11 things to consider as you organise your next event…

At Present, we’re all about reliability, redundancy, resilience. When it comes to technology, we know how to make it work and ensure it keeps working.

Often those are technology problems. Sometimes we need to look at our systems and processes.

When you’re thinking about your next event, conference or activation, consider these 11 things.

Define your goals – this will impact who is invited to be in the audience and on the stage.  It will impact whether your viewers are invited to be in the room or online.  And it will determine how the event as a whole is delivered.

Assign clear responsibilities – when things go wrong, who needs to know and who is fixing it.  That can be anything from the AV, audio and streaming to the lunch times, car parking situation and fire evacuation procedures.

Choose the right venue, or not – are you going virtual, hybrid or in-room only, in the city or the countryside?  Big room or lots of smaller groups?  Catering on site?

Test everything – when it comes to technology, test everything.  Never assume anything works.  This goes for wifi too! And know what the backup plan is too.

When it comes to AV, the basics are really simple –  Make sure everyone can be seen and heard everywhere. If you’re unsure, use a professional.

Design your schedule and your content for you audience – if you have an online audience, make sure they’re not treated like second class guests.   Different delegates have different requirements in terms of schedules.  Remember attention spans. 

Communicate with your speakers – be clear on expectations.

Make your event accessible to all – have you considered those who have poor eyesight, poor hearing or other physical disabilities?

Engage with your audience – make your event interactive and fun (where appropriate).

Record & repurpose – you’ve spent a lot of time and effort curating the perfect content.  Make it evergreen.

Measure & track – what worked and what didn’t?  Which speakers were popular?  What did the audience enjoy.  Track numbers, movements and engagement rates.

Why Internal Comms Deserves Broadcast-Level Production

Internal communications are no longer just about getting information out there. They’re about getting it heard, understood, and trusted.

And that takes more than a memo.

Whether it’s a quarterly CEO update, an onboarding video, a leadership podcast or a change comms campaign, the way we communicate internally says a lot about our company culture. It tells employees: “We value your time. We want to earn your attention. We take this seriously.”

At Present, we bring broadcast-level quality to internal communications because we know how powerful they can be. In a hybrid, fast-paced world, it’s not enough to have a great message. It needs to be delivered clearly, professionally, accessibly, and in the format your people prefer.

That’s why we design systems and support content teams to produce internal video, podcasts, live streams and events that look and sound great. With quality, resilience and accessibility built in.

Because your internal team are your most important stakeholders. They’re the ones are affect change, they’re the ones who speak to your customers.

If you’re rethinking how you speak to your people, we’d love to help.

Present Launches Podcast Studio in SW19

Present is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new podcast studio in SW19, marking a significant expansion of its production capabilities. This purpose-built space is designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality podcast production, offering a professional environment for creators, brands, and businesses looking to amplify their voices.

A Studio Built for Quality and Convenience

The new podcast studio is equipped with top-tier audio and video recording technology, ensuring crystal-clear sound and video quality. Whether you’re an independent podcaster, a corporate team looking to create branded content, or a live streamer seeking a polished setup, our studio provides the ideal space to bring your ideas to life.

Located in SW19, the studio offers a convenient and accessible location for businesses and content creators across London. With professional-grade microphones, soundproofing, and expert support, users can focus on delivering their message without worrying about technical distractions.

Expanding Creative Services

The launch of the podcast studio aligns with Present Communications’ broader mission to provide premium live production and content creation services. As a trusted partner in corporate video, event streaming, and AV services, the addition of a dedicated podcasting space enhances the company’s ability to serve clients looking for high-quality, engaging content.

From recording and editing to post-production and distribution, Present Communications offers comprehensive support to help clients produce compelling audio content that stands out in today’s crowded media landscape.

Book Your Session

The podcast studio is now open for bookings, offering flexible packages to suit a variety of needs. Whether you’re launching a new show, hosting a guest interview, or producing an internal company podcast, our team is here to ensure a seamless experience.

