Virtual Horse Racing Night is Odds-On Favourite
“Virtual Horse Racing – Such a great way to spend a few hours with colleagues (virtually) without talking about work. This was our first virtual global event (we had colleagues join from the US, Europe and Asia) so we were naturally a bit nervous about how it would work virtually and with a large number of people across multiple time zones. It turns out I had nothing to worry about. Everything worked perfectly, everyone had a great time and a week plus later colleagues are still talking about how much fun they had and what a great way to break the day up (UK Colleagues). Eventify made it so easy and we’re looking forward to booking another event with them in the coming months.” Event Manager, OAG
EVENT BRIEF
After reading our recent guest article in PA Life, How to Plan a Successful and Safe Post-Lockdown Event, we were approached by OAG, the world’s largest air travel data experts. With offices scattered across the globe, internal team building had sadly taken a backseat during the coronavirus pandemic. They wanted our expertise and advice to develop a fun and novel virtual activity for up to 170 people. Challenges to be considered were the different time zones, finding something enjoyed by a wide variety of participants as well as ensuring the technology was trustworthy.
EVENT SOLUTION
With team members joining from the UK, Lithuania, China, Japan, Singapore, Chicago and Boston, finding a suitable time was paramount. After discussions with all interested parties, 13.30 GMT was agreed to be the most convenient time for all concerned.
OAG wished to boost team morale which understandably has been low over recent months. They wanted an event that was exciting, different and non-work related. We worked through several suggestions and after plenty of deliberation ‘A Virtual Horse Racing Night’ was the clear winner. Ninety minutes of race day fun, all enjoyed from the comfort of the guest’s own homes or remote places of work.
Instantly, we knew Firebird Events would be the perfect delivery partner. They have extensive experience in virtual and face-to-face team building, and we trust them completely.
Pre-event, all guests received a personalised e-invitation with details of their virtual teams. Guests joined on the day via Zoom mostly on laptops and PCs.
Firebird’s trackside compere fabulously hosted the event, greeting everyone from the race control to explain the rules and how to place their bets.
Following a light-hearted and engaging introduction, each virtual team received a simulated money pot to stake throughout the activity. Working together, each team had to confer and decide which horses to back and how much to wager. The event’s virtual tote betting system ensured a quick pay-out!
With tension building, it was time for the race action to begin. Complete with realistic commentary, and trackside sounds, the excitement was palpable. Each of the eight races was a heart-stopping close call and the winner in doubt right up to the finishing post.
Race control calculated all team scores using a live league table. A nailbiting final race concluded the evening with the winning team announced to rapturous applause.
OAG Team Member Feedback
“Excellent social event. Different to anything I have done during this work from home period. Wonderful to see so many faces outside of work meetings.”
“What a brilliant way to get everyone together when they can’t….get together.”
Read more case studies of some of our favourite and most recent events. We pride ourselves on managing many types of events, from charity dinners to a Shrek themed brunch and even a corporate away-day on a wartime battleship. Every event is special with Eventify.
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