Host a Webcast Event Dry Run
The Pre-Production setting is enabled in Webcast settings and allows Event Admins and Hosts to run one or more test runs (dry runs) of the event before the Main Event. Once the Pre-Production setting is enabled, additional option(s) to configure pre-production become available.
Note that these test runs are not visible to the main event attendees. Those attendees will be unaware of the test runs and the event will appear as if it has not yet started.
To enable Pre-Production Time:1. Navigate the Event Calendar and create or edit an existing Webcast.
2. Select Enabled next to the Pre-Production in the Basic Settings section. Set the additional settings that then become available:
a. Enter a Pre-Production Time Duration in hours and minutes (00:00). This will be the period of time before the start of the Main Event that the event Host can run one or more test runs (dry runs). For example, if your Webcast starts at 9:00 a.m. and you enter 30 minutes in this field, you may conduct your dry runs and test your event beginning at 8:30 a.m. until the start of your Main Event at 9:00 a.m.
b. Enter any additional Pre-Production Attendees. Event Hosts and Moderators are added automatically. Note: The list of pre-production attendees is a separate list from the list of Main Event attendees and provides the ability to select different people to participate in testing the dry run versus attending the Main Event if desired.
Caution: If leveraging pre-production, the Lobby Time for your event should be shorter in duration than the Pre-Production Time Duration. That is, if your Lobby Time is set to 30 minutes, then your Pre-Production Time Duration should be more than 30 minutes. |
3. During the Pre-Production window you have set, the Webcast Landing Page will display a Start Pre-Production button instead of a Start Webcast button. See: The Webcast Landing Page
Note: You will still need to Broadcast your Pre-Production event for your Pre-Production attendees to view it just as you would a Main Event. |
4. To end your Pre-Production dry run and start your Main Event, click the End Pre-Production button.
5. You will return to the Webcast Landing Page where you can click the Start Webcast button as you normally would at its regular Start Time. See: Host a Production Webcast
Keep in mind:
●This setting is disabled by default.
●If the event Start Time is modified, the Pre-Production Duration (and total event time) is updated accordingly automatically (once the event is saved initially).
●Webcast reservations for technical resources (DMEs, presentation profiles, etc.) will now include the total event time plus any pre-production time needed/set.
●DMEs may not be updated during pre-production.
●During the pre-production webcast period, the Webcast Admins/Hosts will be able to start and stop Webcast pre-production broadcasting and there will be on-screen indicators to all roles that it is a pre-production version of the event and not the main Webcast event.
●Webcast analytics reports are now separated and differentiated by “Main Event” and “Pre-Production” added to report titles.
○See: Event Analytics and Quality of Experience Reports and Download the Webcast Event Attendees Report.
Pre-Production FAQs
Do attendees of the Main Event see what the Pre-Production attendees see?
Only designated pre-production attendees can see the event during a Pre-Production dry run. Any actions that you take while in Pre-Production will only affect those designated attendees. This allows you peace of mind when doing a test run of your event in Pre-Production.
How do I end Pre-Production and go directly into the Main Event?
To start the Main Event webcast, simply click on the End Pre-Production button and then click Start Webcast on the Webcast Landing page. This will launch your webcast and you can broadcast your event whenever you are ready.
Do changes I make during Pre-Production impact the Main Event?
Yes, the Pre-Production feature allows you to test, change, and save the settings of your Event. You do not need to remember the changes and apply them anywhere else because it’s the same event.
How long of a Pre-Production test should I run?
You can test your webcast for up to 72 hours before it starts. We find that most people test their event either the day before or the day of the Main Event. However, you have the flexibility to test your Event in Pre-Production for multiple days before it begins.
Should I test my event in Pre-Production?
In addition to added confidence when you start your Event, there are scenarios where Pre-Production testing is recommended:
●You want to broadcast your Pre-Production test to a set of attendees
●You are setting up a new Presentation Profile and want to make sure it works
How are analytics reported for Pre-Production?
Analytics for the pre-production session are reported separately. This allows you to clearly see the attendees and performance of your Webcast. View analytics topics referenced above for more information.