As with most technical fields, live streaming has its own language. For many, understanding these words is half of the battle.

Now, we’ve all experienced it: trying to read a list of technical specs, our eyes slowly glazing over as we desperately try to stay awake. What do all these words mean?

To help you carve through all the technical terms, we’ve compiled a glossary of common live stream language. Let’s get started!

Adaptive Streaming

Adaptive streaming refers to the technology that makes it possible to stream at multiple bitrates, which accommodates a variety of resolutions and bandwidths on the viewer end. This usually results in a smoother video for viewers.

Basically, it lets everyone see the best possible stream for their device, location, and internet quality.

Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio refers to the relationship between an image’s width and height. For streaming, the typical aspect ratio is 16:9.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth refers to the speed at which someone can download or upload information from the internet. This speed is typically measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). At the very least, your available bandwidth should be higher than your desired bitrate when streaming.

Bitrate

Bitrate is the rate at which audio and video data is sent from the streaming source to the network.

Buffering

Buffering is the preloading of memory into a reserved memory area before the content begins to play.

Have you ever tried to watch a video on YouTube, only for it to pause and show you a spinning circle for a minute before you start? Yup, that’s buffering.

Compression

Compression refers to the process of decreasing the size of multimedia to improve streaming efficiency. Currently, the industry compression standard is H.264 (MPEG-4).

Content Delivery Network (CDN)

A CDN is a distribution network of servers and data centers that help distribute data and information more easily than a single server could manage. The goal here is to spread out data delivery between a wide number of servers, which boosts performance.

Dropped Frames

Dropped frames refers to the loss of video frames during a stream’s encoding or compression process. This typically happens when a computer tries to process more data than it can handle efficiently, resulting in lagging, skipping, or out-of-sync video and audio.

Encoding or Transcoding

Encoding (also called transcoding) is the process of converting the recorded content’s raw data into a suitable compressed format for internet transmission.

Firewall

A firewall is a network security system that regulates communications between internal and external networks, restricting unauthorized access and managing and controlling trusted networks. You don’t want to disable these and leave your association (or your stream) unprotected!

Frame Rate

Frame rate is the number of single image frames displayed per second (“FPS” or frames per second). In addition to the viewing experience, frame rate can impact the compression and encoding processes.

Two of the most common frame rates in streaming are 30 FPS and 60 FPS. The higher the frame rate, the more bandwidth it will consume.

H.264

H.264 is also called Advanced Video Coding (AVC) or MPEG-4 and refers to the standard compression format for streaming video over the internet. It was created to give the best video quality for the lowest bandwidth and least amount of lag.

HTTP Dynamic Sstreaming (HDS)

HDS is an adaptive-bitrate streaming technology made by Adobe, which allows stream viewers to play multimedia at their ideal size and quality.

HDS is used less frequently and has less support than…

HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)

HLS is an adaptive-bitrate communications protocol made by Apple, which allows stream viewers to play multimedia at their ideal size and quality. Over time, HLS has become an open standard–not exclusive to Apple (though Apple products will only use HLS).

Between HDS (the above) and HLS, HLS is the more widely used option.

HTML5 Video

HTML5 Video is a common in-browser player for streaming multimedia at a low bandwidth.

IP Camera

IP cameras are cameras that are capable of sending and receiving data directly to and from the internet. These cameras are used primarily for security and streaming purposes.

Keyframe

A keyframe (or intraframe) refers to a video image’s full frame: the start and end points of a transition.

The frames that follow a keyframe are called delta frames and typically only contain information that has changed from the original keyframe.

Latency

Latency essentially means “delay”. It is the length of time that takes place between video capture and live stream display.

“Lag” is slang for latency! So “high latency” means “more lag”.

Mixer

A video mixer is hardware that allows streamers to easily switch between and combine video and audio signals.

Regardless of how many cameras or inputs are used by the mixer, the output is contained within one signal for easy broadcasting.

Packet

A packet is a basic unit of information that travels along a network path.

Transmitted data is broken into packets and transported separately to an endpoint. Once there, the separate packets reassemble into the intended format.

When packets don’t arrive, this is referred to as packet loss; this loss is something you want to minimize.

Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP)

RTMP is an Adobe-developed media streaming protocol used to transfer video over the internet. RTMP refers to the web address that data uses as a path from the stream source to the stream server.

