Corporate event networking is crucial to successful business relationships across many industries. And in today’s tech-driven world, event planners are increasingly turning to AV for innovative networking solutions. Luckily, their options are more robust than ever, especially with the right forethought and planning. Here are some of our favorite ways to leverage AV technology for creative networking at your next corporate event. 

Structured vs. Organic Event Networking

What comes to mind when you hear the words “corporate event networking”? You could picture happy hour meet-ups or professionals casually mingling around the hors d’oeuvres table. Or you might imagine more structured round tables and breakout rooms. At its essence, networking is about empowering event attendees to create meaningful industry connections.  

Whether you need a visually immersive and dynamic stage for your General Session or want your trade show booth to pop in the exhibit hall, LED walls are a versatile option for many events. Plus, as technology continues to improve, they’re a more practical option than ever before. So if you’re considering an LED video wall for your next event, here are some of our favorite ways to put them to work.  

Creative uses for an LED video wall

If you’ve recently attended a conference, trade show, or other corporate event, you’ve likely seen LED walls in action. They’re becoming an increasingly integral part of the live event experience. The top creative uses for an LED video wall include: 

Changeable and dynamic scenic

Add more ambiance to your event setting with an LED video wall. Whether they serve as a dynamic extension of your stage design or comprise the bulk of the design itself, LED walls can create a more immersive experience in venues that don’t easily facilitate projectors. Think of it as a canvas that content is painted on. However, unlike traditional stage design, this canvas allows for motion, graphics, and scene changes with just the touch of a button. 

Information sharing

LED video walls are gaining importance in conference halls for one simple reason: they add immense value to presentations with pictures, illustrations, charts, videos, and other visual information sharing. Thanks to the massive advancements in LED display technology, LED light displays are lighter, more flexible, and provide sharper images. With their superb image quality, you can ensure your important information gets seen. 

More interactive events

Want to add more engagement to your corporate event? Turn your video wall system into a tool for audience interaction! Many LED video walls can link to smartphones and tablets, making them an ideal way to display on-the-fly poll results, share audience insights, and moderate Q&A sessions. 

You can even use touch walls to create floor-to-ceiling interactive displays, like a fashion company client used during a product launch. During the event, an artist drew customers’ faces behind the new sunglass series, then displayed them on a large video wall. This was a creative, engaging way for potential customers to “try on” the new product in a larger-than-life application. 

Crystal clear demos

LED walls can give your attendees unmatched views of real-time demos, no matter where they are in the audience. So whether you’re demonstrating a new product, medical procedure, or anything in between, the right LED video wall setup gives every audience member a front seat to the action. 

Is an LED wall right for your event? 

While an LED video wall can add value to just about every event, there are a few things to consider before investing in this technology. 

Adequate time for setup

LED technology has come a long way from the time-intensive, clunky setups of even a few years ago. Still, proper setup and testing require an adequate time window. This is especially true for custom installations and unique configurations. If your event is on a tight or abbreviated timeline, there might be better options than this one. 

Creative content that leverages the LED wall

Recently, virtual events have exploded in popularity. Not only do they provide unprecedented accessibility by making it easier than ever to gather attendees for webinars, conferences, career expos, and more. They also lead to greater reach, more engaged audiences, and the ability to provide more value to attendees. 

Alongside virtual events’ growing popularity, we’ve seen many new virtual event softwares hitting the market. However, with so much variability between platforms, event organizers might find it difficult to choose the best platform for their event. This guide will provide you with the top questions to consider when selecting the best virtual event software for your event. 

What’s the size of your virtual audience? 

Like live event planning, virtual audience size dictates many other choices you’ll make. While many platforms claim to be perfect for “events of any size,” we recommend confirming a chosen platform’s capabilities, especially if you need something that can accommodate large-scale broadcasts. By keeping your specific audience size in mind, you can find a platform that fits your needs rather than adapting your event to fit the platform. 

How much production control do you need? 

Zoom meetings have become so routine these days that we hardly even think of them as “virtual events.” Still, your basic Zoom meeting is a great benchmark when considering how much production control you need over your virtual event. 

For example, Zoom’s native production capabilities are limited—attendees can change their backgrounds, event organizers can share screens and audio, and the chat function offers a simple way for audience members to engage with each other and moderators. On the other end of the production spectrum, we can create fully custom and immersive virtual environments, which can enhance or completely transform many off-the-shelf virtual platforms. Depending on your event goals, plenty of platforms offer different degrees of production control. 

