How Virtual Events are Changing the Live Event Landscape

Commencement guidelines UPDATE

It’s no secret that the world has gone virtual. Everything from working, to distance learning, and even graduations are being held virtually. As you know, the Spring of 2020 made us all reevaluate how adaptable our businesses are. Since then, we have seen a steady increase of video streaming needs, so this is the perfect time to get you connected. Virtual and hybrid events are becoming the new normal and having the proper equipment and set up is crucial to keeping up with all of these changes. At in Depth Events we have heavily focused on cloud-based live streaming for years. We also have full video production services, video equipment rentals, and mobile/permanent studios. We understand the importance of high-quality video streaming and we would love to help get you set up.  

Byron P. Steele High School – 2020 Graduation

So who is video streaming for?

 

This is a great question with an easy answer, ANYONE! Everyone from small business owners, to musicians, and even yoga instructors can take their business online and still create a steady stream of revenue. This is also a perfect option for educators, virtual events, and concerts. We have also seen a major increase in the need to take commencement ceremonies virtual and even family gatherings. Whatever the reason may be, here are some ways to get started.   

What are the benefits to hybrid and virtual events? 

 

There are several benefits to taking your business or event online. Whether you are a small business owner or even a musician, you can easily monetize your live streams.  We have also found that educators and even fitness instructors are finding ways to teach online. This is a great option to reach a larger audience and potentially double your revenue. Think about it, if there is no in-person requirement you can open your business to the entire WORLD. This model is being successfully implemented in most industries. Currently there are several ways to to stream including, YouTube, Twitch, and even Facebook. There are several ways to monetize your live stream. You can raise money, sell e-tickets, and donation based, or use a membership platform.  

So how does this all work? 

 

There are several ways to get started. First you need high-quality equipment, then a platform to stream on, and also the ability to market your live stream. While there are many moving parts to cloud-based live streaming, our team at In Depth Events have several years of experience and would love to help you get your business or event online. Contact us today, we look forward to working with you! Feel free to reach out if you want to learn more.  For our latest post on distance learning and digital events- go here.

Samuel Clemens High School – 2020 Graduation

Allison L. Steele Enhanced Learning Center – Class of 2020 Graduation


Governor Abbott’s May 18 commencement guidelines

Commencement guidelines UPDATE

 

The 2021 season is coming up, and we are all watching developments closely to see how COVID and the calls for social distancing will affect indoor and outdoor commencements this year. We are working hard to make sure our client schools comply and provide safe events for their students! *Here is our most recent post with updates.

 

This year graduation is going to look a little different. While we know this is a tough time for everyone, we do have good news from Governor Abbott about the 2020 commencement ceremonies. As of May 18, 2020, Governor Abbott has issued updated guidelines for this year's commencement ceremonies. There are currently four options available, including virtual ceremonies, hybrid ceremonies, outdoor ceremonies, and vehicle ceremonies.

While these new guidelines might be a little different then what you are used to, our experts are here to help with anything you need to navigate these guidelines successfully. Have questions? We have answers, feel free to reach out to our team here.

Virtual commencement ceremonies

 

So what exactly would a virtual ceremony look like? In this case, the ceremony would be completely virtual, with no in-person contact. For this type of event, you want to have high-quality streaming capabilities. You might need specific equipment or other accommodations to have a virtual commencement ceremony successfully. Our experts have a diverse background in live-streaming events, as well as equipment and technicians for setup and streaming. If you are considering this option, be sure to contact us today to help you set up a plan and get things moving quickly.

Hybrid commencement ceremonies

 

Hybrid commencement ceremonies might be individually filmed or in small groups (while practicing social distancing). This option has more restrictions, so be sure to reach out to our team for more information on how to implement safety regulations, while still having an awesome event. Hybrid ceremonies typically require some in-person participation but allow for remote viewing. This is an excellent option for family and friends to see the ceremony while following social distancing guidelines.

Outdoor commencement ceremonies

 

If you are considering an outdoor commencement ceremony, you do need to be sure that social distancing guidelines are followed. There will be a cap on the number of participants allowed to attend, so; you might consider a live stream of the ceremony. We are still here to build stages, handle your audio, and even help you with live streaming the event. Be sure to reach out to us soon, so we can help you start planning and get things moving.

Vehicle commencement ceremonies

 

Vehicle commencement ceremonies will typically require that student and their families drive up to receive a photo of their graduate with their diploma. Parents will more than likely stay in the vehicle, or practice social distancing by taking pictures from six feet away. This could be an opportunity for you to live stream the ceremony, so let our experts know if you want to learn more.

At In Depth Events, we have all of the equipment, staging, audio, and expertise to help you through the planning of your school's commencement ceremony (regardless of the type). 

We are strictly adhering to CDC guidelines to ensure we offer safe and sanitary equipment, service, and guidance. 


*Canceled* Dallas St Patrick’s iHeartRadio Block Party

UPDATE 3-12-2020:

The Parade and Block party, in cooperation with the City of Dallas has officially been canceled due to the overwhelming response to the Corona virus. We support the decision and hope to see everyone join us next year. 🍀

Sign up for our newsletter for updates on next year.
http://eepurl.com/gVUsxn

The 41st Annual Dallas Saint Patrick's Day Parade's Official Block Party

The Dallas St Patrick's Day Parade is a long-standing Dallas tradition of celebration, stunning floats, day parties, and great times with friends and family. This year the Dallas St Patrick's Day Parade & Festival is teaming up with In Depth Events to raise the bar on this awesome event! This event is for those 21 years of age or older, please bring a valid photo ID.

