Zoom Hybrid Event Production for Unibet

A Zoom call is a practical way to connect remote speakers, but it doesn’t always create the sense of occasion needed for a live branded event.

For this Unibet webcast, WaveFX combined four remote horse-racing experts with a purpose-built studio, professional filming and interactive online streaming.

The result was a lively 90-minute programme produced ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.

The client brief

Unibet wanted to bring industry experts together for live debate, commentary and racing predictions while in-person events remained restricted.

The speakers needed to join remotely, but the finished webcast had to feel like a dedicated Unibet programme rather than a standard video meeting.

The audience included an estimated 15,000 horse-racing followers across the UK and Ireland, watching through Unibet’s website, Facebook and YouTube. Viewers also needed opportunities to comment, submit questions and join the discussion.

“Remote speakers will remain an important part of events because they reduce travel, cost and time. Our job is to make their contribution feel part of the main programme.” Tom, Webcast Producer, WaveFX

Building the Unibet webcast

The programme was filmed and streamed from a purpose-built studio at Kindred’s Wimbledon headquarters.

Professional cameras, presenter microphones and broadcast lighting captured the studio host. Four horse-racing experts joined remotely through Zoom, with each connection tested before the webcast.

Rather than showing a conventional Zoom grid, we isolated each speaker and placed them within a custom Unibet background. The host, individual guests and full panel could then be selected separately during the live programme.

Our team combined these feeds with pre-recorded films, branded graphics, viewer comments and racing information through a live vision mixer. This created a consistent programme across every online destination.

Zoom hybrid event production challenges and how we addressed them

The main challenge was making four remote connections look and sound like part of the same production.

Each guest received simple guidance covering camera position, lighting, sound and internet connectivity. Technical checks were completed before the event, giving our team time to resolve connection or audio issues.

Remote contributors can occasionally lose their connection, so the running order included sections the studio host could continue with if a guest briefly dropped out. Backup recordings and holding graphics were also prepared.

Live audience questions needed to reach the presenter without interrupting the programme. Comments from each platform were monitored, selected and passed to the host at suitable points in the discussion.

The measurable outcome

The project delivered one 90-minute live programme featuring four remote experts, a studio host, pre-recorded films and real-time audience interaction.

The webcast reached approximately 15,000 live and on-demand viewers across the UK and Ireland. A recorded version and six shorter clips were also created for Unibet’s website and social-media channels.

By replacing the standard Zoom layout with custom graphics and professional vision mixing, the production gave viewers a more engaging way to follow the debate and prepare for the Cheltenham Festival.

Planning a Zoom hybrid event?

WaveFX can combine remote speakers, studio presenters, recorded content and audience interaction into one joined-up production.

Unsure how or where to stream too?  Please do get in touch and we’d be happy to talk through all the options for your latest virtual, live or hybrid event (however crazy).

Call Jamie at WaveFX on 01223 505600 or email hello@wavefx.co.uk

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