Events in a post Covid world…

Events in a post Covid world…

We have already seen the sporting events calendar restart recently (albeit without live audiences), and I have no doubt that at some point in the next 12-18 months larger scale corporate events will need to begin again, in order to regenerate the communication needs of businesses.

However, we should be under no illusion – the nature of live events will change…. But how?

For some time now, the desire for more sustainable event formats has been growing. There is no doubt that air travel is one of the most polluting forms of transport and the continued use of non-degradable plastics and other materials in catering packaging, conference staging and exhibition fabrication have all had an impact on our environment.

This perfect storm has led to the exponential growth of Zoom and other screen-based video conferencing platforms. Whilst these are no doubt vital to bridge the communication gap in the short term, they are really only useful for small meetings or gatherings.

The shortcomings of these platforms in security and quality becomes all to painfully obvious with their use over a long period of time.

In a post Coronavirus pandemic world, there will be continued nervousness for some time (maybe years) surrounding the interaction of large groups of people. Where social distancing is difficult or counter-productive, there needs to emerge a sustainable event format that can engage large audiences remotely.

What is needed is an engaging and immersive platform designed specifically for the needs of large, impactful virtual events. A fully remote experience that nevertheless re-creates the excitement, interaction and inspiration of a live event.

Big Blue 8 have recently partnered with tech agency ‘Real Immersive’ to realise this goal.

Real Immersive Events provides an interactive platform to maximise the experience for large remote audiences attending a centralised event. Using interactive apps for True 2-way communication, combined with mixed reality technology, allows us to create a virtual environment that is the next best thing to live attendance – and in some instances, this virtual experience will create an even more fulfilling experience.

Please contact us for more information on this exciting development. Alternatively, visit Real Immersive on www.realimmersive.com


Helping save live events and the planet

Helping save live events and the planet

The UK hosts over 1.3 million business events every year, imagine what the number of global events might be… and what impact does this have on the environment and for a more sustainable future? With increasing pressure on business to help reduce the worlds carbon footprint, what can we do to help?

A new way… a sustainable way

We understand the stark reality that collectively we have a responsibility to rethink the art of modern event delivery. No matter how large or small the activity, we realise our clients view events with the same eco critical eye and level of scrutiny as any other out-sourced service.

Through intelligently designed events we can limit the use of non-recyclable materials (such as plastics) and increase the number of re-usable event items wherever possible.

A clear, sustainable approach must address two main areas of concern… waste and travel.

How can we control waste?

The commitment, where possible, must be to re-use, re-purpose or recycle everything connected to our events.

This includes a commitment to…

  • Reduce the use of non-degradable plastics to zero (including plastic bottles).
  • Reduce the carbon footprint by working with local suppliers – including catering services.
  • Ensure all disposable catering utensils are recyclable and/or biodegradable.
  • Reduce food waste to as near to 100% as possible.

Can we also limit our travel needs?

It may seem, counter intuitive to reduce travel. By their very nature, events require physical visitors and delegates, or do they? Globally attended events can have a huge impact on a business’s carbon footprint. So, how can we reduce the need to fly people half way around the world yet still accomplish our clients’ communication goals.

Are we suggesting fewer face-to-face events. Some might say that sounds a little foolish for an events agency to propose, but we can’t ignore the ‘elephant in the room’, do we need to run certain events at all?

Luckily this is where technology steps in…

How exactly can technology help reduce the need for a physical presence at events?

With Big Blue 8’s innovative event streaming tool – Events Zone – it’s possible that selected events (typically those that don’t rely on physical participation) can be delivered more sustainability and just as professionally. This approach has the potential to reduce travel and save on materials, whilst at the same time reducing spend and increasing ROI.Immersive


The Art of Storytelling

The Art of Storytelling

So why use storytelling in the corporate world?

Telling stories is one of the most powerful means that leaders have to influence, teach, and inspire. What makes storytelling so effective for learning? For starters, storytelling forges connections among people, and between people and ideas. Stories convey the culture, history, and values that unite people and organisations.

Storytelling is designed to create relationships and gently persuade an audience into suspending their cynicism, to ‘buy in’ to a message, emotion or point of view. A good story has character, plot and resolution. It will also mirror the experiences and emotions of the audience in order to engage with them.

Storytelling in business focuses on the human side of work. Basically, it means telling stories instead of just listing facts. Telling good stories to engage more effectively. These stories will also stick longer in your audience’s mind.

A good story is very much a two-way process, it tackles something the audience decides is interesting or of importance to them, using storytelling to make news or facts relevant… A good story does more than inform or amplify. It involves and adds value to the topic.

At Big Blue 8, we believe that to create the biggest impact in your presentation or communication, you need to acquire skills and learning in storytelling, tailored to the exact needs of your potential audiences.

This may involve gathering intelligence in advance through online questionnaires or telephone and video interviews, all designed to properly understand your audience. Feedback proves invaluable when creating meaningful and impactful content.

At BB8, we offer storytelling workshops, run by experienced communicators using a combination of theoretical and practical exercises. The aim is to take individuals who want to improve the impact of their presentations and provide them with the confidence and skills to create engaging and relevant stories…

Usually held over 2 days and able to accommodate teams of up to 6 people our workshops can prove hugely affective. For more information, please contact Big Blue 8.


BB8 experience

The Big Blue 8 Experience

The Big Blue 8 Experience

We are the B2B specialist events management and production agency that deliver real commercial value, create great inspirational opportunities and showcase the dynamism of your brand.

Based in the Midlands with offices in Alcester and Leamington Spa, we’ve created amazing experiences for many clients from all types of industries. We are also passionate about helping support local clients and suppliers in rejuvenating our industrial heartland in order to boost the Midlands Engine.

Creating the perfect event can seem a little daunting, thinking of ideas, finding the audience, where to hold it, what do people eat, and will they turn up? At Big Blue 8 we take the stress out of all that and help you every step of the way. We create high quality conferences, exhibitions, roadshows and awards events for all kinds of businesses.

We can work with you in several ways depending on your requirements, budget and timescales. Don’t worry if it’s your first event or your 50th, or what sector you operate in – we make it easy for you.

We live to think outside the box by creating events that audiences always enjoy, we want your events to be engaging, memorable and offer real value. Our experience and blend of live and virtual techniques will always make sure this happens. By adding creative flair, with 100% delivery, we can achieve results you never could imagine.

So, you’re probably thinking what makes Big Blue 8 different to all the other event companies out there? Well we go the extra mile by predicting every move your audience make. We can manage the complete journey, from predicting their first step on arrival to their last when they leave. We make sure your event reaches your objectives and helps create fantastic memories for everyone involved.