Attract Students with Engaging Virtual Open Days: The Power of Live Q&A Sessions!

Virtual open days play a critical role in how universities connect with prospective students. But when events feel one-sided or overly scripted, engagement quickly drops.

Live Q&A sessions help change that. By turning presentations into conversations, universities can create more interactive, transparent experiences that build trust and confidence. In this article, we explore how live Q&A enhances virtual open days and how platforms like WorkCast support meaningful student engagement at scale.

Engaging Students Through Live Q&A

Interaction sits at the heart of successful virtual events. Live Q&A gives prospective students the opportunity to ask questions, explore what matters to them, and feel heard in real time.

Turning Passive Viewers into Active Participants

Live Q&A transforms virtual open days from broadcast-style events into two-way experiences. When students are invited to ask questions as sessions unfold, engagement increases and attention is sustained.

Virtual environments often lower the barrier to participation, especially for students who may feel less comfortable speaking up in person. Asking questions through chat or moderated Q&A allows more voices to be heard, creating a more inclusive experience.

This shift from presentation to conversation helps students connect more deeply with the institution and feel confident in their understanding of what’s on offer.

The Value of Interactive Digital Events

Interactive virtual open days create experiences that are more memorable and more effective. When students participate, rather than simply observe, they are more likely to stay engaged and retain key information.

Live Q&A also provides valuable insight for recruitment teams. Questions asked during sessions highlight areas of interest, concern, or uncertainty, helping universities refine future content and improve follow-up communication.

High engagement doesn’t just improve the live experience. It strengthens the overall recruitment journey.

Supporting Live Q&A with the Right Platform

Delivering effective live Q&A at scale requires a platform designed for interaction, moderation, and reliability.

Key Features for Virtual Open Days

WorkCast supports live Q&A as part of a broader interactive event experience. Features such as moderated Q&A, live chat, polling, and on-demand access allow universities to manage engagement smoothly, even with large audiences.

Moderation tools help prioritise questions and ensure discussions remain focused and relevant, while analytics provide insight into how students engage across sessions.

Together, these features support structured, inclusive conversations that enhance the value of virtual open days.

Customisable Experiences That Reflect Your Institution

Every university has a unique story to tell. WorkCast’s customisable event environments allow institutions to deliver branded, consistent experiences that reflect their identity and values.

Clear navigation, familiar design, and intuitive interaction help students feel comfortable and confident throughout the event. This consistency builds trust and reduces friction at key decision-making moments.

Making Live Q&A Work for Your Virtual Open Days

Effective live Q&A doesn’t happen by accident. It benefits from thoughtful planning and intentional design.

Best Practices for Live Q&A Sessions

Encourage questions early rather than saving Q&A until the end of a session. This keeps energy high and reassures students that their questions are welcome.

Using polls alongside Q&A can also help surface common themes and guide discussion in real time. Moderation ensures that key topics are addressed and that sessions remain inclusive and manageable.

Creating an Environment That Encourages Participation

Participation increases when students feel safe, supported, and respected. Anonymous questions, clear prompts, and visible responses all contribute to a more open environment.

When students see their questions acknowledged and answered, confidence grows. This sense of inclusion plays a vital role in building trust and supporting decision-making.

Bringing It All Together ⭐

Live Q&A is one of the most powerful ways to enhance virtual open days. By creating space for real conversation, universities can increase engagement, build trust, and help students feel confident about their next steps.

With the right platform and approach, virtual open days become more than information sessions. They become interactive experiences that support meaningful student connections.

👉 Explore how WorkCast supports interactive virtual open days
https://info.workcast.com/solutions/virtual-events