On October 1-2, 2024, Heroic Productions had the honor of teaming up once again with Gustavus Adolphus College for their annual Nobel Conference. Celebrating its 60th year, this year’s event was all about Sleep. “Sleep, Unraveled” brought together an interdisciplinary panel of experts to explore the vital role of sleep in both physical health and mental well-being. From the science behind our dreams, to the cultural shifts in sleep habits, and even the effects of our 24/7 lifestyle, the conference tackled it all.
With seven impressive keynote speakers and engaging panel discussions, Heroic had plenty to keep us on our toes. Our mission? Make sure these brilliant minds were seen and heard loud and clear—and do it all in a new location! This year, we took on the challenge of transforming the school’s chapel into the perfect setting, rather than the usual hockey arena.
Transforming Nobel Conference 60
How’d we do it, you ask? We swapped out the usual four-screen setup for a sleek 45×10’ curved LED wall. The massive LED certainly stole the show this year. This upgrade gave every guest in the chapel a crystal-clear view and provided a stunning, life-sized backdrop for the speakers’ presentations. We also streamed the event live with a two-camera setup, making sure our virtual audience didn’t miss a single moment.
To keep the spotlight on what mattered most—the speakers—we designed the perfect lighting setup. The key was to highlight the speakers, not only for the room, but more importantly for the cameras. The podium was mic’d for clarity, and we made sure the panelists were heard loud and clear during Q&A sessions. Whether in-person or online, our goal was simple: make sure every message was delivered flawlessly.
Until Next Year
In the end, the 60th Nobel Conference was a celebration of knowledge, innovation, and, of course, the power of sleep! From transforming a chapel into an engaging event space to ensuring every presentation was heard loud and clear, Heroic Productions was proud to help bring this important conversation to life. We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to create an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s on a new stage, in a new space, or with another inspiring topic, we’re up for the challenge. Until then, here’s to a good night’s sleep—and the science behind it!
To see how Heroic can help you transform your next event, contact us.
Check out more of Heroic’s work from this event here.
The end of May and the start of June is a magical time for students and the team at Heroic Productions alike! We had the honor of bringing our AV production expertise to several commencements. Milestone moments like commencement should be unforgettable, and top-notch AV is essential to making them truly special. This is where Heroic shines—ensuring that every graduate’s loved ones can see, hear, and feel the excitement. Take a look at our work for the College of St. Benedict, Gustavus Adolphus College, and The Blake School commencements.
College of St. Benedict Commencement
First up in May, we journeyed to St. Joseph, MN, for the College of St. Benedict Commencement. Held in the Clemens Field House, this event celebrated 344 undergraduates and 14 master’s and doctorate degrees. Heroic Productions transformed the dark field house into a vibrant celebration space with an extensive lighting package. Our stage wash effectively highlighted the commencement address and each student as they accepted their diplomas. Additionally, we provided processional and banner lighting, adding a touch of elegance to the proceedings. To ensure crystal-clear audio, we deployed a full line array audio package that covered the presenters, the band, and some special songs performed by senior choir members. The result was a truly memorable day for everyone involved.
Gustavus Adolphus College Commencement
At the end of May, Heroic headed to southern Minnesota for the Gustavus Adolphus College Commencement. This exciting event took place outdoors on Hollingworth Field, with 451 graduates seated on the turf in front of a grand stage. Our mission was to ensure that every word from the presenters, every note from the band, and every song from the choir were heard loud and clear throughout the entire football stadium. Utilizing our full line array audio package, we achieved perfect audibility for every speech and song, making the celebration truly unforgettable.
The Blake School Commencement
The beginning of June kept us busy in the Twin Cities for The Blake School Commencement. This multi-day event took place in the historic Blake School Ice Arena, a barrel vault ice rink that posed some fun challenges for our team—but nothing we couldn’t handle! With commencements for the elementary, middle, and senior high schools, we had to make three different celebrations shine. Our comprehensive line array audio package ensured clear sound for every presenter, band performance, and choir song. We used a stage wash for lighting to ensure our presenters looked their best, while processional and banner lighting added a dramatic effect. To enhance the experience, we incorporated video and projection, ensuring the audience didn’t miss a beat. Additionally, we recorded the event to guarantee that no friends or family missed this special day.
Partner with us for your school’s commencement. Contact us today!
