Texas Commencement Update 2024

Hey all!  It’s been a wild last few years for commencements in Texas!  In Depth Events was on top of the changes that occurred almost daily since March of 2020, with commencement updates in 2020, 2021, and 2022.  We also threw in some last minute updates with Gov Abbott, as well as our thoughts on distance learning.  The In Depth team worked tirelessly to make sure educators and commencement planners had the best options possible to handle commencements for the last few years.

The world of commencements has changed with the events of the first years of this decade.  Technologies changed – now, video streaming is expected when it was a luxury in 2019.  Seating for attendees and graduates alike changed with social distancing.  It’s time now to take the lessons from the first half of the decade and move forward.  With these lessons firmly in mind – it’s time to talk about commencements in 2024!

Hosting Outdoor Commencement Events in Texas

When it comes to planning an outdoor commencement ceremony, the devil is in the details, especially the technical aspects that make your event truly shine. Seating placement, staging, audio, and video play a pivotal role in creating an unforgettable experience for both graduates and attendees. That's where In Depth Events steps in, ready to transform your vision into a reality and ensure an event that exceeds all expectations.  We are an audiovisual and staging company that specializes in outdoor commencements.  We’ve worked with education professionals to ensure that thousands of graduating students walk across our stages to get their diploma!

Sensational Seating Placement, Captivating Staging, Mesmerizing Audio, and Vivid Video - Creating Unforgettable Moments

#1 – Venue Selection

For most of the commencement organizers reading this – you can skip past this part!  Doing an outdoor commencement means hosting the event in the stadium of your ISD or college.  Each stadium has its own advantages and disadvantages – trust the experts at In Depth Events to help navigate trouble spots and highlight best practices!

#2 – Stage Rental

The stage serves as the focal point of your commencement ceremony, and at InDepth Events, we are experts at building stages of all sizes and types on sensitive fields.  Options for staging at commencement events can include ADA ramps, backdrops, banners, and covered stages for weather protection.  We also handle décor items such as podium rentals.

#3 - Seating and Logistics

Creating a comfortable and well-organized seating arrangement is imperative for a successful commencement ceremony. We'll provide you with detailed ideas and options to optimize seating arrangements that ensure every guest and graduate has a great view. Additionally, we'll offer practical tips to manage the flow of graduates and staff, including efficient entrance and exit strategies. It's all about creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for both the graduates and their guests.

#4 – Audio

One of the most difficult things about a commencement is providing clear audio so graduates and attendees can hear every word.  Clear and robust audio is essential to delivering impactful speeches and capturing the emotion of the moment. At InDepth Events, we provide crystal-clear sound rentals in outdoor settings, while working to overcome the challenges of open spaces and wind interference. With our audiovisual expertise, the audience will hang onto every inspiring word and heartfelt message.

#5 – Video

In this digital era, capturing and streaming your live commencement event is more important than ever. That's why we prioritize audiovisual rentals and streaming video production that captures every priceless moment of your outdoor commencement ceremony.  We provide video screens for your audience to see the event clearly while in the stands and on the field.  In addition, our audiovisual experts offer your audience the ability to stream live video from a variety of streaming platforms to make sure everyone can see and hear the ceremonies – even friends and relatives at home.  Our skilled videographers adeptly capture the ceremony from multiple angles, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed.

Preparing for Texas Weather with Outdoor Commencements

Ah, Texas weather, known for its unpredictability. Nothing is better than a stunning Texas sunset and the cool of a May evening with friends and family.  On the other hand, Texas in May is fickle and difficult weather is always a possibility when dealing with outdoor events.  In Depth works with your organizers in a variety of ways to help make your outdoor commencements a success:

  • We are exceptionally flexible with reschedules, cancellations, and last minute venue changes. We know that changes happen and we roll with the punches to make your event a success.
  • Our audio, video and electrical equipment is made to handle Texas weather. We can (and do) cover up, wait for the storm to pass, and then continue the event.
  • Weather monitoring is a big part of what we do on site. We work with your planning staff and risk management people to make sure everyone is safe.

