Tag Archive for: interaction

Delivering Engaging Presentations at Your Event in 2026

Engaging presentation showing interactive slides on a UHD led screen.
Introduction

Whether you are giving a keynote speech, running a seminar or moderating a panel, your main objective is to keep your audience engaged. Research shows that storytelling activates the same parts of the brain involved in experiencing events and strengthens emotional connections. Great presentations also depend on audio quality, interactivity and visual design. This guide explains how to harness storytelling, sound engineering, second‑screen technology, staging, lighting and colour psychology to captivate attendees in 2026.

Structure your narrative around stories

Facts alone rarely stick; humans remember and relate to narratives. Start with a real example or anecdote that illustrates your key message, introduce a human element, follow a simple arc (beginning, middle, end), and speak authentically rather than reading a script. Stories help audiences connect emotionally and improve recall. Make sure your stories align with the event’s theme and objectives.

Prioritise professional audio

Studies from USC and Yale demonstrate that poor sound quality makes speakers seem less intelligent and trustworthy. Conversely, clear, balanced audio increases engagement and recall. Chose a venue with a professional in-house AV team like AVPartners. Our Event Technology services include high‑fidelity microphones, mixing consoles and acoustic treatments to ensure every word is heard.

Leverage second‑screen and interactive tools

Mobile devices can distract audiences, but they can also enhance engagement. Second‑screen apps allow attendees to view slides, respond to polls, submit questions and take notes on their smartphones. Interactive platforms even let participants vote on discussion topics in real time. By integrating these features into your event app or web platform, you give attendees more control over their experience and collect valuable feedback. AVPartners can recommend platforms that integrate seamlessly with our Virtual & Hybrid Event Services.

Design staging and styling to support your message

Your stage is the physical frame for your presentation. It should reflect the event theme and make speakers visible from every angle. Use branded backdrops, eye‑catching decor and well‑placed furniture to focus attention. Position yourself strategically on stage to maintain connection with the room. Our Theming, Staging & Styling team can design bespoke stages, podiums and signage that reinforce your narrative.

Use lighting as a storytelling tool

Lighting sets the mood and guides your audience’s attention. Warm colours like red and yellow stimulate energy and prompt action, while cool hues like blue and green promote calm and focus. Gobo projections (custom patterns inserted into spotlights) can project logos or imagery onto walls, adding a professional flourish. Work with experienced lighting designers to balance brightness and avoid glare on your face, glasses or jewellery.

Incorporate colour psychology

Different colours evoke different emotions. Blue encourages trust and concentration; red conveys urgency and excitement; yellow signals optimism; green evokes harmony and sustainability; purple suggests luxury; white denotes simplicity; black adds sophistication. Use these colours consistently across slides, lighting and stage decor to reinforce your message. For example, choose blue lighting during data‑heavy segments and warm tones for inspiring stories. Our experts can help translate your brand palette into an immersive visual experience.

Conclusion

In 2026, audiences expect presentations that are personal, interactive and polished. By weaving compelling stories, ensuring pristine audio, using second‑screen technology, designing intentional staging, employing strategic lighting and leveraging colour psychology, you will deliver presentations that resonate and drive action. To take your next conference or seminar to the next level, connect with our team at AVPartners and discover how our Event Technology and Theming, Staging & Styling services can transform your ideas into reality.

Why Live Streaming Is a Must‑Have for Events in 2026

Live streaming of an event fundraiser for charity

Introduction

Live streaming has become a core component of successful events. Virtual and hybrid formats continue to expand reach and deliver high‑quality experiences. Live streaming enables event organisers to connect with attendees worldwide and build community around their brands. When used strategically, live streaming can grow ticket sales, unlock new revenue streams and help event planners gather valuable data to improve future events. However, not every event benefits from being broadcast; exclusivity can still be a powerful draw for high‑touch gatherings. This guide explains when and why to live stream your event, and how to do it well.

Maximise your exposure and brand equity

Live streaming allows you to reach beyond the confines of a venue. Platforms with multi‑CDN (Content Delivery Network) delivery and adaptive bitrate streaming deliver high‑quality video to smartphones, tablets and smart TVs around the world. Audiences who cannot travel due to budget, health or distance can still participate. Live content also generates urgency; real‑time broadcasts on social media tend to attract more engagement than static posts. In fact, research shows that events that offer live streaming often see increased future attendance, up to 30 % of virtual viewers eventually attend the in‑person version.

