Breaking Out of PowerPoint

by Ben Mcgeever

Tags: Event Tips | Show Graphics

At many conventions and events, on-screen visual content is limited to “The Standard” … Whether a set design of two or three 16:9 ratio rectangular screens, or a larger multi-screen stage set, both can often be underutilized to their fullest potential.

If your event is standard, the 16:9 screens may display visual content via PowerPoint that speakers prepare beforehand and present, often with just a single static conference graphic displayed between them when a transition is happening. Created by different people, the variety of presentations throughout the conference lack visual branding continuity and any sort of “wow” factor.

We’ve all experienced it. If this is your organization, start with easy changes by following our 5 Best Practices of Show Graphics. And remember the 4:3 ratio hasn’t been the standard for many years, so if your organization’s brand template is…. it’s time to update!

For larger budget events, screens may be bigger, flashier, and more expensive, but shockingly, many miss the opportunity to create custom content designed to fit the screens. If your event uses a 16:9 rectangle of PowerPoint content dropped (or PIP-ed) on top of a static conference background graphic, its leaving valuable real estate of expensive screens unused.

That predictable 16:9 ratio rectangle of a content comfort zone is your show’s enemy.

Don’t be scared to BREAK OUT OF POWERPOINT!

Incorporating atypical screen shapes and sizes and designing the main show graphics to use every inch of the screens will wow your attendees and provide additional room for content visuals.
Work with your producer to get creative with accents of movement and design individual elements for each screen during special moments in the show. In doing so, you’re creating an extra layer of polish in your show that communicates to your audience that your organization dares to dream outside the box. If your annual meeting looks polished and innovative, it suggests that the rest of your organization operates in a similar way.
With production budgets of all sizes, there are ways to think about how to change things up from previous years and to maximize the screen real estate built into your show.

We’d love to work with your team to think about how your staging and scenic design budget can dovetail with your on-screen graphic content strategy to maximize and deliver the biggest visual bang for your buck!