The reality of virtual....

It's just like being in a ballroom, well actually it's sort of like being in a ballroom, actually it's nothing like being in a ballroom but if you are going to go virtual you still need an offline producer and a green room producer to give you a heads up on the presenters. The bummer with this arrangement is I can't go backstage right for chocolate. It just isn't the same if you have to bring your own because then there isn't that "Oh Miles, by the way...." and inevitably it's a real important 'by the way'! I'm currently on an event that will take me to the end of the month and I could not be more honored to have two of my favorites on the team. Sandi Ross is the green room producer and Arissa Bright the 'off line' producer. They give me notes, manage the presenters and get them on stage just as they have for years for me in the ballroom. When you use the ballroom model, the virtual space may require more personal technology to keep all the ducks in order, and in the end it can feel comfortable enough even if your not in similar surroundings. Still, not being able to head backstage and say hello to a dept. head you haven't worked with in awhile is something the virtual event will never be able to offer, besides stopping by stage right and picking up a piece of chocolate as you head back to production control.