Q&A with Eclipse AV

What is a virtual event and how does it differ from a hybrid event?

If we're trying to stay strict(ish!) with our definitions, the audience of a virtual event is based online and engages with your content remotely. A hybrid event on the other hand is a live event, that has an additional online presence to allow participant engagement regardless of location.

However, across 2020/21 it's become clear that the lines between 'virtual', 'hybrid' and 'live' will continue to blur and ultimately, these elements will all come to form what we had always just called 'events'.

Can any event be hosted virtually?

Absolutely! In fact, many of our clients have realised how beneficial having a virtual component in their events can be, and plan to continue including virtual as part of their event strategy permanently.

What started as uncharted territory for many has dramatically changed the way they approach events. Not only technology options, but revenue streams, audience engagement, logistics, analytics, and sustainability also.

What are some examples of virtual events?

With the rapid change in our industry over the last year, virtual events have taken the shape of almost every comparative type of live event. From your regular Friday night trivia all the way through to online conferences, exhibitions, concerts, jobs fairs, university open days, team building seminars and more.

What we're now focussing on, is harnessing the key parts of this technology and applying it moving forward.

Presenters needing to fly in from halfway around the world to deliver a short presentation, are now delivering that presentation remotely with broadcast quality production. What was once a lengthy and low response email survey of your participants, is now automatic and granular information on their engagements and interactions in your virtual space.

Why might I choose to use The Studio at Twickenham, instead of Zoom, Microsoft Teams etc.?

Though video conferencing has definitely carved its place into the way we work for good, we've all by this stage heard of 'Zoom Fatigue' and I'm sure all experienced it too! 'Engagement' is an often-used word in this space; however, the unsung hero of your virtual presence is Production Value. This is what a facility like The Studio can offer.

Far above and beyond a presenter at home on their webcam, with facilities like The Studio we're able to turn your agenda into a professional, interactive, TV style broadcast for your viewers. Quality content leads to quality engagement.

Will there be a team to help set up The Studio?

The Studio is permanently in place and ready to be utilised for your events. Between Eclipse and the team at Twickenham, our world-class technicians and production staff are at hand to assist you in building industry leading events.

Our adaptability and attention to detail have really been on show over the last year. We're very proud to be able to share our knowledge and the experience from our success stories.

What services are available when hiring The Studio?

The Studio offers a full suite of broadcast technology.

It features a 7.5m x 3.5m LED backdrop with full scale broadcast lighting, camera, and content facilities. Most importantly it offers an entirely immersive and interactive environment to present from. This can then be broadcast anywhere in the world.

What is the difference between a green screen vs the LED smart screen that The Studio features?

The key difference between a green screen and The Studio is the presentation space. Everything your viewers are seeing and everything your presenters are interacting with is right there, physically in the space. Presenters will have a genuine physical connection to the environment around them.

For seasoned stage presenters this is a game-changer and will be more similar to how they're used to presenting. The more comfortable your presenters are, the better their delivery will be.

How have you made sure The Studio is compliant to COVID-19 restrictions?

Being COVID safe has been our top priority throughout the pandemic. This has allowed us to continue producing events safely and effectively in line with local restrictions.

Regardless of location, we operate with the same set of strict controls and are accredited as 'We're good to go' by VisitEngland.