At Seamless, we love sharing industry best practices about audio visual solutions for events. While we focus on full-service AV, we have a broad goal: to help deliver the highest quality attendee experience budgets will allow!

Our Featured FAQ:

When planning virtual or hybrid events, when does it make sense to broadcast live versus pre-record?

Having now produced many clients’ virtual events, we’ve found that even highly experienced in-person presenters can struggle with presenting remotely. Being live on-camera often triggers an enjoyable adrenaline rush for those doing the speaking. But unfortunately it’s difficult to translate that energy on-camera or have it come across in an audience-friendly way.

The good news: polished, pre-recorded presentations usually win out over going live because they allow you to create a tightly paced “story” that’s critical to keeping your virtual attendees engaged and inspired. 

You reduce risks, enable thoughtful edits, and gain the opportunity to integrate elements proven to keep viewers focused. As a bonus, you’ll find that even speakers reluctant to pre-record typically love the results!

Here are six key reasons to incorporate pre-produced content into your budget — and six times it works well to go live.

6 reasons to pre-record virtual event content

1. Eliminate speaker nervousness, edit out mistakes, or simply tighten up content
2. Showcase anything-but-standard presentations by adding in video or other types of media aimed at grabbing attendees’ attention
3. Avoid common technical mishaps that create “dead air” for speakers, including connectivity problems
4. Boost attendee engagement by permitting attendees to replay content they want to absorb or rewatch
5. Avoid time zone issues for keynote speakers, other presenters, and attendees
6. Optimize use of ready-to-go presentations post-event (consider repurposing as part of thought leadership, revenue, and talent acquisition/retention strategies)

We’re obviously fans of pre-recording, but also know that “going live” has its pros! If you’re looking to capture some of the spontaneity and group energy that happens during in-person events, consider a semi-live format. By mixing pre-recorded and live content, your attendees can enjoy the combined benefits of each. Here are some examples of when to consider adding a live element to your event. 

6 virtual event segments to consider broadcasting live

1. Post-presentation Q&As
2. Breakout rooms 
3. Awards (if winners are still a secret)
4. Auctions
5. Of-the-moment news or announcements
6. Networking (if your online platform supports meaningful interaction)

When sharing in real-time, we recommend you turn to seasoned professionals accustomed to being in front of a camera. They’re better equipped to maintain your event’s momentum — and have likely handled unexpected glitches or gaffes before.