Case Study: Mental Health America’s Annual Conference – Successfully Transitioned to Virtual During the Pandemic, Reaching Thousands
Client: Mental Health America (MHA)
Project Title: Successfully Transitioned to Virtual During the Pandemic
Date: June 2021
Location: Hybrid Event (Owings Mills, Maryland Studio & Virtual)
Overview:
The Mental Health America (MHA) Annual Conference is an annual event that gathers mental health advocates, stakeholders, and professionals from across the country to discuss pressing mental health issues. The 2021 conference, titled “From Resiliency to Recovery”, was especially important as it occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. To adapt, MHA transitioned the conference to a hybrid format, blending a small in-person gathering with a robust virtual experience.
ZMBmedia, in partnership with Focal Point Productions, managed the live streaming and production of the event, providing accessible broadcasts in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). Working closely with the MHA Marketing Team, ZMBmedia planned and executed the production from pre-recording VIP sessions to real-time live streaming, while ensuring strict COVID-19 protocols were followed.
Challenges:
⦁ Transitioning a traditionally in-person event to a hybrid format, including simultaneous live streams in three languages (English, Spanish, and ASL).
⦁ Creating a fully equipped studio environment to accommodate real-time translation and live hosting capabilities.
⦁ Sourcing ASL interpreters and providing seamless translation for Spanish-speaking attendees.
⦁ Managing pre-recorded interviews with high-profile speakers and real-time virtual panel discussions.
Solution:
ZMBmedia handled the event production from its studio in Owings Mills, Maryland, using the Tricaster TC1 to manage all switching and live streaming operations. The studio was divided into three dedicated spaces:
⦁ One room for Spanish translators, who watched and translated the show live.
⦁ A second room for ASL interpreters, with interpreters switching every 30 minutes to ensure continuous sign language translation.
⦁ A third studio space for live talent to host the event in case of technical disruptions from the virtual event host.
In pre-production, ZMBmedia worked with VIP clients to conduct virtual recordings using Skype Call Connect, where high-profile speakers such as Kevin Love and Bakari Sellers joined remotely. These interviews were edited and prepared for playback during the live event, while real-time virtual panel discussions were switched live on the spot.
ZMBmedia also followed strict COVID-19 safety protocols, maintaining social distancing throughout the production process to ensure a safe environment for all involved.
Key Equipment and Tools:
⦁ Tricaster TC1: Managed all live streams and switching between content.
⦁ Skype Call Connect: Used for pre-recording VIP interviews remotely.
⦁ Real-Time Audio and Video Translation: Separate rooms for Spanish and ASL interpreters ensured accessibility for all attendees.
Sessions and Speakers:
The conference featured a variety of important sessions and notable speakers, including:
⦁ “COVID-19 Loneliness and Isolation”
Speakers: Paul Gionfriddo and Josh Gordon
Discussing the mental health impacts of isolation during the pandemic.
⦁ “Race Disparities and Mental Health”
Speaker: Bakari Sellers
A conversation on how systemic racism affects mental health.
⦁ “Resiliency Following Tragedy”
Speakers: Solomon Thomas (NFL Player) and his parents
Discussing personal tragedy and mental health recovery.
⦁ “A Conversation with Maurice Benard”
2020 Clifford W. Beers Award Winner
A live discussion on mental health advocacy.
⦁ “Racism and Trauma in America”
Speaker: Professor Ibram X. Kendi
A powerful session on the intersection of racism and trauma.
Other high-profile participants included:
⦁ Kenneth Cole, fashion designer and mental health advocate.
⦁ Leslie Boggs, PTA President, discussing COVID-19 and mental health in underserved populations.
⦁ Neil Leibowitz, Chief Medical Officer at Talkspace, on the rise of tele-mental health.
Outcome:
ZMBmedia, in collaboration with Focal Point Productions and the MHA Marketing Team, successfully transitioned the MHA 2021 Annual Conference to a hybrid format, streaming across three languages (English, Spanish, and ASL) and engaging thousands of virtual attendees globally. The event spanned multiple days and included both pre-recorded and live sessions, all integrated seamlessly into the virtual event experience.
ZMBmedia’s attention to detail, commitment to accessibility, and ability to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic ensured the conference was a success, while adhering to strict COVID-19 safety protocols.
Key Results:
⦁ Successfully live-streamed across three different feeds: English, Spanish, and ASL.
⦁ Reached thousands of attendees globally.
⦁ Seamlessly produced a hybrid event that integrated live and pre-recorded content, with real-time translation.
⦁ Ensured the health and safety of all production team members through strict COVID-19 protocols.
ZMBmedia’s ability to adapt and execute a hybrid event format for the 2021 Mental Health America Annual Conference demonstrates our expertise in managing complex virtual and hybrid productions while maintaining high-quality standards for accessibility and engagement.