The most promising event startups you should be following in 2016

EVENT PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Events are one of the hot-button categories for new apps and startups this year, and some of the concepts in the earlier stages of development have us excited. We re taking a look at some businesses that are recently charging out of the gate and into the public sphere, so some of these apps aren t yet wearing their slickest outfits, but the concepts are solid and we think they ll get there.

Event Production Technology

Bizly

The Pitch Bizly is a mobile app for instantly booking meetings at leading hotels! In less than a minute, professionals can compare prices/options, pick a stunning meeting room, choose food, beverage and other amenities, and invite their guests. We feature meeting rooms at many of the world s leading hotels including Mandarin Oriental, Ace, Morgan s Hotel Group and Sixty Hotels. We believe that enterprises need more than tables and chairs when their teams are offsite. Our hallmark is delivering consistently quality experiences with the service, technology and accountability enterprises need, without the pain of RFP contracts and lengthy negotiations.

Why this is cool: We ve all been waiting for someone to finally do this right. It s not gonna eliminate a little footwork, cuz let s be real, if you re crossing all your t s, you re still gonna need to do some on-the-ground scouting to vet locations, but if you need a quick list of options, or you re already familiar-slash-comfortable with the venue, this will save you time, time and more time.

More: bizly.com

Event Production Blog: New Event Startups

DoubleDutch

The Pitch: DoubleDutch creates a branded event app for attendees, exhibitors, and organizers to communicate, navigate, and engage at events like never before. By leveraging game mechanics and social functionality, DoubleDutch apps are designed for maximum engagement. By processing and analyzing every tap of the application, DoubleDutch is able to map users to content types or products. In this way, every event attendee can be scored and assigned to the appropriate lead or content category. The analysis of this data offers a precise, actionable guide that will help marketers better serve stakeholders, and optimize future events.

Why this is cool: The search continues for the perfect event app no one s really taken the crown there yet. This is one of the few new apps that pays strict attention to post-event engagement and follow up.

More: angel.co/doubledutch

Event Production Technology: Best Event Startups 2016

FoxTales

The Pitch: FoxTales is an enterprise engagement platform that captures photo experiences (and user data) at events and then drives consumers to interact with their content online, creating organic social conversation. Marketing agencies, brands, event planers, and venues license our technology to entertain guests while capturing opt-ins and key consumer insights.

Why this is cool: There s a lot of photo kiosk-y nonsense floating around out there, but these guys have test-driven their concept at big-deal venues like Coachella and met with some success.

More: Vimeo

Event Management Blog: Event production tech 2016

Turnstile

The Pitch: Turnstile is a mobile live events platform that connects artists and sports teams with their fans in real-time. Once installed, the Turnstile mobile app uses location-based technology to provide users with an exclusive live experience that changes from event to event. Open the Turnstile app at a Linkin Park concert, and it takes the form of a Linkin Park live app. At an LA Lakers game, Turnstile transforms into a hub of LA Lakers-related content, merchandise shopping, and venue information.

Why this is cool: This app s got an interesting pedigree: it s backed by Kendrick Lamar and Linkin Park, who both allowed Turnstile to push exclusive in-app-only content to fans and attendees. While those two endorsements alone probably aren t enough to keep the project rolling, it s a sweet start that might speak to some long-term viability.

More: angel.co/turnstile

201602-event-app-eventslice

EventSlice

The Pitch: We have built a complete event marketplace that helps people connect and solve problems when throwing an event.

Why it s cool: Geared more towards mid-sized events than large-scale to-dos, EventSlice shakes it up with some interesting search categories like karaoke bar and tech space . The database here isn t quite ready for public consumption, but we re excited to see this grow.

More: eventslice.com

201602-event-app-eventsorbet

EventSorbet

The Pitch: EventSorbet streamlines group reservation sales for over 500 restaurants, facilitating booking, lead qualification, event space inventory management across online channels, and marketing to interested local planners (event professionals, casual planners, large group reservations, private events).

Why it s cool: Moar marketplaces! EventSorbet covers similar ground to Eventslice, but we re all high on options over here, so the more the merrier.
More: angel.co/eventsorbet

Lollapalooza said ????to COVID-19 and ????to music

EVENT INDUSTRY, LIVE EVENTS, PRODUCTION

How Did Lollapalooza s Virtual Festival Pan Out?

So, this hasn t exactly been a great year for music festivals.  Coachella s annual April festival was delayed to Octoberand other big destination fests like StagecoachBonnaroo, and SXSW were canceled outright in the Spring.

