Woman taking a mobile phone photograph of the speakers on stage

The Economist Events Pride & Prejudice Festival

Creative  Digital  Strategy  USA  Hong Kong  Conference  Event management  Event production  Global event  Hybrid event 
A 24-hour live streamed and in person rolling event between Hong Kong, London and New York, The Economist’s Pride and Prejudice Festival was a global conversation on the status of LGBT rights in specific countries, it aimed to map new battlegrounds and identify the scope for action. 
The relationship with Broadsword is a brilliant one because of the trust we have with each other. It could be that we have a very fixed idea of what we want and they are able to deliver that perfectly or that it’s we need help in coming up with these creative ideas and equally they step in and provide that direction. It’s this spectrum that makes them so fantastic to work with. 
Senior Event Manager, The Economist Events

A hybrid experience 

2021 might be where the hybrid event began to shine but Broadsword, alongside The Economist Events, were pioneering as far back as 2017. 

Live camera relay, presentations and on-stage handovers in real time between the three continents — we delivered the 24-hour in person, live streamed event to a truly global audience, with in person and remote presenters. 

Female speaker sat on a chair onstage
Male speaker onstage speaking to a panel

Online and in-person connectivity

In-room and online facilitated Q&A ran alongside interactive touch points which connected those online with those in attendance. We collated a message wall which began in the morning in Hong Kong and finished in the evening in New York, constantly updating and sensing the mood across the event. 

A laptop with a tweet about the pride and prejudice event on the screen

Consistency across all platforms

It was key to ensure that all attendees, be that in Hong Kong, London, New York or online had the same engaging, interactive and thought-provoking experience. To do this Broadsword personnel were present in all physical locations, in addition to online. This 360 support maintained consistency in look, feel, image quality and messaging. 

96%
said they would attend next year 
49,282
minutes of content viewed online 
93%
said the content was highly relevant to their organisation 
White stage infront of Large blue LED screens curved around it. There are 5 panellists sat on the stage facing the audience
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Thomson Reuters Foundation Trust Conference

The Thomson Reuters Foundation is the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters. A global organisation known as a thought leader in the anti-slavery world, it strives to advance media freedom, raise awareness of human rights issues and foster more inclusive economies. 
Content Creative Live event Conference Event management Event production
Close up shot of a microphone on a stand with blurred attendees in the background.
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3 minute read 8 Mar 2021
One of the supposed positive sides during the increase in virtual events has been the opportunity for more diversity in representation at meetings. Accessibility needs should be considered front and centre in the run up to an event and new collaboration software offers opportunities to do this. 
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Projection of many spotlights and ITV Big think Logo onto wall
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ITV The Big Think

Broadsword were delighted to work on The Big Think, an inspirational TED Talks-style away day for 480 ITV employees, in person at the BFI IMAX Waterloo, while also streaming to colleagues worldwide. 
Creative Live event Event management Event production Hybrid event