For more information or to book a session, get in touch with Present Communications today.

3 Unexpected Reasons to Include Your Online Audience

In the post-lockdown world, corporations, event organisers, and sponsors are eager to bring staff and audiences back to in-person events. While remote working has become the norm, and some demographics are returning to the office, engaging people face-to-face remains crucial for building stronger relationships. However, the question arises: why should we bother including an online audience in hybrid events?

1. Expanding Reach

An online audience might be more challenging to engage than those physically present, but it represents an opportunity to connect with individuals who otherwise couldn’t attend. These are people who may live in different countries, have scheduling conflicts, or face other barriers to in-person attendance. By offering a virtual option, you can include these eager participants, broadening your event’s reach and impact.

2. Increasing Revenue Opportunities

Selling tickets for online attendance can significantly boost your event’s revenue. While there is a common concern that virtual tickets might cannibalise in-person sales, evidence suggests otherwise. Those who prefer the in-person experience will still attend physically. Offering a virtual option simply opens up additional revenue streams without detracting from the in-person experience.

3. Building Trust

The real value of a hybrid event lies in building trust with your audience. Online attendees, though not physically present, can still get a sense of the event’s atmosphere and quality. By ensuring that the virtual experience is engaging and inclusive, you can convert online participants into future in-person attendees. A well-executed hybrid event can turn virtual attendees into loyal fans who are more likely to buy tickets for future events.

So next time your organising a conference, exhibition, trade show, experiential event, concert or even a meeting, fully consider your online audience and create as much value as possible for all involved.

Don’t forget, it’s also a very sustainable way to get more reach –

020 87700655 | office@presentcommunications.com

Podcasts – increase reach, engagement and accessibility

What’s the best way to engage staff, customers and stakeholders?

It’s a trick question.

There isn’t a ‘best way’. There are multiple methods and the appropriate mix will depend on who you’re trying to reach, where and how. That’s how it’s always been. What’s changed?

There are new channels available.

Staff and customers expect us to communicate with them in ‘their’ preferred method.

We’re now more informed about how our communities are most likely to engage.

I was having a conversation with a client recently about her company’s internal newsletter. She is dyslexic and asked for the newsletter to be audio recorded. The recording was so popular, they now have a regular podcast which has in turn become more popular than the written version.

Increase reach
Better engagement
More inclusive and accessible

What are you doing to reach and engagement with people on their terms?

How is technology changing the broadcast and the content we listen to?

Quality matters…

I’ve said it before, it’s not good enough to just post content. We all do it anyway, but who reads this stuff?

Maybe in the past people read it.

But today, every day, we generate around 400 million terabytes of data. That means every two days, we generate as much information as we did between the dawn of civilization up until 2003 (according to Eric Schmidt).

So how can we make our content stand out. There are plenty of levers.

Innovative marketing
Effective distribution
Paid ads?
Exciting and engaging content (obviously)

The key for me though is exceptional quality. It’s no longer enough to just post. Our content needs to be technically well produced to the highest standard to even stand a chance out there.

We’ve had years of ‘anything goes’. A whole generation watch Big Brother on TV and news broadcasts that consisted of “oh, we seem to have lost them…”. But those days are gone.

I’m going to say it. AT LAST, the age of quality content is back!

Exploring the World of Microphones

In the realm of audio technology, microphones play a pivotal role in capturing, transmitting, and amplifying sound. It’s a huge and diverse field, with nuanced differences and very specific applications. So let’s go over what we use, and why we use it.

Lapel microphones, also known as lavalier microphones, are designed to be clipped onto clothing, making them inconspicuous and perfect for situations where visibility and mobility matters. Typically an Omnidirectional Condenser, they are sensitive, detailed and consistent. Perfect for presentations and interviews, our Sennheiser Wireless Lapel mics are a permanent feature in our productions.