That s why we were surprised to learn on July 27th that C3 s Lollapalooza would move ahead with their annual August festival as planned, but as an entirely virtual affair.  

Now sure, this certainly isn t the first virtual music event to take place this year.  If you all remember, way back in March (we were so young and naive then) Elton John hosted a number of performances from his stunning, spacious mansion for an iHeartRadio benefit concert.  It s one thing to livestream DJs or solo artists from their home setups. It s an entirely another challenge to accommodate full bands that require multiple performers and other personnel singing and breathing in the same place.

Which is why, all things considered, we were actually pretty impressed by the way Lollapalooza handled that challenge.  Their free Youtube event dubbed Lolla2020, took place from July 30th to August 2nd and featured home setups, interviews, live soundstage performances, and never before seen archival recordings from past festivals.  This gave us some insights into how we might expect Coachella to pan out, and offered an interesting concept that festival organizers would be wise to use in a post-COVID environment to maintain hype year round.

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One of the biggest challenges that Lollapalooza managed well was anchoring the setting of the event.  How did Lollapalooza integrate its home turf of Chicago into its virtual experience?

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Well on top of a slew of Chicago acts on the bill like Chance the Rapper, interviews with key Chicago figures like Michelle Obama and Lori Lightfoot were also billed as a central part of the experience.  Even the Chicago Bulls were part of a live event collaboration featuring Polo G, Wendell Carter Jr., and Zach LaVine.  

Events like the Democratic convention, which we discussed previously, have gone to great lengths to virtually reinforce the notion that the event is taking place in Milwaukee, even without most major events or speeches taking place on site.  Utilizing local organizations, drawing on local artists, and involving local luminaries is a great strategy for actually grounding your virtual event somewhere.

As we mentioned above, livestreamed performances are no longer newsworthy.  Everyone with a webcam and an acoustic guitar has proven that to be the case since March. So how do you make a virtual concert an unmissable experience now?

Well, one great way to do that is to really make it live.  There are no VODs.  If you missed it, then you really missed it, unless you manage to find pirated videos floating around somewhere.

While the archival gigs were briefly interesting to see (mostly because no one was social distancing!), special reunions from bands like Jane s Addiction, one-off performances by Metallica or a rare Lupe Fiasco performance turned the event into spectacle. 

The diversity of the streams also made for an entirely unique event that would just not have worked in person.  Salesforce sponsored LL Cool J s 4-part series on the pillars of hip-hop, providing audiences advice on breaking, DJing, graffiti, and MCing from one of hip-hop s undisputed masters. 

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Interviews with everyone from Metallica s Lars Ulrich to Michelle Obama touched on a variety of topics and kept the event lively and engaging. 

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One of the more unfortunate aspects of this event for me as that I had to finally admit I m not up to speed with the young people anymore.  While the internet was ablaze with chatter about H.E.R., I was completely jazzed about this Porno for Pyros reunion so I could throw on some flannel and party like its 1996.

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If you re looking to pull off a virtual music event over the next 6 months, Lollapalooza is a great starting point to develop your concept. Get in touch with us today to make that happen!

dB Blog #318: The Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Events Offer Unique Benefits

BRAND ACTIVATIONS & MARKETING, COMPANY NEWS, EVENT INDUSTRY, EXPERIENTIAL, LIVE EVENTS, PRODUCTION, TIPS & TRICKS, UNCATEGORIZED, VIRTUAL EVENTS

It s no secret that producers of  large-scale events have had to quickly rethink almost every aspect of their existence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hybrid and virtual events took off, becoming the new normal for marketers and event organizers, with the majority of major events using updated technologies in their event planning to accommodate new health and safety concerns. 

Hybrid events are not new. They have been around for years now, usually consisting of an in-person event combined with some kind of live streaming technology that allows viewers at home to tune in. That format still exists, but is quickly evolving. The COVID-19 pandemic has added serious fuel to the fire, necessitating events to embrace virtual and hybrid options, which ultimately means new technologies and greater innovation. Here are some awesome benefits hybrid events can provide for audiences and event organizers. 

