10 Virtual Event Formats Driving Success in 2025

Riddhik Kochhar -

A virtual event is a digitally hosted experience that brings people together using tools like webinars, video conferencing, live streaming, and virtual breakout rooms. These events aim to replicate the engagement and value of in-person gatherings—without anyone needing to leave their home or office.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular types of virtual events that have been delivering significant value to businesses and their audiences. Let’s take a look.

Top 10 Virtual Event Formats That Deliver Results

1. Virtual Conferences & Summits

Virtual conferences have seen a surge in popularity thanks to their cost-effectiveness and global reach. With advanced digital tools for engagement—like live Q&A sessions, polls, and networking lounges—organizers can connect with larger, more diverse audiences. Plus, inviting keynote speakers from around the world becomes easier and more affordable, making these events a smart alternative to traditional in-person gatherings.

2. Online Trade Shows & Exhibitions

At its core, every business wants to boost profits by maximizing leads. But without tapping into a global audience, that potential often goes unrealized. The good news? It’s easier than ever to get it right. Virtual trade shows and exhibitions empower organizers to connect with prospects worldwide. With features like real-time chat, live product demos, interactive webinars, and even integrated e-stores, businesses can generate high-quality leads and move them down the funnel—all within the event platform.

3. Virtual Career Fairs & Job Fairs

Leading companies are no longer limited by geography when it comes to finding top talent. By taking career fairs online, employers can broaden their reach and connect with a more diverse, qualified pool of candidates.

Virtual career fairs offer tools like 1:1 video or audio interviews, interactive job boards, and digital assessment tools—all designed to streamline the hiring process. Beyond recruiting, these events also serve as powerful employer branding opportunities, showcasing company culture to a global audience.

4. Virtual Onboarding Fairs

The success of any business is deeply tied to how well new hires are integrated into the team. That’s why strong onboarding programs are crucial—especially in a remote or hybrid setup. Virtual onboarding fairs give companies the tools to welcome, train, and support new employees no matter where they are. Through interactive webinars, live chats, and digital resource centers, organizations can create an engaging onboarding experience. Bonus: performance can be easily tracked, allowing teams to tweak and improve the process in real time.

5. Virtual University Fairs

Universities play a critical role in shaping student success—and reaching top talent worldwide starts with visibility and accessibility. Virtual university fairs make that possible by bringing global audiences together through smart devices and interactive platforms.

Here’s how different types of virtual university events support students, alumni, and institutions:

  • Virtual Open Days – These events offer prospective students a chance to explore the university, interact with faculty, and fill out lead forms. They can attract up to 3–5x more attendees compared to in-person events.
  • Virtual University Fairs – Ideal for showcasing a university’s infrastructure, academic programs, and culture to a global audience. They help students explore higher education options in a single, accessible format.
  • Virtual Student/Alumni Networking Fairs – These events connect current students with alumni, fostering meaningful conversations and mentorship opportunities through webinars, discussion forums, and live chat.
  • Virtual Job Fairs – Designed to connect students and alumni with top employers, these fairs offer accessible career opportunities and are packed with interactive tools to make job searching easier and more effective.

6. Virtual Benefits Fairs

Virtual benefits fairs offer a convenient and engaging way for employees to explore their benefit options. Instead of HR spending hours answering individual questions, everything is centralized in one interactive platform—complete with webinars, live chat, downloadable resources, and personalized support. This format not only saves time but also empowers employees to make informed decisions about the plans that best suit their needs.

7. Townhalls & Kickoffs

Whether it’s aligning teams around company goals or launching a new initiative, townhalls and kickoff events are key to internal communication. Hosting them virtually helps businesses reach every employee—no matter the location—while keeping engagement high. With features like real-time Q&A, polls, and breakout discussions, virtual townhalls foster transparency, celebrate wins, and set the tone for what’s ahead. Plus, recorded sessions ensure that no one misses out.

8. Workshops and Trainings

Continuous learning is essential—but coordinating in-person sessions across teams and time zones can be tricky. Virtual workshops and training sessions remove those barriers. With tools like screen sharing, interactive whiteboards, breakout rooms, and quizzes, participants stay engaged while developing valuable skills. On-demand access to recordings and resources also ensures learning continues long after the session ends.

9. Product Launches

Launching a product online doesn’t mean compromising on impact. Virtual product launches can generate buzz, attract global media attention, and showcase new offerings through immersive presentations, live demos, and audience interaction. Features like countdown timers, real-time chat, and Q&A with product teams turn passive viewers into active participants—driving excitement and conversions at scale.

10. Networking Lounges

Building relationships is a key part of any event, and virtual networking lounges make that possible—even across continents. These spaces mimic the informal vibe of in-person meetups, offering chat rooms, video calls, themed discussion tables, and AI matchmaking to connect like-minded attendees. Whether it’s for peer-to-peer interaction or expert meet-and-greets, networking lounges help turn events into communities.

Final Thoughts

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, virtual events have proven to be more than just a temporary solution—they're a strategic asset. From product launches and training sessions to career fairs and onboarding, these formats help businesses and institutions engage global audiences, reduce costs, and deliver measurable impact.

With its rich features like interactive video rooms, customizable event spaces, seamless networking tools, and other AI-powered offerings, SpatialChat empowers companies to host a wide range of engaging virtual events that foster collaboration and connection. By embracing the right mix of virtual event types, businesses can stay agile, inclusive, and ahead of the curve in 2025 and beyond.

Ready to elevate your next virtual event? Connect with us today to learn how SpatialChat can transform your event experience.