Category: Uncategorized

Outdoor Commencement Ceremonies in Texas 2026

Outdoor graduations have become the new standard for Texas schools. What began as a temporary solution a few years ago has now evolved into the preferred approach for ISDs and universities across the state. Stadiums, practice fields, and open-air venues allow districts to host larger audiences, streamline logistics, and give graduates and their families the space they need for a memorable ceremony.

At In Depth Events, we’ve supported hundreds of outdoor commencement ceremonies in Texas. Our team brings decades of experience in staging, audio, lighting, and logistics for large-scale school district events. We take wide-open stadiums and turn them into clean, organized, and professional high school and collegiate graduation environments. From field access to equipment placement, we manage the technical details so administrators and staff can focus on their students.

How We Support School Districts and Universities

Venue Logistics & Coordination

Outdoor commencement is a large undertaking. We work closely with stadium managers, ISD administrators, and university staff to plan equipment access, turf protection, layout design, and audience flow. Our production schedules ensure the event runs smoothly from start to finish.

Sensitive Surfaces

Our crews are experienced in working on both artificial turf and natural grass environments. Facilities managers love us because we take time and care to make sure the stadium assets are well protected

Staging & ADA Access

We provide stages, ADA-compliant ramps, covered platforms, podiums, and banner structures designed specifically for school districts and university graduations. Every stage is built with visibility, safety, and accessibility in mind.

Seating & On-Site Organization

Commencement requires more than just a stage. We assist with organized seating layouts for graduates, staff, VIPs, and families. Clear sightlines and efficient entrances and exit help maintain timing and improve the overall guest experience.

Audio for Outdoor Environments

Outdoor sound is one of the biggest challenges for ISD and university graduations due to wind, long distances, and open acoustics. Our engineers design audio systems built for stadium environments, allowing names, speeches, and announcements to be heard clearly across the entire venue.

Video & Live Streaming

For districts that need video support, we provide LED screens, multi-camera crews, and livestreaming options. Families can watch the ceremony from anywhere, and administrators receive professional footage for future use or archival needs.

Weather Support

Texas weather can change quickly. We provide covered staging, protected audio and lighting systems, weather monitoring, and realistic backup plans to keep the ceremony safe, on schedule, and fully operational.

Experienced Production for a Meaningful Event

Commencement is one of the most significant milestones for students and their families. Our goal is to support ISDs and universities by providing reliable, professional production that complements the ceremony without interrupting it. We understand the schedules, field restrictions, safety requirements, and technical demands of outdoor venues. Our team has handled commencement production for districts across Texas, and we bring that experience to every event.

Planning Your Next Graduation

If your district or university is preparing for an outdoor commencement ceremony and needs a production partner with a proven track record, we’re here to help.

Call In Depth Events or use our contact form to learn more about our staging, audio, lighting, and field-ready production services for Texas graduation ceremonies.


Renting Patio Bulb Stringers for Outdoor (and Indoor!) Special Events

When searching for the best options for warm, festive lighting for special events, it’s hard to go wrong with patio bulb stringers.  Depending on where you are from, bulb stringers have several different names, and can invoke several different moods:

Patio Bulb Stringers:

In the heart of our discussion is the charming Patio Bulb Stringers. These are specifically the strings of bulbs that brighten up patios, pathways, or any outdoor setting you can dream of. The magic of stringers lies in their simplicity and their power to transform a space with a cozy, inviting glow.

Commercial Bulb Stringers:

Commercial Bulb Stringers are the term used to describe stringers in large outdoor spaces.  They can also be used in large indoor spaces such as hotel ballrooms or banquet spaces, and last (but not least!) in under-tent environments.

Bistro Lighting:

Ah, Bistro Lighting, now we're getting continental! Drawing inspiration from the quaint, picturesque outdoor cafés of France, bistro lighting adds an elegant yet casual charm to any event. Whether it’s an intimate wedding reception or a chic corporate event, bistro lights create a warm, inviting ambiance that whispers stories of Parisian nights under the stars.

Café Stringers:

Last but certainly not least, we have Café Stringers. Evoking the lively atmosphere of a street café, these lights are all about creating a vibrant, spirited vibe. Perfect for casual gatherings, food festivals, or any event where fun is on the menu, café stringers bring a touch of whimsy and delight.

Read through our guide below to find out more about renting these flexible and fun event lighting solutions for your next event!

Rent vs Buy

Hiring Expert Installers for Rental of Patio Bulb Stringers

 

Patio bulb lighting stringers serve as an essential tool for creating a brilliantly staged ambiance at your event. Acting as shedders of warm, welcoming, and atmospheric illumination, they elevate the aesthetic appeal of any event, highlighting spaces and features with an elegant glow.  These lights come into the spotlight especially during events such as weddings, corporate gatherings, or intimate dinners when the sun dips below the horizon, and natural light fades away. They fill the atmosphere with an enchanting warmth, making it cozy and inviting.

Choosing to rent patio bulb lighting stringers instead of purchasing them provides a plethora of benefits. Cost-effectiveness is one of the most impactful, as the expense associated with purchasing, storing, and maintaining such lighting equipment can be considerable.  When you opt for our rental services, you also get access to professional installation and removal services. Our experienced team is well-versed in setting up these lights in an incredibly effective manner, ensuring that they greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your venue.

At In Depth Events, our experts ensure the lights' arrangement does not dampen their potential but effectively illuminates the venue within safety boundaries. This involves calculating the appropriate height, the intensity of the light, and the spread for optimal lighting and aesthetics.  No trees?  No problem!  We can provide other support structures for the cable and swags of lighting at your event.  Using patio bulb lighting stringers for your event entails more elements than mere lighting and decoration. It’s a partnership where we work towards creating the atmosphere you desire for your event, combining your ideas with our expertise and experience.

You’ll see other companies that ship you the stringers so that you can install them yourself.  That works for smaller parties, but when you have a larger space, or are limited on time, then make sure to hire our experts at In Depth Events for the setup and removal for your special events.  With our patio bulb lighting stringers at your disposal, you'll enjoy an event that leaves an indelible impression on your guests' minds, all without any additional efforts or hassles on your part.

Additional Event Rentals for Your Special Event

Whether it’s an outdoor wedding, a corporate event, a family event, or a sporting event, In Depth can help with all your décor lighting rental needs.  To create a successful event, we’ve found that customization is key; understanding the specific needs of the venue, ensuring that the style aligns with the event's theme, and being savvy with the budget without sacrificing visual appeal, are the pillars of a successful lighting experience.

Our customizable rental packages cater to a spectrum of client needs and financial plans, without skimping on quality or effect. Our professional team prides itself on deploying and removing lighting with seemly efficiency, allowing clients to stay focused on their guests.

In summary, patio bulb lighting stringers offer an irreplaceable transformative effect for any event worth remembering. In Depth Events is your go-to authority in crafting an atmospheric masterpiece with lighting.  Please contact us - We welcome you to explore our offerings further and to entrust us with the lighting needs of your next event. Let's shine a light on your event's potential, together!


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.


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.