In the past few months, we have had quite a few requests for virtual event ideas, which has been great - there is so much that can be done! Below are just some possibilities... We use the word “event,” but this could be any online gathering from a more intimate one-on-one talk to a very large group conference.
1. Dedicated event website
- These may be simple or very complex, but they should always be beautifully designed, ultimately stirring interest in the upcoming event. Note that these can also serve many functions after the event as well.
- Content can include detailed bios about the speakers, information/background about the subject of the event, including links to articles, or e-book downloads.
- The schedule/programme for the event can also be included here (which can be constantly updated as speakers confirm, etc).
- Of course this can be open to all, or password-protected, so that only certain people have site access.
2. RSVP Invitations
- Taking full advantage of a digital format, animations and/or video may be included. For example, could the e-invite include a short video from a key speaker?
- Now more than ever, printed invitations can really stand out, and yes, they work great for virtual events!
3. Event agenda/programme
- A beautifully designed event agenda/programme with times allotted for each segment of the video event can be sent directly to your audience ahead of time.
- Again, if time allows, a printed version can be very effective.
4. In lieu of the restaurant event
- If there is a particular restaurant you usually meet at, perhaps the restaurant gift card could be included with the print invitation? Bonus benefit: this gift will allow you to support the restaurant industry, which has had an especially difficult time dealing with the effects of the pandemic.
5. Virtual wine and cheese
- It’s okay to have fun and try something more unexpected...
- Though you may not be able to not invite someone to an actual wine and cheese event, why not still supply the wine? Along with a printed invitation, perhaps a bottle of wine could be delivered with a custom additional label or in a custom box?
6. eBooks
- Perhaps you could give your recipients a beautifully-designed in-depth eBook that will educate them on a specific topic of an event?
- This e-book could also be downloaded via the dedicated event website, or via the e-invitation.
7. Session visuals
- Creative PowerPoint visuals, PDF slides or interactive animations could be created to accompany and add life to a talk.
- Real-time illustrators, provide an on-the-spot graphical representation of the event in a way that is fun to look at and, eg: https://liveillustration.co.uk
- The session visuals could be sent to the recipients as-is, or they could be deconstructed and pieces could be used with other photographs, etc to create a diverse artwork of the event.
- The image above is a still from an animation we created, for privacy reasons we cannot post this on our site, please
contact us and we would be happy to share via email.
8. Recording as a memento
- One of the advantages of a virtual event is that it can be quite easily recorded.
- After the virtual event has concluded, use the recording as a memento and include it on the event site, or in a follow-up thank you email.
9. Pre-recordings
- Just because a virtual event is live does not mean there is no place for pre-recorded sessions as well. These can really enhance the live event. What these lack in real-time engagement, they make up for in production value, as they benefit from the ability to be edited.
10. Event memento
- Imagery from the event (real time illustrations, session visuals, portraits of those involved, etc) can all be made into an artwork that could be
sent digitally, or it could be printed and mailed.
Of course if this is something you would like to speak to us about, please do!
As someone who runs a design studio, it is not uncommon to hold a design degree. However, I do have a neuroscience degree as well, and when people find this out, they always ask, “why?”The answer is simple: I planned to be a psychiatrist.So what happened? It was a really tough decision that weighed on me a lot, but finally I decided to apply to art school instead of med school. Then at least I'd never wonder "what if..." And if I really wasn't happy, I could always go back and apply to med school later.I never looked back. And I learned an approach to tough decisions: go for it and if it doesn’t work out, you can usually go back to where you were before. It was this thinking that helped make moving to NYC, Montreal, San Francisco and finally London, for work after graduation, a bit easier.I often give this advice to students, who may answer: is it not a big waste of time and money? It seems that so many want to know exactly where they are going, and then simply get there in a nice, efficient straight line. I'm not sure this is always possible, or even desirable. It is however, understandable. Uni is so costly these days. A tuition freeze and some scholarships meant my student debt was manageable, so I was lucky—the cost was well worth it.If for whatever reason, your path leads in many directions, in this new world of disruption and convergence, it does not mean a big waste of time or money. A diverse background always feeds into what you do later on. In my case, my design studio MOTHandRUST works with a lot of science clients, which means my background is an advantage. I lead science-related projects that I am genuinely interested and passionate about. It makes it easier for me to convey scientific ideas and findings in compelling ways. I can quickly understand and grasp the needs and vision of my science clients. I understand a range of audiences both inside and out of the organisation. Finally, I see the similarities between the Art and Science, not just the differences.
In the past few months, we have had quite a few requests for virtual event ideas, which has been great - there is so much that can be done! Below are just some possibilities... We use the word “event,” but this could be any online gathering from a more intimate one-on-one talk to a very large group conference.