Welcome back for part II of how to take virtual & hybrid events to the next level as we learn how to celebrate in place. If you haven’t yet read part I, make sure to start there so you don’t miss anything.

Now that we are caught up, let’s go a bit deeper than providing a professional A/V environment. That’s only one aspect of virtual events, and while it is crucial, it’s important to also remember all those other details that really make events an unique, one of a kind experience for your attendees and clients. We are talking about decor, dancing, party favors, entertainment and more that heighten the 5 senses. These details are especially important when hosting these types of events so all participating can feel truly emerged in the event experience.

Any party is better with live entertainment, and the same goes for virtual events.

AVL Entertainment is a DJ + MC team that goes above and beyond in more ways than one. Not only do they additionally offer talent from dancers to circus performers, but the energy the team brings is always next level. We recently helped a client host her 40th birthday virtually and we had a live stream of DJ Aaron Lamorte doing his thing from 45 miles away and he kept he party going all night long as guests ‘solo’brated from their own homes. We love working with them, knowing they will bring a unique touch to any event, virtual or in person.

East Coast Entertainment works to connect talented acts with clients from all over, and it just so happens they are great at what they do virtually also. Their roster of artists is extensive, offering the latest and greatest in talent from celebrities’ appearances and interviews, to live performances from musicians and comedians. Imagine surprising your guests with a live, private performance from your favorite band when you haven’t been to a concert in months!

If live music or comedy doesn’t fit your personal style, consider a live cooking class or cake decorating. Then, to take it to the next level, have ingredients or desserts delivered directly to each of your guests so they have the full hands on experience.

Clos Du Val may not allow event hosting on site, but you can include them your virtual event by offering one of their tasting packages. Wine can be delivered to guests ahead of time so all can enjoy an exceptional tasting experience without traveling to wine country. Cheers to wine and friendship, everyone!

Similarly, Liquor Lab Live offers live mixology classes to create your very own craft cocktails. They offer private and public events so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.

If you just want the booze without the extra entertainment, consider Cocktail Courier who will delivery everything you need to make select quantities of your favorite cocktails – including the garnish!

We must not forget the finishing touches either, such as decor, party favors, and other eye candy.

There are so many talented Bay Area florists who are continuing to offer their services for home deliveries, and hybrid events. For instance, Fionna Floral recently provided florals for a stunning micro wedding amongst the redwoods. Petite Petal Co. keeps clients homes’ bright and fragrant deliveries of their farm fresh florals, as does our Willow Glen neighbors, Apis Floral.

Take a look at this intimate backyard dinner complete with florals by Apis.

Nicole Ha Designs can provide complete installations, to flower crowns delivered to guests, she does it all with exceptional style and flawless execution.

Party Fiesta has been a pleasure to work with over the years and this continues to be the case today. From large arches and specialty shapes to custom colors or simple arrangements, they can seriously do it all when it comes to balloons. A fun and creative backdrop is a big part of a virtual celebration and balloons can really bring the wow factor.

Snickerdoodle Sweets & Events is another vendor offering goodies to take your virtual event to the next level, and this one is edible. These custom creations of cookies and cakes that are truly an art form themselves, will bring an extra dose of style and sweetness to the event. They even offer individually wrapped cookies that are safe for serving as favors, which you can send to guests ahead of time.

Additionally, we now offer party boxes delivered to guests front doors’! We will work with you to design a completely custom, thoughtfully curated party box to gift to event guests. Get the hybrid party started with festive gifts like a custom tumbler, cocktail ingredients, photo booth props, and matching decor.

Virtual events can be fun, festive, and flawless.

These are just a few of the ways you can take any virtual event to the next level, but if you are still feeling lost after reading parts I and II of this series, let’s get in touch!

We have all likely become a bit more aquatinted with virtual events in the last few months. Maybe you attended a live yoga class via Instagram, or learned something new on a webinar; or maybe you connected your friends and family to host an online milestone birthday party. Whatever your experience may, or may not be with virtual events, chances are they are here to stay for the foreseeable future. With that in mind, let’s introduce you to some qualified help for virtual events.

You can host a fun themed party via Zoom in the comfort of your own home, but why not take it a step further?

You can throw an amazing event complete with party favors, live DJ requests, multiple hosts (even if they are in different locations), performances from special guests, and so many other details that come with traditional events, while still allowing guests to attend from the safety of their own home. We know that with the help of these qualified vendors, your next hybrid event will exceed all expectations.

To have an engaging virtual event you must hire adequate audiovisual support.

Luckily for you, we have two extremely qualified candidates to recommend in that department.

Enhanced Lighting & Audiovisual is an experienced company we’ve had the pleasure to work with in a variety of capacities over the years. They offer everything you need in custom event lighting and audiovisual and have a huge indoor and outdoor LED projection screen. Based out of San Francisco, they specialize in bringing lighting as a design element to every event they are part of serving next level function and style. With clients from The Dali Lama to The San Francisco 49ers, it is clear they are extremely qualified to handle all lighting and audiovisual needs.

JL Imagination is an award winning Bay Area based AV production company that we’ve had the pleasure to work with in a variety of capacities over the years. They have all the professional equipment, and know how to create onsite solutions for audio, video, and lighting. We have seen first hand just how much value they add to a hybrid event, offering so much guidance and support from planning to set up, through to the very end of the night. They are now also offering monthly music series you won’t want to miss! Check out the upcoming August series here.

Trust us, having a professional crew come in to handle your video needs so you can enjoy the event hands free, without any concern for tech issues is worth it.

Another option for having a hybrid event is The Newlywd App. This app provides a safe and easy streaming service to share your wedding day and other important milestones with guests who may be unable to travel or attend. With features like a countdown, custom preview options, and personalized information about your event, this will allow guests to get excited and attend from the comfort of their own home.

We know the stress of planning a virtual or hybrid event can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s something you’ve never done before. Please remember, qualified help for virtual events is available – we are here for you, as are trusted vendors such as Enhanced Lighting & Audiovisual and JL Imagination.

Part II of this post is coming soon!