Since the beginning of 2020, virtual meetings have exploded. Event engagements are the most valuable opportunity to transform a marketplace, expand horizons, and ignite evolution.
As we continue to guide organizations in the design and delivery of virtual events, we realized there is a lot of “noise” on platforms, process and products rapidly evolving.
We hope this ever-evolving terminology glossary will begin to demystifying the virtual landscape.
Attendee Interaction
Opportunities for viewers of a virtual event to communicate, see or connect with other
viewer participants of a virtual engagement.
Bannercast
Bannercast is an on-demand or live video broadcasted in an in-banner ad using streaming technology. Bannercast is one of the most effective advertising media on internet, which can often attract the target audience better than a standard banner ad.
Broadcast
To transmit content using technology.
Content Capture
Individual content asset, which will be used as a single component to create the larger picture. May be used individually or collectively with other assets.
Content Delivery Network
The network of software and hardware that combine to create the single visual virtual experience. May combine various content capture feeds, branding, video and audio assets to create a singular virtual experience.
Content Creator
Position responsible for on-air appropriate script, visuals, handout resources, slides, etc. Virtual content must be crafted for audience attention spans in a virtual environment, where multi-tasking and distractions are at a premium.
Digital Experience
An interaction between a viewer and host that is made possible through technology.
Event Landing page / Website
A webpage or website dedicated to an event. Typically provides a way to people to register for the event. May be part of an event platform, or housed on the organizations own site, or on any web-based platform.
Event Technologist
Highly specialized position responsible for sourcing and implementing technology used for broadcast content experiences.
Feed
Content source into the virtual studio. Feeds may be presenters, content, audio or virtual content for the presentation or broadcast.
Gamification
The application of game-design elements and game principles in non-game contexts. The simple act of taking something that is not a game and applying game mechanics helps to increase user engagement.
Graphic Asset Manager
Position responsible for creating and managing on-screen visuals for branding, content support, video, backdrops, etc.
Hybrid Event
Involves a mixture of a physical events with elements of a virtual event usually running simultaneously and with overlapping content and interactive elements.
Internet Speed Test
Refers to the service level of and ISP account based on the download speed, usually expressed in megabits per second (Mbps). A speed test verifies download speed and upload speed and network latency.
ISP
Acronym for Internet Service Provider.
Live
Online content that is not available for re-play as the broadcaster transmits program content or service at a fixed interval and once the broadcaster stops live service the viewer or listener cannot access the content
Live Simulated
Prerecorded activities/sessions available to run at a specific time and date and are not publicized as being prerecorded and usually have a live post-presentation Q&A period.
Live Streaming
Content is pushed out at the time of recording (may have a professional delay built in for added insurance against blunders and technical difficulties.)
Lower Third
Referencing the bottom third of a viewing screen, typically used for naming participants, static branding and scrolling horizontal messaging.
Moderator
On-camera position responsible for introducing content and managing multiple speakers. Moderator may be audio only and still considered “live, on-camera”. This role is often interpreting or facilitating audience participation.
On-Demand
References content is available at the viewer’s convenience, either for a set period or unlimited amount of time.
Open Broadcast Software
Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming. There are two windows – for scenes and sources. Each “scene” is comprised of multiple sources, from content capture, allowing the creation of multiple scenes to give the stream layout a more custom look.
Platform
Software digital home base, where content is gathered and “lives”. Features and fees of platforms vary, and may be packaged or offered “a la carte”. The platform gathers and sends information. (Software features vary per platform, and may include any combination of Content capture; Content display; Content push to multiple viewing channels, Marketing tools, Branding, Customized multi-faceted branding, Registration tools, Macro and Micro Websites, Polling, Chat, Question and Answer, Survey, Tradeshow Booths.)
Platform Agnostic
When a virtual production is not tied to a specific platform. Any platform can offer the content “feed” or signal into a virtual studio. Ability to customize production output to fit the intended results. Not limited to features on a specific software.
Post Editing
The process of enhancing video footage with graphics, animation, voice over, B-roll footage, bumper messaging, etc.
Producer
Overall lead on a technical production, responsible for directing all specialty technical producers.
Resource Materials
Handouts, worksheets, and branded/sponsored collateral.
Run of Show
Minute by minute directives used by the show caller for audio, visual, and content cues related to on-screen or on-deck positioning. Show caller uses the run of show to direct all technical actions taken by the production staff behind a broadcast.
Slidecast
Presentation or set of slides with synchronized video and audio to multiple viewers simultaneously, uploaded from a single source.
Streaming Media
Broadcasts content from a single source to multiple viewers or listeners simultaneously.
Tech Check
The process to verify bandwidth, production equipment, quality audio and video feed, stage set, lighting and security access prior to the broadcast. Incremental changes and supplemental equipment changes may be recommended prior to recording or broadcast.
Technical Producer
More complex broadcasts may have multiple technical producers responsible for specialty roles of audio or visual components to the production.
Template Visual
The template screen that combines all visual content with additional masking. This is an upgraded feature on many platforms, if available at all.
Ticker Banner
Scrolling horizontal messaging used for recurring messaging, supportive or independent to the broadcast content.
Video Feed
The actual video signal, taken from any content capture platform. A video feed is captured inbound to the virtual studio from any platform, and then mixed / corrected / enhanced before transmission out for attendee viewing.
Virtual Event
People gathering together where some or all of the attendees are not physically in the same location yet are connected in a common environment.
Virtual Meeting
Any connection of 2 or more individuals using technology to facilitate the connection. This may be done with any combination of audio and visual guides.
Virtual Producer
The individual or team working to control audio, visual and technical details of the broadcast. Every virtual engagement has a producer, the differential is the amount of technical training and specialty focus. Given the high potential for technical issues on a completely digital landscape, the producer position is critical in crafting a smooth broadcast. The Virtual Producer role is also responsible for integration with organizational firewall and security features.
Virtual Studio
Combinations of software and hardware used to control audio and visual environments for a single stream of content output.
Virtual Tradeshow
Organizing individual company marketing assets into a unified structure for networking and exposure to a target audience. Exposure time periods may be offered in a specific time frame or over the course of an elongated period.
VoIP
Acronym “Voice over Internet Protocol” which by itself means voice over the internet rather than using cellular or landline voice connections.
Webcast
Transmission of an audio or visual or a combination of audio-visual media file either live or on demand over the Internet
Webinar
Transmission of an audio and visual media file scheduled at a particular time or on demand over the Internet. The content comes from a single source to multiple viewers simultaneously.