RTMPE, meanwhile, refers to encrypted media streaming system based on this protocol.

Resolution

Resolution comes in a variety of specs, such as 4K, 1080i, 1080p, 720p, 480i, and 480p. These numbers refer to the number of pixels it takes to fill a screen.

In general, the larger the number, the clearer the resolution.

Simulcast

Simulcast refers to the streaming of an event on multiple sources and platforms at the same time.

Stream Key

A stream key is the alphanumeric key used by an encoder to authenticate, identify, and communicate with the streaming server.

Video Artifacting

Video artifacting refers to a type of pixelation/image distortion that occurs during streaming. As opposed to standard pixelation, which impacts the entire frame, video artifacting usually impacts one (or a few) objects in a frame.

It typically indicates a compression issue.

You may also like: Attracting More Sponsors: the Live Stream Appeal

Conclusion

If you managed to make it to the end of the list, congratulations! How many terms did you recognize? If you want, you can bookmark this list to refer back to in the future.

Happy streaming!

Want help demystifying more eLearning technology? Contact Vocalmeet today; we’ll be happy to help you set your association up for success!

The post Live Streaming: a Glossary appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Despite this, organizations are still slow to realize the full potential of the practice. Back in 2016, about 44% of brands were incorporating live streaming. That number has grown steadily since but, for most, there’s still plenty of room to grow.

In general, videos perform much better than other media formats. Videos typically have a greater than 135% organic reach on social media channels compared to pictures. Additionally, viewers watch live videos longer, comment more, and share them more often than they do their pre-recorded counterparts.

However, when it comes to positive brand awareness, the effectiveness of a live stream is more important than just its widespread coverage. Live streams give organizations the power of immediacy. They can showcase sides of the organization that most consumers would never (or could never) otherwise see.

While there are countless ways that live streams can help your organization, today we’ll be exploring some of the best ways they can help promote your association’s brand:

1. Introduce Your Organization

One of the best ways for an organization to build true brand recognition is to give the world a closer look at its inner workings. Modern consumers connect best to organizations that display transparency, honesty, and authenticity.

In order to gain the trust of consumers, organizations need to be human, be responsible, and be available. How better to achieve this than to use live streams to show off your association? Live streams can highlight how your organization operates by bringing viewers behind-the-scenes:

• Showcase your creative process
• Take viewers on a tour
• Create videos that show off your organization’s culture

Some organizations even choose to live stream meetings or interviews with various personnel. This helps to add personality and a face to the company.

You may consider giving your consumers a chance to ask questions of different people. The goal here is to help bridge the gap between the organization and the consumer. Demystify your operations and unveil the processes involved in your work. The more people know and understand, the higher the chance they will connect with you.

These live streams don’t have to be polished pieces of art, either. In fact, many of the most effective live streams are unscripted and rough around the edges, making them come across as more “real” and authentic.

2. Highlight Your Initiatives

As a promotional tool, few mediums can compete with live streams.

Effective live streams remove the middleman and the confusing marketing language, instead providing immediate updates, increased awareness, and news announcements directly from the source.

Associations can use live streams to show-off or tease new and upcoming courses and conferences. Some may offer exclusive sales via discount codes or contests during the stream.

Other associations may use live streams to provide a countdown to an upcoming event or initiative. This can help build excitement and ensure a launch doesn’t go by unnoticed!

Another effective live streaming method is to highlight positive initiatives or charity work done by your organization. In this globally-conscious age, live streams with a social focus can inspire audiences and help them connect with your association’s mission.

No matter how you demonstrate your organization’s value or purpose, it’s important to keep your communications consistent and on-brand. Today’s members are much more willing to support associations when they feel that they’re contributing to a positive effort!

3. Stream Your Events

Improving access to your association’s events is a powerful way to increase brand awareness.

For one, live streaming your events will result in a more widespread reach: your consumers will enjoy more attendance options and, as a result, your attendance will become more diverse. As an organization, live streamed events position your brand as more accommodating and forward thinking.

Furthermore, live streams encourage and allow for real-time interaction with attendees. This high level engagement that live video attracts means that most social media platforms favor live streams in their promotional algorithms, allowing you to promote your brand further and farther. Live streams also allow your organization to better promote your events on social media, even directly linking to the event in posts.

