Webinar Recap: Youth Events to Empower and Engage Future Leaders

Oct 24, 2024 Shruti Shah

Youth are a powerful force for positive change when given the right knowledge and opportunities. With 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 worldwide—16% of the global population—their potential to drive development is vast. Youth events like virtual university tours, career fairs, and job fairs are essential and very conducive spaces for engaging young minds. Keeping youth actively involved in these settings requires strategies that incorporate interactive event tech tools and engaging platforms.      

In our recent webinar, "Empowering Youth Through Events," we explored how event organizers can use tech tools, interactive challenges, and social media to engage young audiences. The session was led by Adrian Leckie, community leader and founder of the Imani Black Academic Mentorship program, supporting Black youth in post-secondary education transitions. 

Top Insights: All You Need to Know 

Adrian emphasized how mentorship programs and youth events can empower youth to unlock their potential, thrive in their personal and professional lives, and how event technology can serve as a key accelerator in that journey. 

Youth events and communities are on the rise, and understanding how to engage young participants is essential. Here are the top insights from our webinar: 

1. Young People Look for Spaces Where They Can Connect with Others.
   At a pivotal stage in their personal development, young people seek spaces where they can connect with others who share their values and interests. Creating a sense of belonging is critical for engaging youth, whether through online platforms or in-person events.
   
   
2. Gamification and Digital Badges Provide Tangible Achievements.
   Incorporating gamification elements, like digital badges, provides youth with a tangible sense of achievement. These features can enhance long-term engagement by offering participants a fun, goal-oriented way to interact with event content
   
   
3. Thoughtful Use of Technology Enhances Event Interaction.
   When used thoughtfully, technology can significantly enhance the event experience. Tools like augmented reality (AR), live polls, and interactive challenges can create exciting and memorable moments for young audiences, making the event more engaging and immersive. Events should prioritize building community and encouraging real, face-to-face interactions, with technology serving as a supportive tool rather than a distraction.
   
   
4. Involving Youth in Event Planning Cultivates Ownership.
   When youth are given the opportunity to contribute to event planning—as volunteers or advisors—they feel a greater sense of ownership and connection. This involvement ensures their voices are heard and helps create an event environment that feels inclusive and relevant to them.
    
5. Youth Conferences Create Valuable Networking Opportunities.
   Youth-focused conferences provide access to larger networking opportunities, helping young participants connect with peers and mentors. Event platforms that create communities around topics such as leadership, advocacy, wellness, and mental health foster deeper engagement and inspire future action. 

Quote That Resonated 

“We have a generation of youth who are uncomfortable communicating and connecting with others, so we want to ensure that when building events focused on community, we support authentic human connection through technological advancements” 

Webinar Q&A Highlights 

Here are some key questions raised during the webinar that may provide additional insights for your own youth events: 

Q: What social media platforms work best for youth events besides Facebook and Instagram? 

A: While Instagram is great for promoting event links, TikTok is excellent for boosting engagement with video content. For deeper, community-focused interactions, Discord is highly recommended. 

Q: How do you encourage meaningful connections among youth? 

A: Create casual spaces where younger participants can connect naturally. Icebreakers work well for older youth, such as university students. Activities tailored to their interests (like arts and crafts) and recurring event series help build lasting relationships. 

Q: How can AI tools enhance youth events? 

A: AI is a fascinating tool for youth, particularly as a learning resource. Offering sessions on how to effectively use AI can make events more engaging and help participants develop relevant skills. 

 
Final Thoughts 

Missed the live webinar? No worries—you can still catch all the valuable insights! [Watch the full webinar here] and get inspired with fresh ideas to engage youth at your next event. 

Youth are central to every event type, from career fairs to onboarding events. Focusing on their needs and ensuring they stay engaged is essential to creating impactful youth events. Want to explore more? Check out our resources from Eventcombo for insights on how event tech can drive youth participation and elevate your event strategy.