What is a Sizzle Reel?
Originally posted July 12, 2022. Updated July 2024. Updated June 2026.
If you’ve hosted an amazing event or conference, you can keep the momentum going after the event with an engaging sizzle reel. Learn what makes a great sizzle reel and the many ways you can use it.
First, What is a Sizzle Reel?
A sizzle reel is a short highlight video that gives the viewer a taste of an event. These videos are high energy and accompanied by music and dynamic text elements. The videographer captures the content, atmosphere, and guest engagement during your event.
People call these types of videos by different names. You might hear them called hype videos, promo videos, demo reels, sample reels, trailers, and highlight videos.
What Makes a Great Highlight Video?
- Video footage from before, during, and after your event recreates the feeling of being there.
- A videographer captures attendees registering, enjoying themselves and watching the program while also including footage and sound bites from speakers themselves.
- The event is shot in a more cinematic way than a standard event recording, using different cameras, gimbals and lighting to create something that is energetic and fun.
- Some organizations even gather brief testimonial interviews with attendees to include in the video.
How Can I Use a Sizzle Reel?
Even though you’ll use your sizzle reel after your event, it has a long life and multiple purposes.
- Use the video to thank attendees for making the event a success.
- Give sponsors additional recognition.
- If you are hosting a multiple-day conference, and you are working with an amazing videographer, you can share the highlight video during the closing session of the conference. Without a doubt, that definitely creates a wow-factor for your guests to see the event recap before they even leave the venue.
- It’s perfect for sharing on social media. Your guests will enjoy sharing the video to their networks.
- Showcase your event to future attendees.
- Include the sizzle reel in your promotion for next year’s event by placing it on your event registration page.
Is a Sizzle Reel Appropriate for All Types of Events?
Yes. You can capture the atmosphere of all types of special events including fundraising galas, auctions, conferences, graduations, and annual meetings. When interviewing video production companies, ask to see samples of sizzle reels from events that were similar to your event.
Are Sizzle Reels and Wedding Videos Different?
While the concept is similar, a wedding video will have a completely different vibe than a sizzle reel. We recommend working with wedding videographers who specialize in wedding videos and will capture the romance of the day.
Recent Sizzle Reel Examples
Fundraising professionals from across the country gathered at AVENUE in Portland, Oregon for the 2026 Elevate Conference hosted by Swaim Strategies. As both a sponsor and production partner, The AV Department provided audiovisual services, live streaming, and videography throughout the two-day event, culminating in this highlight reel that captured the insights, connections, and inspiration that made Elevate such a memorable experience.
When a community rallies around a common purpose, the impact can be extraordinary. This highlight video captures the energy and enthusiasm of Jesuit High School’s Day of Giving, showcasing a day of generosity, school pride, and meaningful support for the school’s mission.
4D Recovery Gratitude Night 2025 was an evening celebrating hope and recovery. The 4th Dimension Recovery Center’s annual gala raises funds to support programs helping young people navigate recovery. The AV Department provided live event audiovisual services for the in-person event and captured the joy of the night in an event highlight reel.
Are you hosting an in-person or hybrid event? Contact us to learn more about live event AV and video production services.