Right now,
people are falling over themselves for live events, the need to connect with
humans has never been stronger.
So, what is the future for hybrid and how will
we use it, asks Rachel Macaulay, head of corporate sales and advertising at Vue
Entertainment.
Everyone has
had a hybrid experience – even if only on Zoom through a laptop ‐ we understand
more about what makes a really good hybrid event but also how it can be used to
save time and money.
With the
world getting faster, and becoming more climate conscious, the need for travel
may be reduced. Hybrid allows for instant informal meetings nationally and
internationally, thereby saving time, money, and emissions. This could become a
policy that companies undertake in the future, with only essential travel
allowed.
Rachel Macaulay.Hybrid will
be used to condense roadshows and deliver a ‘hub and spoke’ format, with all
events taking place concurrently, delivered from a central location, but
engaging with the ‘spoke’ venues to bring in a much‐needed interactive element.
As we’ve discovered this element is vital, attendees in the spoke venues need
to feel part of it, they don’t just want to be delivered to, and tend to switch
off if this is the case. This format works well and delivers a consistency of
content, useful in many industries whether it’s the CEO delivering a message or
a worldwide sales strategy.
Finally,
with the new features on Zoom, it’s a brilliant way to record transcripts from
conferences or for a video to instantly post on socials and websites.
The fear of
Covid may have subsided but, hybrid still has its niche. So, what else do we need
to consider for a large hybrid event?
“While small
and informal meetings can be run from a laptop, larger events with bigger
screens and a PA need broadcast quality equipment,” said Darren Glossop from AP
Events. “We’ve invested in some Atem Mini Pro cameras and Yamaha mixing desks
which allow us to mix the sound and vision and are discreet and consistently
deliver for hybrid events in a cinema setting.”
“With this
in mind, there is an additional cost which perhaps people don’t realise. It’s
not astronomical but it is there. Unfortunately, simply plugging in a laptop
simply can’t do the job in a larger setting. Of course, superfast WiFi or a
bonded link is imperative and should be the first question asked at a venue.”
If you find yourself behind
the camera, remember:
-
When choosing an outfit, avoid black, white, grey and
beige. They simply drain the colour from your face. Bright colours work well as
do navy and purple. Thin stripes only and no large florals or big patterns as
they tend to strobe.
-
Make sure your outfit doesn’t clash with the backdrop.
- Heavy makeup looks harsh on camera but also needs to be
enough to highlight your features. Keep powder on hand if it’s a long event or
the lights are strong.
- Unfortunately, roots show up like nothing else so bear this in mind.
- Ensure the camera is above you, there’s nothing like looking up someone’s
nose.
- If you’re sitting keep your feet flat on the floor so
you don’t slouch, it looks worse on camera.
- If you’re on camera but not speaking, remember everyone
else can see you, so look attentive, into the camera and smile! No‐one likes a
sad resting face or seeing someone who has forgotten where they are, especially
when they’re on a big screen. A gentle smile works wonders.
- Rehearse. This makes all the difference between amateur
and professional. Know the key words in speeches and your queue to come in for
a seamless effect.
- If you are walking around, mark your territory out so you don’t
disappear off camera.
- If it goes wrong,
laugh it off, it’s not the end of the world.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
