Live Streams for Conferences and Hybrid Events
At Colada we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for hybrid events and smarter ways of live streaming.
Since we streamed our first event in 2005 technology has improved massively, as high quality connectivity has become commonplace and streaming platforms have developed. Accessing a live stream has never been easier for the viewer too.
One of the developments that has had the biggest impact is the ability for remote participants to directly interact with a live stream. For example, ask questions, participate in polls or present via video link.

We’re sure that you’d prefer not to think about it, and we tried to think of ways around mentioning it, but the elephant in the room has been COVID. It drove massive change in the way people do business and forced the conference and live events industry to adapt.
Now that restrictions are gone and we move past the stresses and inconveniences – what can we learn and take forwards?
For us, every broadcast, event or live stream starts with the user experience. It has to be good. Ideally it should match or better the experience of being there in person. We’re always thinking about how we can make a production slick, engaging and a lean forward experience for the viewer.
How to achieve this in practice depends on the style of event, the experience you aim to create and what you are trying to communicate.

A simple step you can take is – enable the audience to interact or engage. To be involved. Empowering a viewer to be an active participant as opposed to a passive spectator is powerful. We’ve seen the same principal work so effectively with Interactive Video.
For example; enable them to submit questions to the speaker and mention this during presentations, conduct live polls with data collected simultaneously from the room and remote viewers. Participating in a live streamed event need not be limited to watching the event or speaker.
Lots of our clients who expected the hybrid event model to move on post COVID have reported high demand for them to stay. The hybrid event model enables viewers greater accessibility and to not miss out if they can’t get to an event in person.
Then there are the basic fundamentals. Good quality picture, clean and clear sound. Sounds simple but get this wrong and the experience will be poor.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons our clients stream their events;
- Increase reach
- Accessibility
- Sustainability
- Meeting changing habit and expectations
- Longevity through versioning and repurposing of the event material
- Data capture opportunities
- Increase acceptance, even expectation of remote option

The solution that fits each company and use case will be quite different, however there are a growing number of reasons to broadcast or stream your event live.
If you’d like to have a chat about your project, event or live stream get in touch.