Hybrid
WIDENING EVENT ACCESS WITH MULTI HUB HYBRID
How First Sight Media delivered a multi-location ‘ Future of Work Conference ’
T he Pissarides Review has been examining the impacts of automation on the future of work and wellbeing , and analysing how these are differently distributed between socio-demographic groups and geographical communities in the UK . The project to deliver the report , launched by The Institute for the Future of Work ( IFOW ), involved a hub and spoke event on 27 January 2025 . With five satellite locations across the UK and online participation , First Sight Media was charged with ensuring a seamless , interactive experience .
The IFOW sought to widen access while minimising travel emissions . According to Kester Brewing , the institute ’ s associate director , the solution was a satellite-hub model .
“ We wanted good geographic representation from across the UK , so we were keen to have satellites in Wales and Scotland – and Northern Ireland , though this one sadly didn ’ t come to fruition .”
With hubs in The Shard , Cornwall , Manchester , Wales , and Scotland , the event drew 110 attendees at The Shard , 105 across satellite hubs , and over 300 online participants , with many more watching on-demand .
Executing a multi-location event required technology that felt invisible to participants . First Sight Media conducted site visits and virtual assessments , ensuring a cost-effective set-up that leveraged Zoom and existing venue infrastructure .
There were dual-camera set-ups at The Shard , a remote camera in Edinburgh and virtual plug-ins for Cornwall , Cardiff , and Manchester to ensure full integration . This delivered three unique outputs : customised displays for in-room interactions , a mixed live YouTube stream , and tailored
Above : First Sight Media helping to bring voices from beyond London n The Pissarides Review into the Future of Work and Wellbeing is a £ 1.8m collaboration between IFOW and an interdisciplinary team from Imperial College London and Warwick Business School . The Review is led by Nobel Prize-winning economist professor Sir Christopher Pissarides , and funded by the Nuffield Foundation . views for remote locations . A dedicated WhatsApp group provided coordination from start to finish . Questions from in-person and remote participants were submitted using Slido .
“ The key challenge was managing the virtual plenaries ,” Brewing shared . “ The vMix tech worked brilliantly to enable seamless interaction .”
A standout moment came when a live , on-video question was posed to keynote speaker Lord Patrick Vallance from a satellite hub . “ Lots of jaws dropped at that moment ,” Brewing recalled . “ It just showed , ‘ this is gonna work ’.”
All sessions were clipped into evergreen content , extending the event ’ s reach long after it finished . Feedback was overwhelmingly positive :
• Cornwall Satellite : “ Our attendees were full of praise for how IFOW broadened things out to bring the voices from beyond London front and centre of the discussions using the wonders of digital technology . We all learned a lot about what is possible from an event of this kind .”
• Cardiff Satellite : “ A broad range of leaders from business , government , trade unions , academia and skills participated in a lively discussion , responding to the Review and the keynote speaker – Lord Vallance . The innovative use of technology meant that we could proactively participate in the conference .” Rich Belcher , MD of First Sight Media , said : “ The organisers engaged with us early , allowing us to assess locations , understand requirements , and tailor the best solutions , ensuring a seamless , professional experience .”
“ For organisers looking to innovate , this event proves hybrid and multi-location formats are the way forward ,” concluded Belcher .
“ It ’ s a fantastic , cost-effective way to broaden an event ’ s reach whilst maintaining high production value .” n
ISSUE 135 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 67