Let s start with some data. A recent study conducted by LinkedIn, based on interviews with more than 1,800 marketers across 13 countries, gives us insight into the current attitude of the events industry towards virtual and hybrid events. Of those interviewed, 85{04d9822e7d95da125d508d8e1efbcf2edc79acd8aec1f0bbdcbd6a6f684f9bb3} had held a virtual event in the last year and 28{04d9822e7d95da125d508d8e1efbcf2edc79acd8aec1f0bbdcbd6a6f684f9bb3} said that between 91-100{04d9822e7d95da125d508d8e1efbcf2edc79acd8aec1f0bbdcbd6a6f684f9bb3} of their events are now fully virtual. The same data revealed that event marketers are predicting  40{04d9822e7d95da125d508d8e1efbcf2edc79acd8aec1f0bbdcbd6a6f684f9bb3} of events will be virtual, 36{04d9822e7d95da125d508d8e1efbcf2edc79acd8aec1f0bbdcbd6a6f684f9bb3} will be in-person and 24{04d9822e7d95da125d508d8e1efbcf2edc79acd8aec1f0bbdcbd6a6f684f9bb3} will be hybrid events, combining what could be the best of both worlds, if they are produced well. 

Hybrid and virtual events are changing the capability expectations for marketers and event management companies. Skills nowadays should include producing and directing video content, having technical knowledge of different platforms, being able to moderate online comments and discussions, and understanding how to amplify the event on digital marketing platforms after the fact.

While all of that might seem overwhelming, we think it s all worth it and the events industry is largely in our camp. In that same study we mentioned earlier, LinkedIn also predicts many event organizers will develop a digital twin or create an online component of their event to ensure they are getting the most out of their investments. On top of the potential increase in ROI, the shift in the event industry towards hybrid and virtual events also poses serious benefits for audiences, event management companies, and the environment. 

Let s put this in the context of hybrid events. Hybrid events are actively experiencing a growth spurt. These new grown-up events will be integrated experiences for both virtual and physical attendees. They can be tailored to individuals preferences, allowing for a wider audience and more speakers, and open the door for more extensive discussions and post-event promotions. They harmonize the magic of an in-person event while enjoying the extensive reach of a virtual one. 

For conferences and speaker based events, hybrid events massively widen the scope of the experts from which they can choose. Now, organizers can invite and host speakers from nearly anywhere in the world. With more speakers comes more interested individuals. The virtual side of the event can accommodate many more attendees than an in-person venue ever could. 

Hybrid events create the opportunity for the event to stay connected and relevant long after the in-person experience has ended. Organizations and companies can continue to extend the hype around their events with post-event campaigns and/or repurposing content for blogs and social media. This can help retarget attendees, gaining access to an entirely new audience beyond the one that attends the in-person experience. Hybrid events uniquely allow organizers to engage two types of attendees, measuring success both in-person and through an online community that will continue to grow long after the actual event is over. 

For the environment, hybrid events, and virtual events even more so, pose an interesting solution to some of the more wasteful practices used for large-scale events. Hybrid events have the added value of maintaining the balance between sustainability and the joy of having an in-person experience. Again, the Linkedin research found that 42{04d9822e7d95da125d508d8e1efbcf2edc79acd8aec1f0bbdcbd6a6f684f9bb3} of organizers will continue to produce virtual events in some capacity because they are more environmentally friendly than in-person sessions, reducing the need for transport, and cutting down on disposable items. 

Inclusivity is another awesome perk of virtual and hybrid events. Having a virtual side to an event opens up the experience to more people, especially those who, for a myriad of reasons, might not have been able to access it in-person. Now, anyone can take part in the event from the comfort of their own home, with options for closed captioning, transcription technology, or other health and safety necessities. 

This is all predicated on the fact that you produce a Hybrid event well. We have all seen some real disasters and epic fails over the past two years. We have also seen some very large AV companies claim they can host virtual or hybrid events, only to discover that they really do not have a handle on the platform, basic best practices, or have platform tunnel vision for their specific tech platform. What we know is that there is no platform panacea. They all do something really well, and many try to do lots of things pretty poorly. This also includes true accessibility and 508 compliance. With this in mind, it is important to have a solid vendor with an in depth knowledge of the landscape, that can anticipate needs and hiccups before they become problems and one that you trust. 

As we enter 2022, we can t wait to see how major events start to push the technological and social boundaries of the industry. 

For more information about organizing hybrid events get in touch with the team at Decibel! 

