Live communication from the perspective of a stage director

Which live communication type are you personally?

Lukas Peyer: Definitely live – I’m very enthusiastic about festivals, concerts, culture and theatre. I probably go to about 30 music or cultural events a year. Sometimes also sporting events – I’m a big ice hockey fan, and I played ice hockey myself for years.

Your opinion on live, digital and hybrid events?

All types of events have their own appeal. At live events – especially in the public sector – it is certainly the audience that contributes to the experience and is also very emotional. Digital events, on the other hand, are very exciting because the project type constantly brings new possibilities that cannot be realised in physical form. For me, hybrid combines the best of both worlds – very multi-layered, two parallel events, a mix of target groups and diversity in the event.

And your favourite types of projects?

It’s mainly public events that fascinate me. The audience, in particular, is always a highlight at such events. The atmosphere created by so many people: unique.

People who don’t know each other are connected by emotions. It’s a pure goosebumps experience.

But events with a focus on knowledge transfer are also very inspiring. In the control room, you are right there and get the knowledge directly, too. But productions abroad with a great team are another highlight in my job. Long working days like those involve a lot of work, but also an incredible amount of enjoyment.

Live or digital general meetings, which do you enjoy more?

Digital GMs. It certainly takes more courage to carry them out. Courage, because the implementation is not the challenge, but the legal vote must function 100%. If votes break off from the digital space or are not delivered, the vote has to be repeated. With physical general meetings, the customer does not face such a legal challenge.

But with a digital GM, the client has many more options for staging, such as  virtual production elements and various background settings. And, at the same time, we can guarantee security. Many clients come to us seeking advice, wondering which form suits them better – physical or digital. We then play through both scenarios with them and advise them according to their needs.

Corporate clients and their needs?

Corporate clients expect reliable service providers and smooth implementation. It is also important for the message to be well staged, and communicated in a way that’s appropriate for the target group – the dramatic curve of an event is the most important thing.

Employee events have the primary purpose of creating memories and allowing employees to break out from the working world. Entertainment and humanity are the central needs here. At a general meeting, the top priority is for the conducting of the vote to be legally protected in order to avoid repetitions.

Live communication 2024: what are the prospects for the future?

A topic that will be even more in focus next year is the implementation of virtual production – it offers very many possibilities in a wide range of event areas. This technological innovation enables content to be created that is even more diverse and individual.