Check out our “Work” page to see more of what we can offer your school.
Our powerhouse VP of Client Brand Experience, Kitty Hart, recently stole the spotlight on the Digital Velocity podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo, Erik Martinez and Tim Curtis. They dove deep into the world of building brands through events that are not just memorable but downright life-changing.
Business development is the name of Kitty’s game. She currently sits in this seat selling experiential meetings and events. She’s got this knack for selling experiential meetings and events that are more than just gatherings – they’re highly architected experiences where nothing is left to chance. Why? Because connecting brands and people is both a science and an art. It’s about creating events that hit you right in the feels – engaging all the senses.
So, where does it all start? According to Kitty, it begins with a simple yet tremendously important question: “Why are we doing this?” Then, in a world where we’ve seen it all, the challenge for event and marketing teams is to ask, “how can we do this event differently from how we have done it in the past?” It’s important for returning audience members to look forward to the event year after year.
And here’s a nugget of wisdom – just because we live in a digital age doesn’t mean experiential marketing takes a back seat. Take Uber, for instance. Identifying super users, they crafted a unique dining experience on an Uber-branded bus for 12 lucky souls with a celebrity chef. The physical experience was intimate but the buzz those super-users created through social media was through the roof!
Now, creating buzz isn’t exclusive to consumer brands. B2B marketers, it’s time to embrace the buzz! Heroic’s corporate events aren’t just about meetings, education, and a bit of entertainment sprinkled in; they’re about creating experiences that people can’t wait to share.
In the world of Heroic, collaboration with brands is more than a partnership – it’s setting the stage, literally and figuratively. As Kitty puts it, “All the world’s a stage. We are going to help your brand show up on that stage in the very best way that it can.” Crafting the narrative is key.
In-person events are evolving, now often accompanied by a virtual component. It’s like creating two different worlds – one for the in-person audience and one for the virtual voyagers. Holding the attention of virtual attendees is crucial; after all, distractions are just a click away.
Kitty brings up her Starbucks example. Describing how Starbucks must tailor experiences to different customers. Customers who go through the drive through, customers who come in, order and sit down, and customers who come in and order their coffees to go. Each of those customers need a different tailored approach.
“Event marketing is a tried and true method of marketing,” Kitty says. It is unmatched and worth every penny.
She leaves us with “the next big thing in your industry will come from another industry.” So stay on top of marketing trends! Identify things that can be applied to your business.
On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, Heroic Productions had the sheer joy of bringing Gustavus Adolphus College’s annual Nobel Conference to life! Since 1965, the Nobel Conference has been a captivating platform, gathering leading researchers and thinkers at Gustavus to delve into groundbreaking, transformative, and urgent scientific matters, as well as the ethical questions that invariably accompany them. Over the years, many Nobel Laureates have been guest lecturers. Heroic has had the privilege of being the creative audiovisual force behind this conference for the past decade!
This year’s theme? “Insects: Little Body, Big Impact.” Our team was buzzing with anticipation as we embraced the responsibility of orchestrating the audiovisual experience, ensuring the magic unfolded right before your very eyes.
An Audiovisual Transformation
The metamorphosis occurs annually at Gustavus’s hockey arena, Lund Arena. With a fresh theme each year, our mission is to transform this space from an arena into a dynamic conference center. What makes it all the more thrilling is that this event is hybrid. This means we must craft an engaging atmosphere for both those in the room and those tuning in from the comfort of their homes via the livestream. And did we mention that this event spans two full 8 hour days?
Setting the Stage
Our incredible audiovisual crew waved their magic wands and turned an ordinary room into a captivating experience for both our in-person and online audience. We kicked things off by setting up not one, not two, but four gigantic projection screens that brought content and live footage to life. Behind the speakers and panelists, we utilized five LED towers for background. This created the perfect stage for them to shine. To make sure every angle was covered for our livestream audience, our crew decided on four cameras, ensuring that no moment was missed!
Our lighting guru, Bex, bathed the walls in exquisite shades of green and blue, mirroring the signature colors of the conference’s featured insect, the scarab beetle. Three hundred feet of Truss was installed to handle the lighting and video.
Now, let’s talk sound. Our audio maestros were in their element, ensuring that live music, speakers, and panelists seamlessly took center stage all day long. Coordinating this auditory extravaganza was no small feat. However, they nailed it, making sure that everyone’s voice was heard exactly when it needed to be.