Handheld microphones are perhaps the most recognizable type of microphone. Their ergonomic and familiar design allows speakers, presenters, and performers to have control over their audio as they move around the stage or set. Typically a Hyper-Cardioid Dynamic microphone, they provide a very focused and powerful sound, minimising bleed from the environment and providing a clear signal on the busiest of stages. Our Sennheiser Handheld microphones are also wireless, providing maximum mobility and comfort; meaning they’re also an extremely popular and useful tool.

Lectern microphones are designed for use on podiums or lecterns, offering a convenient solution for speakers addressing an audience. These microphones are engineered to minimize feedback and capture the speaker’s voice clearly, even when they’re positioned a bit further away from the microphone. They provide a stable and consistent solution for talks and conferences with multiple speakers addressing the audience in turn, and keeping the speaker physically free from any microphones can benefit their presentation.

Finally, Boundary microphones, or “boundary mics,” use the principle of phase cancellation to capture sound waves reflected off surfaces, resulting in a natural and ambient audio capture. These microphones are often placed on large surfaces like conference tables or theatre stages, making them ideal for recording meetings, conferences and theatrical performances. They’re a useful tool due to the ease of use and minimal technical footprint, making them a great choice for more simple setups where a wide area needs to be covered effectively.

The world of microphones is diverse and adaptable, catering to a wide range of commercial applications. Whether you’re capturing the ambiance of a conference, recording a podcast, addressing a large audience, or amplifying a musical performance, there’s a microphone type that’s perfectly suited for the task.

Allen & Heath Qu-16 – fully featured mixing console

We’ve recently invested in a number of 16 channel digital consoles which provide ultimate flexibility at the right price point.  These have been added to our rental stock, based in London and are proving very popular.  They are great little desks, easy to use and work well with our smaller sound systems.

FEATURE SUMMARY

  • 19” Rack Mountable
  • 16 Mono Mic/Line Inputs (TRS + XLR)
  • Recallable AnaLOGIQTM Preamps
  • 3 Stereo Inputs (TRS)
  • 12 Mix Outputs (XLR)
  • 7 Monitor Mixes (4 mono + 3 stereo)
  • 4 FX Engines
  • 2 dedicated FX Sends / Returns
  • 4 Mute Groups
  • 4 DCA Groups
  • AES Digital Out
  • 24×22 USB Audio Interface
  • dSNAKETM Remote Audio Port
  • 17 Motor Faders
  • 800×480 Touchscreen
  • 4 Soft Keys

QU-16 FEATURES

  • Trim, polarity, HPF, gate, insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor, delay on all Inputs
  • Insert, 4-band PEQ, 1/3 octave GEQ, compressor, delay on all Outputs
  • Automatic Mic Mixer
  • Channel Ducker on all Inputs
  • ProFactory Mic Presets
  • iLive FX Library
  • Built-in Signal Generator
  • RTA with Peak Band indication
  • Spectrogram to aid feedback elimination and room acoustics
  • Qu-Drive Direct Multitrack Recording / Playback on USB drives
  • DAW MIDI Control
  • Qu-Pad iPad App
  • Qu-You iPhone / Android personal monitoring app
  • Qu-Control customisable iOS app for simple wireless control
  • Compatible with ME Personal Mixing System
  • High contrast metallic finish controls, matching premium GLD Chrome series

The best internet experience is not just about speed…

Don’t get me wrong, internet speed is important, it’s very important.  Some users of hotels and conference centres genuinely require very fast internet and there are a few venues in London and around the country who can provide this (call us to find out which ones).

But much of the time, we actually don’t require super speeds.  We need internet that’s going to work, that’s low latency and well structured.  Once again, when it comes to internet, quality wins over quantity.

As I write this, I’m actually sitting in a conference room in Nigeria. We’ve paid for really fast internet and, as promised, that is what we have.  The streaming video has actually been remarkably stable despite the regular power cuts.  But we’re struggling to manage and preview the streams because the ‘quality’ of the network isn’t up to it.

The problem is, it’s very difficult to measure quality of internet and network.  You’re going to find out how good it is when your guests all try to log on at the same time.  Or you can just call us and we’ll tell you where has the best networks.