Virtual Event Benefits & Considerations Benefits ● Longer format to engage and share impact messaging ● Tie in the online auction ● Messaging from leadership ● Have fun ● Connect with a purpose ● Impact Storytelling ● Pre-party or post-party ● Live chat ● Public recognition of donors Considerations ● Filling the time with meaningful content ● Detailed script and run of show ● Getting the audience to tune in ● Keeping the attention of the audience ● Enough of an audience to make it work ● Enough bidders to bid on live auction items ● Technology, Production & Partners Plan for multiple practices with everyone involved.
Strategic Planning Before hosting a virtual event, answer the following questions: ● What format will your event be? ● What kind of experience do you hope to deliver? ● Will you require event registration? Free or paid? ● How and where will you promote the event? ● When is the best day and time for a virtual event? ● What technology is needed to execute the event? ● Where and how do I want the content to be seen? ● What Key Performance Indicators do you plan to track?
#1 Ingredient for Virtual Events: Reliable Internet Perform an internet Check by going to www.fast.com before you GO LIVE and check that the Upload Speed is higher than 10 Mbps for a solid connection.
Calling in the Professionals Virtual Event Producer and/or AV Partner ● The auction team that is pivoting to virtual or a hybrid format in the future may not have the skills, time, or equipment to make the virtual event shine, and that’s where callin in the Producer will help strategize, brand and stay on message for the entirety of the event. Using overlays, lower thirds, tickers, chroma and luma keying and transitions, you’re elevating the production value of your event keeping the organization and the mission front and center during the entire live event. ● The virtual event will be about 45 minutes however it will leave a lasting impression. An exceptional virtual event that is recorded can continue to live on past the initial airing. With this purpose, you may want to elevate the production excellence and use the experts. Production teams are highly trained and will be much more efficient in running a virtual event. They will also coach you based on their experiences. In creating a highly polished event, the reflection back is on your charity, mission, and cause.
Key Recommendations- content Content ● Impactful storytelling to motivate ● High production value with graphic visuals to effectively and clearly deliver the message ● Connect your audience to the mission
Key Recommendations- program Program ● 15 min Pre-Roll highlighting your online auction packages ● 45-60 min max scripted program to share your mission ● Live-streaming component ● Pre-recorded impactful video testimonials with call to action
Types of Virtual Fundraising Events 100% Virtual Events - Live or Pre-Recorded Kelly Russell, (Artisan Auctions) On-Location Virtual Events AndX’s “Traveling” Studio
Essential Roles & Responsibilities ● Event Hosts: BAS & Emcee ○ Hosts need to be comfortable in front of the camera, convey your message well, project energy and enthusiasm while following a script ● Technical Production Roles ○ Event Producer, Video Director, Audio Engineer, Lighting Tech, 2-3 Camera Techs, Teleprompter Op. ● Auction Support Roles ○ BAS Assistant, Live Bidding Donor Support ● Audience Engagement ○ Chat moderators & cheerleaders
The four “T”s behind Successful Virtual Events 1. Timing ○ Create a focused 45-60 minutes program run of show (average watch time is 26 minutes and drop off time occurs at 50 minutes) 2. Transitions ○ List and rehearse every transition noted on the run of show, from in-studio on-camera live switching to remote guests to content assets
The four “T”s behind Successful Virtual Events 3. Technology ○ What platforms will be used for registration, online (real-time) bidding, live streaming the broadcast and watching of the live-streamed auction 4. Touch-points ○ Map out the online audience touch-points from registration all the way to post event when they receive a link to the recorded live stream for later watching
Sequence of Event for Producing a Live-stream ● Event Page Setup ○ Either on the Online Auction Platform or a Custom Landing Page ○ Embed register-to-bid and RSVP links ● Technical Event Planning ○ Live-streaming technology is chosen & mapped out ● Content & Scripting ○ ROS, Production Schedule, Event Script & Content deliverables deadline ● Technical Rehearsal of a GO LIVE ○ If the event is 100% virtual, a technical run-through to test internet speed & C.A.L.L. elements will be scheduled PRIOR to the GO LIVE rehearsal ○ Dedicate about an hour or two, depending on the event’s complexity ○ for one last Technical before you GO LIVE
Working Documents for Staying on Track Production Schedule with important deadlines ● Content deliverables deadline ● Cue2Cue technical script for content & visual cues ● Pre-event Technical rehearsals schedule Run of Show ● An item-by-item sequence of tasks that will happen during the live-stream Event Script with or without Tech Notes ● A concise document that tracks each production task and visual element based on the run of show, which also includes the scripting for Hosts
Lessons Learned ● Have a Virtual Event Producer or Event Lead for your event ● Don’t attempt to C&P your in-person gala to virtual ● Insert moments of impactful storytelling in your Ask ● Keep the live-stream & chatting & bidding on one platform ● Have specific call-to-action moments throughout the event ● Engage the audience & captivate their attention through entertainment, watch-to-win drawings & live recognition ● Over-prepare: tech run-throughs & rehearsals, even if it feels like it’s not needed
auctria
teckl
1ftseabass
sbtechnight
carta_engineering
oracle4engineer
jtaka1012
mizunohiroaki
tsubakimoto_s
superbrothers
miyakemito
line_developers
frogandcode
addyosmani
skipperchong
colly
andyhume
mraible
productmarketing
jponch
soudai
deanohume
jacobian
morganepeng