The ILP Remote Working Case Study
What do they do?
The Institution of Lighting Professionals is a charity which exists to share knowledge and light the world in a way which is better for the planet and for the people in it. It is a membership organisation which includes lighting professionals across a wide range of disciplines from street and highways lighting to lighting for airports, restaurants, offices and manufacturing plus lighting for artwork and design.
Remote working project
The ethos of the ILP is to share information and knowledge for lighting professionals both in the UK and around the world. While it is a membership organisation, people interested in the subject do not have to be a member to take part in events and conferences. It is more important to the ILP to ensure those working in the profession are able to share insights and keep ahead of regulations and standards and new innovative ways of working.
When lockdown came, the charity was keen to continue its work and decided to create a series of webinars. It contacted Zenzero Solutions for support and chose Microsoft’s Teams Live Events. Teams Live allows up to 20,000 people on a webinar – as many as the O2 Arena in London.
Zenzero’s role
Zenzero provides both IT support to the ILP and looks after the software for its membership system. The ILP was already using Microsoft Teams which meant Zenzero was able to facilitate its use of Live Events. It organised the licence for the ILP and helped set up the system. The company also highlighted a number of additional features which come with the package including:
-Being able to record the event for delegates to view online at a later date
-Allowing the presenter to see and answer written questions as they come in live
-Being able to filter questions to keep events around a theme
ILP Engagement and Communications Manager, Jess Gallacher:
“ Microsoft Teams Live Events has meant we have been able to keep in touch with our members and those professionals involved in the lighting sector across the world despite the lockdown. It has been a tough time for people in the lighting community with many being furloughed or facing redundancy. Being able to share knowledge in this way, keep people up to date and involved has meant we could continue to offer support so members don’t feel they are on their own.”
Jess’ advice on using Microsoft Teams Live Events:
-Keep webinar presentations much shorter than a normal speaking event because of other calls on people’s time and attention.
-Do record the webinars and offer for viewing later as people may be juggling family and domestic responsibilities and could be in a different time zone.
-Make sure all speakers are properly briefed and stick to the agenda so the presentation has a clear message with useful information.
-Market the webinars beforehand and follow up with delegates afterwards for feedback and further engagement.
-Tidy up but don’t blur your background if possible – as this doesn’t translate well on screen.
-Steer clear of panel events for now because Live Events can currently only show one face at a time.
-Anyone can join a Teams Live Event but presenters need a paid Microsoft licence.
-Make sure the presenter is on a decent internet connection – preferably hard-wired – to avoid internet connection warnings.
-Teams Live does not have a chat function so encourage the audience to use the Q&A facility to say hello as well as to ask questions.
-Do a rehearsal beforehand with speakers, chair and producer to check connections, practice timing, and familiarise everyone with your Q&A plans.
Want to know more? Get in touch by clicking the below button or alternatively, by calling 0333 3209 900 to speak to one of the team.