At C. Madden Productions, we understand the challenges of doing events virtually. During covid many conferences, fundraising galas, product launches, and other events pivot to online events, a seismic reimagining of live events was needed. We quickly adjusted our strategies to accommodate the virtual format. Our clients relied on us to move their goals forward to even an larger audience.

 

A Case Study: American Institute for Stuttering

In spring of 2020, we leveraged our expertise to reimagine the annual gala for the American Institute for Stuttering (AIS). What began as a way of making the best of pandemic isolation requirements became the organization’s fourth most effective fundraising event in its 22-year history. Longtime supporters of the AIS, President Joe Biden and actress Emily Blunt, signed on early, indicating their eagerness to help. Chris Madden and her team transformed an annual event—typically filled with live segments that are audience favorites—into an effective online alternative. We helped the AIS to attract articulate young leaders as honorees, to recruit inspiring adults to share their stories, and to maintain its celebrity glamour—all deftly combined into a polished and persuasive broadcast.

 

To map the event, Chris developed a story board that included a young client’s heartfelt thank-you to sponsors, plus powerful interviews with President Biden and Ms. Blunt. The evening included conversations with high-profile individuals—their stories dealing successfully with stuttering—and culminated with a clients and clinicians showcase, spotlighting vital AIS work. C. Madden Productions ensured that every element, from start to finish, was aligned with the goals of the organization and its mission.

 

Working with the AIS board of directors and President Biden’s communications staff—and on a tight timeframe of 2-½ months—Chris assembled a team of veteran video producers and streaming vendors to implement the virtual event. With their renowned attention to detail, logistics, and quality, the CMP team coordinated every aspect of the presentation, from script writing to production design. This client placed a high priority on diversity of ages and ethnic backgrounds, as well as personal stories of dealing with stuttering. 

 

Equally vital was guiding the speakers to effectively deliver their personal narrative in this new environment. The result was a polished, cohesive broadcast, complete with active fundraising implemented as the broadcast was happening.

 

A Case Study:  Bellevue Hospital Association

Bellevue Hospital—Protector of Public Health: Transforming Critical Care to Fight Covid,  Honoring the Leadership, Doctors, Nurses and Staff

 

In 2021 C. Madden Productions created and served as executive producer for virtual event with hybrid component.  We documented the “on the ground” stories of the Bellevue hospital’s staff during the height of the COVID pandemic.  Created the story board, identified and secured employees from different areas of hospital operations, and coordinated interviews to share their stories.  Produced a roundtable discussion format for leadership, who reflected on their challenges and adjustments running a public hospital during the time of the pandemic.  The recording is continually used to for medical and non-medical Bellevue Hospital staff to reflect on those years, as well as being preserved in the hospital archives.