Whether it’s product launches, association introductions, or a large industry forum, it’s important to remember that the best live streams offer audiences something that may not be available in person. This takes your live stream from being an extension of the physical event to something altogether unique and distinct.

Even after the live streams and events are finished, organizations can use the material they recorded in a variety of ways. Some organizations break up the video and use it for promotional purposes, enhancing their brand awareness even further.

Make sure to archive and catalog your content for ease of use!

4. Run Live Training Programs

Brand awareness is important, but how consumers recognize and remember a brand is perhaps the most important of all.

With live streams, organizations can inject more value for consumers in a greater number of ways. One of the most effective uses of this strategy–particularly in terms of brand awareness–is to offer live training programs.

Live training programs can be anything, from individual courses to industry certifications to a series of webinars. Some organizations may offer complex training programs, whereas others may prefer simple how-to videos or live demonstrations. Associations can even live stream customer support and customer onboarding videos!

No matter the content, the purpose is the same: education.

Providing educational content helps position associations as thought leaders in their industries, making them a hub of information and a landing spot for professional (and personal!) development.

The live delivery component of this kind of training makes the learning process more of a personal experience. Students and instructors can connect in real-time, and members feel more seen and heard in their studies. By offering live educational support, organizations can foster feelings of being seen and supported in their members.

5. Partner Up

In this age of information, brands are evaluated in many different ways.

Associations looking to build brand awareness should look into teaming up with brands and sponsors with similar values and goals. Organizations may, for example, align with another brand and participate together in a purposeful initiative. Others may seek out professional live streamers or social media influencers to partner with, which can have a major impact on reach and brand awareness.

It’s important, however, that organizations choose the right brands to partner with; when one organization aligns with another, their messaging should be consistent, or else audiences will be left confused.

Perhaps the most effective form of collaboration via live streams is when organizations work directly with their audience.

Associations that respond to and communicate with their members tend to be the more relatable and memorable brands in the digital landscape. Use live streams to:

• Talk to your audience,
• Gather feedback from members, and
• Use it to improve your services.

While crossover content and impressive guest appearances can have lasting effects, good old-fashioned customer appreciation is often what makes the biggest overall impression on your brand!

You may also like: Making Sure Your Next Event is Your BEST Event

Conclusion

In conclusion, live streaming is becoming an indispensable tool for organizations aiming to boost their brand recognition.

Live streaming’s unique ability to engage, captivate, and provide real-time connections makes it a key component in many a marketing strategy. From introducing an organization to showcasing initiatives, from offering live training programs to forging partnerships, live streaming empowers associations to resonate with members on a deeper level and leave a lasting impression.

As this dynamic medium continues to evolve, one thing is becoming clear: embracing live streaming isn’t just a promotional option–it’s rapidly becoming a necessity!

Sources

The post Boosting Brand Recognition: How Live Streaming Can Help appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

On the association side, sponsors can help offset the cost of events. On the sponsor side, the more attendees an event gathers, the better the opportunity to boost their brand.

Because of this, adding a live stream to an event is an excellent way to improve sponsorship opportunities. While there’s no guarantee you’ll hook your ideal target every time (this is life, after all!), there’s no better way to land a big catch than to increase the value you offer–and boy, do live streams help you offer!

Now, while many of the draws of live streams are the same as in-person events, there are some differences. For instance:

• Live streams present fewer geographical limitations and can offer a more varied audience.
• Live streams can extend a sponsorship past the event date.
• Sponsorship content in a live stream can be presented and viewed in multiple ways.

The reality is, sponsors are interested in pairing up with live streams for a lot of the same reasons that your organization decided to implement them in the first place. Now, it’s just up to you to make sure that it’s your live stream that those sponsors choose!

Let’s take a look at how to accomplish this:

1. Upgrade your Stream

The first step to attracting sponsors is to work on your stream.

If your stream looks amateurish, is hard to access, or features an unstable presentation or connection, your viewership will suffer. Few viewers will tune in and even fewer will stick around! This, of course, presents a major issue for sponsors.

How do you avoid these issues without breaking the bank? Let’s find out!

1. You can develop a professional-looking stream with just a smartphone, some quality lighting (ring lights and light panels, anyone?), and a sturdy tripod. You may consider implementing an external microphone to capture high-quality audio, too.
2. Next, you’ll want to ensure that your connection is strong. Latency issues will drive away viewers more than most other factors–no one likes lag!
3. Finally, by hosting your live stream on a reputable streaming platform, you assure sponsors that viewers will be able to access the stream and receive the necessary support, should they need it.

