How Live Streaming Political Events Can Get Views: LGBTQ Presidential Forum Live Stream Trends #1

On Friday, September 20, 2019, the Wired Production Group staff was invited to manage the live stream of the LGBTQ Presidential Forum presented by The Advocate, The Gazette, GLAAD, and One Iowa. This event had hundreds in attendance and was broadcast live from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. During the two-hour event, ten Democratic presidential candidates spoke about their support for the LGBTQ community. At the event were Author Marianne Williamson, former Rep. Joe Sestak, former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Sen. Kamala Harris, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and former HUD Secretary Julian Castro. 

The candidates heard directly from LGBTQ voters and addressed the issues impacting their lives. As published on Pride.com, this Democratic presidential forum was historic for those speaking for LGBTQ issues in America. 

Stage for LGBTQ Presidential Forum

This live event was expected to be wildly popular across the United States. Event organizers knew to expect a high volume of press and publicity. That’s why they contacted Wired Production Group to bring together the AV production, including live streaming services so the event could be broadcast to thousands of viewers across the world.

Live streaming team at work

With just one month to plan the logistics of this event, our Wired Production Group crew developed a plan of action. This included three live camera operator stations, on-stage and off-stage monitors, full audio production, basic stage and lighting design, and behind-the-scenes video production crew operating the live stream. In addition to our crew, GLAAD provided an on-site video editor to collaborate with our staff and cut unique clips for their various social media channels throughout the event.

Screenshot of live stream event

The live stream was broadcast via the presenters’ YouTube channels and Facebook pages as well as various national news outlets. With more than 200,000 views between the two platforms alone, the live stream was trending in first place online across the United States as well as fourth place across the world during the live broadcast. Various organizations, businesses, and groups of people from all over the world joined together to host watch parties and witness this moment in the 2020 election cycle.

Joe Biden Speaking at LGBTQ Forum in Cedar Rapids, IA

The Wired Production Group video production staff would like to extend a special thank you to Coe College for hosting this event in Sinclair Auditorium. An extra special thank you to GLAAD, The Advocate, One Iowa, and The Gazette for inviting us to produce this political event in our hometown. 

Screenshot of live cast comments

Watch the Live Stream Playback

For more information on live streaming and event services by Wired Production Group, contact our team today.