Convention Wiesbaden Campus
4th event - September 2, 2021
Topic: Staging, interaction and optimal directing processes
The last Convention Campus event on the topic of "Staging and Interaction" took place on September 2, 2021 as a hybrid event at the RheinMain CongressCenter.
The focus was on optimal staging of events and participant activation. Around 10 participants were present at the RheinMain CongressCenter, with whom we took a tour of the location in advance. Over 160 people followed the event online. Participation in the event was free of charge.
Insights from the event
Micha Spannaus (opens in a new tab) and Nadja Kahn (opens in a new tab) will be speaking jointly and alternately on the topic of "Staging and emotionalization in online/hybrid events". This leads directly to the first tip: create variety for the audience. This is because an online event/the program presented is in constant competition with distractions from emails, telephones or other things at the participants' workplaces. The attention span online is much shorter than at a face-to-face event. Variety can be created by changing camera work, changing speakers or using different formats such as voting or gaming tools.
Micha Spannaus starts the event by directly summarizing the key messages of his presentation. In doing so, he deliberately drew attention to another piece of advice:"The beginning sets the entire tone of the event! Start with your important content within the first 5 minutes" (not after 15-20 minutes, which is what we are used to at most events). Just let the key note speaker say the welcome and introduce the program. This way you can pick up the audience directly. Or start with a short video in which the speakers are introduced.
✓ Event staging begins with the registration!
✓ The beginning sets the tone for the whole event!
✓ Think of the online viewer first!
✓ Create variety for more attention!
✓ Write a direction plan, for everything!
✓ Get advice - and be bold!
In terms of technical implementation, Micha says: " Choosing the right platform is crucial. The organizer should also look into the possibilities of the (existing) technology. To this end, it is essential to clearly define the event's own objectives in order to support their achievability through appropriate technical use.
Important: Think about the online audience first, or at least with them, and tailor the program to the online participants. It is also essential to draw up a detailed production plan. In addition, there should always be a rehearsal before the event, which gives everyone involved in front of and behind the camera confidence.
Nadja Kahn focuses on the haptic. What everyone misses at online events: something you can touch! Nadja calls it "experience". For example, she describes the advantage of party boxes that are sent to guests in advance of the event. As shown in the video, these boxes can be used to create the funniest competitions and interaction opportunities. These boxes are a good way to pick up participants before the event.
This is also Micha's tip: "The staging of the event begins with the registration".
Nadja and Micha agree:"Dare to do something, have courage". It's okay to go wrong, the more human, the better. And: Just get advice from experts.
Nadja Kahn summarizes the most important questions when designing an online event: Is the event www: perceptive, appreciative and effective?