Missing Live Events? Here is a Look Back at Six That Went off in 2021

BACKSTAGE, EVENT DESIGN, EVENT INDUSTRY, EVENT PRODUCTION INSPIRATION, LIVE EVENTS, PRODUCTION, VENUES, VIRTUAL EVENTS

Remember 2019? Back when there were large-scale events held. Maybe one that you had attended previously, maybe one that you hadn t ever attended before but you felt it was time to check it out. So, you d make plans to attend. You d buy tickets. You d make travel arrangements. You d book childcare. You d buy a new outfit. You d attend the event. You d take lots of pictures. You d have a great time. And then, you d wash, rinse, and repeat with another large-scale event a month or two later. Ah, good old 2019.

And then, remember 2020? COVID swept the nation and the world and all large-scale events were canceled or postponed. Some were held as virtual events. There were no travel arrangements to be made. No childcare required. Maybe some new pajamas or sweatpants were in order. You bought your first Zoom Shirt (yes, it s a thing). No photos taken, what s the point. It was a meh event. It was a meh year.

And then 2021 rolled around, and along with it a vaccine for COVID. Contraction rates improved. People felt cautiously optimistic about being around others again, with vaccine cards, hand sanitizer, and masks in tow. Some travel was booked. Babysitters began emerging from their COVID-induced exile. New outfits were acquired. And event attendance began to resume. 

Here we take a look at six of those large-scale events that went off in 2021. 

Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics

In a move that is sure to leave future generations scratching their heads in confusion, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) opted to keep the Toyko 2020 branding for the summer Olympics, despite the event being postponed by one year from 2020 to 2021. Tokyo 2020 was described as an unprecedented demonstration of unity and solidarity as the world came together for the first time following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic for an Olympic Games focused on the pure essentials: a celebration of athletes and sport.

From performance-enhancing drug use to boycotts to claims of corruption to participation restrictions, the Olympics are one of the more scandal-ridden large-scale events, and Tokyo 2020 was no exception. Controversies included:

  • Tokyo reporting record-breaking numbers of COVID cases days after the Olympics began, and only a quarter of eligible citizens being reported as fully vaccinated as the Olympics got underway;
  • Extreme heat which in itself isn t particularly controversial, but the fact that the Olympic bid lied about anticipated weather conditions, claiming mild and sunny weather and an ideal climate for athletes to perform their best made global headlines;
  • Beloved American gymnast Simone Biles withdrawing from multiple events due to mental health concerns; and
  • Reactions from competitors and the general public alike around the inclusion of the first openly transgender athlete, Laurel Hubbard.

The final price tag on the event? Officially, $15.4 billion, although estimates put the actual price tag at closer to $25 billion. 

Watch: The most emotional moments at Tokyo 2020

Superbowl LV

Tom Brady led his Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a decisive 31 9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in front of what can only be described as a one-of-a-kind audience that included 30,000 cardboard cut-outs, 7,500 comped health care workers, The Weeknd, a hologram of deceased NFL legend Vince Lombardi, a hairy male streaker in a hot pink thong, Miley Cyrus, and 14,500 football fans. This was an expensive party to attend with tickets starting at $8,000 and going as high as $40,000. It was an ever more expensive party to advertise at with a thirty second ad setting advertisers back by $5.6 million, equating to just over a nickel for each of the 96.4 million viewers. 

Watch: 10 Best Superbowl Commercials 2021

Met Gala 2021

Fashion s biggest night out was held on September 13. The Met Gala, which has also been affectionately referred to as an ATM for the Metropolitan Museum of Art was more scaled down this year after being canceled in 2020, for only it s third time in the events 73-year history. The theme for this year was American independence and Black Lives Matter protestors were congregated outside while attendees rocked can t-look-away outfits indoors including a 3D head horse bustier (Kim Petras), a gold suit of armor on top of a crystal-inspired bodysuit (Lil Nas X), and a map-patterned, ruffled-sleeved outfit portraying two men kissing (Dan Levy). 

Watch: The Met Gala 2021 Red Carpet Arrivals

Big Weekend 2021

Big Weekend, hosted by BBC Radio 1, is the United Kingdom s largest music festival. The 2021 iteration of the event was four days long (running from May 28 31) and featured a variety of popular artists who filmed their 100+ performances at a wide range of iconic backdrops. Like Coldplay, who played their set at Whitby Abbey. Or Ed Sheeran who performed with a lovely English countryside backdrop. Or Royal Blood who performed from a pier. Attendees took it all in online from the comfort of their home.

