5 Virtual Icebreakers To Have In Large Conferences

Whether you're hosting a corporate event, a team-building session, or a networking seminar, icebreakers help set the tone, build energy, and encourage participation. Here are five icebreakers that work particularly well in large virtual settings—and how Custom Virtual Office can support your remote presence while you engage your audience.

Why Icebreakers Matter in Large Virtual Conferences

In large gatherings, especially online, it’s easy for attendees to feel like just another face in a grid. Icebreakers help bridge that gap by encouraging interaction in a fun, low-pressure way. They warm up the virtual room, spark conversation, and make it easier for people to contribute later in the session.

Used strategically, icebreakers for virtual meetings not only build rapport but also boost engagement and retention throughout the event. For hosts and team leaders, they’re a secret weapon for keeping virtual fatigue at bay.

1. Conduct & Discuss Virtual Polls

Polling is one of the fastest and most inclusive ways to engage a large audience. Start your session with a light-hearted question like, “What’s your ideal vacation spot?” or “Which would you give up first: coffee or Wi-Fi?” Display the real-time results and invite discussion or follow-up questions.

Polls are especially great Zoom icebreakers because they allow everyone to participate—even introverts—and provide instant feedback that can shape the rest of the meeting.

2. Emoji or GIFs Check-In

Instead of asking how everyone is feeling in a traditional way, try an emoji or GIF check-in. Ask attendees to drop a GIF or emoji in the chat that represents their current mood, their morning, or even their favorite food.

It’s fun, quick, and inclusive. It also creates an energetic, informal vibe that helps people feel seen and relaxed. These check-ins are ideal for hybrid sessions or webinars where chat activity helps drive momentum.

3. Two Truths One Lie

This classic game works surprisingly well even in large groups. Ask a few participants (chosen randomly or ahead of time) to share two true statements and one false one about themselves. The rest of the group votes in a poll or the chat on which one they think is the lie.

“Two Truths One Lie” works as one of the more personal icebreaker questions for team meetings, giving a human face to virtual names and titles. It can be a great way to kick off leadership panels or breakout sessions with a little personality.

4. Virtual Background Challenge

Invite attendees to show off their creativity with a themed virtual background challenge. Whether it’s “favorite movie scene,” “dream vacation,” or “funniest home office,” these backgrounds often spark conversation and laughs.

Platforms like Custom Virtual Office can even create branded or customized virtual backgrounds for events, allowing you to stay polished while embracing the theme. It’s a clever mix of team-building and branding that’s perfect for remote events.

5. Trivia Questions

Everyone loves a good trivia game—and it’s one of the most scalable virtual icebreakers for conferences of any size. Use general trivia or tailor it to your industry or event theme. You can run trivia via Zoom polls, breakout rooms, or dedicated quiz platforms.

Trivia helps people think, compete, and laugh together, even if they’ve never met before. It's particularly effective at energizing mid-day or closing sessions.

Whether you’re planning a virtual summit or leading a remote team session, the right icebreakers can transform your event from routine to memorable. By incorporating interactive and inclusive activities like these—and maintaining a clean, professional presence with help from Custom Virtual Office—you’ll create an environment that fosters engagement, connection, and collaboration.

Let Custom Virtual Office help you build virtual experiences that feel real, professional, and fun.