As virtual events, conferences, webinars, and trade shows continue to be a mainstay (and because they are expected to grow by $7.41 billion through 2025), brands must still call on some of the same foundational event “basics” that they used in traditional conference settings. Even when hosting virtual events, these core principles apply.
For instance, whether you are hosting an online conference or in-person event, your goal is still to create an environment that enhances and communicates your message to your audience – and the best way to do that is through great event stage design.
Creative use of staging and AV technology at your event can not only completely transform the event experience for attendees but also help ensure your audience stays engaged. Long story short, effective stage design can make or break a conference when it comes to connecting with your audience, and that’s still true for virtual events.
The Importance of Stage Design for Virtual Events
One of the reasons why virtual stage design is so important at an event is that it helps to set the scene for your virtual attendees. For this reason, it may be more critical in a virtual conference setting than in live events. With a virtual event, you’re already fighting to engage an audience that is removed from your speakers and facing distractions a world away from your presentation. Your virtual set keeps the audience focused on you.
Use Backdrops
Creating a themed backdrop or video screen to anchor your event will strengthen your brand and capture the attention of attendees. After all, in a time where we are so reliant on technology to share and connect, it’s vital to have staging elements like video or audio to cater to those who are visual or interactive learners. Even Zoom offers a feature that lets you change your background to enhance online meetings. However, don’t go too extreme with green screens, real-time motion graphics, and studio backgrounds. Make sure that your virtual stage sets are engaging enough to capture your audience’s attention without actually distracting from the keynote speakers or presenters who will be talking in front of it.
Highlight Messaging
A focused and well-branded virtual event stage design can help you effectively deliver your message and tell your story. This could be through a subdued and understated presentation that allows your message to shine and stand out, or it could include attention-getting AV technology and stage lighting that will create an impact. It all depends on your goal of connecting with your target audience.
Sponsor Shoutouts
You can also use your virtual set design to highlight sponsors for your events or give thanks to those who helped make your event possible. You can do this through digital signage, branded color tones and lighting, displays, digital banner ads across your screen, social media sharing prompts (hashtags, photos, and presentation highlights), video walls, and more.
Support Presenters
A well-thought-out stage design goes a long way in setting up your virtual presenters for success at your conference. Creating an efficient environment for your speakers is crucial, whether it’s by sending them the equipment and resources they need to broadcast from home successfully or inviting them out to a professional studio like Bluewater’s Broadcast and Streaming Studio facilities – it’s important for hosting both a quality event and creating a consistent attendee experience from speaker to speaker. While event planning, consider the elements that your presenters need to deliver their best presentations so that you can focus on providing a successful virtual event that your guests will remember.
How Bluewater Can Help With Virtual Event Stage Design
If you’re interested in creating a unique virtual stage and set design experience for your upcoming conference, our team at Bluewater would be happy to walk you through it all. The initial considerations include the environment, event space, audience size, event budget, stage look and feel, and your priorities.
From there, we can help with everything from virtual conference hosting, event management, using a virtual event platform, and live streaming to event strategy and creative & sound design. Our team will work with you closely to understand your event goals and turn them into a creative vision and practical solution that delivers for your upcoming virtual event. Contact Bluewater to learn more.
