Environmental Video Loops

by | Jun 12, 2019

Corporate Events | Event Production
How many times have you attended a meeting or event with “blank” TVs or monitors? Have you ever visited a venue and noticed TVs that have a blinking, unintelligible code in red or blue text?

Blank TVs do not necessarily create a negative experience, but they certainly miss a valuable “up leveling” opportunity.

Perhaps, these are situations you don’t often find yourself in, but in our world—the world of events, venues, and meeting spaces—the strategic use of TVs is a profound environmental element. Before we dive into some best practices surrounding the use of environmental video loops, let’s discuss what they are and why they’re relevant to corporate and experiential events.

Keeping You in the Loop

Environmental video loops are comprised of video-based content that typically “loop” as secondary or complementary visuals. In other words, they’re not meant to be the focal point in any given setting. They’re purposefully curated to “un-blank” visible screens in your environment (corporate receptions, leadership conferences, automotive ride and drive events, etc.).
Environmental video loops can take on many forms to suit your needs:
  • Visuals with static imagery
  • Visuals with video clips
  • Visuals that include static imagery + video clips
  • Visuals that include static imagery + video clips + audio (instrumental music or with vocals)
  • A static logo/image
  • Can you think of others?

As the name suggests, the video is intended to play on a loop until switched off either manually or by using a timer. The idea is that you’re setting the tone and creating the backdrop for your environment, be it via a single TV in a conference room or 50 TVs scattered throughout a convention center.

What are the benefits? Environmental video loops increase the value and impact of your event, regardless of the industry. Plus, as a bonus, there’s typically little to no cost involved if you’re already renting the space.
Simply stated, if TVs are available and functioning properly,
use the real estate!

Our Experience

Below are a few scenarios where automätik utilizes the power of environmental video loops:
  • You’re giving a sales pitch to a new client and the meeting room has two TVs. You only need one for your presentation. Use the secondary screen to play looping visuals that reflect your portfolio of work as guests enter the room before the presentation (and when they depart after the presentation). Switch to a static company logo once the presentation begins to avoid distraction.
  • Your company booked a multi-space venue for an event, which includes TVs in every breakout room, hallway, and assembly area. If your event includes timed rotations, throw up a combination of static imagery and video clips during rotation times to boost participant energy. Again, switch to a static logo or image during speaking, facilitation, or presentation times to limit visual distractions.
  • Your organization has contracted shuttle buses equipped with TVs to transport participants from one location to another. Whether the ride is brief or lengthy, visuals are a perfect solution to offset passenger boredom. Pro tip: Map out the transportation time with traffic and create your looping video to run at least 5-10 minutes longer than that timeframe. Too many repeating visuals can be annoying.
One piece of advice that cannot be emphasized enough: If at all possible, test your videos on the equipment ahead of time. Don’t wait until the same day or hour to set up your environmental video loop. Reach out to the appropriate facility contact as far in advance as possible to ensure you’re set up for success. Below are some key details you’ll want to verify (if applicable):
  • How are the TVs controlled (access panel, single unit, etc.)?
  • What is the media connection format (USB, DVD, laptop plug-in, etc.)?
  • BYOC (Bring your own cables? If so, HDMI, aux, etc.)?
  • What input or channels do the TVs need to be on?
  • Who is the direct contact for troubleshooting?
Gathering this key information ahead of time and testing the equipment is essential to honoring the time and effort it took to create the loops. Technical surprises are the worst kind of surprises.

Additionally, remember to build your environmental video loop content around the energy or theme of the event. If your meeting is more subdued and “chill,” steer away from harsh transitions, flashes, and quick video cuts. If the event atmosphere is loud, bright, and energetic, match those with the video tones. Again, the objective is to complement the environment—not take away from it.

Conclusion

To recap, environmental video loops…
  • Have the power to dress up any space.
  • Are endlessly customizable to fit your environmental needs (logos, images, video clips with or without audio, flexible length).
  • Provide branding, advertising, or marketing opportunities and add purposeful content messaging.
  • Add value and positive energy to presentations, breakout sessions, and opening/closing activities.
For more information about creating or collecting assets for environmental video loops, please contact us.