How about that? It’s as simple as one-two-three!

2. Help Them Be Known

For most sponsors, one of the most important details is visibility. How will viewers know that the event, the organization, or the live stream itself is sponsored?

With the wide variety of streaming platforms and technologies available in this market, streamers can promote their sponsors in a growing number of ways:

• Event planners can have speakers verbally promote the brand.
• Associations can display a sponsor logo in the shot.
• Sponsors can have their own dedicated segments (for instance, introducing sessions or hosting their own informative talks).
• Logos can be added to the event landing page (and even overlaid in the event recording in post!).

With the right live streaming partners and platform, associations can offer different levels of promotion to match the needs of their various sponsors.

3. Integrate, Integrate, Integrate

While some sponsors are content with having their logo posted on a live stream, there are those who would be interested in having more involvement in the organizations and the streams that they sponsor.

Up the ante for sponsors by including them in your event in various ways. For instance, associations can:

• Offer sponsors an exhibitor position.
• Use one of their products as a central component at the event.
• Include links or downloadable information about sponsors to drive engagement from viewers.

Another positive about offering a variety of sponsorship options is that your organization can provide tiered sponsorship levels. This gives sponsors a selection to choose from, enabling them to get the right level of involvement at the right price.

Organizations may even want to offer an a la carte approach to sponsorship packages, allowing sponsors to completely customize their involvement. Display your flexibility and your value all in one go!

4. Present a Thorough Plan

Whether you’re reaching out to individual sponsors or presenting a blanket advertisement to attract a variety of organizations, what you need is a solid event plan.

It’s important to know and communicate your event’s purpose, its main themes, and what your audience demographics look like. Paint as clear a picture as you can in order to increase the quality and the relevance of your sponsors.

When searching for individual sponsors, look for those organizations that share your target audience. This will increase the stakes for them and their involvement. Consider what your values are and what themes you wish to illuminate during the event. Then, look for sponsors that align with these values and themes.

The consistency between association, event, and sponsor not only makes it more appealing for sponsors, but it can improve the overall experience for attendees as well!

5. Extend Your Reach

When it comes to sponsorships, live streamed events may look a little different than traditional events.

For one, the audience may be slightly different. Live streams offer a wider geographical reach than most in-person events, which means you’ll be bringing in additional viewers–some outside of your normal pull. This can provide more incentive for sponsors beyond your event’s specific location.

Not just this–an online setting provides the perfect opportunity to promote online-related brands and products. Because of this, you may even consider hosting additional sponsors; some for in-person events and some for the live stream aspect. Consider this for your tiered package approach (as outlined above!).

Your event’s reach doesn’t end here, however: many organizations choose to reuse their live stream content:

• In some cases, organizations allow users to rewatch the stream for a set period of time.
• Some organizations allow users to purchase viewing rights to the stream as a stand-alone course.
• Further still, some associations repackage their stream content into full training programs or use them in workshops.
• Some will even use snippets of a stream for marketing purposes

Whatever you choose, the results are all the same: the content’s life cycle is extended.

For a sponsor, this can mean extended visibility and higher sponsorship value. Consider some new ways that your organization can reuse your live stream content and you might uncover some new sponsorship opportunities while you’re at it!

You may also like: Making Sure Your Next Event is Your BEST Event

Conclusion

When looking to attract sponsors to your next event, don’t sleep on live streaming and the value it can bring. The relationship between associations and sponsors is bolstered by live streaming’s ability to transcend physical boundaries, extend brand exposure, and engage diverse audiences.

Stand out in the eyes of your potential sponsors: optimize your live stream quality, feature them prominently, integrate their presence, present a comprehensive plan, and maximize your reach. Do this and you’ll create a winning formula that not only enriches your events but also entices sponsors to choose your association’s live stream as its ideal partnership opportunity.

So, set the stage, roll the cameras, and let your live stream shine as a beacon that sponsors can’t resist!

The post Attracting More Sponsors: the Live Stream Appeal appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

While online learning has grown immensely in the last couple of decades, it feels like we’ve only just uncovered the tip of the iceberg–especially when it comes to live streaming and how it can reshape the landscape of e-learning!

