Live-streaming is like all other video production a question of economy and demands – with solutions equaling driving a Fiat or a Ferrari.
Through a mobile phone it is possible to live-streame directly to Facebook for instance, but you can also hire a fully armed production crew with professional setup of light, sound, multiple cameras and several streaming operators.
The first question you should ask therefore is – which needs for transmission do we have for the conference?
In the checklist below Zoom Insight has collected some considerations to have in mind when arranging hybrid conferences focusing on streaming.
1. Good audio
Clean and equalized audio is the single most important factor when streaming, as online participants are more eager to leave a presentation if they feel annoyed by technical faults, than people sitting in front of the speaker.
Therefore, all sound intended for a remote audience needs to pass through a hand-held microphone or micro-port, even though the location of the conference is small, and the speaker can easily reach out to those present without technical aids.
To pass the audio into the stream, an audio mixer is needed to finetune and transfer the signal to one audio source applicable for the streaming platform.
2. Choice of streaming platform
The different streaming platforms have developed massively during covid-19, at this development only looks to continue.
Among the most used platforms dedicated to live streaming one will find Vimeo, IBM Cloud Video, Brightcove, Panapto, Dacast, Kaltura and Qumu. Furthermore, the largest social media companies: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and most recently LinkedIn has launched their own live streaming services.
Often, you will though have to combine different platforms like for instance Zoom and Vimeo, when an online speaker needs to have a verbal dialogue with the people present at the conference venue, since the dedicated live-streaming platforms only enables you to use a chat.
3. Test – test – test
Going into the hybrid world you will find yourself in a new arena having to rely fully on tech, internet connection and your own skills in troubleshooting.
If you are to stream from a new venue, you should preferably check it out beforehand to make the right preparations. At larger conference venues they will always have an AV-technician on site, – make sure to get in touch with him.
Make sure to test prior to the event ensuring the most optimal experience for the online participants.
4. Interact with the online audience
When the event is live it is important to interact with the online audience through the chat, but also how the speaker approaches those participating on remote. Therefore, talk into the camera frequently and make sure to inform about eventual changes in the programme ensuring that those online also feels a part of the setting.
Make sure you have a conference-representative to keep an eye on the chat and take questions from the online audience. If more questions are asked in the chat than possible to be answered, the most interesting ones should be prioritized also to the benefit of those being present.
5. Follow up
Having successfully completed your first hybrid conference does not make you an expert.
Always allocate time for follow up and discussions and how to improve your upcoming online event.