For 14 years, TalkingTree Creative has produced the day-long general session for the Hughes Sales and Marketing conference. The event has always been a glamorous live production with elaborate set designs, signage, branded video content and graphics, sound, lighting, and more to create a cohesive and exciting atmosphere.
Pivot to virtual
Obviously, this year would have to be different. We knew we needed to come up with something that would be stimulating for virtual audiences and somehow deliver an on-stage theater performance feeling.
The main session is usually a series of highly-produced presentations given by leaders in each division of the company. We decided to pre-record each presentation and edit them together into a full-length video that would broadcast on a specific date and time for everyone.
A sleek, cool virtual set
A virtual set is the perfect way to engage audiences who are less tech-savvy and might be overwhelmed by an entire virtual platform while bringing something fresh to the table for those with virtual meeting fatigue.
Our 3D artist designed a branded set for the event. The virtual set allows for depth and multiple camera angles. This allowed us to create an illusion that multiple people were on stage together. We also used virtual cameras to create movement during the presentations.
Video Production
The hurdle for on-site video shoots these days is ensuring the safety of the crew and cast. We set up a socially-distanced studio and control room at Hughes headquarters. Each presenter had a pre-determined time to walk into the studio and deliver their presentation.
We configured a sound setup so they could hear our director from the control room. We also used overhead mics in the studio so we wouldn’t have to be in close proximity to mic up the presenters. 
Simu-Live Streaming
Once all the presentations were recorded, our video production team edited them together with exciting bumpers, video transitions, audio cues, and applause sound effects. Hughes was able to stream the event on their preferred platform.
The 2021 Sales and Marketing virtual event broadcast was a total success. The virtual set allowed us to break out of the stuffy, traditional Zoom-style virtual presentations and deliver a top-notch virtual experience to our client.
