smaller scale in more local areas. This will continue the sentiment felt in your large event, whilst also allowing more people to join in on a micro scale. One example could be the Women’s Euros when England made it to the final. This was a large event on a macro scale that brought with it a huge amount of emotion. To continue the event legacy of this, local events could be set up at football stadiums that are days to introduce girls to football. A safe space for only girls to have a taste of this experience across the country is an excellent example of event legacy.

Yarnfield Park is one of five venues that are part of The Venues Collection, part of the Lime Venue Portfolio. Our venues are an excellent way to achieve continued event legacy with our wide range of venues spread across the UK in local areas. We can discuss using multiple venues across the country or if you’re looking to target a specific area, we have a number of venues within the collection that could be perfect!

Interested in learning about what to look for in a conference venue? Read our blog. 

Conclusion

A successful conference isn’t just about information sharing; it’s about creating memorable experiences that keep attendees engaged and eager to return. By incorporating these interactive ideas for conferences into your 2023 event, you can ensure that your conference is a dynamic and engaging experience for all attendees, whether they are participating in person or virtually. Remember to adapt these ideas to suit your conference’s specific goals, audience, and theme for the best results. So, go ahead and plan for an unforgettable conference that leaves a lasting impression on your audience!