Select a host
Someone must take the lead, so select a host to generate a smooth running virtual experience. Jared Reichert, co-founder of Kiki Kit, a digital-events startup, says, “You need one person who will take charge, not only to welcome everyone but also to steer the conversation.”
Depending on the group, you might designate a “tech captain,” someone who can teach the less-tech-savvy relatives how to use Zoom and sort out technical issues which can arise.
Jessica Carrillo of Art & Soul Events says, “I think it's smart to send a reminder 30-minutes before the call and make sure everyone knows the password and how to contact the tech captain.”
Keep it short
Keep the festivities shorter than a traditional Thanksgiving gathering, even though Zoom is lifting its time limit. Most event planners recommend an hour or two — at the most., even adults' attention spans can become diluted after an hour.
Keeping in line with “Keep it Short,” don't invite everyone you know. The more guest you have, the more complicated everything gets. Even at a real-life dinner party with many people, it's hard to connect. Connecting with others at a virtual event is even more challenging, so keep the list under 20.
Decorate and dress up
Even if no one is coming to your house, don't forget about decor. Set your table and add flowers, balloons, or a homemade backdrop. Each can get you in the mood for the holidays.
Put on something other than sweatpants. Even in a virtual event, people should dress up. There's something about getting the house ready and setting the table while getting dressed up that helps kick the event into high-gear and creates a virtual Thanksgiving just as enjoyable as the real thing.
Have a plan
Even if you don't want to plan something too formal, have an agenda. The event seems like it's lagging if it's a free-for-all and the interest drops.
an idea: Recipe swap
A few days before the event, encourage guests to write down a favorite family recipe. Then draw names so each person ends up with a different recipe to assemble. During the Zoom call, everyone can share what they produced and how it turned out.
The takeaway
Zoom has announced it will forego its regular 40-minute limit from midnight on November 26 until 6am on November 27. So don't worry about being in the middle of a toast when Zoom slams the door on the video call.