Live streaming also helps build brand awareness and credibility. Streaming your keynote or product launch demonstrates transparency and inclusivity, and it provides evergreen content that can be repurposed into bite‑sized clips, tutorials or social posts. Sponsorship opportunities multiply as brands can be integrated into the broadcast and reach a global audience. For public events, consider monetising your stream through tiered ticket pricing or paid access to premium sessions to offset production costs.

Reduce costs and environmental impact

Hosting a virtual or hybrid event can lower costs for organisers and attendees. Virtual events eliminate travel, accommodation and per‑diem expenses, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with flights and ground transport. Industry surveys show that moving online can cut event costs by up to 70 %. Even for hybrid events, streaming a portion of the program can allow you to book smaller venues while still accommodating thousands of online participants. In Australia, where travel between cities can be expensive, live streaming offers inclusive access and reduces the logistical burden on delegates.

Enhance engagement through interactive features

Modern streaming platforms offer more than passive viewing. Chat functions, live polling, moderated Q&A and virtual breakout rooms encourage participation and keep remote audiences invested. Real‑time engagement tools can increase satisfaction and deliver richer data insights. Post‑event analytics reveal who watched, where they tuned in from, which sessions were most popular and how long viewers stayed engaged. These metrics can inform marketing strategies and content planning for future events.

Future‑proof your content and audience growth

When executed professionally, live streaming becomes an investment in long‑term growth. Capturing sessions allows you to build a library of on‑demand content that can be monetised or used to nurture leads. Archiving your sessions behind a paywall or membership site gives participants who missed the live event another chance to learn. For membership organisations, on‑demand access can be offered as part of annual subscriptions. Combining live streaming with in‑person experiences delivers the best of both worlds: exclusive networking onsite, plus global exposure and evergreen education online.

Is live streaming right for your event?

Before deciding, consider the goals of your event. Exclusive, high‑ticket experiences or private board meetings may benefit from remaining intimate. However, most conferences, product launches and public ceremonies can gain from the broader exposure and data insights that live streaming provides. Identify which segments of your audience cannot attend in person and design a hybrid agenda that keeps remote viewers engaged. Work with a professional audiovisual team like AVPartners Live Streaming & Hybrid Event Services to ensure broadcast quality, reliable internet connections and creative integration of online and onsite elements.

Conclusion

Live streaming has matured from a contingency solution into a strategic asset. When aligned with your objectives, it expands reach, reduces costs, enhances engagement and future‑proofs your content. With the right planning and technology, a live‑streamed event can amplify your message well beyond the room and deliver long‑term returns.

Conference Trends for 2026: Keeping Your Audience Engaged

Entertainment performs for conference attendees

Conferences are evolving rapidly. Attendees expect more than traditional lectures; they want immersive, personalised experiences that reflect modern technology and culture. In 2026, successful conferences use innovative formats to keep audiences engaged and inspired.

Multi‑sensory experiences

Engaging all five senses has become a priority. Research shows that sensory‑rich events increase emotional connections and memory recall. Event planners are using dynamic lighting, LED walls and projection mapping to transform conference spaces. Curated playlists and live musicians set the mood, while themed menus and interactive food stations add flavour. Textured linens, hands‑on installations and premium giveaways provide tactile stimulatio. Even scent is considered, subtle fragrances or fresh flowers create inviting aromas. Balancing these elements ensures the sensory experience complements your message without overwhelming attendees.

Seamless day‑to‑night events

Binary events, where conferences transition into evening networking dinners, are gaining popularity. Instead of moving attendees to another venue, organisers convert the same space from daytime sessions to gala dinners. This approach reduces logistical costs and keeps guests engaged. By refreshing floor plans, lighting and décor, planners reignite energy and create an evening atmosphere. Day‑to‑night events also allow for creative programming: daytime workshops and keynote presentations followed by live entertainment, awards and socialising.

