Video Conference Tools + Custom Swag = Memorable Virtual Events

updated: September 1, 2020

Not so long ago, only a select few had major interest in a video chat app or videoconferencing app. These software tools were handy for large-scale, multiple-location businesses or long distance personal relationships, but most of us were happy to rely on email, text messaging, phone calls and in-person meetings or social events.

No more!

Video conferencing software has gone mainstream. With pandemic precautions in place all across the globe, everyone from preschoolers to senior citizens is using one virtual meeting platform or another, for distance learning, business activities, formal social occasions and informal get-togethers. Whether for one-to-one communication or international conventions attracting thousands of online users, the virtual event is now the default option.

First we'll review 10 of the best virtual platforms and how to use them. Next, we'll show how you can incorporate tangible custom gifts, giveaways, supplies and swag into your virtual conference or online party to make it exciting, memorable and effective. Let's get started!

Top 10 Virtual Platforms and Their Uses

New apps are coming on the market on a seemingly daily basis. These are among the most popular and easiest to use. Both factors are important: If the video conferencing service isn’t popular, you will cut down on the number of event attendees; if the service isn’t easy to use, you’ll have trouble getting attendees back for another virtual event.

1. Bunch

Bunch is a very targeted type of virtual meeting app that enables gamers to play together virtually and engage in video chat. Now that live gaming meetups aren’t possible, Bunch has skyrocketed in popularity. Bunch comes loaded with several games including Pool and Draw Party, and it will support many other complex games (e.g., Minecraft) and simple ones (e.g., Scrabble).

2. Facebook Messenger Rooms

If Bunch is new to you, chances are Facebook Messenger is not — it’s been around for years. What you may not know is that with a new Messenger feature called Messenger Rooms, Facebook users can create and attend video meetings. (Non-Facebook members can also attend meetings.) Launched early in 2020, Rooms is designed for informal, virtual hangouts for up to 50 people, making it perfect for the virtual happy hour or random chat. With Facebook’s enormous user base, it’s sure to continue its rapid growth.

3. Google Meet

Remember Google Hangouts? In 2020, Google rebranded Hangouts, splitting it into two products, Google Chat and Google Meet. Google Meet is a formal, large-scale video conferencing platform for conducting business meetings. A powerful screen sharing app, Meet facilitates collaboration, is very secure, can accommodate 250 attendees and livestream meetings to up to 100,000 viewers.

4. Houseparty

As its name suggests, Houseparty is a video chat app, primarily mobile-based, socially oriented, and designed for up to eight participants. Houseparty is popular with Gen Z, but has been gaining older users, as people of all ages are looking for ways to virtually hang out with friends and family. And, because people can pop into a Houseparty chat whenever they see a connection attending one, it’s a great app for meeting new people.

5. Marco Polo

Marco Polo is a mobile-based virtual meeting app for family, friends, coworkers and hobbyists. It’s best described as a visual replacement for texting or phone calls, and is widely popular with Tweens and teens. When you send a video message, it is saved (like a voice mail message), so the recipient can view and respond at his/her leisure. If you don’t like the pressure of live chat, Marco Polo is for you.

6. Microsoft Teams

Designed for online business meetings and collaboration, and as a webinar platform, Microsoft Teams accommodates up to 300 participants and is packed with useful features for document sharing, live chat, and training. It’s a natural for organizations that use and support Microsoft software products.

7. Skype Meet Now

Videoconferencing on Skype Meet Now works on almost any type of device, and is an excellent platform for webinars, conference calls, interviews, and business collaboration. Skype (a Microsoft product, by the way) handles up to 50 participants, and does not require a Skype account to join a meeting. It’s less complex than videoconferencing platforms aimed at large organizations, making it a great choice for entrepreneurs and small to mid-size companies.

8. Slack

Launched in 2013, Slack is widely used for virtual business collaboration and meetings for organizations of all sizes. An attractive feature is its easy integration with various types of office tools, and is often used as a robust replacement for internal email. Its videoconferencing capabilities are getting a lot of attention for use with internal business teams.

9. WhatsApp

WhatsApp (a Facebook product) is a widely used mobile and desktop communication tool popular with small businesses and also families. Group video calls are possible with up to eight people at a time, making it a handy videoconferencing tool for informal use.

10. Zoom

Zoom has zoomed to the top of the charts as a videoconferencing tool. In fact, people may well be spending their day zooming from Zoom meetings to Zoom happy hours to Zoom parties. Zoom accommodates up to 100 devices for free accounts, and up to 500 people for the paid version. Whether for a virtual wedding, virtual graduation, or business meeting, Zoom creates an atmosphere that seems to check all the right boxes.

Logo Items for Business and Social Virtual Conferencing

Promotional gifts giveaways give virtual events something we can touch and use, and they keep good memories alive. Here are ideas for your upcoming event. Crestline has an almost unlimited selection of logo items, and we can also take care of shipping or mailing items to your attendees.

