Tapping into Ambition – a Hit Hybrid Event for The Open University

In June, Red Occasions enjoyed a successful collaboration with The Open University. We worked closely with The OU to execute their Learning as a Benefit event. The campaign was organised and hosted by The Open University and TrainingZone.

The event aimed to raise awareness and communicate the benefits of offering employees professional development in terms of qualifications and OU courses. Set up as an incentive scheme, it not only helps to retain existing staff but is a great employee benefit to attract new talent. Red Occasions helped to produce and manage all the audio visual elements. We supported The OU as they steered their way through the tricky world of hybrid events.

Here at Red Occasions, we can produce and manage your next hybrid or virtual event and make it an easy, seamless process. We can provide audio visual equipment in Northampton, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Bedford and beyond. If you need help with all things audio visual, give us a call to discuss how we can support you.

The big day summed up

Who:- The Open University (in partnership with TrainingZone)

What:- Management of all audio visual aspects of the event, from the initial enquiry right through to providing post-event content.

Where:- The Hub Theatre, The Open University Campus, Milton Keynes

When:- Wednesday 8th June 2022

Why:- The Open University were looking to promote its Learning as a Benefit programme, which provides employers with the ability to offer qualifications to their employees.

Flawless execution

Red Occasions not only efficiently managed the event and all the audio visual aspects but we were able to give advice and guidance very early on in the project. We knew that The Open University wanted to try hosting a hybrid event but they weren’t sure how to navigate this. With our expertise, we were able to provide them with the best way to harness their ideas and concepts. Our solid and collaborative pre-production process allowed us to iron out the most appropriate way to present and communicate their content. We helped to design the event and bring their vision to life, supporting them every step of the way. The result? A highly engaging hybrid event and an extremely happy client.

Making hybrid happen

The event combined a live panel discussion broadcasted to a business audience that logged on virtually. This allowed for a rich discussion between the panellists live on stage. We created three separate live streams, each with its own dedicated theming. As part of the pre-production process, we also filmed an introductory montage to tie all three of them together. Furthermore, we supplied a local videographer to interview all the panel members and create post-event content for the client’s audience to interact with.

The technical solution

To ensure that the event ran smoothly, we provided:

• Set and staging consisting of a 42’ full colour wrapped set, a 10m x 3m black carpeted stage with a solid white fascia, a white voile backdrop and stage furniture.
• Audio system comprising of L’Acoustics speakers, Yamaha digital consoles, DPA microphones and Sennheiser wireless systems.
• Video systems comprising of Blackmagic Design URSA Broadcast G2 cameras, 20 channel portable production unit, production PC rack running VMix, 75” Samsung LED screens for audience and stage relays.
• Lighting systems consisting of Prolights Eclipse LED profiles, Chauvet COLORado Q40’s & Philips Showline battens for uplighting/backlighting the set, Prolights SmartBat uplighters and Astera Titan Tubes.

How did we do?

The Open University enjoyed a record-breaking campaign, promoting their message to attract, retain and invest in staff. We loved getting our teeth into this exciting project and couldn’t be happier with how the event turned out.

If you’re looking to set up a hybrid event or need to hire audio visual equipment in Cambridge, Northampton, Bedford, Milton Keynes or the surrounding areas, Red Occasions can help. Get in touch with us to discuss your next event.