Overview

• Location: Manchester Central
• 2 day event
• 5,700 healthcare leaders in attendance
• 750 online participants
• 3 stages captured: 2 livestreamed, all 3 filmed for on-demand
• 1 Speaker’s Studio livestreamed and filmed for on-demand
• 1 Podcast Studio
• 3 custom digital signage solutions
• 2,577 on-demand views to-date
• 60+ on-demand video recordings – watch now!

NHS CONFEDERATION + NHS ENGLAND
SERVICES: LIVE STREAMING - VIDEO PRODUCTION – DIGITAL SIGNAGE – CONTENT CREATION

THE CHALLENGE

Looking to boost the appeal of their event, organisers of NHS ConfedExpo, the largest Healthcare Event in the UK, wanted to create fun and engaging content for this year’s event, ensuring it was cohesive whether attended in-person, remotely, or through post-event viewing. The show format included a packed agenda of sessions across the keynote theatre in the ‘Main Auditorium’, panel discussions in the ‘Exchange Hall’ and a wealth of learning theatres that spanned across the exhibition floor, including the ‘fireside chat’ focussed ‘In-conversation zone’.

But organisers wanted to go beyond the existing filming and streaming of on-stage sessions. The aim was to create even more intimate and engaging content, increasing the value for attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors. With so much potential opportunity to collaborate with leading professionals within the healthcare sector, capturing their insights was a key target.

The Speakers’ Studio at NHS ConfedExpo 2024

Lord Victor Adebowale, Chair of the NHS Confederation, being interviewed in the Speakers’ Studio at NHS ConfedExpo 2024

THE SOLUTION

Implementing Purpose Built Studios

So what did we do? We built a dedicated ‘Content Zone’ comprised of:

• A Speakers’ Studio – designed to create the intimate discussions between our host, Simon, and the experts from across the event.
• A podcast recording studio – with up to 4 ‘podcasters’ recording live, ably assisted by a dedicated audio engineer.

But it was so much more! For in-person delegates, the impressive broadcast studios situated in the middle of the action on the exhibition floor became a main attraction.

In between attending the main sessions, networking, and browsing the exhibition, attendees could engage with the dynamic discussions and podcast recordings over in The Content Zone. In fact, by partnering with Silent Seminar (who provide high-quality wireless headphones), attendees could hear the talks without distractions from the rest of the expo. The studios brought an added buzz to the lively atmosphere the organisation wanted to create.

Let’s dive a little deeper into the features of each area of the Content Zone.

The Speakers’ Studio

The primary purpose of the Speaker Studio was to capture unmissable bonus content, helping to meet the show’s goals of cultivating innovative discussion, shared learning and networking. Prominent NHS and healthcare figures had relaxed conversations with a professional host after their talks on the main stage, delving deeper into their specialist subjects. But we didn’t stop there – our host also spoke with exhibitors, sponsors and high-profile delegates who weren’t speaking to truly deliver a diverse range of views and topics.

To make the most of this content, the Speakers’ studio acted as an extension of the main auditorium’s agenda for those watching the live stream online - filling the breaks in the schedule and allowing an “always-on” TV-show-style production and reducing audience drop-off.

With production values at the forefront of delivery, the studio involved a wealth of tech. We used a pair of 4K Ultra-High-Definition cameras and a remote-controlled slider (which created a smooth, moving wide shot of speakers) to capture in glorious quality. Provided by our friends at Exhibit 360, the set included a 3D, lit version of the ConfedExpo logo and comfortable chairs – enhancing the relaxed, intimate theme. We also had a series of ways for the director to communicate with our host, able to feed live questions or draw the interview to an end to head to live content from the Main Auditorium.

The Speakers’ Studio at NHS ConfedExpo 2024

Podcast Zone broadcasting from NHS ConfedExpo 2024

The Podcast Zone

Thanks once again to our friends at Exhibit 360, simplicity and style were key features of the Podcast Zone. Featuring a large table for the podcasters with specialist microphones that ensured crisp, ambient free sound – vital in the busy exhibition hall. From The Podcast Zone contributors were able to broadcast their own established or brand-new podcasts. With 8 recordings over the two days, hosting sessions live, straight from the show floor gave the podcast creators an unmissable promotional opportunity. By associating themselves with this high-profile event, the podcasters elevated their own sessions and indirectly promoted the value of the event for its sponsors and attendees.

In addition to the central space for the podcasters, the zone featured benches for delegates to sit and listen to the live recordings. All this, with a dedicated Audio Engineer running the Zone ensuring both podcasters, listeners and the recordings could hear everything perfectly.

Running the Content-Generating Studios

A team of 6 expert technicians managed the Content Zone studios. Here's a breakdown of how they helped over the two days.

Director - Working closely with the whole team, they orchestrated the best viewing experience for those watching along at home. From cutting between two cameras to vary the picture seen on screen during the live interviews, managing timings if a session finished early or overran and acting quickly to ensure continuity for viewers and directing when Keynotes, specific sessions or only the host should be on the livestream.

Floor Manager - Working closely with the organising team throughout the day to manage the speakers and prepare them to go live! A technical briefing was given to the speakers ensuring they felt comfortable and relaxed and were familiar with our host and what to expect. This contributed to a professional output and better viewing experience for the online audience.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England, being interviewed in the Speakers’ Studio at NHS ConfedExpo 2024

Backstage at the NHS ConfedExpo 2024

Event Host – Expertly hosting the discussions with the guest speakers and continuing the momentum across each day. This helped keep those at home tuned in. The host was fed prompts through a comfort monitor - a screen that displays que’s and any other information needed. This could range from details on the current guest speaker, specific questions briefed by the organisers to knowing when the interview needed to be concluded to broadcast live to one of the key sessions

Camera Operator – With two cameras in our Speaker Studio, our specialist camera operator followed the action, working with the director to capture close-up footage of whomever was talking.

Audio Engineer – Controlling the Podcast Studio’s set of microphones and the wireless headsets (for both podcasters and listeners), our specialist audio engineer also edited the audio podcasts post-recording.

Streaming Technician - Monitored the live-stream, ensuring a steady flow of content was always being pushed out so that those watching had a smooth, high-quality experience.

THE RESULTS

The conference drew an impressive 5,700 attendees over the two days, marking a significant * increase from the previous year. The purpose-built studios produced over 24 hours of valuable content for both in-person and online audiences.

To ensure longevity of the event, the sessions recorded were made available on-demand and have already garnered up to 2,500 views on NHS Confed Expo’s YouTube Channel and website.

The Speakers’ Studio at NHS ConfedExpo 2024