By Laurie Davis, General Session Manager specializing in production and programming

A candids video is not simply a collection of smiling faces, speakers and events when you’re at a user conference; it’s a sales tool.  The video can be leveraged in several ways post-show – on the website to help push registration, as a tool for those needing manager’s approval to attend and to spark the interest of the industry press.  Knowing that the candids video will serve a purpose beyond the last day of the conference, additional care needs to be taken when shooting footage and editing.

•  Include Compelling Sound Bites.  I’m not just talking about two or three; I’m talking about twelve to fifteen.  Focus on clips that highlight the dynamic content you so carefully program.   In order to do this, you need to make sure that all hired speakers have either signed a talent waiver or have a clause in their contract allowing you to use two thirty second clips of their presentation.  If you have James Cameron speaking as I did at one of my events this year, leaving him out of the candids is not an option.
• Focus on What Is Visual Beyond Happy Faces.  You certainly want to show attendees having a good time, but you also want to focus on other things that are featured at the conference.  If a tradeshow is part of the event, make sure to get plenty of shots of booths and products.  Use this opportunity to slip your sponsors into the video. When the programming process begins for general session, be mindful of visual elements.  If interesting videos were created for the event, include clips from them sans audio.  Is there a way to make a speaker’s presentation more impactful than just standing at a podium?
• Re-edit After The Event. The video you put on your website should reflect the entire conference, not the conference minus the last day.  One additional day of edit time may seem costly, but it is certainly worth the investment if it will convince more attendees to come to the conference next year.  Since you’ll be posting to the web, be sure to choose royalty free music.