Lights! Camera! Action!
The event unfolded flawlessly. The presenters were exceptional, and the music was nothing short of divine. Gustavus even featured a new jazz work with dancers to lead the opening academic procession! We’re already counting down the days until the next Nobel Conference next year.
Brace yourselves, marketing mavens! On Tuesday, August 8 from 3 – 5 p.m. Heroic Productions had the pleasure of hosting Marketers’ Community’s AI event with an exciting panel discussion surrounding the power of artificial intelligence. We teamed up with the dynamic duo, Laura King and Abby Kelsey, to welcome a whopping 120 marketing wizards into the captivating realm of STUDIO15. Who knew AI could be this enchanting? We did!
Before we begin, explore pictures from the event!
Setting the Stage for a Thought-Provoking AI Event
The spectacle kicked off in style as thirsty networkers arrived, grabbed a beverage and began lively conversations. Beyond the usual suspects of beer, wine, and sodas, our salute goes to Jen Gilhoi from Zero Proof Collective for curating a non-alcoholic sanctuary that raised the bar. While the lobby buzzed with anticipation, behind the scenes, the Heroic team and our esteemed panelists were cooking up a storm in the studio.
As the studio doors swung open, guests were mesmerized by a kaleidoscope of Marketers’ Community’s signature colors: purple, pink and orange with fun projected graphics, and dance-worthy tunes. The stage was set with the extraordinary minds including: Tim Brunelle (AI-Generative Creative Consultant, Creative Leader, Adjunct Professor at Minneapolis College of Art and Design), Mona Askalani (Director of Digital Capabilities at General Mills), Garrio Harrison (Partner & CRO at Stoneford Partners), and Heather Boschke (Marketing Leader, Professor, Owner of Buddha Birdie & Vogel Venture). As the studio filled to the brim with 120 curious marketers, the atmosphere hummed with anticipation.
Shining Stars of This AI Event: The Expert Panelists
The panel captivated audiences as they discussed the power of AI and the reasons why marketers should embrace the new technology, not shy away from it. Things like proofreading, client research, competitor analysis, and data interpretation are just a few of the ways AI can add productivity and quality to marketers’ everyday work. The verdict was unanimous: embracing AI is not a choice, it’s a necessity. The message was clear – AI isn’t here to steal your thunder; it’s here to amplify your brilliance. The panel’s golden advice? Dive into AI with wide-eyed enthusiasm, experiment with it (within company guidelines), and most importantly, approach this new technology with optimism! The panel discussion ended with an influx of questions from the audience that led to intriguing discussions.
At the end of this AI event, marketers were encouraged to stay after to chat with the panelists, snack, and network. Excitement surrounding the topic was seeping out of everyone as they trickled out of STUDIO15 with a newfound knowledge and respect for AI. And we, at Heroic Productions, had achieved our mission: to spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and forge new connections!
Create a Mind-Blowing Event of Your Own With Heroic
To learn more about how you can host your next event in STUDIO15, visit our website or contact our VP of Brand Experience Kitty Hart.
A corporate event, when well executed, is a vital tool for corporations to connect with stakeholders. Interactive experiences have the power to create lasting and meaningful connections, and in-person events present endless opportunities to engage and motivate attendees.
We offer various tips and tactics for successful corporate event planning on our blog, but to really show rather than tell, we’re spotlighting Heroic’s own ‘Please Welcome’ event series. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at our planning process for a memorable event. We want to show you how much fun we have planning and executing this series.
Define your goals
An event’s purpose should determine format, content, audience, and just about every other element of event planning. Whether you’re launching a new product, celebrating a milestone, or providing a learning opportunity for your team, every aspect of your event should connect to that purpose.
Heroic’s ‘Please Welcome’ event series is designed to showcase speakers and entertainers who are changing the landscape of corporate events. We want to inspire attendees with an impactful, live studio production experience. We achieve that with a stellar studio, engaging speakers, and our team of seasoned experts.
Choose the right venue
The venue is a critical aspect of a corporate event. The atmosphere sets the tone and provides an opportunity to elevate attendees’ experience. When choosing a venue, consider the location, capacity, accessibility, amenities, and event tone. If you’re planning an in-person event, make sure the space is large enough to accommodate your guests comfortably. If your guests would benefit from an immersive event experience, consider using a studio with an LED wall or green screen capabilities.
