Rapid Response for a Virtual Summit

Back in March, as the COVID-19 crisis accelerated and urgency for action intensified, O’Keefe was selected by BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization) to produce a rapid-response webcast to replace a prior-planned plenary session. Like the world around us, the scope and plan for the event changed dramatically every day.

But, the importance of bringing together biotech innovators, government agencies, leading academics, and infectious disease experts to convey critical updates on vaccine research and their work to fight the coronavirus never changed. Neither did our commitment, as BIO’s production partner, to help make this event a virtual reality.

As societal factors beyond our control triggered an instant shift to remote communications, we stayed in control of content management, presenter coordination, and technical logistics. In less than two weeks, we innovated a fully-remote production studio and support team, and kept the event on track for a live webcast.

Remote presenters included Ambassador Deborah Birx, MD, from the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and others from NCIRD, NIAD, and the CDC. While the ways we live, work, and approach events were transforming in real-time, we worked as a team to produce a truly significant virtual session with and for those on the front lines.