About this Virtual Awards Ceremony
Before we explore this case study of a SPL virtual awards ceremony we feel it is important to fully understand the history of the event. We will start with a November day in 1998. Nurse leaders from all over Illinois made their way to the Chicago Cultural Center in the Loop. They assembled there for a celebration that would become a highlight of every fall for more than two decades: The Power of Nursing Leadership event. The event was conceived by then dean Joan Shaver, PhD, RN, FAAN who felt that the UIC College of Nursing had an obligation as the major source of remarkable nurse leaders in Illinois.
By its 10th anniversary, the Power of Nursing Leadership event had moved to the Hilton Chicago’s Grand Ballroom to accommodate the more than 600 participants. Over the years, the event has featured inspiring keynotes from celebrated voices including writer Maya Angelou (2002), journalist Linda Ellerbe (2004), attorney Ted Kennedy Jr. (2010) and former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher (2011).
The Challenge
The biggest challenge facing SPL for this virtual awards ceremony was taking a historically in-person luncheon and making it a virtual awards ceremony. We had to find a way to condense a full luncheon show with awards, long scrolling graphics, and many different speakers into a two hour webcast while simultaneously being engaging for viewers who are no longer a captive audience.
This was particularly different from some of our other virtual shows as very little was pre-recorded and had to be done live. This presented unique challenges for the presenters, our technical team, and the backend technical side of getting the event to run smoothly. Also challenging was accommodating a keynote speaker remotely coming in with integrated slide and video media and allowing him to manually forward his own slides.
We have produced this event in the past and worked directly with UIC to alter the course after they decided not to cancel. Safety and health was paramount given that these are front line workers and having this be as remote as possible was a high priority for UIC.
Our Solution
In order to maintain maximum safety for the brave medical professionals and staff involved, we decided to build an entire broadcast studio right there at the UIC facility.
Bringing a studio to them allowed for much greater accounting of any possible contact tracing and streamlining the show process in general. We produced and executed the entirety of the show from that studio space as well as several other satellite presenters who were remotely streamed in.
Included in our solutions were custom graphics for presenters, technical run of show generation, provision of equipment, technical labor, and management on site of the event. We were both technically and creatively responsible for the success of the virtual awards ceremony along with the talented men and women at UIC.
The Results
We are very proud to have been able to partner with such an impactful institution and help them achieve their virtual vision. Beyond being safe, it was also a highly efficient and educational virtual awards ceremony providing maximum engagement with their audience and award winners.
We look forward to this event’s future, whether digital, in person, or hybrid. We are so glad to be able to help elevate the Power of Nursing Leadership virtual awards ceremony. They deserve every bit of recognition for their tireless efforts in what is an unprecedented time for medical professionals.
Virtual Awards Ceremony
We offer solutions for projects of all shapes and sizes.. We find solutions that fit your event production needs. Whether it’s a virtual awards ceremony or live, we are proud to be your preferred partner in production.
Thank you for your AH-MAZING work and efforts in getting today’s virtual PNL to fruition! I greatly appreciate everything you did!
Katie Corboy
Director of Special Events
University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing
Virtual Awards Ceremony Services & Capabilities
We’re proud to offer solutions for your next virtual awards ceremony or event of any shape or size. Your virtual awards ceremony should be unique and memorable, without getting bogged down in the technology and implementation. SPL can help you handle every unique circumstance you may encounter leading up to and during your virtual event.
Backups and Redundancies
No surprises. No scrambling. No untimely outages. SPL can provide redundancies for equipment, staffing, and internet services.
IT & Network Management
Virtual events rely on access to the internet and a reliable IT system. With years of experience with networking and AV, SPL will make sure everything just works.
Media Management
We work with you each step of the way to make sure that all graphics, videos, media, titles, etc – even if produced by an external agency – all align with the goals of the event.
Event Execution
Virtual events operate more like a television show than a meeting. SPL will provide a team who will oversee and execute all aspects of the broadcast.
System Design
Your unique organization deserves A/V capabilities that fit your unique needs. Our tailored systems fit your needs and budget
Logistical Support
Schedules, drawings, layouts, and timelines. We don’t leave these until the night before because we know what it takes to make your event a success.
You’ll be in good company
Realize A New Bold and Branded Future
Whether we are going for a virtual awards ceremony for the betterment of our public health, or simply cutting down on costs, the virtual meeting is here now and here to stay. Take a look at some examples of our virtual event solutions.
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