Stage Right, Inc.

02/05/2025

First, we know hybrid events are here to stay. While the percentage increase in hybrid and virtual events is impressive, we believe their use is now commonplace. But what we find interesting in this trend round up is the impact of hybrid and virtual events. Instead of one big annual event, organizations are opting to add smaller virtual events throughout the years. That approach can attract many more attendees to your organization and its message. Read about that and more.
https://explodingtopics.com/blog/event-industry-trends

In this post, you can learn about the rapidly changing event industry trends for 2024 and beyond.

02/04/2025

Corporate event planners, take note: power costs at venues can be a hidden budget buster. Some corporate venues have been known to inflate electricity charges, viewing power as a profit center, especially in competitive markets. Here’s how to manage the power you use to keep budgets in line.

https://www.stagerightinc.com/how-electrical-markups-drain-event-budgets/

It’s not unknown for corporate venues to add in hefty electrical markups. This possibility can catch event planners off guard.

01/29/2025

Annual board meetings are pivotal events for organizations, serving as a platform for crucial decision-making and strategic planning. For event planners, orchestrating these meetings presents both challenges and opportunities. Read the advice provided by HB Live, Inc., one of our Event Production Network partners. For additional insight about events with executive attendees, read our blog post, “Are you Planning a Meeting or Putting on a Show?”. Link is in the first comment.

https://www.hblive.com/blog/essential-tips-for-planning-a-successful-annual-board-meeting

Essential tips for planning annual board meetings. Learn how to choose the right tech, and create a seamless, high-impact annual board meeting.

01/28/2025

What’s changing in virtual/hybrid events in 2025? Plenty, when it comes to higher production values; greater focus on audience data collection; AR and VR; cross-audience participation; and better virtual experiences.

https://www.eventtia.com/en/blog/hybrid-event-trends-virtual-hybrid-and-in-person

We discuss the upcoming trends surrounding virtual, hybrid, and in-person events in 2022.

11/26/2024

A new study promises a positive outlook for the meetings and events industry in 2025. American Express Global Business Travel published its 14th annual Global Meetings and Events Forecast to provide a look ahead to the coming year.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/2024/11/15/meetings-and-events-industry-looking-good-in-2025/

An Amex study suggests optimism in the meetings and events industry is warranted. Budgets are rising and in-person events dominate. AI technology will increase personalization.

11/05/2024

What’s the difference between event staging vs. stage craft? While they sound similar, both play distinct roles in event production. Read why.

https://www.stagerightinc.com/event-staging-vs-stage-craft-know-the-difference/

Is there a difference between event staging vs. stage craft? Definitely. Read about the distinctions and how they complement each other.

10/23/2024

AI is popping up everywhere and event production is no exception. Event Production Network partner HB Live explores where AI deployment is happening, and its impact on event planning.

https://www.hblive.com/blog/how-ai-may-impact-the-future-of-event-production

Discover how AI is shaping the future of event production with personalized experiences, streamlined planning, and data-driven insights for better events.

10/22/2024

How long do corporate relationships last? These days, the rapid pace of business often leads to shorter engagements. But enduring associations do exist. This is one of ours.

https://www.stagerightinc.com/case_studies/alzheimers-association-global-meeting-philadelphia/

How Stage Right, Inc. Keeps Pace with Alzheimer’s Association’s Growth and Influence

10/15/2024

Event production capabilities span a wide array of disciplines, including audio-visual services, lighting design, stage setup, logistics management, and seamless technology integration across diverse industries. Discover how our expertise empowers us to deliver impactful events, from C-Suite meetings to large-scale global conferences.

https://www.stagerightinc.com/capabilities

Satisfy any meeting requirement, from complex to simple, through Stage Right, Inc. and our proprietary STAGECRAFT™ planning and ex*****on process.

10/09/2024

How robust is your streaming protocol? Technical challenges and interruptions can mar the experience for remote attendees and destroy an otherwise perfect event. Here’s how to keep hybrid meeting and conference participants connected.

https://www.stagerightinc.com/how-to-keep-virtual-event-participants-connected

Do your hybrid conferences keep virtual event participants connected to the preceding without interruptions? If not, please read this.

09/26/2024

Moving audio visual equipment to your event space. Sounds simple, right? It can be IF you know the logistical issues that can damage the calm of what otherwise is a smooth event. Read our piece that addresses the Zen of “when”…

Event space access is an often overlooked factor when moving event production equipment. Here’s our advice to keep your budget under control.

09/24/2024

Fall is officially here. Are you producing any Q4 and Q1 2025 events? Need help with streaming, technology, staging, audio and overall production? Stage Right, Inc. is here to help at https://www.stagerightinc.com/contact/.

09/18/2024

When corporate and association meeting planners and executives plan and implement large events, they can face a range of challenges and concerns. So, we got curious to ask this: Which three of these ten issues currently occupy your time and discussion? Is it more? Let us know in the comments!

1. Budget Management: Ensuring that the event stays within budget while achieving its objectives. This includes managing expenses related to venue, catering, technology, and other logistics, as well as finding cost-effective solutions.

2. Venue Selection and Logistics: Choosing a suitable venue that meets the event’s needs, handling logistical details like layout, capacity, and accessibility, and coordinating transportation and accommodation for attendees.