Hybrid conferences and global reach

Hybrid events, which blend in‑person and virtual participation, remain vital. Surveys predict that 70 % of events will include hybrid components. Live streaming lets people join from anywhere and extends your event’s impact; professional platforms provide adaptive bitrate streaming, analytics and secure delivery. Hybrid conferences also allow you to record sessions for on‑demand viewing and build communities beyond the event date. For a reliable hybrid solution, explore Virtual & Hybrid Event Services by AVPartners.

Hyper‑personalisation and micro‑experiences

Attendees expect events tailored to their interests. According to industry forecasts, hyper‑personalised journeys will dominate conferences. Registration processes now collect preferences to create customised agendas, targeted notifications and personalised networking opportunities. Smaller group activities, roundtables, cohort discussions and identity‑based meetups, give people meaningful connection. AI‑powered matchmaking tools pair attendees with similar interests, while micro‑events deliver niche content within the larger program.

Digital immersion and emerging tech

Event technology is pushing boundaries with augmented reality, virtual reality, holograms and drones. Immersive virtual worlds and multi‑camera live production enable participants to explore digital environments and interact with remote speakers. Drones capture unique footage and add drama during opening ceremonies or evening entertainment. Holograms and mixed‑reality displays bring speakers or products to life. Gamified interactions, such as mobile scavenger hunts or AR quests, keep guests engaged throughout the conference.

Sustainability and wellness

Conferences in 2026 place greater emphasis on sustainability and wellbeing. Planners reduce waste by eliminating single‑use materials, sourcing local food and partnering with eco‑friendly suppliers. Wellness breaks, yoga sessions, meditation rooms or outdoor walks, help attendees stay focused and recharge. These elements reflect broader societal values and leave a positive impression on delegates.

Conclusion

Staying up to date with conference trends means embracing technology, creativity and human connection. By designing multi‑sensory experiences, creating seamless day‑to‑night transitions, offering hybrid participation, personalising attendee journeys and incorporating immersive tech, you ensure your conference stands out in 2026.

For support with cutting‑edge event technology and creative design, explore AVPartners’ Conference and Event and Multimedia Production services.

The secrets to a successful event hashtag

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Hashtags have become an important way for event planners to create a buzz around events. Think of the last conference or event you attended. Chances are a hashtag was used. So what exactly are hashtags and why have they become so popular in the events industry?

A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by a hash sign (#), which makes it a searchable link. Most commonly used on applications and social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, hashtags give users the ability to organise or ‘file’ online conversations. When a user clicks on a hashtag, they are able to view all other discussions which use the same hashtag.

Why use a hashtag for events?

An effective hashtag can improve the reach of your event. It can help build anticipation surrounding the day, drive more ticket sales and boost awareness for your brand. An event hashtag also helps drive engagement throughout the event itself. Attendees can post about your event using the hashtag to signal that they are part of the conversation about your event.

There are 4 factors that make a great hashtag:

1. Unique

An effective hashtag will be unique to your brand and event. This will ensure that your event and brand doesn’t compete with other unrelated posts which use the same hashtag. Before settling on your hashtag, make sure to do a quick search across social media to make sure it hasn’t been used before. Examples may include #GFWS2018 or #vividtaronga which are time or location specific.

2. Succinct

Short hashtags are effective because they are memorable and get to the point quickly. They also remove room for typo errors, particularly when your event guests will be required to type the hashtag out.

3. Playful

Depending on what you’re trying to achieve, a hashtag which is playful and uses a bit of light humour may do the trick. A good example of this is Red Bull’s #PutACanOnIt campaign. The campaign used the catchy hashtag #PutACanOnIt to encourage people to take photos of their Red Bull cans in interesting locations. This strategy encouraged engagement amongst their audience and successfully created a buzz around the brand.

4. It has no hidden meaning

This is a really important one. Triple check your hashtag before sharing it. Remember, your hashtag will display without breaks between the words, so new words might form in the amalgamation. Check for any embarrassing words or messaging that may have been created. While you will want to build reach, you won’t want to bring attention to your event for the wrong reasons!