Watch: Top Ten Big Weekend 2021 Sets

Library of Congress National Book Festival

With an incredibly timely theme of Open a Book, Open the World , the National Book Festival was jam-packed this year with a wide range of programs and formats. With an amazing vision from the Librarian of Congress and some great hosts including LaVar Burton and Dolly Parton, the event was flawless. From virtual live events to author interviews to a national television special to free in-person events, this year s festival nicely bridged the worlds of live, virtual, and on-demand events. This literary event, initially founded by Laura Bush in 2001, featured over 100 of the nation s best authors, poets, and illustrators.

Watch: 35 On-Demand Videos from the 2021 National Book Festival

93rd Academy Awards

And the Oscar went to well, lots of different movies, thespians, and supporting personnel, but Nomadland cleaned up quite nicely this year, taking the award for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress. Originally scheduled for February 28th, the event was moved up to April 25th due to COVID safety concerns, and only nominees and presenters were permitted to attend. The public response to this scaled back version of the Academy Awards was lukewarm at best. As Mike Hale from the New York Times described, it was more like a cross between the Golden Globes and the closing-night banquet of a long, exhausting convention. The trade-off whether because of the smaller crowd, the social distancing, or the sound quality in the cavernous space was what felt like a dead room, both acoustically and emotionally. There were powerful and moving speeches, but they didn t seem to be generating much excitement, and when the people in the room aren t excited, it s hard to get excited at home. As my cat would say, meow . 

Watch: Highlights from the 93rd Academy Awards

Well, there you have it. Six event staples that helped to pave the way for a live event return to pre-COVID times. If your organization is in the market for an event to mark the long-awaited return to pre-COVID times, Decibel Events has you covered!

Elevating the Ambiance: 5 Awesome Ideas for New Year s Eve Events

BACKSTAGE, COMPANY NEWS, EVENT COLLATERAL, EVENT DESIGN, EVENT INDUSTRY, EVENT PRODUCTION INSPIRATION, EVENT RESOURCES, EXPERIENTIAL, LIVE EVENTS, NEWS, PRODUCTION, TIPS & TRICKS

We don t do boring. Event management requires a high level of creativity. The ability to create inspired, original experiences is the mark of a competent and compelling event management team. At Decibel, we do exactly that. We re not simply talking about big-picture issues here. Consistency and attention to minor details elevate an event from average to exceptional.

Organizing events requires detailed planning and execution, design, marketing, production, stage management, and more. With New Year s Eve around the corner, here are five awesome ideas that can elevate a party s ambiance:

1. Immersive Experiences:

Taking advantage of technological creativity for entertainment purposes allows you to give your event an innovative, immersive aspect. Incorporating interactive displays and all-encompassing experiences will ensure your party is a memorable one. Cater to all five senses, mixed with thematic elements and story driven content. These elements can elevate your event from a typical end-of-year party to an unforgettable experience. 

2. Creative Themes and Venues:

Theme and venue are paramount when it comes to event planning. On one hand, you need to make sure your venue aligns with your theme, while, on the other hand, it should check all logistical boxes for your unique event. Get creative, go bold. Try hosting your party in a museum, art gallery, brewery, or a bold architectural space.

3. Phone Charging Stations:

What s worse than an empty phone battery at a party? We ve got you. Include smart charging stations at crowded parties and events to give your guests the opportunity to charge their phones safely. They can pick up a portable battery, charge their phones, and return the battery to any station. These stations are present in many venues, including the Las Vegas Convention Center or MGM Grand Garden Arena. 

4. Go Live With 3D Virtual Platforms:

Virtual and hybrid events can be just as entertaining, interactive, and professionally produced as in-person ones. When going live on a 3D platform, virtual guests can create their own holographic avatars that can run, jump, wave, dance, and do other things, making them perfect for participating in any party! Webcams on avatars may be turned on and off, allowing for live presentations or face-to-face chats. Attendees can also keep digital information in a briefcase to view or download directly to their devices.

5. Crowd Control Solutions:

When planning large scale events, there are a few safety measures one should consider. Floor mapping, organizing crowd control solutions, and COVID safety measures are essential for a safe and secure event. After being under lockdown and separated for two years, the intensity of the audience must be considered. Our team at Decibel provides custom plans for our clients in order to maintain safety and ensure a successful event every time. This is something not to forget. 

We hope you have a very Happy New Year s Eve and wish you the absolute best for the upcoming year!

Want to learn more about planning and executing a successful NYE party? Reach out to our team of experts and we ll get it handled. 

