Top Virtual Event Mistakes and How to Prevent Them

The digital age has changed how we connect, collaborate, and engage audiences. A virtual event is any gathering that takes place online rather than in a physical location. It could be a webinar, a product launch, a conference, or even a team- building session, basically any event that brings people together using digital tools and platforms. As remote work and global audiences become the norm, virtual events have become a go-to strategy for companies looking to connect, inform, and engage no matter where their audience is located. There are agencies that help provide a seamless event. However, even the pros slip up.

To help you avoid those bumps in the road, we’ve rounded up a few common mistakes that can throw off even the most well-intentioned online gathering along with solutions. Whether you’re hosting a simple webinar or managing a full-blown hybrid event, these tips will help keep things on track and your audience engaged. As smart virtual event planning starts here.

1. Choosing the Wrong Platform

   The Mistake:

   Choosing a random platform without any research can lead to choosing the wrong platform for the event. As not all platforms are created equally, and they cannot be used for all types of events. Choosing platforms that do not fit the type or scale of your event can lead to confusion, missing features, or tech glitches that can be frustrating for your team and your attendees.

   
   

   Solution:

   Usually, people mess up the foundation of the whole event by choosing the wrong fit of platform for their actual needs. Choosing a platform that provides more than a live stream offering Q&A, breakout rooms, and other useful analytics. These tools can make a big difference in how connected and smooth your event feels.

   For more information on choosing the best virtual event platform for your needs, check out our curated shortlist: Best Virtual Event Platforms to Power Your Next Online Experience.




2. Technical Glitches

   The Mistake:

   Have you ever noticed how choppy audio, frozen screens, and slides that refuse to load ruin the mood? But during a live virtual event, they can quickly frustrate attendees, throw off your flow, and make your brand look unprepared.

   
   

   Solution:

   One of the best strategies for successful virtual conferences is rigorous tech rehearsal. Run several dry runs with all speakers. Partner with a virtual meeting service provider or virtual conference service that offers technical support before, during, and after the event. If you’re wondering how to avoid technical issues in online events, start with a strong tech support team.




3. Low Attendee Engagement

   The Mistake:

   If your audience is just sitting there watching, you're missing the point and the payoff. Passive viewers don’t interact, don’t convert, and definitely don’t stick around.

   
   

   How to Fix It:

   Bake engagement right into your event plan. Don’t just talk to people, get them involved. Try live polls, chat rooms, mini-games, breakout sessions, or even quick contests. A good platform will have these tools built in. These are some of the best tips for improving virtual event participation. Also, think beyond the event itself, calendar invites, real-time notifications, and post-event follow-ups go a long way in keeping people connected and interested.




4. Skipping Hybrid? Think Again.

   The Mistake:

   A lot of teams still treat hybrid events as an afterthought. And that’s a miss. If you're not planning for both in-person and remote audiences, you're cutting your reach and likely your ROI in half. Expanding your reach through hybrid events can help in massive growth.

   
   

   How to Fix It:

   Shift your mindset: go hybrid-first. Use platforms that can handle both physical and virtual components without a hitch. This way, whether someone’s in the room or on a laptop halfway across the world, they feel equally part of the experience. That’s how you scale and include everyone.




5. Forgetting to Follow Up

   The Mistake:

   Everybody thinks that once there is the thank you slide, everything is done to perfection, and there is nothing more, but you are missing the gold. With no recap, no follow-up email, and no review of what actually worked. When you skip the debrief, you lose valuable insights and miss a big chance to improve your next event.

   
   

   What to Do Instead:

   After the last thank you slide, everything is not yet done. There is a golden chance that you might lose. Choose a platform that gives you the data: who attended, how long they stayed, which sessions they clicked, and where your strongest leads came from. Use that info to tweak your strategy, boost engagement next time, and show real results to your team.

   
   

   Wrapping It Up: Set Your Virtual Event Up for Success

   With a little prep, the right tools, and a clear plan, your virtual corporate events can be just as impactful as in-person ones. And you don’t have to do it all on your own.

   At 24 Frames Digital, we help take the pressure off your shoulders from tech setup to engagement strategies so your team can focus on what matters most: connecting with your audience. Whether it's a product launch, an internal annual meet, or a live stream, we’re here to make your virtual event planning smooth, creative, and completely stress-free.

   So, let’s connect for seamless planning and execution. Reach out to 24 Frames Digital today.