An event that took Event Wizards to Virtual Event Wizards.
Although the event always had a hybrid element, the Wizards were asked to deliver a complete virtual event production for the 2020 Symposium. With this year’s global disruption the task at hand was more complex and challenging than usual. That did not prevent Event Wizards’ Herkie du Preez, who has organised this symposium for the past four years, to deliver a very successful event.
Who is Exxaro?
EXXARO is one of the largest, black-empowered mining companies in South Africa. They are a constituent of the JSE Top 40 Index and are in the top echelon of coal production in the country. EXXARO is more than just a mining and resource company and believes in empowering local mining communities and employing sustainable mining practices to limit the negative impact of mining practices on the environment.
About the PIT Symposium:
The EXXARO Professionals-in-Training (PIT) Symposium was held on the 22nd of October 2020. Project presentations focused on minerals of the future as well as building up the mining industry while taking climate change and unemployment rates into consideration. EXARRO’s virtual symposium held productive discussions to brainstorm projects that aim to work towards running their business more cost-effectively, with a focus on sustainable practices.
The Challenge
The PIT Symposium requires high level engagement between the presenters and judges, EXCO members as well as the audience. The event were previously held over a period of 8-10 hours providing enough time for evaluating, scoring, celebrating and networking but stepping into the virtual event space a new strategy had to be developed in order to keep the process interesting, functional and engaging. The idea of an attendee staring at a screen for 8 non engaging hours was just not an option.
The Solution
With the help of event technology such as online event platforms and event mobile applications we could engage with all event guests prior to the event to ensure they fully understand the new virtual concept and follow all the exciting steps and processes leading up to the symposium. Creative and highly effective content strategies were developed to keep the audiences engaged from the moment invitations went out, during and after the event and onwards as the entire event will be available online in the future.
The event was divided into two parts:
Steps taken to ensure the success of this event:
‘’ This is inclusivity in action especially the personal privilege of bringing their families and friends closer to Exxaro and people’s lives- I personally loved it! (And was in tears 😊).”
People and teams that made this event a Virtual Event success:
Client: Sunet van Der Merwe, Talent Management, Human Resources – Exxaro
Organiser: Herkie Du Preez – Event Wizards
Video Production and Live Stream – Street Smart Creative
Event platforms (mobi APP and event website) – Flock Eventing Platforms
Technical Production and set design – Xtreme Production
Pre-recordings of presentations and virtual set design – Motion Worx
Green Screen Studio, video compilation and graphic design – Event Wizards
Catering – TsAfrica
Health, Safety, Risk Management and COVIDefender – Alliance Safety
Entertainment – Ryan Hignett