Third-Annual SVG Teams Summit Assembles Pro Franchises To Talk Production, Technology, Fan Engagement

Studio ops, drone use, content creation are major topics of the virtual meeting

Production leaders from pro teams and franchises across the country came together virtually on Tuesday for the third-annual SVG Teams Summit. Always trying to dazzle diehard supporters and attract new fans, professional sports teams keep an eye out for the next big innovation. Since launching in 2021, the SVG Teams Summit has become the annual central meeting place where geographically diverse production innovators learn, network, and share ideas virtually.

This year’s event provided an update on the latest developments for studio-based productions, how organizations are developing new ways to connect with audiences, the growing use of drones and other aerial camera systems, and a look at the latest technologies and workflows that help generate content.

The day kicked off with a focus on systems integration and facility-based productions. Over the past year, a handful of teams have opened the doors to brand-new production facilities, including the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins. Team representatives and leading system integrators discussed the Falcons’ and Dolphins’ new buildings, explaining the development process, the long-lasting challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, examples of content produced, and the infrastructure for the shows.

Next up, Chyron presented a case study on how Sweden’s Sportsground AB is expanding production services with cloud-native platforms. The company offers recognized experts in live production for football, hockey, and other emerging sports markets in Sweden. Already proficient in full-featured remote production on a tight schedule, Sportsground has begun using Chyron LIVE — a cloud-native production platform for switching, graphics, and illustrated replay — to increase its project bandwidth, realize new efficiencies, and make broadcast-grade production values accessible to a wider spectrum of sports organizations.

“The Digital Connection” panel spotlighted how clubs are directly connecting to fans. As linear channels continue to drive traditional viewership, franchises are working hard to create new ways of grabbing the attention of younger demographics. Leveraging the power of mobile-based apps and live streaming, speakers from the University of South Carolina, OEG Sports & Entertainment, and Sport and Story explained how they are engaging fans through newly launched platforms and unique broadcasting ideas, the production techniques deployed in these endeavors, and interdepartmental collaboration within each organization.

All eyes took to the sky next, with a panel dedicated to drones and how teams can showcase their venues through aerial footage. Ever since the inception of cameras on helicopters, teams have been infatuated with providing aerial views that humans are incapable of seeing on their own. Over time, devices like high-speed drones have taken over this sector by squeezing through tight spaces and soaring in areas of venues that have never been seen before. Content leaders from the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Chiefs joined drone-production experts from JayByrd Films and Sky Candy Studios in describing the thought process behind these creative pieces, the technology enabling these shots, the challenges that come with each scene, and how this style of cinematic footage is impacting fans’ relationship with their home stadium or arena.

The day closed with a Tech Focus session on studio-based workflows. New studios and facilities may be absolutely gorgeous on the inside, but the buildings would be nothing without the behind-the-scenes hardware and software. Technology leaders from Signiant, Sony, and Riedel took the virtual stage to discuss their latest broadcast equipment, how teams are accelerating cloud-based and remote resources, and more.

This year’s SVG Teams Summit was made possible by sponsors Chyron, Riedel, Sony, and Signiant.

All sessions from the 2023 SVG Teams Summit will be available in the coming weeks on our exclusive SVG PLAY platform.