You can also consider whether you need built-in production tools or have the ability to use external hardware and studios to achieve your desired look and feel. For some events, simpler is better, especially if you plan to handle production in-house.  

What happens after your event? 

The days, weeks, and months leading up to your event are full of planning and strategy. But have you considered what comes next? The beauty of virtual events is that they aren’t constrained to one time or place. Instead, attendees from around the world and in different time zones can engage with your event at their own convenience. Of course, you’ll want virtual event software that supports your post-event needs to take full advantage of this fact. 

For example, do you need an on-demand feature so attendees can access your event recording after the live stream? Do you need powerful post-event analytics to track who participated, as is the case for events offering CE credits and certifications? These post-event considerations will narrow the scope of your search for the best virtual event platform. 

How much interactivity do you need? 

Virtual event software runs the gamut when it comes to interactivity. So, how do you want attendees to be able to interact with presenters and each other? Are you looking for an immersive experience where attendees can feel like they’re in the conference hall or on the trade show floor? 

A few ways to promote attendee interaction include: 

• Gamifying the virtual event experience
• Enabling 1-on-1 chats and networking opportunities
• Supporting side meetings and breakout sessions
• Asking for audience responses and enabling push notifications
• And more!

Consider whether audience interactivity is a top priority for your event. For example, the interaction requirements for a company-wide town hall likely differ significantly from an ongoing Webinar series. 

Does the virtual event platform meet your organization’s security requirements? 

None of the bells and whistles matter if a virtual event platform can’t meet your organization’s security requirements. With so many options becoming available in such a short time frame, vetting security capabilities remains a significant challenge for many. Luckily, Tallen has provided expert insights into running secure virtual events for over a decade. We’ll never recommend a platform or software if it puts your or your client’s sensitive information at risk. 

Which is the best virtual event software? The one that works for you!

At Tallen, we focus on reliability and usability when recommending virtual event software. The best platforms have a strong backbone and built-in redundancies so that if something does go wrong, the impact on your event is minimal. Unfortunately, while numerous new platforms offer flashy VR and trendy avatars, many have yet to be thoroughly vetted. As a result, after extensive testing, many have failed to live up to Tallen’s high standards for reliability. 

Let Tallen recommend a virtual event platform that works for you

When organizing a virtual event, you have enough on your plate without comparing and contrasting hundreds of available software options. Tallen’s expert team has over ten years of experience creating impactful virtual events. We can integrate with the platform of your choice or make recommendations based on your event’s size, scope, and goals. From Zoom and WebEx meetings to specialized platforms, we meet you where you’re at and create solutions that work for you! 

Technology has forever altered the way we think about events. These days, global experts can deliver the keynote at your event without the expense and inconvenience of international travel. Virtual audiences can log on at their convenience, and the constraints of physical venues no longer limit event size. And with the return of in-person conferences and tradeshows, many event organizers have embraced hybrid event production as the best of both worlds.  

By combining elements of in-person and virtual events, hybrid events expand your event’s reach and impact, making it possible to connect with global audiences like never before. But hybrid event production also has a unique set of considerations and challenges. So what are the keys to running a successful hybrid event? 

Top Considerations for Hybrid Event Production

If you’re like most event organizers, you’re already invested in the idea of going hybrid. But planning your first hybrid event can feel like twice as much work. Not only do you need to create an immersive, engaging experience for your in-person attendees, but you must also check the right boxes to ensure your virtual audiences don’t feel like an afterthought. 

Tallen’s Virtual Meetings Department has added value to hybrid events of all shapes and sizes for over a decade. During that time, we’ve learned that key considerations when planning a hybrid event boil down to audience engagement, timing, and your overall production goals. 

#1: Audience Engagement

For in-person attendees, your event is likely a sensory-rich experience. From the moment they enter the venue, they can see, hear, and interact with your event and each other. Being able to physically attend an event also reduces distractions and makes it easier to keep audiences engaged. 

With virtual attendees, things aren’t always so straightforward. Your event might be competing with the neighbor’s barking dog, arguing kids, and a running mental to-do list a mile long. Raise your hand if you’re guilty of event multi-tasking: trying to fold the laundry or do the dishes while half-heartedly paying attention to a Zoom meeting. 

Keeping a virtual audience’s attention requires strategic planning and expert hybrid event production. At Tallen, our goal is to make hybrid events feel seamless so that virtual and live audiences have a cohesive experience. Thanks to over a decade of experience, we’re ahead of the curve in creating innovative engagement opportunities for both live and virtual audiences.