For Virtual Company Meetings

Wireless earbuds combine a practical item with a unique design.
Polo shirts with logos are comfortable, with classic business casual style.
Looking for something all business? Look at our selection of padfolios that keep writing paper, pens, tech and more organized and secure.
Coffee tumblers are a company meeting giveaway that is sure to provide you with alert attendees! Add a smile to your gift when you add a funny or inspirational message from our list of 25 sayings and quotes perfect for coffee mugs and tumblers.
If you really want to make a meeting special, or impress potential clients and business partners, send out Zoom meeting snack boxes in advance. There are treats available from every theme from breakfast to brunch. There are treat assortments available with a variety of themes, and they come in mail ready boxes customized with your company branding. Start the workday right with the Breakfast Meeting in a Box virtual meeting kit.

For Virtual Happy Hour

Virtual happy hours have seen a 296% increase in popularity across industries since early March. Why would a company sponsor or organize an event like this? Companies are jumping on this trend in personal events to create corporate events that help employees feel connected when they aren’t seeing each other in the workplace or socializing in person after hours.

Beer, wine, or cocktail barware fits in with any happy hour vibe.
Let the good times roll with ultra-popular insulated drink tumblers — they have never met a beverage they didn’t like to keep perfectly warm or cold!
For wine lovers, choose from traditional wine glasses, stemless styles, or jump on the trend of stainless-steel wine tumblers.
Are we having fun yet? If you’re not, send out the 3 Way Boozy Snacks Mailer Set. This kit was created just to be mailed out in advance of Happy Hours. Print the name and date of your event on the post-ready box, and your attendees can enjoy Jelly Belly jellybeans in cocktail flavors, bar mix snacks and sweet treats that look like champagne bubbles. Now it’s a party.
For clip art ideas to provide your company logo with lively company, here are 22 funny quotes for beverage containers, including several related specifically to virtual happy hours.

For Virtual Family Reunions and School Reunions

For a casual approach, a quality custom printed t-shirt is the perfect fit. All they need is your family name and the year.
If your group prioritizes beverages over fashion, a commemorative cup will serve as a great souvenir — and a great container for cold drinks.
Taking the theme a little further, send out the Arnold Palmer Kit in a Mason Jar. This kit comes in an easy to mail box. Have it drop shipped and you will cross a lot of organizational stress off our list. This kit contains a fun mason jar glass that can be imprinted with your family name and the date and an iced tea and lemonade combo drink mix. Kids can drink these as-is, and adults can create their own spiked versions.
To top off this list of promotional ideas for reunions, we recommend classic ball caps. Everybody will want to wear one.

For Distance Learning

Make virtual learning preparation easy with pre-assembled kits and bundles, filled with everything students need to succeed in their education from home. Choose from classic school supplies kits for elementary school students, spirit items like school logo backpacks and water bottles for morale and connection, office supplies like notebooks and sticky notes, or the tech items that older students want, like stylus pens, mouse pads, chargers and earbuds.

For Virtual Graduation

Let the world know how proud you are of your graduate with our dazzling full-color yard signs.
For a graduation keepsake that will last forever, consider customized classic or digital photo frames.
For graduates continuing their education, give a gift set that will propel them into a successful future, with all the necessities they’ll need for higher ed.
Keep concentration high by providing adequate sustenance for long webinars with the easy to mail Snack & Learn Meeting in a Box, filled with healthy snack options like almonds, granola bars and baked chips.

For Virtual Parties

The BPA-free 16 oz Cup™, made in the USA, is all party, all the time.
A unique idea: Confetti Flowers Seed Packets are a mix of wildflower seeds packaged to look like confetti.
The Bottle Buddy Can/Bottle Opener is a logo keychain with party attitude — and it’s very useful, too.
Charm adults and children alike with the mail ready Do-It-Yourself Ice Cream Kit Box, filled with paper bowls, spoons, an ice cream scoop and four delicious toppings.

For Virtual Weddings

Virtual weddings are enhanced with real life monogrammed wedding favors. What would a wedding be without flowers? The Flower Seed Matchbook includes a packet of seeds and growing instructions. Add a message such as “Watch Our Love Grow.”
Every wedding reception needs festive libations and drinkware to serve them with. Monogram a koozie for a casual affair or customize a wine glass for a more dignified mood. Chose an innovative champagne flute tumbler for the perfect memento that your guests will use everywhere they go for years to come.
Need some creative snacks to go with your libations? Some of the most fun catering ideas for in person weddings can be translated to virtual events. The S'mores Kit Mailer Box has everything you need to wow your guests. Print the box with your monogram and the date of your nuptials.
Don’t forget gifts for the wedding party. A popular gift for bridesmaids is the Soho Tartan Tote Bag. For groomsmen, we recommend the 6 oz. Leather Wrapped Stainless Steel Flask. If you have the budget, it may work even better to give bridesmaids and groomsmen a set with both items!

Need Help?

If you need help finding the perfect promotional item for your virtual conference or meetup, please contact us now. We have a multitude of options.