This was my third event to produce for the second half of 2021. I helped the last two Chrome Dev Summits with many session recordings, but the stakeholders decided to switch up the event format this year and focused on two deliverables: one keynote and one live Q&A. Yet, my project engagement lasted for three months.
Keynote Session (pre-recording)
As for the 45-minute keynote session, we proposed the client record at regional studios instead of the home recording we did for 2022. While the VP-level and external speakers were involved, they graciously agreed to our recommendation and completed scripts and slide decks just in time for recordings. Because the Chrome team is known for their excellent project management, all the speakers went through internal reviews and rehearsals, and they delivered polished presentations in a couple of takes. I was lucky to work with all five Bay Area-based speakers at the Sunnyvale studio, while Sean (New York production manager) directed recordings for two New York-based speakers. Honestly, it was hard for me to pick the best footage because all takes were equally good. Lukas (London-based video editor) worked on editorial while I was sleeping so that cuts were ready for me and the speakers to review in the morning. Sometimes, the time zone difference worked magically.
Regarding the Q&A live streaming, the Chrome team also had an excellent planning method. They curated questions from multiple social media platforms, prepared answers, and assigned appropriate speakers to review. We hosted one rehearsal with all the speakers and the live streaming production partner. We learned graphic glitches and made adjustments prior to the event. It was helpful that the four speakers and the moderator had close working relationships and distinctive product expertise. All but one speaker were able to come to campus so that we could tech support on-site.
I booked four beautiful conference rooms in a row (one for each speaker and one for the crew as shown above) because of COVID social distancing and eliminating audio bleed. While we experienced a few technical issues at both the New York studio and Sunnyvale office, this was far better than doing it at home for sure. It was also fantastic to see the three executive speakers eating lunch together at a Google cafeteria after the show. Apparently, they did not see each other during the pandemic. It was certainly a great way to celebrate in person rather than going off to the next virtual meeting. I am so glad that we could support these two deliverables on campus.
Ask Me Anything (live streaming)