#2: Production Value

Virtual and hybrid audiences in 2020 may have forgiven awkward transitions and tech glitches. But two years later, these same attendees expect a lot more from event organizers. That means higher-quality streaming, crystal-clear audio, and well-rehearsed transitions. For example, while grainy web cameras sufficed just a few years ago, hybrid audiences now expect virtual events to be streamed at full 1080p or even up to 4K video.

Furthermore, technology like green screen, XR studios, and professional graphic design can increase the look and feel of hybrid events for remote attendees. Instead of streaming content that looks and feels like a routine Zoom meeting or webinar, Tallen can raise the bar with immersive and interactive environments.

Your event stage isn’t just your presenters’ platform; it’s the vibrant focal point that brings your event to life! That’s why great events deserve world-class stage design. Through innovative event stage design, Tallen’s team helps create lasting impressions and impactful events. Here are some of the top benefits of custom stage design, considerations for doing it effectively, and our favorite examples of concepts that break the mold. 

Benefits of Custom Event Stage Design

Custom stage design elevates events in many ways. First, custom staging lets you draw on the strengths and unique character of your venue and event location. Integrate local cultural icons or draw inspiration from the region’s geography. For example, your stage can evoke the sandy beaches of Miami, the rustic Southwest desert, or the misty forests of the Pacific Northwest. These elements help attendees from both near and far feel more grounded in your event space. 

Second, custom staging can create a more cohesive event. Incorporating branded elements into your stage design subtly keeps the focus on your central message. Creative branding literally sets the stage for your event.

Finally, a custom event stage design sets your event’s tone. For example, you might want an intimate forum with a chic backdrop and cozy seating. Or an expansive stage with dramatic lighting and multiple focal points. Regardless of your event’s specific needs, custom staging allows you to be intentional about your staging decisions. 

Considerations for Effective Event Stage Design

As your event partners, Tallen’s experienced team considers every element of your event’s staging, working with you to find innovative solutions that bring your event to life. Considerations include: 

Rigging And Event Safety

Rigging is one of the most critical considerations when designing custom event stages. It can also be highly dependent on your event’s venue. For example, ceiling height and load-bearing limitations can impact sound, lighting, and special effects equipment options. We leave no stone unturned and ensure that, first and foremost, your event’s stage design and rigging setup are safe for presenters and attendees alike.

Stage Location And Orientation

While the front of the room might seem like the most logical stage placement, it’s not always the most advantageous. An alternate location or orientation could be better depending on the venue’s layout, the number of attendees, seating design, and event format. Other important considerations for stage location include stage accessibility, backstage requirements, and ensuring every seat in the audience has a clear view. 

Presenter Setup Needs

The size and layout of your stage will also vary depending on your presenters’ needs. For example, are you hosting a multi-person forum that needs cozy seating for an intimate discussion? Or will you have one presenter who needs to engage an entire audience? Understanding what your speaker or performers need affects stage size and other event staging considerations.

Creative Design

Hybrid meetings are on the rise, largely because they provide unprecedented levels of convenience, accessibility, and synergy across virtual and live audiences. But a glitch-free hybrid meeting requires high-quality AV equipment and the know-how to put it to work. Here at Tallen, we talked to a few of our expert technicians to get their input on the essential AV equipment checklist you need to run a successful hybrid meeting.

Essential AV Equipment Checklist

Of course, the answer to “What’s essential?” will change based on the nature of your hybrid meeting. For example, the platform you use will dictate, in large part, the AV equipment required to power it effectively. Still, a few pieces of gear are crucial to your hybrid meeting’s success. 

Computer & Internet

It might seem obvious, but this was the number one response from our team of technicians. Because hybrid meetings must facilitate both a live and virtual audience, a dedicated event computer and strong internet connection are absolutely non-negotiable. 

Your computer serves as the foundation for the virtual aspect of your meeting. Using something more portable, like a smartphone or tablet, might be tempting. But these smaller devices have limitations in size and power, making them insufficient to host a high-tech hybrid event. Instead, opt for a high-powered laptop computer with ample storage space. 

Next, you’ll need to consider your event’s internet capabilities. Currently, internet is one of the most significant technology-related expenses an event can incur, especially since we’ve seen a significant increase from venues post-COVID. And that excludes wireless connectivity for attendees. In general, we recommend 5 mbps of dedicated bandwidth for receiving a stream, such as a remote presenter. We suggest 10 mbps of dedicated service for streaming video out of your meeting.

Flexible Switcher with Stream Deck