Event Coverage: 5 Ways to Partner with a Video Company
When it comes to event coverage, partnering with a skilled storyteller and video production company (one filled with former journalists who have experience in covering events!) can transform a simple gathering into one that you can remember forever (get it?!).
From capturing the excitement of the moment to engaging audiences who can’t attend in person, here are five dynamic ways to leverage professional video services for your event.
1. Event Recap Reel
This might be one of our favorite ways to capture an event! After your big event, a well-crafted event recap can continue to call your audience to act. This reel should feature the best moments of your event: the keynotes, the laughter, the applause, and even the unexpected surprises. Not only does this serve as a perfect recap for those who attended, but it also acts as persuasive content for potential attendees of your future events. Highlight reels are excellent for sharing on social media platforms, where they can spark interest and generate conversations. An event recap can also go out within days after your event to thank donors or ask for more donations to reach your goal!
EXAMPLE: The 2024 CodeCrew Excite Awards. We covered the event by showcasing the interactive stations, interviews with attendees and staff, mixed with podium sound from the event’s keynote speaker.
2. Livestreaming
Livestreaming is a powerful tool to broaden your event’s reach. Imagine how many people might tune in from outside your city or country if they could watch it LIVE. This is especially appealing for live entertainment. And in an effort not to just livestream the exact event from the room, you can enhance your livestream with interactive elements like live polls, viewer comments, and Q&A sessions. Sometimes having a virtual host can also help boost audience engagement. Whether it’s a product launch, concert, or conference, livestreaming ensures no one misses out and can even increase your event’s accessibility.
EXAMPLE: - Crosstown High School graduation. This event was livestreamed to Youtube and recorded natively to allow families to tune in from all over and students to replay whenever they want!
3. Multi-Angle Coverage
Capturing an event from multiple perspectives can be a great way to both remind people of the event (next year) and show how cool, unique or fast your event was for attendees. Multiple camera angles can mean multiple cameras on the ground but it can also mean capturing ground footage and drone footage, showcasing a unique perspective with a GoPro or 360 camera or using a gimbal to capture moments with ease.
EXAMPLE: A Season of Song was an in-person concert we produced for television rebroadcast at the Memphis Botanic Gardens. Using our multi-camera switcher we shot the concert in-real time and then edited it down to fit the broadcast format.
4. Behind-the-Scenes Content
There’s a unique allure to behind-the-scenes (BTS) content that audiences love. You can often find the most valuable in real time video posted the night of the event. But from a storytelling perspective, you might consider showing the setup, the preparations, or candid moments between speakers and program moments that offer a raw and personal insight into your event. BTS content is perfect for social media but you can also accomplish it through interviews with organizers, performers, or attendees. We love doing this when we produce an event recap.
EXAMPLE: This is a piece we shot for Live at the Garden. It shows the behind the scenes of the event, stage moments, table moments and everything in between.
5. Event Teaser and Promotional Campaign
What about next year? Start the hype early with a teaser video created from last year’s footage. A compelling teaser can set the tone for what attendees can expect this year, filled with glimpses of the highlights and testimonials from last year’s participants. Gradually release these teasers as part of a larger promotional campaign to maintain interest and excitement year-round. Such videos can effectively drive early registrations and keep potential attendees engaged with anticipation.
EXAMPLE: Covering the LIVE recording of the Casual Space Podcast meant making a recap that promotes the podcast and encourages people to get involved in the “Stories from Space Project.”
Next Steps!
Working with a video production company offers numerous creative possibilities to not only document your event, but also enhance its reach and impact. From livestreaming to engaging promotional teasers, these techniques ensure your event resonates well beyond its venue. So next time you’re planning an event, consider how professional video coverage could amplify your success and leave attendees eager for more.