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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.


2021 Commencement Updates

We are quickly moving into the 2021 commencement season for both colleges and high schools. Since the start of Covid-19, we have worked hard to follow all recent and developing guidelines for graduation ceremonies to help our clients navigate their events efficiently. 

As we move into this year's commencement ceremonies, here are the top trends and requirements you will need to follow closely to have a graduation ceremony in 2021 successfully. As always, our team is here to help you navigate these changes with ease. We are fully equipped to support the new guidelines and recommendations for 2021 commencement ceremonies. You can contact our team here to learn more and secure your space for event management.  

Outdoor commencement ceremonies 

In order to safely social distance and meet the CDC suggestions, outdoor ceremonies will take the lead for 2021. This requires a unique approach to handle outdoor audio, staging, seating, and video needs. Our team is prepared to help you implement these changes with our high-quality equipment and trained technicians. While some events will be entirely outdoors, some also have a hybrid component, which you can read about below. 

Hybrid graduation ceremonies 

Hybrid graduation ceremonies have both an in-person and virtual component to them. Typically, students will be able to graduate (outdoors), and loved ones will be able to stream the event from home, through their computers, or other smart devices. This option is great to help with social distancing and allows family members from all over the USA to watch the event from their homes' safety and comfort.

Hybrid events do require the right audio, video, and live streaming set up, but our team has everything you need to have a hybrid commencement ceremony successfully. Keep reading to learn more about live streaming and how it can elevate your student's commencement event. 

Live streaming 

So what exactly is live streaming? To put it simply, live video streaming allows you to record an event as it is happening and send the live feed to a location of your choice (social media, streaming platform, etc.) In order to successfully live stream an event, you will need;

  • High-quality audio
  • Video capabilities
  • Streaming capabilities
  • High-quality video 
  • The ability to pre-record and edit if needed

 

What are the next steps? 

While these requirements might sound a little overwhelming, we are happy to help you. Our team of fully trained experts and our 25 years of experience allow us to provide high-quality event services for our clients. We have your equipment, video, event management, and event needs covered, so contact our team today to schedule a no-cost call and let's get your event moving forward. 

Click Here to download a PDF version of this video presentation. 

Resources

If you would like to check out our other resources as well, you can find them here;

Commencement Event Updates for 2020 and beyond

How Virtual Events are Changing the Live Event Landscape

How can we Prepare for Distance Learning and Virtual Events?

Governor Abbott's May 18 commencement guidelines

 

 

 

 


Update from In Depth Events

It's hard to believe that the year is coming to a close, and it sure has been one for the books. The event industry has changed drastically, but we are happy to tell you that things are starting to go back to a new kind of normal. We want you to know that we are open and here to help you navigate the new event space. There are recent changes, procedures, and guidelines to follow, but we are up to date and ready to help you. 

We have remained open through the year by providing virtual event services and management for our amazing clients. At In Depth Events, we pride ourselves on finding creative and innovative solutions to navigate any complications or roadblocks with ease because, as you know, the show must go on. We eat, breathe, and sleep that phrase. 

So, if you are ready to get your event back and running, we are prepared and excited to help you today! Contact our team for your event needs (we are open and ready to help).

Political event

 

How can we help? 

We know events are looking a little different these days, but our team is fully prepared and able to help you whether you need to host a virtual event or a live event- we've got you covered.

 If you have never hosted a virtual event before, you might be surprised by how effective and profitable they can be. You don't have to worry about space, security, and other live event details. You also can reach attendees all over the world through smart marketing and videos. This has been a big part of our business these days, and if you need to host a virtual event, contact us today!

We are also finally seeing an increase of in-person events, and that requires up to date information on how we can keep your attendees safe and follow all CDC guidelines. We know it can be a little stressful trying to figure out the new rules for live events, but we are fully versed and ready to implement new procedures for your next live event. Along with keeping your guests safe, we also handle all of your lighting, audio, staging, and pool cover needs. 

What kind of events can we help you with? 

We can help you with your next event, whether it is virtual or live. 

This is by no means an extensive list; we love managing and offering rentals for new and innovative events. The best part is we handle everything in-house, so you don't have to juggle fifty different bids and worry about anything falling through the cracks. We strive to bring your vision to life, without any added stress. We make sure your event is stress-free and successful. 

So what are the next steps?

You might have some questions about what events can be hosted live and also how you can implement a virtual or hybrid model into your next event. We would love to hop on a call and walk you through the next steps and the best options specific to you and your event needs. Contact us today. We can't wait to work with you!

 


How to Nail a Hybrid or Virtual Halloween

It's time for Halloween (sort of)

It's time for Halloween (sort of). 

Halloween event

Any Halloween expert knows it's NEVER to early to start planning your Halloween bash. While October is months away, now is the BEST time to schedule any equipment rentals or event planning services you might need. We all know having the right audio and lighting can set the tone and add that spooky factor to your event. Whether you are planning a family party or even a haunted house- our experts are here to help!  

Lighting

Lighting is EVERYTHING when it comes to Halloween. Having black lights is a great way to change your event's mood, amplify the impact of your Halloween decorations, and add that extra element of fun to your party. It gets your guests excited, makes dancing a heck of a lot more fun, and you honestly can't go wrong with this lighting effect. We offer everything you need for the perfect lighting and effects! Black lights are not the only option for your event. We also have LED lighting fixtures, trussing and support structures, image projection, or full-on concert lighting if you need it.  

Audio

Want your guest to get the full effect of your decorations? Let's talk audio! Whether you have a killer band showing up or have sound effects that need a high-quality and realistic feel, we've got you covered. You don't just want your sound effects to be loud; you want them to be realistic and high-quality. Our equipment rentals and professional technicians can easily set up your event to feel like those ghost sounds are next to you. You don't want to cheap out on audio because it takes away from the mood you want to set at your Halloween event. If you are not sure what sound needs you might have, let our experts help you out! 

Keeping it small

If you are looking to hist a more intimate Halloween event, might we suggest turning your backyard into a spooky oasis? We have beautiful pool covers to give you extra room. We also specialize in unique staging rentals so your guests can dance the night away to monster mash. Small doesn't have to mean boring. Let our experts help you get the most out of your space with creative solutions that add that WOW factor to your event.  

Next level

Need something different? What about having horror movies streaming in your backyard or on stage at your event? If you want to take things up a notch, consider an LED video wall! LED video walls are light, high-quality, and the perfect addition to your event. Alongside audio and lighting, adding an LED video wall can amplify your event and elevate the mood of your guests. The best part is, our team will help you set up and stick around (in the background, of course) to make sure everything goes to plan. You don't have to worry about set up or technical difficulties when working with In Depth Events.  

 Virtual events 

Taking your event online? We have you covered with high-quality video streaming and the right technology to host your event from afar. Whether you want to host a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual elements or monetize a live stream or video concert- team up with In Depth Events. 

What's next 

Our team has over twenty-five years of experience in the events industry. We are professional, creative, and offer top of the line service. Let's schedule a no-cost consultation to discuss your event and how we can have your guests talking about it for years to come.