What are the most effective ways to use 360-degree video for conference planning?

1 Choose the right camera

The quality of your 360-degree video depends largely on the camera you use. You want a camera that can capture high-resolution, stable, and clear images from all angles. You also want a camera that is easy to set up, operate, and transfer files from. There are many options available, from consumer-level devices to professional-grade equipment, so do your research and compare features, prices, and reviews before you buy or rent one.

2 Plan your shots

Unlike traditional video, 360-degree video gives your viewers the freedom to look around and explore the scene. This means you need to plan your shots carefully and consider the whole environment, not just the main focus. Think about what you want to highlight, what you want to hide, and what you want to add to the scene. For example, you can use props, signs, or interactive elements to enhance the video and guide the viewers' attention. You can also use multiple cameras to cover different angles or locations.

3 Edit and stitch

Once you have recorded your 360-degree video, you need to edit and stitch it together to create a seamless and smooth experience. Editing involves trimming, cropping, adding transitions, effects, and audio. Stitching involves aligning and merging the images from different cameras to create a single spherical video. You can use software tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Insta360 Studio to do both tasks. However, be aware that editing and stitching 360-degree video can be time-consuming and require a lot of processing power, so make sure you have a compatible and powerful computer.

4 Test and optimize

Before you publish or stream your 360-degree video, you need to test and optimize it for different platforms and devices. Testing involves checking the quality, stability, and compatibility of your video on various browsers, apps, and headsets. You can use tools like YouTube VR or Facebook 360 to upload and preview your video. Optimizing involves adjusting the resolution, bitrate, and format of your video to ensure the best performance and quality. You can use tools like Handbrake or Compressor to optimize your video.

5 Distribute and promote

The final step is to distribute and promote your 360-degree video to your target audience. You can use platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, or Veer to upload and share your video. You can also use live streaming services like Livestream or Wowza to broadcast your video in real time. To promote your video, you can use social media, email, or website to generate buzz and attract viewers. You can also use analytics tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Insights to measure the impact and engagement of your video.

6 Engage and interact

The ultimate goal of using 360-degree video for conference planning is to engage and interact with your attendees, speakers, and sponsors. You can use features like comments, polls, quizzes, or chat to encourage feedback and participation. You can also use gamification, storytelling, or incentives to create fun and memorable experiences. You can also use 360-degree video to follow up with your audience after the event and keep them interested and loyal.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?