Global Reach ‘Like Never Before’ for Un-Convention

StreamGM created and connected a huge new audience from all over the world for the Un-Convention music conference in Manchester.

Here’s Our Best Bits! StreamGM & UnConvention 2021

Co Founder Jeff Thompson was delighted with StreamGM’s production team and streaming capabilities through our exclusive United We Stream global network.

With online delegates watching discussion panels from as far away as Japan, South Africa, Australia and Germany, StreamGM’s power brought them into a real life conversation ‘like never before’ for the organisers, which meant the awareness and reach for this annual two day music industry event increased significantly.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham at Un-Convention (picture Brendan Clayton)

Jeff explains: “Our event in early March 2020 had been our biggest to date, and we had hoped that the 2021 edition would further build on this. Of course, the arrival of the pandemic, like it did for much of our industry seriously undermined our ambition. We had taken the decision to move the 2021 event from March to July in the hope that this would enable us to at least run a limited version of the event.

“However, having met, and forged a partnership with StreamGM we were able to take what was potentially an event with limited impact and reach and turn it into an overwhelming success.

“Having a hybrid event allowed us to not only keep engaged with our existing UK, and European audience who were unable to travel to Manchester in the circumstances, it also gave us cause to reconnect with our community further afield, bringing them into a real time conversation like never before. Moreover, with the support of the StreamGM team we were able to substantially expand our reach, and ever were able to engage with new participants from countries such as South Africa and Croatia.

Strategy Director Music Venue Trust - Beverley Whitrick speaking at Un-Convention (picture Brendan Clayton)

“What we think is particularly significant, is that despite the challenges the industry has faced, this online engagement has already led to tangible outcomes. We’re aware of new and reinvigorated initiatives and conversations starting up as a result – everywhere from Cornwall to Kenya and Birmingham to Lisbon.

“These things simply would not have happened if it were not for the support of StreamGM and the hybrid nature of the event. In truth, even if restrictions had lifted, and we had been able to run the event as we normally do, with delegates joining us only in person, we would not have been in a position to help connect as many people, from as far and wide, as we have for this edition.

“As we’ve seen many times before in the music industry, necessity is the mother of innovation, and we, like so many organisations and event organisers in the sector have been emboldened and enriched by what has been made possible by organisations such as StreamGM.

“I would also like to stress that the event was very much a partnership, with the team bringing a huge amount of value, beyond just the streaming technology itself. The extra marketing support, and connection to their own networks and expertise where instrumental in the success of the event.

Ed O’Brien from Radiohead speaking to Louder Than War’s John Robb (picture Brendan Clayton)

“Now that we have worked in this hybrid format it is certainly something we will look to continue, even as we look forward to once again welcoming hundreds of music professionals back to the city for future editions.”

StreamGM were delighted to be able to work with UnConvention to broadcast the event, opening up important conversations about the future of the music industry to thousands of people all over the world.

Do you have a gig, event or festival in Greater Manchester coming up, and are thinking about livestreaming it? Drop us a line and we will see if we can help!