When someone invites me to be the lecturer at their conference, they usually get a list of questions from me first. Questions that help me prepare myself for the lecture and to create the unique experience for the audience.
At first, these questions cause panic and fear among the organizers, but they soon realize these questions can help them prepare themselves better for the organization of the conference.
We’re continuing where we left off with the previous question about live streaming. This time, we’re talking about recording presentations and the availability of recordings after the conference. The question may sound simple, but it can have a big impact on how I prepare and deliver the presentation.
Why do I ask this question?
Recording and sharing a presentation can significantly influence the way I approach delivering it. Some speakers do not want their presentations to be publicly available, especially if the content is something they typically charge for as part of a workshop or seminar. Therefore, it’s crucial to know in advance whether the presentation will be recorded and where the recording will be available.
Also, some speakers may include video or audio materials in their presentations that are protected by copyright. In such cases, simply uploading the conference recording to YouTube might result in the platform rejecting the upload or removing it from your channel – and in some cases, it could even lead to the entire channel being blocked.
What else do I need to know?
Aside from whether the presentation will be recorded, I need answers to the following questions:
- Where will the recording be available?
Will the recording be published on the conference website, on YouTube, Vimeo, or some other platform? Will the video be publicly available or will access be restricted to conference participants only? Some websites might be password-protected or hidden, Vimeo allows password protection, and YouTube supports unlisted videos. - Do we need to sign a copyright agreement?
If the recording is intended to be shared, it’s often necessary to define an agreement that protects speakers from unwanted distribution of their content. This is especially important for speakers who do not want their content freely distributed, particularly if they use the same material in their paid workshops.
My approach
Most of the time, I don’t mind if recordings of my presentations are shared, but there are situations where I can’t allow the recording to be publicly available. Clear communication in advance can prevent many misunderstandings and ensure everyone is satisfied. If I know in advance that the presentation will be recorded and distributed, I can prepare accordingly, and the organizers know what to expect.
What if the organizer doesn’t know if there will be a recording?
If the organizer cannot provide an answer well in advance, it can cause both technical and legal issues. Speakers need to know if their presentation will be recorded in order to decide whether to participate and how to approach the preparation. Organizers also don’t like situations where speakers later prohibit the distribution of recordings. Therefore, it’s best to agree on everything in advance to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
Take a look at other questions for conference organizers, which help me prepare myself for the audience.
Also, if you want me to help you organize your event or to hire some great speakers, do no hesitate to contact me 🙂