The more we learn to utilize live streams, the greater the effectiveness online educators will have, and the greater the benefits members around the world will gain from it. While live streamed education is considerably different from traditional learning, it offers a very comparable and, in some cases, even superior learning experience than in-person training.

To highlight the benefits that live online learning can bring an audience (and an association!), we’ve outlined just some of the ways that live streams are currently impacting continuing education:

1. Improved Access

The ability to capture and transmit a lecture to anywhere in the world allows users to obtain training that they would otherwise never be able to see. Live streams enable learners to attend schools and association programs at great distances, giving them a far better chance of finding a program that suits their wants and needs.

Gone are the days of having to find a local program in your desired subject at a time that fits your schedule! With programs running around the world, learners can find programs in their ideal field, style, and time slot. Depending on the type of instruction, learners may even be able to explore programs in different languages by using online translators to follow along.

It isn’t just learners who have improved access, though; online learning increases the pool of teachers and trainers available to schools and organizations of all kinds. For instance, member-based organizations can hire instructors from anywhere in the world, having them live stream their lessons online–no expensive travel required!

2. Innovative Teaching Styles and Material

While live streamed lectures may be the delivery method people typically picture when thinking of the intersection between live streaming and education, the technology is giving rise to a variety of other training methods as well.

In traditional continuing educational programs, live streams enable users to watch lectures, connect with peers, and even participate in session discussions from anywhere in the world. Outside of the traditional education sphere, however, the type of content and teaching styles available is constantly expanding!

For example, viewers can now watch live DIY videos, seeing the unedited process of any number of tasks. Hands-on learning is no longer offline-only, as learners can essentially shadow experienced industry professionals by watching live online demonstrations.

Today, association professionals can become educators simply by setting up a live stream! This training method features few restrictions as well, offering a virtually unlimited geographical reach and class size. Learners enjoy the freedom of finding a streamer whose content gives them what they want, as well as delivery methods that match their individual needs.

3. Modern Metrics for a Customizable Experience

In a face-to-face environment, teachers can easily learn about each individual learner by talking to them directly and getting to know them throughout the lesson or course. Traditional classrooms are often given credit for the personalized experience they provide learners, but you may be surprised to learn that live streams can boast a similar capability!

In fact, modern learning platforms even have the technology to create customizable experiences for learners. Instructors can track user performance, productivity, and usage to determine how their learners learn best. Then, based on this data, they can integrate new techniques into their lessons–or even adapt their training on the fly to better accommodate those watching!

That’s not all, though, because live streams also offer…

4. Interaction and Collaboration

Just like with traditional learning, live stream teachers are able to interact with their viewers–the difference here is that where traditional learning will have in-person conversation, live streams typically make use of the online “chat” function. Some live streams may even allow for voice or video conferencing as well!

One of the commonly cited drawbacks of asynchronous online education is that users can’t interact in real time with instructors or other learners. With live streams, however, interactivity and collaboration is easy and effective. Viewers can talk to each other, comment, and ask questions from anywhere in the world, all in real-time. Through online chats and forums, these discussions can even take place without interrupting the instructor or other viewers!

Similarly, live streams allow learners, training groups, and association members to collaborate from a distance. No matter where they are, people can login to a live stream and discuss a project, have a meeting, or participate in a workshop together. Even in cases where learners or teachers are sick or otherwise incapable of attending a lesson, they can simply log in to the live stream and not miss out on the material discussed that day.

5. Reduced Cost

In general, online continuing education tends to cost less for both administrators and learners. The training typically has lower overhead costs than in-person training, and these savings can be passed on to association members.

Additionally, online training tends to reduce or eliminate physical textbooks and travel, which can lead to considerable savings. Add in the fact that online learners can be more selective in their course and program choices when their search parameters are increased so dramatically, and the price point for education can plummet in many cases–a big win for associations!

Live streams typically function a little differently from formal online training; many live stream programs are nothing more than a simple add-on to an existing setup. For instance, consider a live stream of an already running association event lecture or a demonstration. Even at the most basic level, it’s simple to set up a phone or two to capture the session; then, once an association is established and accustomed to the technology, they can begin to add fancier equipment to their streaming setup.