Heroic’s STUDIO15 is the perfect venue for our event series, as it provides a prime seat for attendees to enjoy our show, either in the studio or via seamless live streaming. Because we do everything in-house, we know that the lighting, sound, and design of our event will be cohesive. A well-prepared team makes for seamless transitions, synchronized cues, and a harmonious atmosphere for our audience. Venues with an in-house team of capable event production professionals make all of the difference to attendees’ experience.
Strategize the content
Corporate event content is a crucial aspect of driving audience engagement because it’s often what motivates your audience to attend an event in the first place. Plan your content around your event’s goals and audience’s needs.
If you’re planning a celebration, consider entertainers that delight and inspire. If you’re planning an educational event, consider inviting industry experts or thought leaders to share their knowledge and insights. Don’t hire just any entertainer you think people will like. Remember your corporate event goals. How do you want attendees to feel during and after your event? Strategize content from there.
Heroic Productions’ Please Welcome event series features dynamic speakers and entertainers who are changing the landscape of corporate events worldwide. We also provide attendees with opportunities to meet the featured talent, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and network with other attendees.
Our last event featured Daryl Davis, a musician, author, and activist who is known for his work in fighting racism and promoting positive change. Daryl was a keynote speaker and entertainer all in one–inspiring attendees with his beautiful music and compelling testimony of his great work.
Invest in corporate event logistics
Corporate event logistics should have purpose and precision. Ensure all design elements are in place, and don’t make technology an afterthought. Look for ways to synchronize the various aspects of event logistics, too. The lights, the sound, the music, the staging, the branding–should all feel harmonious to the attendee. When done right, your attendees may not even notice how cohesive your production is, but they’ll feel the difference of your attention to detail.
At Heroic, our stage and LED wall create a stunning and visually striking backdrop for events. Our exceptional lighting and sound design further elevate attendees’ experience. For Daryl Davis’ keynote, we chose hues of stunning pinks and purples for the lighting, with his illustrious musical background in mind. From the music that played before he walked on stage to a subtle green light on Daryl’s piano–we considered every detail to set the tone for the night.
The results were beautiful, but logistics don’t stop at audiovisual capabilities. Good planning also means communicating all necessary details to attendees before the event, including the event agenda, location, dress code, and parking instructions. At Heroic, we also limit the studio’s audience to ensure a personalized, engaging, and comfortable networking experience for our attendees.
Pick a team that thinks of everything
Heroic is a one-stop shop for corporate event planning and production. We understand the value of an immersive experience and are ready to handle all aspects of your event–from strategy to execution.
The ‘Please Welcome’ series is a testament to our commitment to excellence. Our next event will spotlight Dr. Luana Marques, an acclaimed psychologist and author who will provide attendees with insights into mental health and well-being. We hope you join us and experience firsthand the extensive benefits of Studio15.
We aim to make your event a success, and we work tirelessly to ensure that happens. Contact us to learn more.
Combining virtual and in-person events is more than a trend – it’s the new normal. Here’s what you need to know about hybrid event planning.
You’ve probably heard this before. Here’s a shocker: The shift to hybrid event planning is a great opportunity!
Webinars, online conferences, and virtual events serve specific purposes because of flexibility and safety – in-person and live experiences engage people differently. And in person, you can be 100% confident everyone is wearing pants!
IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS FROM THE MPI WORLD EDUCATION CONGRESS IN VEGAS
While in-person events have been nearly non-existent the past year, the Meeting Planners International World Education Congress signaled a return to normal – sort of.
The ever-so-popular word “hybrid.” You’ve probably heard this word used in a number of ways. Hybrid cars, hybrid golf clubs, and of course, hybrid events.
Do you still have confusion around what exactly a hybrid event is? Heroic’s CEO, Jon Young, breaks it down and gives some clarification.
Here’s a word you’re going to hear more and more: Hybrid. It’s certainly a word with lots of definitions and even more synonyms. For instance, I own a couple of hybrid golf clubs (I hit them equally poorly). Our video department manager, Kevan, drives a hybrid car. Sun Country Airlines just filed papers for an IPO describing itself as a new breed of hybrid, low-cost air carrier. I could go on and on.