3. Attendee Experience: Designing an engaging and valuable experience for attendees, including programming, networking opportunities, and interactive elements. Ensuring that the event meets the needs and expectations of the target audience is crucial.

4. Technology Integration: Implementing and managing technology for registration, virtual or hybrid event components, audiovisual needs, and live streaming. Ensuring technical reliability and troubleshooting any issues that arise.

5. Marketing and Promotion: Developing and executing a marketing strategy to attract attendees, promote the event, and drive registrations. This includes creating compelling content and leveraging various channels for outreach.

6. Speaker and Content Management: Securing and coordinating with speakers, managing their presentations, and ensuring that content is relevant, engaging, and aligned with the event’s objectives.

7. Logistical Coordination: Overseeing on-site operations, including setup and teardown, coordinating with vendors, managing staff and volunteers, and addressing any last-minute issues that arise.

8. Health and Safety: Ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees, especially in the context of health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes implementing health protocols, managing crowd control, and addressing any safety concerns.

9. Sponsorship and Partnerships: Securing and managing sponsorships and partnerships, ensuring that sponsors receive value and visibility, and maintaining positive relationships with all partners.

10. Evaluation and Feedback: Collecting and analyzing feedback from attendees, assessing the success of the event against its objectives, and identifying areas for improvement for future events.

09/10/2024

Who runs the show at Stage Right, Inc.? Skilled pros with deep industry experience. Meet team member Luis Sanchez.

Luis is Stage Right, Inc.’s jack of all trades. Literally.

Celebrating 20 years with SRI this year, Luis has cycled through every department at the company to where he now oversees all aspects of warehouse management. He is THE point person in handling how gear is selected, packed and loaded for each show.

Luis initially worked as a truck driver to perform local equipment pickups and drop-offs. After four years he transitioned to more warehouse work, patiently and studiously learning about the gear, parts and accessories the trade requires.

Even with his encyclopedic knowledge, Luis knows that all of Stage Right, Inc.’s long-tenured employees know exactly what needs to go where. He says everybody catches everything for everyone. It also makes training the new employees easier and more comprehensive.

Luis says his working in event production is rather ironic. His mother was a technical director for a local theatre.

When not directing equipment, Luis satisfies his need for speed by tinkering with his Chevrolet 2006 C6 Corvette and 1970 Camaro.

09/03/2024

Who runs the show at Stage Right, Inc.? Meet team member Matthew Maderer.

A hard worker always gets noticed. It’s how Warehouse Tech Matthew Maderer joined Stage Right, Inc.

Matthew, one of the newest Stage Right, Inc. employees, works in all areas of the warehouse, but mostly with audio, video, and cable. He helps with show prep, gathering equipment and loading trucks. He’s also accompanied the crew and worked shows on site.

Matthew originally aspired to attend college, saving for tuition by working throughout high school. He simultaneously labored five and sometimes six days a week at a local Domino’s Pizza store, which he later managed; and at his grandmother’s eponymous restaurant and bar, Rita’s. But burnout and Covid altered his plans.

As it happened, Rita’s has been a regular lunch spot for Stage Right, Inc. staff for years. Knowing Matthew and his consistent hustle, Principal Scott Stedronsky asked Matt about career plans and offered him a job.

Matthew recognizes how much there is to know and learn about an industry that is always changing. With a proven work ethic and youthful energy, Matthew aspires to become a Tech and do whatever and be whatever the company needs him to be.

When not hustling at work, Matthew feeds his “bad addiction” to golf and Chicago’s professional sports teams.

“Always be appreciative to learn more.”

08/28/2024

Trust comes from experience. In audio visual and event production, the team producing your corporate and association events not only makes the difference, but more times than not it IS the difference. Have an upcoming event? Looking for a new event production partner? Connect with us and tell us how we can help.

https://www.stagerightinc.com/contact/

Tell us what you’re planning to help get your next event right.

08/27/2024

Who runs the show at Stage Right, Inc.? Skilled pros with deep industry experience. Meet team member Kathy Restis.

Think of Kathy Restis’ business administration and accounting experience as a bit like a Thomas’ Original English Muffin. As Kathy describes it, her work experience has many nooks and crannies.

Although new to the AV and event production industry, Kathy’s employment history filled in what turned out to be the right mix of experiences and attitude Stage Right, Inc. was looking for.

Kathy acquired her business smarts by doing. Her skill set grew by stepping up and picking up practical experience along the way. She started in steel manufacturing as an admin, then real estate management and the office manager for an appraisal company, early on she had her own photography business. Kathy even worked for the Chicago Cubs in security.

Her jack of all trades background fit the professional ethos present at Stage Right, Inc. Kathy connected with the culture, remarking how this team works together to get the job done.

When not working a calculator, Kathy enjoys woodworking with power tools, and hiking and fishing from a cabin tucked away in the woods.

“Go Cubs”

08/21/2024

Occasionally, taking a step back and looking at things from the outside in can give you a different perspective. This piece from CVENT reveals a slew of different statistics that show just how dynamic and important our industry is.

Navigate the data-driven event statistics landscape to uncover insights that empower event professionals in making informed decisions.