NBC s Olympics The Technology Behind The Triumphs

EVENT INDUSTRY, EVENT PRODUCTION INSPIRATION, EVENT PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY, LIVE EVENTS, NEWS, PRODUCTION

With 180 commentators covering over 7000 hrs of footage, NBC s coverage of the Tokyo Olympics was the largest of any media organization. While relying somewhat on the Olympic Broadcasting Service, NBC also provided a lot of its own infrastructure and team, including over 3000 employees across the world, and dozens of broadcast booths both in Tokyo and their American base in Stamford, Connecticut. 

NBC's Tokyo Live Set

Source:Twitter/PlanarSystems

The Raw Numbers

NBC s 2021 effort included:

  • 8,000: Number of miles that the Rings Across America marketing activation will drive across the country
  • 7,000: Total programming hours across NBCUniversal
  • 6,745: Miles between Stamford, Conn., and Tokyo, Japan
  • 5,500+: Hours of coverage across NBC Sports Digital platforms (NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app)
  • 1964: Year that marked NBC s first-ever coverage of an Olympic Games for the Tokyo Olympics
  • 1,800: Approximate number of domestic-based NBC Olympics employees
  • 1,600: Approximate number of NBC Olympics employees on-site in Tokyo
  • 180: Number of commentators on NBC Olympics talent roster
  • 41: Number of sports that will be contested in Tokyo, comprising 339 medal events
  • 28: Broadcast booths located at NBC Sports International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn.
  • 17: Consecutive nights of primetime coverage on the NBC broadcast network
  • 13: Number of hours Tokyo is ahead of the U.S. Eastern time zone
  • 4: Production trucks based at NBC Sports International Broadcast Center
NBC's Tokyo Live Production Room

Source:Twitter/SVG_Brandon

The Technology Behind The Visuals

It may be surprising to learn, but the technology used to film NBC s Olympics coverage has the same brand logos you d see on our own camera equipment. NBC partnered with a number of camera companies but relied heavily on Sony for its state-of-the-art 4K digital cameras that could stream directly to their base at the press center. Over a hundred Sony cameras were used throughout the weeks, and were complemented by thousands of sony monitors for viewing at events, in the broadcast center, and back in America.

Of course, while enjoying the best in digital video capturing from Sony, NBC also recognized that the best lenses for their cameras may not come from the same company. Instead, they reached out to Canon, who supplied them with next-generation UHD lenses, the only of their kind to allow for long-zoom fieldwork.

At Decibel Events, we have yet to have the opportunity to implement underwater cameras or dozens of concurrent 4K systems. However, we are strong believers in ensuring the technology we use is right for the task at hand. With a large inventory of equipment and trusted rental partners we can rely on for unique projects, we always bring the best event technology including sound, video, and lighting for your needs.

Now That s A Lot of Data!

NBC s main broadcast center in Stamford is the primary center for editing and production before much of the Olympics coverage went to air, which required dozens of hours of high-definition video to be sent across the globe every day. Imagine downloading all of Netflix every day and you wouldn t get close to the data they moved. For this, NBC relied on Signiant intelligent file transfer software for low latency transfer. 

With more audiences tuning in online than any Olympics before it, NBC partnered with Amagi to make streaming possible through NBCOlympics.com. Amagi also provided help to seamlessly connect this new site with Peacock streaming services and normal broadcast services.

While your events will not *likely* need the sort of data streaming that the Olympics do, it is within your reach to have online viewers partake in the experience as well. Here at Decibel Events, we are experts at combining live and online experiences, and develop bespoke platforms to showcase your speakers both in real-time and on-demand. To learn more about how we do it, check out how we approached the 2020 National Book Festival as it went online-only. 

NBC's Tokyo Live Production Room

Source: Twitter/sportsvideo

The Olympics would be impossible to organize, except

There are some incredible technological solutions when it comes to organizing massive events. For NBC, the solution came in the form of Xytech s ScheduALL. Having worked with NBC for the last eight Olympics, they knew the system would work perfectly to manage video router assignments and satellite uplink scheduling, pass information to downstream systems, and facilitate on-air coverage for each feed. 

Without strong management systems and experienced leadership, organizing with hundreds of employees, event staff, and vendors would be impossible. Like NBC, we believe in tailored solutions. Decibel Events has long perfected our own management systems to ensure the smooth running of events large and small.

