# Virtual Events COVID-19 has forced brands to become creative with how they hold events. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Apr 13, 2020 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-events ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Virtual Events trend? **Virtual Events:** The lack of events taking place because of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected both brands and consumers' social lives. Alternatives some brands are investing more in are online events--where consumers can view products and experiences, and connect with one-another virtually. ## The consumer insight behind the Virtual Events trend At a time when collective anxiety is high, consumers are looking for any small means of escapism that distracts them from the unusual reality they're currently facing. These consumers are taking up new hobbies, honing different skills, or attending various types of virtual experiences as a means of keep their schedules full, and their minds occupied. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 20 to Apr 13, 2020 - Published: Apr 13, 2020 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Virtual Events trend ### Virtual Events As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt in-person events, brands are investing in virtual events, creating opportunities for collaborative storytelling and the possibility of wider audience reach. ### Virtual Communities Virtual events have the potential to build lasting virtual communities and networks based around niche interests or shared values. ### At-Home Experiences As consumers look for ways to escape and stay occupied during times of social distancing, brands are creating unique at-home experiences that allow consumers to engage with their products and services in new and exciting ways. ## What the Virtual Events trend means for industry ### For Hospitality and Event Planning The hospitality and event planning industry can adapt their business models by offering virtual events to consumers, creating opportunities for increased audience reach and increased engagement through collaborative storytelling. ### For Media and Entertainment The media and entertainment industry can leverage virtual events to provide audiences with at-home entertainment options, leading to new business models and revenue streams. ### For Consumer Goods and Retail Consumer goods and retail brands can create at-home experiences that allow consumers to engage with their products in new and exciting ways, leading to potential increased sales and brand loyalty. ## Workshop question How is your brand creating positive experiences for its customers amidst uncertainty? ## Trend signals for Virtual Events Trend score 5.4 out of 10, from popularity 84%, activity 70%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 84% - Activity: 70% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Virtual Events trend 5 featured examples from Mar 20 to Apr 13, 2020. - [Virtual Whiskey Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-whiskey-show): The Virtual Whiskey Show Supports At-Home Sampling (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Event planning companies can explore incorporating virtual components into their offerings. - [Virtual Cocktail Clubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bo-gin): Boë Gin Debuted a Quarentine-Friendly Cocktail Club for Anyone Over 18 (Category: Social Media) Implication: The alcohol industry can capitalize on the trend towards virtual events by offering virtual tastings, mixology classes, and other experiences. - [Hotel-Branded Virtual Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marriott-international-1): Marriott International Launched Engaging At-Home Experiences (Category: Social Good) Implication: The hospitality industry can explore hosting virtual events and at-home entertainment initiatives to generate revenue and engage with customers during travel restrictions. - [Virtual Pub Quizzes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pub-quiz): Camden Town Brewery is Uniting People by Hosting Events on Social Media (Category: Marketing) Implication: Breweries can host virtual events and offer delivery services to engage with customers and support social distancing measures. - [Virtual Fashion Residencies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-residency): Bottega Veneta Launches a "Theatre of Joyous Distraction" (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Fashion brands can create virtual residencies to promote creativity and engage with their audience during lockdowns. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)