“die Bayerische” insurance company’s “Start Campus 2021”, Munich

"Start Campus" is the title of "die Bayerische" insurance group’s annual kick-off event for exclusive sales. Unlike in previous years, the event in January 2021 could not be realised as an in-person occasion in view of the protective measures introduced to combat the corona virus. The company changed its plans and for the first time opted for the multi-faceted options a Digital Live Event can bring to such a format. The new approach began on the eve of the event itself: guests received a "barbecue set" delivered to their homes in the run-up to the event. As the charcoal glowed, the audience barbecued simultaneously with the members of the management board, who showed off their culinary skills in the livestream.

We had already prepared the "Eisbach Studios" in the east of Munich for the days ahead: in line with official regulations, we implemented a hygiene concept to ensure correct social distancing between those present on site. Anyone wishing to enter the building first had to undergo a rapid test. Wearing an FFP2 mask was mandatory.

For the various items on the event agenda, planned down to the last detail by director Jochen Hinken  – discussion sessions, presentations and an award ceremony for the sales team – we had divided the location into three segments: there were areas for the panel discussion, the speaker’s lectern and a stage for the band.

The camera team quickly shifted back and forth between these three positions for the dynamic livestream – whereby the programme lasted a good nine hours. While the band played between each item on the agenda, our team had just 15 to 20 seconds to reposition its cameras. Video link-ups from outside the studio were realised using the “Teams” conference tool, which also enabled spontaneous live interviews.

Furthermore, this solution allowed complete presentations to be held in a remote format, that is to say, from a location other than the Eisbach Studio. We implemented this solution by dialling up with two computers – one for each camera and presentation – into the video conference programme. In order to ensure maximum image quality, the presentation was controlled manually and synchronously from the video control desk using a laptop.

In addition, our come2interact application gave those responsible for the kick-off event at the "Bayerische" the opportunity to interactively involve the 600 participants in the activities at the studio by means of "question & answer sessions" and a chatbox. They were integrated by our "come2join" services on a website initiated especially for this event, which served the audience as a home page and access portal as well as enabling interactive participation.