NBC s coverage of the Tokyo Olympics may end up in the record books. With a global pandemic and greater support from Olympic Broadcasting Services, over three hundred events were watched by more online viewers than any previous sporting event ever. While your event may not be of the same scale in terms of cameras, or viewers, that doesn t mean you can t expect the same level of quality in film, production, or organization. By having the same strong belief in quality technology and event management systems that NBC had for the Olympics, Decibel Events can offer you the same quality of coverage for your events.

Setting the Stage for NBC s Tokyo Olympics

EVENT DESIGN, EVENT INDUSTRY, EVENT PRODUCTION INSPIRATION, EVENT PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY, PRODUCTION

While much can be said about the technology and logistics behind NBC s coverage of the delayed 2020 Olympics, more could be said about the incredible work performed by the set designers, those geniuses at HD Studio, Planar, and Blackwalnut. The people behind the sets of Fox Sports, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and the last few Olympics came back again to produce a set full of natural beauty.

Indoor Olympic set

Source: Twitter/planarsystems

The day the designers of the NBC set finished their work and were about to send it to fabricators was the same day they were told the Olympics were to be delayed. Not just delayed, but changed in such a way that most of their ideas would no longer work. Sets had to accommodate for a pandemic, and strict safety guidelines, while being adaptable enough to handle any major change occurring during the three weeks of live broadcasting.

While other media groups kept their sets at home during the pandemic, NBC found space to create a number of inviting sets to use throughout the three weeks. While the International Broadcast Center (IBC) was home to two studios designed for Peacock and Twitter streaming, the set that had everyone excited was the beautiful outdoor creation for host Mike Tirico.

This deck set was, in fact, the roof of the Hilton Tokyo Odaiba hotel. Aesthetically the set took advantage of the incredible Tokyo skyline, which included its own Olympic rings, and reflected an unrestrained celebration of sport. In a time of claustrophobic lockdowns and empty stadiums, it presented us with life.

Outdoor Olympic Set

Source: Twitter/sportsvideo

On a more logistical side, the open-air and large sets also provided far fewer restrictions when ensuring safety guidelines were followed to protect all staff during this concerning pandemic. At the time, guidelines still required athletes to remain two meters away from presenters, and presenters a meter apart. With good lighting design and blocking, however, this rarely appeared to be the case for those watching at home.
In this lies the true genius of NBC s set design; an aesthetically pleasing set hiding great practical considerations.

The three sets took inspiration from the country s own presentation at the closing of the previous Olympics, employing light-colored woods and lattice patterning that allude to the world-renowned architecture of Japan. While real wood could not be used, the traditional colors and texture of native trees were chosen those of the Yew and Cyprus specifically.

The lattice also had a secondary effect. According to Newscaststudio, it appealed to the designers at HD Design because if the camera moves, the layers cause movement from a geometric standpoint.

To ensure proper social distancing without an effect of alienation, seating and tables were designed to be open and light, while cameras would play with perspectives to help commentators appear closer.

A fourth set seen for only a few events happened during the one event you should always expect with a live setting a storm. In the cleverly adapted ballroom of the Hilton was laid a dark indigo rug with the logo of the Olympics. Using the same wood-colored paneling, and little else, the design team created a set that was both quick to assemble and appeared to match the originally designed studios elsewhere.

Indoor Olympic Stage Set - NBC

Source: Twitter/planarsystems

The sets for NBC s Olympics coverage may have been minimalist in design, but they were carefully chosen. Background lighting and screens were often found to include hues of aizome, a distinctly Japanese shade of indigo. Internal sets had a curved backdrop to offer a sense of closeness, while the rare set-piece would be a native plant, reminding us of the natural element to the sporting competitions.

A relatively new addition to these sets wasn t ever in the studio, though. Instead, producers took advantage of augmented reality graphics, powered by Ross Video s Voyager. Using Unreal Engine and Stype, they were able to produce live, virtual screens that appeared to float comfortably beside presenters. A far cry from the green screens of old, the simple design of the set was all the backing they required.

An empty stage or black box can sometimes be an effective platform, but often it appears instead to be evidence of a lack a lack of care, a lack of budget, or a lack of creativity. Professionally designed stages that reflect the themes and values of your event do not have to be flashy, or expensive. Nor do they have to be inhibitive to presenters, audiences, or budgets. Decibel Events can help you design stages that are both functional and aesthetic, to be praised by presenter and audience member alike.

Holy Fuck, Apple. You Spent HOW MUCH?!

EVENT DESIGN, EVENT INDUSTRY, EVENT PRODUCTION INSPIRATION, EVERYTHING ELSE, LIVE EVENTS, LOL, PRODUCTION

10 Major Events That Cost Less Than WWDC

Apple spent a whopping $50 million on its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. $50 MILLION. 

