As the world continues to embrace virtual platforms for both personal and professional events, 2024 presents a myriad of opportunities for virtual event planning businesses. These concepts offer innovative ways to bring people together, regardless of location. Here are nine virtual event planning business ideas that are set to captivate audiences and define the next wave of online interaction.

1. Virtual Conference and Expo Production

• The Idea: Develop and run online conferences and expos, providing an immersive experience with virtual booths, talks, and networking opportunities.
• How it makes money: Registration fees for attendees, exhibitor charges for virtual booths, and sponsorship packages.
• Why now?: With reduced travel and increased comfort with online interaction, companies are seeking new ways to host large-scale events remotely.
• Technical difficulty: 8/10
• Best for: Tech-savvy planners with experience in event management software and a talent for creating engaging virtual environments.

2. Online Corporate Retreats

• The Idea: Facilitate virtual corporate retreats with team-building exercises, workshops, and collaborative projects adapted for online participation.
• How it makes money: Service fees for planning and executing retreats, team-development consulting, and follow-up packages.
• Why now?: Organizations are looking for innovative ways to build rapport among remote teams and maintain company culture.
• Technical difficulty: 7/10
• Best for: Event professionals adept at fostering teamwork and camaraderie in a virtual setting.

3. Interactive Webinar Series Creation

• The Idea: Design and host a series of interactive webinars on various subjects, featuring expert speakers and dynamic content.
• How it makes money: Ticket sales, subscription access to webinar content, and partnering with speakers or brands.
• Why now?: The appetite for learning and engagement through online seminars is expanding alongside opportunities for monetization.
• Technical difficulty: 6/10
• Best for: Individuals with the expertise to curate educational content and organize professional online presentations.

4. Virtual Event Technology Consulting

• The Idea: Consult with businesses and organizations on the best technologies and practices for hosting their own virtual events.
• How it makes money: Consulting fees, custom development of event platforms, and training services for clients’ internal teams.
• Why now?:strong> The virtual event landscape is constantly evolving, requiring expert guidance to navigate.

• Technical difficulty: 7/10
• Best for: Tech specialists with a pulse on virtual event trends, platforms, and tools.

5. Virtual Weddings and Celebrations Agency

• The Idea: Specialize in coordinating virtual weddings and celebrations, managing everything from online venue selection to live-streaming services.
• How it makes money: Planning fee packages, coordination services, and partnerships with digital vendors.
• Why now?: As travel limitations persist, couples and families look to virtual solutions to celebrate their special moments together.
• Technical difficulty: 6/10
• Best for: Event planners who can navigate the specialized needs of virtual celebrations with creativity and care.

6. e-Sports Tournament Organization

• The Idea: Organize and run e-sports tournaments, capitalizing on the growing popularity of competitive online gaming.
• How it makes money: Entry fees, sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and merchandise sales.
• Why now?: e-Sports is rapidly growing as both entertainment and competition, with significant potential for event organization.
• Technical difficulty: 8/10
• Best for: Entrepreneurs who understand the gaming community and can create high-stakes, spectator-friendly tournaments.

7. Virtual Trade Show Platforms

• The Idea: Provide platforms that host virtual trade shows, emulating the networking and product demonstration aspects of live events.
• How it makes money: Platform usage fees, exhibitor charges for virtual booths, and add-on services such as lead capture and analytics.
• Why now?: With more businesses operating online, there's a need for virtual spaces that facilitate B2B interactions and product showcases.
• Technical difficulty: 9/10
• Best for: Software developers and event organizers looking to bridge the gap between in-person trade shows and the digital space.

8. Professional Networking Event Host

• The Idea: Create professional networking events tailored for specific industries or interests with facilitated online interactions.
• How it makes money: Attendance fees, memberships for access to multiple events, and sponsorship opportunities.
• Why now?: Networking remains vital for professional growth, and individuals seek effective ways to connect and collaborate remotely.
• Technical difficulty: 6/10
• Best for: Network-savvy individuals capable of fostering professional connections and interaction in a virtual environment.

9. Online Charity Gala and Auction Organizer

• The Idea: Host virtual galas and auctions for charities, including live entertainment, keynotes, and fundraising activities.
• How it makes money: Organizer fees based on funds raised, cooperation with philanthropic entities, and auction item sourcing.
• Why now?: Charitable organizations require innovative solutions to fundraising in times when traditional galas may not be feasible.
• Technical difficulty: 7/10
• Best for: Individuals experienced in fundraising who can translate the excitement of in-person charity events to a virtual format.