CHICAGO STATE FOUNDATION

The biggest challenge the client brought to us was taking their traditionally in-person event held at a hotel and turning it completely virtual while inspiring their donors to support their mission of advancing the interest and welfare of Chicago State University. Some of the concerns they shared in the initial planning process were not meeting their fundraising goals, and not being able to entertain their guests visually enough with a virtual event. By focusing on delivering inspiring and mission-connected content the organization was able captivate their audience and inspire their donors.

To connect the program to the University, Chicago State Foundation wanted to take advantage of the broadcast studio on campus as their venue. This studio housed cameras, a teleprompter, lighting, and backdrops. We provided additional microphones, audio, video, and a large LED wall along with the show technicians and production team. During the planning process, we worked closely with the studio manager to integrate the in-studio equipment at Chicago State with our equipment to make sure that all the pieces worked together for a seamless program. which we ultimately made a successful operation.

As a fully virtual event, the guests attended via a Zoom call. We broadcasted from the studio into Zoom, giving it an elevated, production quality on an approachable, familiar platform. The client kept the guests engaged throughout this event by streaming pre-recorded videos, live in-studio interviews between crucial faculty members and administration in the university, and the student impact stories on how the scholarship shaped their lives. Hearing the students share how these scholarships impacted their future was the event’s highlight for the client and the guests.