Enhancing the Guest Experience

 

Now that we've covered the logistics, audiovisual needs, and technical aspects, let's talk about making your outdoor commencement ceremony an unforgettable experience for all. Adding an extra touch of magic to the event will leave a lasting impression on both the graduates and their families. In Depth Events can help you think beyond the typical décor.  Ask us about custom signage, backdrops, and banners that showcases school and brings a festive atmosphere to the celebration. We can also bring special effects like confetti, CO2 jets, and other visual effects.  Don't be afraid to think outside the box!

When it comes to creating an exceptional outdoor commencement ceremony, trust the experts at In Depth Events. We bring years of experience, technical know-how, and creativity to the table. Our team handles every aspect of your event's technical needs, from seating placement to staging, audio, and video production. We seamlessly integrate these elements, transforming your vision into a remarkable reality that will leave a lasting impression on attendees.

Contact In Depth Events today and let us help you create an unforgettable outdoor commencement ceremony that reflects your institution's pride and leaves a lasting impact on all who attend. Your vision, expertise, and our exceptional services will create an utterly unforgettable event. Trust in us to bring your dreams to life.


Using Triangular Stage Thrusts for Corporate Events

When it comes to corporate events held in hotel ballrooms, creating the perfect ambiance and experience is essential. Working in these professional environments can be both exciting and challenging. However, with the right stage setup, you can transform any hotel ballroom into an extraordinary event space that leaves a lasting impression.

Custom Staging and Layout - Triangular Stages and Options

One of the newest options for custom stage rentals at corporate events is the use of triangular stage thrusts. These stages offer versatility and an eye-catching design that elevates the aesthetic appeal of any event. At In Depth Events, we provide a range of options to cater to your specific needs. Our stage rental options include:

Gloss Black Stages: Sleek and sophisticated, gloss black stages add a touch of elegance to your event.

Gloss White Stages: With a clean and modern look, gloss white stages create a fresh and contemporary atmosphere.

Utility Black: Versatile and practical, utility black stages are perfect for a variety of event themes.

Marley Rentals: Ideal for dance performances or events requiring a smooth and slip-resistant surface.

LED Lit Stages: Add a dynamic element to your event with LED-lit stages that can be customized to match your brand colors.

Hybrid Options: Combining different materials, hybrid stages offer endless possibilities to create a unique stage design.

These stage options can be tailored to match your brand and event theme perfectly, allowing you to create a visually stunning stage setup that leaves a lasting impression on attendees.  One notable advantage of using triangular stages in hotel ballrooms is the improved audience seating layout and viewing experience. These stages offer a wider field of view, ensuring that every attendee has an unobstructed view of the stage. This enhances engagement and creates a more immersive experience, making your corporate event more memorable and impactful.

In Depth Events Provides Custom Staging and other Production Rentals for Corporate Events

At In Depth Events, we specialize in providing not only custom stage rentals but also various other production rentals for corporate events. From audio and lighting to video rentals, we offer comprehensive solutions to bring your vision to life. Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your requirements and create an event production that exceeds your expectations. In addition to our custom stage and seating riser rentals, we ensure seamless coordination of all production elements, guaranteeing a successful and memorable corporate event.

With years of experience in the event industry, In Depth Events has built a reputation for excellence. We prioritize client communication from start to finish, ensuring that your vision is accurately translated into the stage and production setup. We are proud to provide structural drawings that depict the precise layout and design of your stage, allowing you to visualize the final product. Our commitment to meticulous planning and attention to detail sets us apart and ensures that your corporate event runs smoothly and successfully.

Engineering Safety for Custom Stages (and all Rental Stages)

Safety is our top priority when it comes to custom stages and all rental stages. We understand the importance of providing a secure environment for your attendees. Our stages are equipped with safety features such as step units and handrails, ensuring easy accessibility and preventing any accidents. We strictly adhere to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, ensuring that our stages are inclusive and accessible to all individuals. Rest assured, when you choose In Depth Events for your custom stage rentals, you can trust that you are getting a safe and reliable staging solution.

Ready to elevate your corporate event with a custom triangular stage thrust? Contact us to discuss your event's requirements and explore the possibilities. Let us help you create an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on your attendees.


In Depth Events joins NACA

In Depth Events is joining the party at NACA in Little Rock on October 19-21! Schedule an appointment or drop by to see us at our booth when you’re in the mood for some event excellence. See you there!

