Capturing the essence of a live event like a convention or trade show is a unique challenge that requires careful planning, technical expertise, and a keen eye for detail. These events are bustling with activity, featuring a variety of moments that need to be documented. All you need is the right team and quality equipment to make it happen.
By creating a stunning video that embodies the energy and excitement of these events, you can significantly amplify your brand’s message and reach. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of convention and trade show videos and provide detailed tips on capturing high-quality footage in busy environments.
The Benefits of Filming Conventions and Trade Shows
As you plan your next convention or trade show, don’t forget to secure a film crew and the necessary equipment to capture the event. While it’ll be an added expense, it’s worthwhile because you’ll wind up with incredible footage you can use long after everyone goes home.
Here are a few benefits of filming convention and trade show videos:
- Extended Reach: Filming conventions and trade shows allow you to extend the reach of your event beyond the physical venue. You can share the highlights with a broader audience through social media, your website, and other digital platforms, ensuring those who couldn’t attend in person can experience the event. You may consider selling virtual tickets as an additional income stream.
- Marketing Material: High-quality videos serve as powerful marketing tools. They can be used to promote future events, showcase your brand, and attract new attendees or exhibitors. Highlight reels, testimonials, and event recaps can be leveraged across various marketing channels to create buzz and excitement.
- Engagement: Videos capture the energy and atmosphere of live events, making them more engaging than static photos or written content. They can include interviews, presentations, product demos, and crowd interactions, providing a comprehensive overview of the event.
- Documentation: Filming your event provides a permanent record that can be used for future reference. This can be valuable for reviewing what worked well and identifying areas for improvement. It’s a must if you want to make each even better than the last. It also allows you to create a library of content that can be repurposed for different needs.
These benefits make hiring a camera crew for your next live event a profitable investment. Since you’ll get plenty of footage that can be used in a variety of ways, it’ll pay for itself again and again.
3 Tips for Capturing Stunning Convention and Trade Show Videos
While it might seem overwhelming, capturing footage at your next live event can be a breeze. All you need to do is use the following tips before, during, and after the event:
1. Be Prepared to Film in a Busy and Dynamic Environment
Before the event, visit the venue to familiarize yourself with the layout and identify key areas for filming. Look for vantage points that offer clear views of main stages, booths, and high-traffic areas, ensuring you’ll capture the best shots throughout the day.
To make filming convention and trade show videos even easier, plan your shots ahead of time. Develop a shot list that includes must-have footage such as keynote speeches, panel discussions, product demonstrations, and attendee interactions. This will help you stay organized and ensure you capture all the important moments. After all, you don’t want to miss anything.
It’s also smart to use lightweight and portable equipment that allows you to stay agile. A gimbal or stabilizer can help you capture smooth footage while moving through crowds. Be prepared to adjust quickly to changing conditions and spontaneous opportunities that may arise.
2. Ensure High-Quality Audio and Visuals in Crowded Settings
Although you might be tempted to save money on equipment, built-in camera microphones often pick up a lot of background noise. This is why you’re better off investing in external microphones, such as lavalier microphones for speakers and directional microphones for capturing ambient sound. Doing so will provide clear and high-quality audio, which creates a better experience for the viewer.
Convention and trade show venues can have challenging lighting conditions, so it’s best to come prepared. Bring portable lights to enhance visibility, especially in dimly lit areas. LED panels and softbox lights can provide consistent and flattering illumination, giving your footage a better look overall.
Don’t forget to also adjust your camera settings to suit the environment. Use a higher ISO for low-light situations and consider using a shallow depth of field to blur out distracting backgrounds and focus on your subject.
3. Post-Production Tips for Creating a Compelling Event Highlight Reel
The work isn’t done after filming convention and trade show videos. The next task is to review and organize your footage after the event ends. Categorize clips by type (keynote speeches, crowd shots, interviews) to make the editing process more efficient. It’ll be easy to find each clip you need.
From there, create a narrative for your highlight reel. Start with establishing shots of the venue and crowds, followed by key moments and interviews, and conclude with a strong closing message. This ensures your video flows logically while maintaining viewer interest.
You can incorporate smooth transitions and effects to enhance the visual appeal of your video. Be sure to avoid overusing flashy effects that can distract from the content and message you’re trying to convey.
You’ll also want to choose a background soundtrack that matches the energy and tone of the event. Graphics and text overlays can also be used to introduce speakers, highlight key points, and reinforce branding.
All music and visuals used should complement each other and enhance the experience.
Let’s Film Your Next Live Event
High-quality event videos can amplify your message, engage your audience, and provide valuable marketing material for future events. Whether you’re showcasing a new product, highlighting industry thought leaders, or capturing the vibrant atmosphere of a trade show floor, investing in professional video production can significantly enhance the impact and reach of your live events.
Our Orlando video production company, NG Production Films, can communicate effectively and efficiently to produce high-quality video production. We have over a decade of experience to produce the next video production project for your organization. Call NG Production Films today for a free, no-obligation consultation at 407-233-3236 or fill out our contact form for a prompt reply.