When: Saturday, March 14 from 9 am to 5 pm

Where: Energy Square on the North west corner of Greenville Ave and University Blvd

What: Food Trucks, Beer and Spirits, and Live music by The Texas Bluesmen and Dj B Dash

Indie's Block Party will be the largest event at the Parade! Don't miss out on the best afternoon Dallas can offer.

Tickets (21+)

 

For free General Admission Tickets Click Here. In Depth Events is offering two levels of VIP access for this day of Celebration. You can purchase with the form below or view the ticketing page here!

VIP All Day:

Exclusive access to the VIP section with private bars, restrooms and our raised observation platform with full view of the festivities and parade. The observation platform is covered for protection from Dallas weather, and we’ll have tables and chairs included in the price of the ticket for you to sit back and enjoy parade AND the party!

VIP Block Party:

Got plans for the parade? Are you all about the party?  The VIP Block Party ticket is just for you! At 1:30 pm this ticket gets you into the VIP area where our Parade Observation platform turns into VIP access for the biggest St Patrick's Day Block Party in the City! Just like the VIP All Day except a little later. Get exclusive access to the VIP section with private bars, restrooms and seating for the show.


A Tale of Two Political Parties

In Depth Events is a true bi-Partisan live events company!

Ask anyone that works in live events, and they’ll tell you – The event business is a hard way to make a living.  However, even in this challenging industry, there are levels of difficulty.  For example – providing a pool cover for a holiday event is relatively straightforward.  You set a date, bring in the equipment, set it up, and take it back down again.  Weather can always present a challenge, and yes, it’s hard work.  But nothing, and I mean NOTHING, can prepare you for providing gear for political events.

Political events are the most challenging types of events in our industry.  Most political events happen without warning – at most, you have 5 working days to prepare, and even that is a luxury.  Political events are rarely held in a typical event space – they are in factories and manufacturing facilities, in outdoor environments, private homes, and children's centers.  Security is tight.  Timelines are tight, and they’re made worse by mandatory security sweeps.    However, by far the most challenging thing about political events is that it has to be right, on time, every time, no excuses.

At In Depth Events, because of the unique experiences and characteristics that Matt and Robert possess, we are really good at political events.  In fact, we are one of a small handful of companies that do them with the level of consistency that is demanded by our clients.  To that end, he’s the Tale of Two Political Parties, and the four events we’ve done for them this past spring!

Event #1

Trump at the International Union of Operating Engineers in Crosby, Texas

President Trump came to the Crosby, Texas IUOE training and education center specifically to sign two Executive Orders designed to boost the oil and gas industry.  This historic visit was attended by several prominent Texas Republicans, as well as a host of working engineers from all corners of the United States.  However, it started with a single phone call, three days before the event.  When the call came in from Jarrad Scott, founder of PM1, (Production Management One is the most prominent political production company in the United States) Robert knew the clock was already ticking.  In 72 hours, In Depth Events staff, with Robert on site, was able to provide audio, lighting, press feed, backstage monitors, and generator rentals for an event that took place inside a non-climate controlled welder’s training facility.  Every single word of the President’s speech was heard, and the lighting served to make sure the press saw every interaction on the stage.  We worked directly with White House staff to make sure this event went off without a single hitch.

Event #2

 

Trump at Sempra Energy in Cameron Parish, Louisiana

Less than a month later, In Depth Events was on site in Louisiana at Cameron LNG getting ready for another Presidential appearance.  This political event was spearheaded by Streamline Event Agency, with Justin Zebell at the helm.  Cameron LNG is a brand new facility that provides LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) for export.  Matt was the lead on this site, bringing four trucks of equipment to the outdoor event space.  After three grueling days of setting up staging, press risers, seating risers, and photo risers in the Louisiana heat, the President arrived to discuss the number of jobs that the new facility would create in Louisiana.  This event was exceptionally well-attended and covered by the press, with news reports and sounds bites of the President’s speech going all over the world.

Event #3

Biden at a private residence in Highland Park, Texas

In June, we got a call from the other side of the aisle – Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden was coming to Dallas.  His first stop was a campaign finance appearance at a private home in Highland Park, Texas.   Private homes are always tricky because they simply aren’t set up for live events.  For this private home, load in was through a rear alley and then hand carried through the back yard.  Robert spearheaded this event and carried most of the gear himself!  Luckily, production requirements we not difficult, with a small podium and stage, as well as an audio system with a wireless microphone.  The event went exceptionally well, with everyone in attendance able to hear Mr. Biden’s message.

Event #4

Biden at SPARK Children’s Center in Dallas, TX

From the private event that Robert was handling, Mr. Biden hopped in his SUV and drove over to his second stop in Dallas – a speaking engagement at the non-profit children's center called SPARK! At Southside on Lamar.  This event required a lot more production gear and some special backdrop treatment!  Matt brought In Depth Events skills in force with HMI lighting panels, a multizone audio system, and staging for the press.  The event looked great, to the point that the CNN cameraman told Matt it was “the best lighting he’d ever had at a political event”. The venue was particularly happy with the way our crews respected their art and children's installations through the venue.

As I said before – political events are by far the most challenging events we handle as event professionals.  From Presidents to Presidential contenders, National, State, and even non-profit rallies, our co-founders Matt and Robert have been there and we have you covered.  Let us show you how our founders and crew work together with your planning staff to provide the best in event management and event technology.  Contact us today for a quote!