Additionally, streams typically have fewer barriers to access than traditional online programs–especially when they’re provided for a lower (or no) cost. This means that streamed events can open up to the young, the old, the curious, the immobile, and the socially anxious–and sometimes even transcend language barriers!

6. Added Mobility

While live streams have increased the access and geographical reach of continuing education, the technology has also made education far more mobile. Some studies have found that over 60% of learners used their phones to complete some or all of their online continuing education!

As we become more reliant on smartphone technology, that number will only go up–and mobile learning is one of the fastest growing e-learning markets! And really, it just makes sense:

• Learners can watch their lessons entirely from their phones.
• They can contribute to discussions and even complete their coursework or make notes.
• And not only do smartphones have the technology to play nearly any live stream, but, in many cases, mobile devices are actually the preferred vehicle for live streams because they allow for multitasking and come equipped with a camera, microphone, and text capability.

When it comes to live streaming, smart phones and streams go hand-in-hand!

You may also like: We’re All Watching: Why Video is the Most Engaging Medium

Conclusion

The emergence of live streaming technology has ushered in a new era for the continuing education industry, helping to revolutionize the way we learn online.

As we continue to harness the full potential of live streams, educators are empowered to provide a more effective and engaging learning experience to viewers worldwide. The benefits of live online learning are vast, and they make continuing education more inclusive, dynamic, and efficient–not to mention cost effective!

The future is now, and live learning online is at the forefront of digital education transformation.

References

The post The Future is Now: Live Learning Online appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

For those who have yet to master the art of live streaming and develop their own methods, however, the process can seem daunting–and even a little overwhelming. While there is no one way to build a guaranteed-successful live stream, your organization can dramatically improve its odds of triumph by following a set of tried and tested guidelines.

That’s where we come in! Today, we’ve compiled a list of steps that can serve as a helpful roadmap, filled with tips on where to start and what to look out for. Before long, your organization will have high-quality live streams up and running. Your audience will thank you for it!

1. Simplify Your Setup

It can be tempting to go out and get the biggest and best live stream setup available, but unless you really know what you’re doing, it might be better to opt for something more simple at first. The more components your setup has, the more complex your system is, and the greater the room for error.

Remember, a simple setup can still generate an extremely high quality live stream if done right!

In the beginning, your organization should focus on mastering live stream basics. Use only the most crucial tools and components to lower your odds of facing technical errors. With enough experience over time, you’ll build a more informed understanding of what you lack and what you can upgrade in order to improve.

Remember to KISS: Keep it Simple, Silly. Take things one step at a time!

2. Plan, Test, Practice

Long before you take your stream live, you should have a plan drawn up.

Think:

• What parts of the event will be streamed?
• Where will the cameras be positioned?
• Does the lighting look good from every (filmed) angle?
• Does the audio pick up clearly on every camera?
• Who is operating what equipment, and when?

Be sure to check each piece of equipment that you plan to use, and do a rehearsal “test run” before starting up the live stream engines. It’s also wise to try the stream out on multiple devices to see how everything looks and runs before going live.

Finally, it’s not a bad idea to have a backup plan in place should anything go wrong. Even a quality smartphone or two can do in a pinch!

3. Getting Connected

Your internet connection and choice of streaming methods are every bit as important as the technical setup itself.

Assuming you’re using the internet, it’s always best to use a wired connection whenever possible. WiFi is convenient, but if it blips, you could encounter problems. It’s also good practice to set up an isolated connection so that no other users can interrupt your connection.

When deciding on the quality to generate for the stream, you’ll need to know a few things:

• What bandwidth is available to you?
• How many attendees are expected?
• How long is the stream?

Generally, you’ll want a bandwidth that is two times that of the desired stream bitrate.

4. Changing the View

Depending on the technology you have available to you, your live stream could benefit from multiple camera angles and perspectives.

If you have the resources, try setting up different cameras to catch different aspects of the presentation. With a video switcher, you can move between cameras with the click of a button. You can also create presets on the switcher to catch more unique and dynamic shots, including things like:

• Microphone closeups
• Projector screen views
• A Q&A angle
• Even the audience!

The type of switcher you use is completely up to your personal preferences and budget–there’s one to suit every association, so don’t be afraid to look into them.

No matter the tools you choose, presenting a variety of camera angles and perspectives can break up the monotony of a single shot and give the audience a more dynamic experience. This can go a long way in simulating actually being present at the event as well–making viewers feel more engaged and “in the moment”!

