The Brief
Lead Dev is a live event designed for software development teams across the globe to come together and share good leadership practices, discuss problems & solutions and learn new skills.
Each year the event takes place in multiple locations, including Austin, Berlin, San Francisco, New York and London.
The event was due to take place in New York in April 2020 but with the outbreak of Coronavirus and a global travel ban in place, it was decided to switch it to an online event with participants able to join, free of charge, from their homes.
We were tasked with using our live event experience to bring an online event to life and create an engaging experience to a large audience across the world. The event was supported by around 40 speakers from around the world who joined in presentations, panel sessions and Q&A discussions with the vast audience.
The challenges we faced
Events are all about engaging and inspiring an audience. We have spent many years perfecting this art and in a live environment, we take full control of all aspects of the production to ensure the audience get the right experience and a memorable event is delivered.
The greatest challenge with moving an event online is the lack of control over the audience, the environment they are in and the technology they are using. Our greatest challenge was how to remotely inspire an audience!
With all the speakers locked down to their home locations, another challenge was managing their individual live feeds without onsite professional support and control over their hardware. The quality of each feed was determined by their internet connection, video camera/web cam, lighting, microphone and general acoustics. Without careful planning, each of these parameters could lead to a poor quality of output that would mean viewers would switch off.
Another very unique challenge we faced while in lockdown due to Covid-19 was that we couldn’t bring our team together to produce and manage the event from a single location. Instead we needed to set up communication channels and remote preview streams so our team could all operate together as one, but from their own locations. Thankfully we have technology available at our finger tips so could construct systems to deal with this challenge.
What we did
Step One
Step Two
Step Three
Step Four
We created pre-set looks to the stream that we could switch to with ease. These included:
- 3 Remote Hosts
- 1 Remote Host + Google Slides
- 1 Remote Speaker + Google Slides
- 4 Remote Panellists
Step Five
We built redundancy into every system where possible and we were ready for a multitude of different technical challenges throughout the event and had content we could switch away to if we lost any feeds.
Step Six
The event went live with just 2 operators required. Dan took the role as Director and was based in an office with super fast internet. Adam was our Producer and was based from home. We used some clever tech that allowed Adam to remote control hardware in the office over the internet.
What our customers say about us
“This was a superb install. It’s a huge, cavernous space and being able to see the transformation unfold before our eyes was incredible.
We pride ourselves on the way in which we collaborate with our partners to achieve great results here at On, and this was a great example of working in true partnership with our good friends at FRUKT to deliver a stunning event which made headlines across the gaming world.”
Anabelle Parslow
Fabrication Project Manager
On Event Production Co
“Once again an amazing job. I am certain that no other team of people could have made this project happen. The commitment, enthusiasm, attention to detail and team spirit make you a truly stand-out business…We’re looking forward to the next one”
Louiza Vicary
Head of Events
Global Connections
“Since the restrictions of the pandemic have been in place over the last 16 months, it has been a real challenge for businesses to fully engage their audiences virtually, particularly for awards events. NHSPS trusted us once again in the delivery of this high profile event to recognise individual contribution.
The feedback received from the audience was absolutely outstanding with everyone feeling involved and proud to work within a team providing vital services to the NHS during the pandemic. It was a real honour to help make this event super special and to further cement our relationship with a forward thinking client.”
Guy Eaton
Director and Founder
On
“When we had to book the audio for our biggest ever show to date there was only one option for us. On Event Production Co, in our humble opinion, is the best in the business and the most reliable contractor we have ever worked with.”
“This was an interesting project to work on in the grounds of a stunning, historic stately home. The trick with this installation was finding a creative way of using simple technology to create a totally believable, immersive world which took visitors on a magical and enchanting journey.
It’s amazing to think how applying a bit of creative thought to lights, props and sound can result in something truly memorable and captivating and we look forward to seeing this initiative go from strength to strength next year.”
Anabelle Parslow
Fabrication project manager
On
“My heartfelt thanks to the On team. As always, you were so professional and went above the call of duty. The show was a huge success and exceeded our expectations. None of it would have been possible without you.”
Maureen Hockley
Managing Director
Joy Ltd.
“A huge thank you for all your hard work on The Esquire Townhouse project! We were really impressed with the quality of finish on all elements.
The On team seamlessly installed and de-rigged what was a beast of a project. The venue particularly noticed the care and attention given to the venue. And the AV team on site were also fantastic.”
Jess Young
Events Manager
Hearst
“This is the second event that On Event Production Co have delivered for us and it was nothing short of fantastic. Every person we deal with from On is always professional, helpful and nothing is too much trouble, but what we really appreciate is the creative ideas that they bring to the table….This is what makes our event feel unique and special.“
Darren Messias
Managing Director
KH Hair
“On supported the event with video, sound and light production, all coordinated and controlled from inside a shipping container, and the team were in full zombie attire throughout. We played our own part in helping the Festival smash the world record, the biggest number of zombies (4,026) zombies in one place”
Chris Vernon-Smith
Creative Director
On
“Just a quick note to personally thank you for your hard-work, dedication and first class execution we saw last week in Birmingham. Thank you for providing a first class service for us. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and from a staging, AV and lighting perspective, it was A*!”
Ben Springer
Head of Client Services
Blue Square
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