Use Creative Videos to Open Your Virtual Events
A virtual event is run like a broadcast television show. And like all TV programs, you want to capture your audience’s attention from the first moment. One proven way to do that is to use creative videos to open your virtual events.
Looking for inspiration? The examples below from three virtual fundraisers are fun, creative, and attention-getting. They also each accomplish a different goal as part of the overall virtual event.
Generate Excitement for the Raffle
Dougy Center: Reflection Benefit and Auction
A 2021 Porsche Boxster was the coveted raffle prize during the Reflection virtual fundraiser benefiting Dougy Center. All 2,000 raffle tickets sold out and the live drawing for the sports car was scheduled for the end of the virtual event. To create audience excitement for the raffle and to hold the attention of raffle ticket holders during the event, our live stream production team filmed the Porsche as it travelled to and arrived at the studio for the live stream. Was that really KPTV Fox 12’s Tony Martinez driving the car around Portland? We’ll never tell.
Production Partners: Raise Agent, Johnna Wells, KPTV Fox 12
Dougy Center creates safe spaces and free resources for children and families who are grieving. Their pioneering peer grief support model, professional training, and world-renowned programs and advocacy bring hope and healing around the world. At Dougy Center, families find support, resources, and connection before and after a death.
Demonstrate Your Work Behind the Scenes
Community Warehouse: Chair Affair
As the live stream of Chair Affair opened, fundraising host Dale Johannes and Community Warehouse Executive Director Anna Kurnizki invited the audience behind the scenes to learn about changes Community Warehouse implemented during the past year — including showing areas usually only seen by staff. The virtual tour included the warehouse space where new donations are quarantined, the special new Family Welcome Room, and the Estate Store which remained operational during the pandemic. Our media team had fun filming and editing Dale and Anna’s tour.
Production Partners: Swaim Strategies, Artisan Auctions
Community Warehouse is a furniture bank serving the Portland area since 2001. The nonprofit collects donated home goods and works with social service agencies to get those items into the hands of those who need them the most. At Community Warehouse, it’s the simple things – the extra dishes, towels, beds, and more – that change lives. It’s what makes a house a home.
Highlight Your Event Superstars
Portland Youth Philharmonic: Meet the Musicians Breakfast
Portland Youth Philharmonic had fun highlighting the early-morning start of Meet the Musicians. The opening sequence takes the audience into the homes of student musicians and Musical Director David Hattner as they greet the day and get ready for the annual breakfast fundraiser. The short video clips were individually sourced, and our media team edited everything into one video with a bit of creative license.
Production Partner: gEvents, LLC
Portland Youth Philharmonic is the oldest continuously operating youth orchestra in the U.S. — nearly 100 years! In those years, thousands of young musicians have played in one or more of PYP’s ensembles. Alumni include professional musicians, music teachers, and dedicated amateur musicians. Recently, PYP joined two other youth symphonies to lead a collaborative initiative to commission and showcase new music composed primarily by composers of color and women.
Do you have a fun idea for a creative opening video for your virtual or hybrid event? Our media team is ready to take that idea and bring it to life. Contact us to discuss the possibilities.