Broadcasting your hashtag

To really make the most of your hashtag before, during and after your event, it’s important to include it on all of your promotional materials, and make sure it’s in full view for guests throughout the event. Use audiovisual (AV) technology to keep your hashtag front and centre throughout your event. By projecting your hashtag on your stage, screen or even on the walls of your event space, you can encourage real time conversation about your event on social media. With your hashtag in full view, your event guests will be encouraged to include it in their tweets, live videos and other social posts.

Contact us today to set up the AV at your next event.

The easiest ways for your event to reach all corners of the country…or globe!

Want to reach more people at your next event?

Your event doesn’t need to be confined to the walls of your event space. Using the right tools and technology, you can grow your next event so that it reaches people all across the country… and even the world!

The trick is to get people involved and engaged online. Here’s how to do it.

Choose the right webcast technology

Running a webcast of your event is the perfect way to encourage people who are unable to attend your event in person to get involved. Webcast technology can be incorporated into your event plan from the very beginning of your planning process. To make sure your online guests feel involved on the day, prioritise your webcast just as you would prioritise choosing your event space, organising your seating plan and planning your guest list. To really embrace your online guests on they day, consider having your MC and speakers address them directly.

A great AV team like AVPartners will use state-of-the-art technology to put the guest experience first. AVPartners will also step you through the planning process and ensure that your webcast is set up in a way that allows people from anywhere in the world to attend.

Use live polling

Live polling is a great way to engage with your online audience on the day of your event. It can be used during your Q&A session or anytime throughout the event to keep your guests from around the country and globe interested and involved.

Use an event app

Using an event app can strengthen the involvement and engagement of your online event guests. Apps like Whova and Grupio can keep your attendees up-to-date with your event agenda and special event announcements. Some apps even offer surveys and contests to engage online attendees as well as networking capabilities to help your online guests socialise with each other.

Create an event hashtag

Using a hashtag is a simple way to encourage online conversation about your event. A hashtag that is exclusive to your event can help you to build brand awareness with the people that matter by igniting discussion about your event across social media.

Make an event video

Using the right video technology can really bring your event to life online. By choosing a team of experts to create your event video, you can build a buzz around your brand and build anticipation for the next time your event is held. Sharing an event video online is also a great way to display the experience of your event with people in other cities and countries.

Share your event on social media

Social media is the perfect tool to create a buzz before, after and during your event. Social media is global in nature so using it gives you the ability to reach people far and wide. Leading up to the event, social media can be used to share content that builds anticipation for the event to attract online attendees. Posting live video snippets and images during the event is a great way to include people online. Sharing some highlights after the event is a great way to build buzz for the next time you run your event.

Contact us today to set up video and webcast technology at your next event.

How to effectively communicate your event message

Events can help make your business stand out against competitors. When holding an event, it’s important to ensure that the message you want your guests to walk away with is presented loud and clear. This message could be about increasing brand awareness, letting guests know about your cause for fundraising, or communicating excitement for upcoming product releases and launches.

We’ve put together a few tips on how you can effectively communicate your event message:

Styling and decor

Visual components like decorations and colours are a very valuable part of any event, so it’s important that these make sense for the type of event and guests attending. You might decide to use branded decorations, themed colours, or modern decor to help convey your event message.

Marketing touch points

Every channel or technique you use to communicate your event provides a marketing touch point for your message. Make sure that every touch point is cohesive and consistent. You want the event message to be registering in a guest’s mind from their first interaction with your event, whether that be online, through an invitation, or when entering the room.

Audiovisual components

The production elements at your event can make a huge impact on the way your event message gets seen, heard and absorbed. Great audio can help build emotion and engagement, and effective lighting will set a mood and create a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment.

Remember that all event elements, when brought together, combine to create an atmosphere and experience which helps communicate your message. If you’d like to discuss this further, talk to us today.

3 things to consider when planning a conference

Conferences are great for bringing a large group of people together to discuss and learn about certain topics. They are sometimes held over a few days, or even just within a few hours. Either way, there’s always plenty to think about when planning one.

Here are our top three things to consider when planning a conference:

Venue

Conferences tend to be larger scale events, so it’s a good idea to research venues that will cater to your needs in terms of size, amenities and style. You might need separate rooms or sections for break out sessions, or just one big hall to present in. Make sure the venue is appropriate for your conference, that it speaks to the style and theme you want to present, and that it is convenient enough for guests to get to by car or public transport.

