Behind the Scenes

I work with organisations to make in-person, virtual and hybrid events they feel coherent, engaging, and purposeful.

My role is not event planning or technical delivery. I work on the people, content, structure, and flow behind an event, helping the different elements connect so the experience makes sense.

I’m typically brought in when an event has a lot of content, speakers, or moving parts, but needs someone to help make it all work together.

What I Do

Speaker Onboarding & Content Alignment

I work closely with speakers to ensure their contributions fit the overall narrative of the event. This can include:

  • Onboarding speakers to the event’s story, objectives, and audience

  • Reviewing presentation content for clarity and relevance

  • Helping speakers understand how their session connects to the wider programme

This ensures consistency of message and confidence in delivery.

Multilingual & International Audiences

Where events involve real-time interpretation, I support the storytelling process by:

  • Providing interpreters with content and context in advance

  • Clarifying key terminology, themes, and narrative intent

  • Helping ensure consistency of meaning across languages

This helps international audiences experience the event as it was intended.

Editorial Run of Show & Content Flow

I provide editorial input into the run of show so content unfolds smoothly for the audience. This includes:

  • Reviewing presentation decks to ensure videos are not embedded and can be played separately

  • Checking video content for clear entry and exit points

  • Advising the technical team on timing, transitions, and narrative sequencing

This helps ensure the event feels intentional rather than fragmented.

Editorial Programme Design

I create event programmes from scratch or reshape existing agendas so they flow naturally and hold attention.

This includes:

  • Structuring sessions and transitions for clarity and momentum

  • Advising where content needs tightening, reordering, or rebalancing

  • Designing programmes that work equally well for virtual and in-person delegates

The focus is always on story, pacing, and audience impact rather than logistics.

Audience Engagement & Interactivity

I design story-led approaches to interactivity that support the aims of the event.

This can include:

  • Theming sessions and interactive moments

  • Devising simple exercises that reinforce key ideas

  • Ensuring interaction adds meaning rather than distraction

How I Work

  • I focus on story, structure, and audience experience

  • I work alongside event planners, producers, and technical teams

  • I act as a bridge between creative intent and technical execution

    This work complements event planning and production rather than replacing it.

Some words from clients…

  • "Paul supported and mentored the speakers to prepare them for presenting to both a live and online audience and was full of ideas to ensure that activities were inclusive for both audiences. We had great feedback from real life and virtual attendees at the event. Paul went above and beyond the call of duty and was a pleasure to work with at all times. We are looking forward to running many more hybrid events in the future!"

    —Becki Cross

    MD and Event Strategist, Events Northern

  • "I cannot thank you enough for the amazing work you did on EMEC. You met with various stakeholders for months, getting their input to design a very interactive day with chapter competitions, collaboration projects, two educational tracks, sponsor activations, keynotes etc. I appreciate the complete ownership you took given our focus with WEC, you are a true professional. Look forward to keeping the great partnership going."

    —Annette Gregg, CMM MBA

    Senior Vice President, Experience, Meeting Professionals International (MPI)

  • "Paul joined our #GMIDGoesVirtual team to assist us with content and messaging strategy for the event. He became a pivotal part of the team acting as an advisor and strategist. Paul helped us design an engaging 30 minute program that resonated with #EventProfs from around the world. Paul brought a keen eye for content design and not only did he contribute so much valuable input, he did it in a professional, pleasant and thought-provoking manner. He became a great source of support for me as we led the the team to deliver this event and I look forward to collaborating with Paul again in the future."

    —Anh Nguyen

    Principal, Spark Event Management Inc

How This Is Commissioned

Virtual and hybrid event storytelling is typically commissioned as:

  • Support for a single event or programme

  • Editorial oversight across multiple sessions or days

  • Advisory support during programme development and live delivery

Fees are agreed upfront based on scope, scale, and level of involvement.

What This Service Is Not

  • Event planning or logistics

  • Technical production or platform delivery

  • Slide design or video production

 

If you’d like to commission editorial storytelling support for a virtual or hybrid event, please contact me.

contact me