“In the whirlwind world of event management, In Depth Events, with over 25 years of experience, has joined forces with the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA). This team-up promises some seriously epic events."

In Depth Events: Your Go-To Event Gurus

Whether you need help with planning, production, virtual meetings, equipment rentals, or more, In Depth Events has got you covered. They're pros at making events awesome, no matter if they're in-person, online, or a mix of both.

Teaming Up with NACA

In Depth Events, a leading event management and production company, has recently announced their collaboration with the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA). NACA is all about helping campus event planners succeed. By teaming up with In Depth Events, they're adding a whole bunch of cool event services and know-how to their arsenal.

Why You Should Care

This partnership is like a power-up for event organizers. You get access to cutting-edge services and a huge network, thanks to In Depth Events and NACA. Together, they'll help you create unforgettable events that people will be talking about for ages.

Get Ready for Awesome Events

In Depth Events and NACA bring a ton of experience and a shared passion for making events rock. Whether you're planning something live, virtual, or a bit of both, teaming up with them will make your event shine. Reach out to In Depth Events for a free consultation and start cooking up some epic plans with this awesome partnership.


Texas Commencement Update 2022

What will commencements look like in 2022?

We are so grateful that the 2021-2022 school year has been back to “normal” for the most part. Seniors all over the country are ready to celebrate their accomplishments and receive their diploma. It’s a marked change from the 2020 commencement season, where lots of schools were forced to cancel commencements altogether.

In May of 2021, in the wake of mask mandates and capacity restrictions for indoor venues, most ISD’s and collegiate ceremonies moved outdoors.  ISD’s that had football stadiums found themselves using their facilities to create outdoor commencement spaces and events, with social distancing being the glue that held the event together.

Outdoor commencement ceremonies are still taking the lead in 2022.  The CDC has recommended mask use, even in outdoor environments.  The CDC is also recommending social distancing in seating and in common areas.  At In Depth Events, we are noticing that social distancing seating is still a factor in the wake of the Omicron variant.  Safety is on everyone’s mind, and it’s important to create an environment to have your loved ones there to experience this moment of individual recognition together while still maintaining a level of safety and security for attendees and graduates.

Seating Examples (click for full sized)

Social Distancing Seating for Commencements

In 2021, In Depth helped our clients to pioneer options for social distancing seating on the field for graduates and their families.  While some clients opted for 10’ distancing, most clients opted for 6’ distancing on the field.

Our favorite seating arrangement was a design that allowed a 1+4 seating configuration – the graduate is provided a chair, and four chairs were placed behind him or her for immediate family members.  Friends and other family members were allowed to sit GA in the stands.  This allowed the closest and most supportive people to actually be on the field with their graduates and made for a much more interactive experience for graduates and their families.

Virtual Events and Live Streaming of Commencements

What we have learned more than anything else in the past two years is that live streaming is here to stay.  Families have quickly gotten used to the convenience of watching their graduate walk across the stage.  Our analytics data have shown family members from all over the world watching in real time as their graduate received their diploma.  Adding chat features allows viewers to be able to interact with the stream.

Although this technology has been available for years, it’s only in the wake of COVID that the average person is familiar enough logging on with their mobile device or computer and watching in real time.  People have their favorite streaming platforms, and In Depth can offer multiple streams at the same time for users on YouTube, Facebook, and other streaming platforms.  Our experienced technicians and state of the art video equipment allows for a trouble-free viewing experience for families all over the world.

Providing rental equipment for outdoor commencements

Most ISDs and colleges don’t have the equipment in house to produce an outdoor graduation ceremony.  Never fear!  For decades, In Depth Events, Inc. has been an industry leader in commencements, and we are proud to use the latest technology and equipment for our commencement clients.

We provide staging and crystal-clear audio to your live attendees, presenters, and graduates.   We also provide the video and streaming equipment to provide live streaming services for our ISD and collegiate commencement clients.  Any other production needs – just ask!  We provide generators, lighting, and even confetti cannons for our commencement clients looking to spice up their ceremony.

Please contact us with questions about your next commencement.  We look forward to hearing from you, and working with you and your staff to create the perfect commencement event.