5. The Skinny on Encoding

Encoding is the process of turning a recording into a live stream. The technology used to do this varies considerably. Your organization may choose between a free encoder, software, or hardware. Before you choose one method, look into the pros and cons of each and decide on which would be the best fit for your organization and event.

You’ll also need to decide how you want the streams transcoded to your viewers: do it yourself onsite, or have another organization take care of it offsite?

Many streaming services now allow you to submit a single stream at the highest possible bitrate and then permit viewers to choose their preferred quality. As always, consider your audience and what would work best for them.

6. Start Early and End Effectively

One of the best ways to ensure that viewers join the live stream on time is to start the stream before the actual event is set to begin. Open the virtual room ten or fifteen minutes early and let your audience join and get comfortable. You can even chat with participants while you wait!

Additionally, if your stream doesn’t start until the last possible minute, you shouldn’t expect viewers to join early. While some early visitors may wait patiently for a stream to start, a blank screen or a black screen may give them the impression that your live stream is experiencing technical difficulties. Instead, give early visitors a sign that you are on schedule. You could:

• Stream the empty stage
• Stream a graphic indicating the stream will begin soon
• Talk with early joiners (like a pre-show meet and greet!)

Whatever method you choose, letting your audience in early and notifying them of the event start time will ensure that everyone is ready to go when you are.

When it comes time to end the stream, you should avoid the fade-to-black method. The period after a stream ends is a great opportunity to present a call to action, such as encouraging members to sign up for the next event or directing viewers to your organization’s website.

But wait, there’s more! Many stream locations also provide a video replay, which allows viewers to rewatch the stream to catch up on anything they missed–a great way to help your audience to get the most out of your event.

7. Record and Store all Content

While you may not want to live stream everything at your event, if you have the technology and the cameras available, it can be incredibly beneficial to record each session. You never know when something will become useful, and storing the additional video shouldn’t take up too much space. Remember: it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!

After the event, you can look into various ways of repurposing the content or adding the material to other areas. You may want to turn recorded sessions into on-demand webinars for your association (which can help you earn more non-dues revenue!) or cut it into snippets to help market your association and promote future events.

Finally, these recordings can also give your organization plenty of test material to see what works and what doesn’t, helping you improve your future live streams. The more streams you host, the more experience you’ll gain, and the better value you (and your members!) will reap from it.

You may also like: We’re All Watching: Why Video is the Most Engaging Medium

Conclusion

In the end, mastering the art of live streaming requires a little planning, a bit of technical know-how, and a solid commitment to delivering high-quality content to your audience. By following the steps above, hosting lots of informative streams, and improving your approach with every event you throw, you’ll soon be leading engaging and successful live streams that captivate and connect with your audience!

Sources

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Thankfully, advances in the field have made it so that people can better access events of all kinds–from international conferences to simple meetings and workshops–and interact with them from anywhere in the world.

From a business standpoint, live streams allow associations to diversify their offerings and better accommodate their members.

Despite all this, some organizations have yet to adopt live streams for their events. Some may worry about the initial start up costs or the learning curve. Some may wonder if live streaming is really for them.

The truth is, live streaming can make an impact for most associations, and they suit virtually every kind of event. They can bring in new revenue streams and give some of your already established streams a nice boost.

Today, we’ll be looking at some of the ways live streams can benefit your organization!

1. Boost Your Online Attendance

In general, live streams give your would-be event attendees more options when attending.

Research indicates that digital attendance doesn’t cut into physical attendance. In other words, if an attendee can attend an in-person event, they usually will. If anything, live streams typically increase in-person attendance in future years, as approximately one-third of digital attendees will attend the physical event the following year.

Think of it like this: live streams give digital attendees a taste of what you offer. Live streams also provide a useful alternative for those restricted by time, cost, and distance (among other things).

This isn’t all, however; live streams also bring in a new and dedicated audience altogether. Live streams have the ability to bypass geographical restrictions and expand audiences. They can cater to different personality types and those in situations that may limit their physical attendance. Live streams are accessible to anyone with a computer, phone, or tablet!

To find the best live stream attendance pricing, consider the value of the streamed content compared to the in-person event.

