Live Scribing for Hybrid Events: Case Study of an Interactive Strategy Session

Last year, I had the opportunity to live scribe at a strategy session for a client working in the renewable energy space. What was exciting about it was that the client wanted to create their new strategy document together with the employees, and wanted to visualise it in real time too.

To achieve this, we combined remote live scribing with interactive comments from the participants. Here is how it went: 

Step 1: Preparing the Base Visual for Live Scribing

We kicked off with a co-creation session where we worked together to design a base illustration that would serve as the visual foundation for the strategy. This base illustration depicted three key areas most relevant to the company’s mission, and served as an anchor for the live scribing process.

Having this illustration as a starting point was beneficial because it gave participants a visual framework to organise their thoughts and comments. Instead of working with a blank canvas, we had a visual structure that allowed each participant to connect their ideas to specific parts of the illustration. This made the process of visualizing the strategy much more focused and productive.

Step 2: Connecting Remotely for Live Scribing

The great thing about live scribing is that I can connect to any session anywhere in the world! So while there strategy session was happening in Washington, DC, I was connecting comfortable from Brussels via Teams.

While I was listening to the presentations,  the event organisers set up a Mural board (an online tool for virtual collaboration), where they had already uploaded the base illustration. Participants then placed virtual post-it notes next to different parts of the illustration, which I could then visualise in real-time.

To make it even more interactive, I used my iPad to project my live scribing onto the screen during the event, allowing participants to watch the visual evolve throughout the session.

Step 3: Finalising the Visual Strategy Document

As the session progressed, I continued to transform participants’ comments and ideas into visuals, and the strategy document began to take shape.

At the end of the session, we had a final visual summary that encapsulated the collective work of the entire team. This approach wasn’t just about creating a document—it was about creating a visual that represented the collaborative effort of everyone involved.

The Lasting Impact of the Visual Strategy

After the session, the client provided feedback on the visual. I made some final adjustments, and the project was complete. Since then, the client has told me that they use the visual summary in meetings when explaining their strategy to potential partner organisations. It’s become a key reference point that they revisit regularly as a reminder of their commitment to a low-carbon future.

Why Live Scribing Works for Strategy Sessions

Live scribing is a powerful tool for aligning teams and creating shared visions. By combining real-time visual feedback with collaborative co-creation, you’re able to produce a dynamic, engaging strategy that resonates with everyone involved. It’s a great way to foster engagement, and build alignment from the ground up.

So, if you’re looking for a way to elevate your strategy sessions and truly engage your team in the process, live scribing may just be the thing you are looking for.