HARDWIRED FOR SUCCESS
Cameron Roberts takes a look at the best practices for selecting hardware when planning a virtual or hybrid event
vents are abuzz with online event platforms , with numerous businesses vying for the attention of organisers . But take a moment to think about the real-world components of an online or hybrid event – hardware can make or break an attendee experience .
The basic difference between hardware and software is that hardware are the physical components , think microphones and cameras , whereas software are the programmes , like an online event platform .
While so many organisers are wrapped up in gamification of online platforms , or creating virtual backgrounds , hardware can go unnoticed – so here at CN we ’ ve collated a list of best practices for selecting the right hardware for online and hybrid events .
The sound of silence
What ’ s the use of a top-notch speaker if no-one at an event can hear them ? Audio equipment ranks top of the list for hardware at digital events .
Many speakers attending virtually will be using in-built microphones on their laptops or phones , which might serve a purpose for personal calls , but for delivering an address to a large audience , it ’ s a different ball game .
From the base level , it ’ s important to have at least a headset with a dedicated microphone , something organisers could provide via post to speakers
joining remotely . Even better are commercially available , studio-quality , microphones – though this will often be at the discretion of the speakers themselves , rather than the organiser .
Having dedicated microphones , either handheld or lapel , for
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