2. Offer Online Specials

Once your organization has committed to running live streams, you can develop an entirely new line of product and service offers for your virtual audience. This can include anything from discounted attendance on future live streams to online-only offers, such as access to online workshops and training programs.

You may even decide to offer online specials with your live stream partners, sponsors, and advertisers! Revenue from any resulting conversions can be split in whatever way you and your collaborators see fit.

Another option to consider is offering group specials for larger groups attending your stream. While this can (and should!) be offered for in-person events as well, live streams have the benefit of a much greater reach. After all, people can join the stream without having to commit a great deal of time or energy. This also allows your organization to consider a much larger pool of potentially interested groups!

With the right marketing strategy and discount program, your next live stream may see a big spike in attendance.

3. Increase Your Advertising and Sponsorships

In addition to ticket revenues, sponsorships and advertisements are probably the biggest non-dues revenue generators for live streams.

When broadcast across the digital landscape, events take on a different shape. They may appeal to new sponsors and advertisers now: those who wish to promote a digital product or brand and/or those who wish to reach an online audience. This can open a lot of doors for additional opportunities and revenue streams!

Furthermore, your event sponsors and advertisers get to stretch the shelf life of their investment through the very nature of live streams. After all, if you’re live streaming your event, it only makes sense to keep a recording of the stream!

Consequently, recorded events can be played back at later dates on-demand and used in various ways long after the physical event ended. This means that your sponsors and advertisers get to show up on-screen again and again with every playback!

Additionally, like with an in-person event, live stream planners can offer their sponsors and advertisers different integration opportunities. With a clear understanding of how your event will be displayed live and how it will be used in the future, your organization can offer multi-tiered advertising packages–netting you a number of revenue streams in the process!

4. Gain New Partners and Exhibitors

The addition of an online audience can lead to new partnerships and financial opportunities.

If your organization can demonstrate that live streams have broadened your audience and consumer base or expanded your geographical reach, it’s quite possible that more organizations will see value in working with you and participating in your events. Not only can this lead to increased investment and involvement in the in-person events, but some new partners (for instance, those advertising virtual services) may look to be solely integrated in your live streams!

To make the most of these possible new avenues, it’s important to consider what your live stream audience will see or be interested in that the in-person audience will not. Perhaps you may want to partner with organizations that offer live streaming and other relevant technology.

Consider broadcasting unique interviews or behind-the-scenes looks at specific vendors and exhibitors. Find ways of providing partners with broader exposure, and you’ll attract more in-depth investments in return!

5. Create New (and Repackaged) Material

While the majority of the appeal for a live stream is the accessibility in real-time, your content can still offer a great deal of value after the event ends. And, the more ways your organization can think to reuse this content, the more revenue streams you’ll open with it!

For example, recorded workshops or presentations may be reused as part of a training program. You may develop a workshop series by pairing new content with workshops from past events.

Over time, your cache of recorded content will make for more varied package opportunities, allowing your organization to present offers by theme, speaker, goal–whatever you can think of! Build a solid backlog of content and you’ll be prepared for whatever trends your industry throws at you.

6. Attract Future Attendees

There’s no set way to benefit from live streams or the content they bring. Think outside the box when looking for new avenues of opportunity–especially when it comes to marketing for your next event!

For instance, your organization may decide to rebroadcast one of its previous events.Though the live-ness of the stream has come and gone, those who missed out the first time will get a second chance, and everyone will get the opportunity to see what the hype is about.

For best results, consider making the new broadcast accessible only for a limited period of time, and be sure to monetize it. You can even offer it at a discounted price compared to the original to increase its allure.

A rebroadcast can be an extremely effective promotional tool for upcoming events, giving potential attendees a look at what took place in prior years (and thus, a look at the kind of quality they can expect in the future).

You can even cut segments out and upload them to your association’s social media accounts like commercials!

You may also like: We’re All Watching: Why Video is the Most Engaging Medium

Conclusion

Overall, the live streaming of events can be an incredibly valuable tool for member-based organizations.

By embracing live streams, associations can expand their reach and attract a global audience, increasing online attendance and engagement. Moreover, the ability to offer online specials and better integrate advertising and sponsorships into live streamed events opens up new revenue streams and partnership opportunities. Live streaming also allows organizations to create new content and packages for members, increasing value and helping attract attendees to future events.

Help your association grow and succeed in this ever-evolving digital landscape: consider live streaming your next event!

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