The last years have been a rollercoaster, hasn’t it? I mean, who could have predicted this wild ride, especially when it comes to hosting events in higher education? Our beloved gatherings like admitted student open houses, commencement ceremonies, alumni reunions, and lectures were either postponed, moved to the virtual realm of Zoom, or outright canceled. As a parent of an incoming college freshman, I’ve experienced my fair share of these virtual events. Let’s just say, they ranged from ‘Wow, that was amazing!’ to ‘Well, it happened.’ The truth is, there’s nothing quite like the charm of a live event, but virtual settings have become our new reality.

Rethinking the Live Event Experience

Maybe it’s time we rethink how we conduct live events in higher education, not just during a pandemic, but for the future. Let’s face it, even when the pandemic is a thing of the past, people might still be wary of large gatherings. It’s a bit like that awkward moment when you realize you’ve been waving at someone who wasn’t actually waving at you. Awkward, yes, but also a reminder that things aren’t always as they seem.

Learning from Biffy Clyro: Rocking the Virtual Stage

This weekend, I stumbled upon a revelation. It came in the form of a Scottish rock band, Biffy Clyro. Now, before you roll your eyes, let me confess: I’m a huge Biffy fan. I’ve seen them live four times, and yes, I own all their albums (vinyl included). When their latest album, “A Celebration of Endings,” was released, they had to ditch the traditional tour and get creative. Enter their global live event, priced at $20 and up, streamed from the comfort of your home. Even as a super fan, I was skeptical about spending on a stream. But boy, was I wrong! The show was phenomenal.

The Magic of Pre-recorded “Live” Events

The event kicked off with a 30-minute pre-show featuring acoustic tunes and behind-the-scenes footage. The band played in the iconic Barrowlands ballroom in Glasgow, spreading out across the venue. It was like watching a musical game of hide and seek. The kicker? It wasn’t technically live. It was pre-recorded, but it didn’t matter. The production quality was top-notch, and the experience was unforgettable. This got me thinking: why can’t higher ed events be like this?

Bringing the Biffy Clyro Magic to Higher Ed

Imagine a world where campus events are pre-recorded, edited, and polished to perfection. Admissions events could feature pre-taped intros from the president, dorm tours, and student testimonials—all without the risk of technical hiccups. You could premiere the video at a set time, creating anticipation and excitement. It’s like waiting for the next episode of your favorite show, only this time, it’s your campus that’s the star.

And why stop at free events? Alumni offices could host paid presentations by beloved faculty or musical performances by students. The possibilities are endless. The best part? You aren’t limited by location. Want a poetry reading from the top of the bell tower? Go for it! A guitar solo in the quad? Why not? The world is your stage.

Lessons from the Tech Giants

Take a leaf out of Apple’s book. Their WWDC keynote was a masterclass in pre-recorded events. They used their stunning campus as a backdrop, making the content more engaging. Instead of staring at slides, viewers were immersed in Apple’s world. It’s storytelling at its finest.

When promoting your event, create a sense of urgency. Limit access, like Biffy Clyro did. Once the event is over, it’s gone. This scarcity makes the experience feel exclusive and keeps attendees engaged. Trust me, you’ll have their undivided attention.

In conclusion, while live events will always hold a special place in our hearts, the future of higher ed events could be something truly special. Let’s embrace this new era and make our events unforgettable. After all, if a Scottish rock band can rock the virtual stage, why can’t we? More you can find here.

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