Guest Contributor: LAI Video
The lights are on. The room is filling up. People are settling in, scanning the space, chatting, checking their phones. It’s a transition moment: not quite the show, not quite downtime.
This is when the energy starts to take shape. And video can guide it.
The screens flicker. Maybe a pop. With a whirl of animation, your large displays activate in new and unexpected ways. Your attendees — finally — look up. It’s showtime.
What Pre-Show Video Does Best
- Creates an atmosphere and makes the space feel considered
- Builds design continuity and reinforces your event (and organization) brand
- Gives sponsors their moment
Without telling your audience what to do, your pre-show content shifts your audience’s focus to the front, preparing them for an immersive, shared experience.
Simple Tactics That Work
- Walk-in loops: Spice up housekeeping notes and obligatory sponsor recognition with trivia and attendee call outs — seamlessly packaged together with ambient, branded visuals. Low pressure. High impact.
- Countdowns: Build anticipation with a countdown clock that ramps up in the last ten seconds before taking full advantage of that big, beautiful set.
- Cold opens: Officially kick-off your event with a sweeping logo reveal. The audience should be on the edge of their seat.
- Hype intros: Open your event with purpose through grand, movie trailer-style videos that rally your attendees together and immediately reassure them that this will be totally worth it.
Why This Matters
Pre-show is your attendees’ first impression. Make it intentional, make it count, and the rest of the event falls into place.
Ready to build a better beginning?
Whether you’re scripting a hype intro, designing a sponsor loop, or just looking for a smoother transition into your program, we’re here to help. LAI Video works closely with the LAI Live team to craft pre-show content that fits seamlessly into the show , and actually sets it up to succeed.
Let’s talk about what your audience should feel before the event even begins.
