Have you been at a recent event and seen someone up front quickly taking notes with a flurry of colored markers flying through the air? Chances are you were in the presence of an event graphic recorder. What is graphic recording? Its real-time visual note taking that is started and completed during an event. They turn-key takeaways into easily digested graphics that capture the mood and theme of an event.
Graphic recording is a growing trend in the event industry for good reason. It’s a unique way to capture speakers and sessions in a way that photography can’t. We love using graphic recorders and have broken down our top reasons for why you need them at your next big event.
1. Graphic recordings capture the mood of the event in a way that photos alone can’t.
Having fantastic photos is a key element of success for any event. They capture attendees, speakers, sponsors, signage, and many more elements of an event. However, they don’t capture key lessons learned, common themes, or the main message from closing remarks. These items build up the content of the event which is the key reason the event is held in the first place. A graphic recorder is able to capture themes, lessons, and messages throughout the event. When pulled together the visual recordings tell a story that photos alone can’t.
2. Graphic recordings provide attendee engagement during the event.
Attendee engagement doesn’t have to be a set activity. As long as you give attendees the opportunity to interact with the material in new ways, you’re providing a source of engagement. Attendees will enjoy walking past graphic recorders during the event. They’ll be able to view drawings as they’re being created, which will help cement key learnings and takeaways.
3. The event graphic recorder helps attendees digest info post-event.
When finished, graphic recordings help tell the story of your event. From opening remarks to closing remarks and everything in between. Attendees have a lot of information thrown their way, and it can be hard to summarize everything they learned and experienced. The completed recordings tell the story and help attendees walk away with a clear image in their mind of what they learned. It’s a cool tangible way to reflect on their experience.
A great way to be sure attendees get a chance to view the finished product is by displaying them near the exit. That way attendees can linger and enjoy or even take a quick glance on their way out the door.
4. They are a unique gift for speakers.
You’ll want to be sure that your photographer get’s plenty of photos of the graphic recordings. Both while they’re being created and once they’re finished. Photos can be shared in post-event emails, used as promotional images for next year’s event, and used on the company website. But what do you do with them after the event ends? If your client has a small office they may not want to hold onto the physical copies. You can give the graphic recordings out to speakers as a unique and thoughtful gift. Chances are the speakers will appreciate the recordings since they captured their session.
Don’t want to give these to speakers post-event? Then our next point is for you.
5. After the event, use the graphic recordings to showcase the event in your office.
If your client wants to keep the graphic recordings, they can easily be displayed in the office. They help tell the story of the event in a way that a quick summary can’t. Visitors will be impressed and it may even help bump up attendance for next year’s event.
These are some of the great reasons to have graphic recorders at your next event. We promise you’ll be surprised by the result and attendees will appreciate the unique detail. Have you used graphic recorders? Share in the comments below to let us know your main reason for bringing them to your event!
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