Sponsors

Having sponsors who pay to feature at your conference can really help with costs. You might have a few different sponsorship options and levels available, or just one or two main ones, and sponsors may be granted exclusivity or a chance to present at the conference. It’s entirely up to you and the needs of your conference when determining how deep the sponsorship relationship goes, but don’t be too shy when seeking sponsorship income as sponsors can be a huge support during this time.

Audiovisual support

A great conference relies on great AV support. Work out what you need in terms of AV – such as microphones, lighting, staging, monitors, teleconferencing capabilities, or video access for virtual attendees. Many venues have an in-house AV team, such as AVPartners, and are able to make your conference AV needs for sound, lighting and audio smooth and professional!

If you’d like some more information on planning your next conference, contact us today!

Event trends you need to know about

Are you planning to hold an event next year? If so, you’re probably hoping that it’s an interesting and engaging one, and that everyone has a great time. One thing to consider when it comes to planning interesting events is what is ‘on trend’ at the time.

There are so many unique ways to impress your guests and give them a talking point during and after your event.

Here are our favourite event trends for 2017:

Creative catering

Unique catering is a great way to stand out and impress, and you can also use it to brand your event. Elements such as signature cocktails using your brand’s colours, or desserts with edible rice paper logos or messages on top, are interesting ways to get creative with catering.

The extreme dessert trend is likely to continue into 2017, with dessert walls (think donuts and Nutella) becoming part of the decor!

Personalisation

People want more than the standard cookie-cutter event, so they’re looking for more personalised options when they scout their venues and plan their events. The possibilities for personalisation are endless, with more simple things such as personalised email or app communications to guests through to more complex data driven elements such as tailoring events to the individual based on their reactions on social media.

According to a study by Eventsforce, personalisation is a key priority for 82% of event planners, with 97% saying they believe that event personalisation can change a guests perception of your brand or event.

Audiovisual technology also plays a huge part in personalisation of events. Lighting effects, colours and staging options can all contribute to a more tailored event. At AVPartners we pride ourselves on fully understanding our client’s event and design briefs so that we can deliver on a completely unique and successful event.

Digital interaction

More and more we are seeing that event planners are embracing digital channels to reduce costs, to be more environmentally conscious and to better engage guests. There are so many interesting ways to deliver information at your event digitally rather than expecting guests to take notes constantly or handing out paper. Examples include leveraging an event app, providing a digital handout via files made available on a USB or having notes delivered by email.

Video content

We all keep hearing that video is the future, and in 2017 we will see a greater role for video at events. One example of where video is being used effectively is through the live-streaming of events. This is where an event is filmed and delivered to online viewers in real time, so that they don’t miss out and can be part of the action as it unfolds. Usually this footage can then be packaged up and shared on a business’ website or social media, or used in-house.

It’s important to note that you don’t need to go overboard with event elements to create an impact. Choosing just one or two ideas and exploring how they can meet your business and event needs will be enough to impress.

Talk to us to start planning your 2017 events!

The benefits of a team building event and how to plan one

Team building is vital to the success of your organisation. When you have a team that appreciates and respects each other, they will likely be more productive, efficient and happy. What’s not to love? A team building event is a great way to deliver on your team building goals and enhance the overall performance of your team.

The benefits

Team building events give employees the chance to test out their teamwork skills and have fun by engaging in activities or challenges together. Each person starts the day on the same level as everyone else, despite where they may sit in the organisation, with a task at hand and a novel approach to it. Everyone has the chance to be heard, have fun, and draw on skills they may not have had an opportunity to showcase within their workplace role. These events are also a great way for your team to form better relationships with each other, and truly bond over common ground.

The objective

When planning a team building event or activity, it’s best to determine a goal or objective before you begin. Knowing what direction you would like your team to go in, and what you want everyone to get out of the day, will assist you in choosing appropriate activities and venues.

