THE CHALLENGE

United Way’s 2020 campaign sought urgency to help create pathways out of poverty for people in need. However, the number of local charities had tripled in the last few years and existing attendees craved new experiences, engagement, connection, education, entertainment and fun. During the curation stages, the Covid-19 pandemic hit and the kick-off event now had to include new elements while transforming into an effective virtual format.

THE SOLUTION

Our Studio is fully equipped with multiple HD cameras, broadcast quality lighting, customizable video wall, scenic backdrops and streaming platforms to bring in live and remote participants – a perfect way to have professional looking broadcast with crystal clear audio.

Despite physical barriers, this multi-day conference was going to go on! The production team took the opportunity to attract a younger, tech savvy audience and utilize the platform to educate a new generation of donors. An inspiring and engaging kick-off event was delivered with learning labs, workshops, interactive improv, networking lunches, famous keynote speaker, entertainment, a social and 50/50 raffle.

With a jam-packed production schedule, arrival times and traffic flow of local presenters and entertainers were carefully planned to limit capacity at the Studio. All AHS guidelines were followed to ensure everyone’s safety and a separate bubble of Tech Control with a 2-way radio system was setup on-site to limit in-person interaction. Using a variety of platforms, numerous speakers were brought in remotely and our stage was strategically built large enough to allow physical distancing for all panelists and entertainment. During the networking lunches, a remote DJ was brought in who took live requests from attendees. Both local and remote presenters, keynotes and entertainers were able to easily interact with their virtual audience. Workshops and learning labs were created with a variety of breakout rooms, allowing for more intimate connection and networking. A live 50/50 raffle took place over the 2 day conference and not only was a new donor demographic reached, the Kick-Off Conference & AGM was deemed a success with initial funds raised for their ‘Poverty is #unignorable’ campaign.