This staggering figure was recently unveiled by Phil Schiller, former head of Apple s worldwide marketing, during his testimony at the ongoing trial of Epic Games vs. Apple, and it shook us to our core.

Yes, we know Apple is a billion-dollar company, and yes, we know they use their week-long conference to announce their shiny new gadgets (of which we re big fans), but it s still just. a. business. meeting. The set-up is super basic: a stage, some cameras, some speakers, and occasionally a musical guest (Weezer, Panic! at the Disco, Fall Out Boy and Good Charlotte), but nothing so spectacular or extraordinary or life changing that the event could run up that kind of bill. 

To put this in perspective, we rounded up some other extravagant events that didn t cost nearly as much as Apple s week-long business meeting. 

10.  Naomi Campbell s 36th Birthday Party $1.8 Million

Supermodel Naomi Campbell rented out 18 floors of Burj Al Arab, the world s first seven-star hotel, to host her elaborate three-day birthday bash in Dubai. Each day featured a series of celebratory themed events for the OG Super Model and her high-profile guests, including David and Victoria Beckham, and Linda Evangelista. No assistants or phones were harmed at the big birthday bash.

9.  Trump s 4th of July Event $5.4 Million

In 2019, during Donald Trump s presidency he hosted an over-the-top 4th of July event featuring tanks, fireworks, and a military flyover at the Lincoln Memorial. He called the event remarkable; we call it a misuse of public funds.

8.  Macy s Thanksgiving Day Parade $12.3 Million

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Cost to Produce

This 2.5 mile parade with enormous balloons, unbelievable floats, and talented performers, dazzles crowds during the holidays each year. According to The Smart Shopper s 2016 report, the average total cost to host the parade is between $10.4-$12.3 million. Event logistics can cost up to $3.4 million.

7.  Producing Hamilton on Broadway $12.5 Million

Everyone wants to be in the room where it happened. Mounting the show on Broadway took $12.5 million, or one-million-two-hundred-fifty-thousand ten-dollar bills featuring our founding father. There is nothing scrappy about the Tony Award-winning musical, which has grossed more than $1 billion in global revenue to date. 

6.  Jennifer Lopez & Shakira s Super Bowl Halftime Show $13 million

JLo and Shakira killed the Super Bowl halftime show in 2020. The 14-minute show included more than 130 dancers, 600 field team members, 5,350 pieces of pyrotechnics and some spectacular lasers. The televised performance won an Emmy Award, and resulted in millions of viewers feeling bummed out about their physical fitness and skin care regimen. 

5.  Opening of the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai $31 Million

Atlantis Hotel Opening in Dubai

With a goal to make this resort opening one of the biggest events of the year, event designer and producer Colin Cowie and Empire Entertainment turned up the flash to throw a lavish three-day extravaganza. Powerful video projections, pyrotechnics and fireworks told the story of the Atlantis across the outer facade, ending in the largest-ever fireworks display on record more than seven times larger than those used at the Beijing Olympic games. 

4.  2021 Oscars $40 Million

The Academy Awards wanted to go big and go live this year. All attendees were required to take three COVID tests prior to attending, but considering they received a gift bag containing approximately $225,000 worth of goodies, it feels like a fair trade to us. Plus, ya know, human interaction.

3.  Opening Ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics $42 Million

Cost to Produce 2012 London Olympic Opening Ceremonies

This spectacle was called Isles of Wonder. Directed by Academy Award-winning British film director Danny Boyle, the London Olympic opening ceremonies pulled out all the stops. With a television audience of 900 million, it became the most-viewed Olympic opening ceremony. 

2.  Burning Man Music Festival $44 Million

In 2018, Burning Man reported it took $44 million to produce the music festival focused on community, art, self-expression and self-reliance. The event creates a temporary city in a Nevada desert and features a 40-foot-tall burning effigy among hundreds of other elaborate art structures. Fun fact: they spend $1.4 million for sanitation services alone (aka: port-a-potties). 

1.  Prince Harry & Meghan Markle s Royal Wedding $45 Million

Cost of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Royal Wedding

We watched, we wept, we drank tea at 5am. A royal wedding is more affordable than a work conference. <<>>

Apple: give us a call. We can produce a fantastic WWDC for you with a lower price tag and so much more than a stage with a screen and some lights.

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