Virtual event expands a training event into a global opportunity

Climate Reality Leadership Corps engages activists in 143 countries

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Pivoting to a virtual format widens audience

Canceling two mission-critical training events wasn’t an option for The Climate Reality Project (TCRP). Even amid a global health crisis. Converting from in-person gatherings to virtual formats needed to happen quickly. Over a period of 10 weeks, the nonprofit reimagined its offerings and created greater impact, more sustainably.

TCRP brought two global events to life virtually—across five continents and 20+ time zones. During these nine-day events, a total of 10,000 attendees from 143 countries engaged with live broadcasts, dynamic breakouts, networking meetups and on-demand, skill-building sessions. Making the switch required methodical preparation and a strict observation of health protocols.

To develop pre-recorded content for the virtual event, TCRP designed and constructed a fully remote broadcast studio. With best-in-class advanced software and upgraded bandwidth, our remote technical crew skillfully produced 18 pre-recorded videos for TCRP founder and chairman Al Gore’s keynote sessions. Working from former Vice President Gore’s residence, we delivered a sanitized setting and top-level service that ensured safety for everyone involved on site.

Other key components of the event included standing up the online platform, developing a companion mobile app and facilitating nearly 3,500 virtual meetings—with as many as 350 happening concurrently.

Incorporating opportunities to create human connections, TCRP kept its audience engaged.

Forming small groups so attendees could discuss the content and build relationships with others who had common interests.
Offering one-click access sent attendees directly to their assigned “rooms,” avoiding confusion.
Changing a collaborative photo collage mosaic daily as attendees added to the content in real time.
Creating an easy-to use virtual format with reliable technology and simple, concise communication.

Event Strategy

Creative Services

Digital Services

Event Production

Technical Production

Expanding engagement through virtual event delivery

Instead of derailing the nonprofit’s mission, the pandemic pivot expanded the event vision to reach as many climate leaders as possible. The biggest impact of transitioning from in person to virtual production was the exponential growth of the audience base. Prior to 2020, TCRP trainings reached 3,000 leaders. Connecting with five times that amount moved the nonprofit closer to its goal of training 1.5 million people in climate activism by 2030.

The virtual training format was so successful that TCRP has continued to hold these trainings annually, cutting carbon emissions from travel. No matter the format, we stay focused on audience expectations and needs. For instance, for an event held in Brazil, all content was delivered in Portuguese, including app development, live translation and training sessions.

The Hartmann Studios team remains a strong partner as the annual event evolves, ensuring the production value and level of engagement remain high.

years of partnership

50,000

limate leaders trained virtually since 2020

3,500+

total meetings

350

concurrent meetings

143

countries represented

20+

time zones