Back in July, I was invited to the annual conference of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), where experts gathered to discuss disinformation in today’s media environment, the role of online platforms, potential regulatory options, and more. These are complex, technical subjects, so the organizers wanted to add a creative touch to the event. That’s when they decided to include live scribing.

What is live scribing and how does it make events better?

Live scribing is a process where an artist draws in real-time, capturing the main points and ideas of a conversation as it unfolds. It’s a powerful way to help attendees visually follow the conversation and absorb the key ideas in a way that’s both engaging and memorable.

At the EDMO event, we used two projectors in the main auditorium. As I worked, my drawings were projected on a large screen for the audience to see evolve from a blank canvas into a visual summary of the discussion. Watching the drawing take shape gave everyone a unique, behind-the-scenes view of the process — and helped to reinforce what was being said. For many attendees, seeing the key takeaways visually played a big role in improving understanding and retention.

How live scribing contributes to a better attendee experience

Live scribing has many benefits for event attendees, and I saw this firsthand at EDMO. Here are a few ways it made the event better:

1. Keeps the Audience Focused
   Attendees could follow the drawings as they developed, which helped keep their attention on the main points. Live scribing offers a way to visually anchor the conversation, making it easier to stay engaged and follow the flow of ideas.

2. Provides a Visual Reference
   If someone missed an important point or needed a quick refresher, they could glance back at the evolving drawing. It was a visual reminder of what had been said, helping attendees stay on track and catch up if they’d fallen behind.

3. Helps Retain Key Insights
   After a long day of sessions, having a visual summary of each discussion helped attendees remember the key takeaways. The combination of words and images made it easier to hold on to the main ideas and recall them later, even after the event was over.

4. Visually Reinforces Key Messages
   The act of illustrating the main points as they were discussed reinforced the core messages. Live scribing provides a tangible, creative translation of the speaker’s message, making it more memorable for everyone.

The added value of projecting live scribing

At first, I was hesitant about projecting my live scribing process onto large screens during the conference. I wondered if it might distract from the speakers or take away from their message. But after seeing my drawings used in the EDMO conference, I have to say my views have completely changed. The visuals didn’t compete with the speakers but rather enhanced the experience. The drawings became an integral part of the event, helping to anchor the audience’s attention and make the content more impactful.

The decision by EDMO to project the drawings added a bold, creative layer to the event that I will definitely advocate for in the future.

If you’re considering adding live scribing to your next event, I’d love to help make it happen. Reach out, and we can discuss how live scribing can enhance your event and leave your attendees with a lasting visual record.