Usually, team building events or activities aim to provide fun and boost morale, or they aim to solve a problem or a communication breakdown within the workplace. This is achieved by getting everyone out of the work environment and allowing them to relax and get to know each other better in a new setting. This can help people to open up to new experiences and can lead to a better understanding of each other. Additionally, tackling a workplace problem outside of the usual domain can reveal a new perspective on the issue, and potentially, how it can be solved.

Things to consider

Ensure that the activity chosen is appropriate for your team and workplace. A wine and cheese tasting or a trivia night are great options for fun casual events where the goal is to relax and socialise. If you want to take things up a notch, you could arrange a CSI night, where your team works to solve a ‘murder’, or a casino or games night where everyone can let their hair down and mingle with their colleagues. If the aim is to create greater team cohesion, activities such as ‘escape rooms’ or interactive matrix style mazes really test people and require them to pool their strengths to get out of the game.

More ideas for your next team building event include cooking workshops, live drawing, community service, bowling, and outdoor sporting activities such as bootcamp, rock climbing or rowing. These can all be fun activities, but you might find that some are better suited to your team than others.

At AVPartners we love supporting team building events to bring your team closer together! It’s important to think about what technology will be required to make your event a success – from getting the lighting and sound right, through to ensuring you have the right projection screens, or even considering what app technology you can leverage to strengthen communication and engagement – technology can often make or break an event.

When dividing your team into groups, keep the group sizes to a maximum of 10. This will mean that each group member can be fully engaged and it’s far more manageable than larger groups, where people tend to detach themselves.

Keep the momentum rolling after the event by setting action plans at the end of the day for everyone to take back to work with them. This could include making sure employees say hi to a new friend made that day, or keeping tabs on the progress of solved problems. These actions can ensure the team building event has a lasting and meaningful effect.

Keen to bond your team together with a team building event? Contact us today and we’ll show you how!

Why hold an event?

Events are a great way to bring people together, and share a moment, message or idea with a captive audience. They do, however, take considerable time, effort and organisation to execute successfully.

When deciding whether to hold an event, the first step should be to ask why you’re holding the event. This will help you get to the heart of whether an event will be valuable and help you achieve your goals. Here are some of the common reasons organisations hold events.

To build brand awareness

Events bring people together at the one location at the one time, giving you focussed time you can utilise to build brand awareness around your business with target audiences. You might make a presentation highlighting your services, or hold a workshop that builds on your thought leadership, making you a respected and trusted person within your industry.

To humanise the business

It’s usually quite fun and interesting to meet the people behind certain brands, so make sure you give your customers or clients what they want by introducing yourself and letting them know that there are real people in your business. It’s also a good time to thank customers and clients for their support, and offer to answer any questions they have or help them in some way if you can. People buy from people, so make sure your business is real and authentic.

To provide networking opportunities

Events are a great way to expand your connections, gain new clients, customers or referrals, and also to show your existing customers or clients what else you can offer them. It’s also an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals in your industry, and you never know where those relationships may lead!

To fundraise

For not-for-profit and charity organisations events are a perfect way to do drive fundraising efforts. They offer a controlled and focussed environment for you to spread the word and incite empathy and curiosity in attendees.

To launch a new product or service

New products or services are a cause for celebration! Events can allow you to inform guests of this, offer demonstrations, or give away samples. It gives your potential customers a chance to interact with your product or service in person, and in a fun and upbeat atmosphere.

To recognise and reward

Awards ceremonies are a very common type of event to hold, and a fantastic way to recognise your team or others for their hard work. Recognition is always appreciated, and usually makes for a more loyal team.

To offer a face-to-face communication experience

Too often in this digital world, we lose that personal, human interaction. While the internet has opened up a world of possibilities, the feeling of being in front of someone; having a conversation and sharing a laugh, can’t really be replicated online.

So, now that you know some of the reasons and benefits of holding events, you might be wondering just what type of event suits your business. Events vary in style, size and outcome, but some common event types include a sit down dinner, a fundraiser, an awards ceremony, a cocktail party, or a conference. You might like to read more about which events really engage your customers or clients, or how to know which conference type suits your business.

Once you’re ready to start planning your event, ensure you have a solid timeline in place. For tips on this, check out how long it takes to plan an event.

At AVPartners, we love to help bring your event dreams to life! Speak to us today and let us know your ideas.