speakers onsite in a studio or livestreamed stage is also paramount . Having a singular point of sound can impact both quality and direction of sound for virtual attendees , thus dedicating a piece of hardware and audio stream to each speaker ensures quality needs are met .

Video star

Audio ’ s partner in crime , while perhaps less important for the overall attendee experience , high-quality video increases the level of immersion for attendees . Like audio , many will simply use in-built cameras in laptops and the like .

For those speakers attending virtually , the use of a steady webcam is a radical improvement over the standard built-in variant . If it streams in HD it will improve the quality of the visuals immeasurably .

While streaming in the room , it ’ s important to get the basics right , a tripod might seem like a simple addition , but a steady shot will completely change the experience of an attendee when compared to a handheld . It ’ s also important to remember that when streaming audio and video , the two need to be in sync for virtual attendees .

The simple fact is that versatility is key . Selecting a camera that shoots in high-definition and is compatible with a variety of screen sizes and aspect ratios will serve an organiser in the long run .

Let there be light

The hurdle for many not au fait with shooting video is often setting up lighting . The best camera shots in the world won ’ t look great if the speaker is shrouded in darkness . It ’ s often a case of moving around

a set-up or educating a remote speaker , but it ’ s a process that will radically change the visual quality of a video feed .

The key point is that a light source should be behind the camera , not the speaker . This can be as simple as moving a laptop or computer set-up within a room . For those with a more in-depth set-up , ring lights are a solution which are quite accessible and a cheap solution that will provide consistent light , rather than relying on the temperament of the unreliable British sunshine .

On-site lighting can be a complex beast best left to the professionals , but it ’ s an aspect that can ’ t be overlooked for a remote studio or stage .

Display ports

Should a talk be taking place with a speaker streaming in , it ’ s important

“ Take a moment to think about the real-world components of an online or hybrid event – hardware can make or break an attendee experience .”

that they are presented on a display so that the audience can see them and so that they can be interactive with any other speakers on stage .

For smaller meetings and roundtables , a regular-sized LED or plasma screen could be applicable , being small and transportable but still high-quality . For larger scale events , however , projection is a must , both on-stage and for virtual speakers .

Many of these solutions depend on the size of the audience and the room in which they are in . Got a smaller room ? A giant projection is unlikely to be appropriate , just as the reverse is true . On the flip side , speakers attending virtually could benefit from seeing their audience or fellow panel members , giving them the sense they are ‘ in the room ’ rather than just speaking to a blank screen . CN