A year or two ago, the digital and virtual event landscape was very different than today. Certain brands had been using teleconferencing and similar technologies to add video components and shared presentations via the internet, but few organizations were truly producing full-scale experiential gatherings in the digital realm. Fast forward to today and there are dozens of platforms for hosting and organizing a wide variety of virtual events, each with its own suite of features and benefits tailored to attendees and the goals of event organizers.
One aspect that has continued to lag behind, however, is that of production quality. Teams all over the world still find it challenging to deliver a video, audio, and interactive experience that meets or exceeds audience expectations. The answer, however, can be incredibly simple – leveraging a television or media studio as your virtual event “homebase.”
Isn’t a Studio More Expensive?
Not really when you consider what you get with a studio arrangement. In most cases, all the equipment you need will already be available on site. A fully-equipped studio means no extra costs with renting cameras or audio, no courier costs, greatly reduced time in set up, and electrical and communications infrastructure to support even a large production. When compared to all the extra tasks and costs needed to set up a generic space, a studio can actually be more cost effective.
Aren’t Studios Boring?
Quite the contrary. Because large studios are open spaces, with plenty of room for overhead lighting and sound, and very few fixed walls, the options are just as plentiful as a big ballroom. In fact, you can even host a hybrid event in a larger studio, with a limited in-person attendance, and broadcast it live alongside digital experiences. Now that’s a seamless connection between in-person and virtual!
Want to take it even a step further, consider that studios have a wealth of other options available to customize your event. LED walls, green screens, immersive backdrops, interactive art, and custom lighting design are all just a few of the technologies that can be utilized in large spaces or in small ones.
How Can a Studio Really Improve My Event?
If you’ve ever been impressed with how easily news anchors always seem to find the right words, or with the way graphics and video integrate with the weather or remote reporting, then you have already experienced the value studio production brings to an event. Teleprompters make sure speeches don’t need notecards. Camera operators make sure to always capture people at their best. Behind the scenes teams keep things moving smoothly so no one ever sees any chaos off screen.
When taken together, all of the advantages of studio production for virtual events add up to one key benefit: A Better Immersive Experience because there are fewer distractions.
About the VIBE Agency: The VIBE Agency is a Miami-based award-winning full-service production agency that specializes in the creation and orchestration of live and virtual experiences for the corporate industry. The agency is forward-thinking and was recognized as one of the 50 top event companies by Special Events magazine in 2019 and 2020. Most recently, Valerie Bihet, founder of the VIBE was named a Smart Women in Meetings 2021 Hall of Fame honoree by Smartmeetings, for her consistent work advancing the industry. If it can’t be live, make it VIBE!