Case Study

Transforming Sustainability - A Virtual and Hybrid Success for the Pet Sustainability Coalition

OVERVIEW

In 2020, the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) set out to pivot their annual Impact Unleashed conference to a completely virtual format—without sacrificing the professionalism and community spirit that define their organization. PSC turned to Earth Coast Productions (ECP) for a live-broadcast production solution that would ensure a polished, interactive, and truly memorable experience for their sponsors, attendees, and speakers alike.


What began as an urgent move to keep the conference alive during the pandemic evolved into a multi-year partnership. Together, PSC and ECP have produced multiple virtual, in-person, and hybrid events—including PSC UnPacked and subsequent Impact Unleashed conferences—demonstrating that sustainability, professional event execution, and audience engagement can thrive in any setting.

The CHALLENGE

Pivoting to a Virtual Format without Compromising Quality

  • Maintaining Professional Standards Traditionally, Impact Unleashed was an in-person event, drawing industry leaders, sponsors, and members committed to a more sustainable pet industry. PSC wanted to move beyond basic “talking-head” video calls by offering a high-production, TV-broadcast feel that would keep attendees engaged and reflect their forward-thinking brand.

  • Ensuring Attendee Engagement The conference has always offered powerful networking and interaction. PSC needed to replicate these social elements—everything from virtual lounges and breakout rooms to meaningful sponsor exhibits and live Q&A sessions.
  • Freeing PSC’s Internal Team PSC sought a partner who could handle the technical production and platform management, letting their staff focus on speaker curation, sponsorship relationships, and content development.
  • Creating a Sustainable Model for Future Events Beyond the immediate circumstances, PSC aimed to build a repeatable framework that could support fully virtual, hybrid, or traditional in-person conferences, depending on evolving conditions.

The SOLUTION

A Comprehensive Media Partnership for Virtual and Hybrid Success

High-Quality Production Environment 

  • ECP secured a local studio, designed a custom-branded conference set, and implemented professional lighting, backdrops, and broadcast-grade audio.

  • This setup elevated Impact Unleashed well beyond standard online events, reinforcing PSC’s reputation for quality.

Custom Virtual Platform Integration

  • PSC selected a custom platform, relying on ECP to manage the technical implementation—from virtual lobbies and attendee profiles to sponsor exhibits, breakout rooms, and a networking lounge.

  • PSC’s team focused on content while ECP coordinated directly with third-party technicians and handled all the complex “tech speak.”

Speaker Onboarding & Training

  • To ensure a smooth experience for presenters, ECP conducted Tech Checks and one-on-one tutorials.

  • Speakers praised this hands-on approach, noting how user-friendly the platform felt and the relief of having professional backup in the event of technical glitches.

Engagement Tools & Networking Innovations

  • ECP set up live polls, real-time Q&A, and private chat features to recreate the energy of in-person conferences.

  • Sponsors appreciated dedicated “virtual booths” where they could interact with attendees, while networking lounges facilitated peer-to-peer connections.

Content Enrichment & Media Library

  • ECP recorded keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and attendee interactions, giving PSC a valuable library of evergreen content.

  • These assets have been repurposed for highlight reels, social media, and educational modules for PSC’s broader community.

SPECIFIC IMPACT & METRICS

Attendance Doubled

Before partnering with ECP, PSC’s events were limited to those able to attend in person. Once virtual (and eventually hybrid) options became available, overall attendance effectively doubled, as individuals who could not travel in the past now participated online.

Increased Sponsor Revenue

By integrating virtual “exhibit halls,” prominent brand placements, and interactive sponsor hubs, PSC offered new avenues for sponsorship, boosting event profitability and enhancing sponsor value.

Heightened Engagement

  • Polls and Q&A sessions consistently drew strong participation, validating that attendees felt active and included.
  • Both in-person and virtual attendees noted the high production quality, applauding PSC for delivering an event that felt far beyond a typical webinar format.

Positive Attendee & Speaker Feedback

  • Attendees praised the ease of networking and the polished broadcast environment.
  • Speakers appreciated ECP’s thorough Tech Check process, which minimized last-minute technical mishaps and allowed them to focus on delivering valuable insights.

Sustainable Event Model

Building on the success of fully virtual conferences, PSC and ECP have since collaborated on hybrid events, proving the flexibility and staying power of this enhanced production model.

 

LOOKING AHEAD

PSC continues to leverage data collected from these events to refine ticketing structures, expand sponsor opportunities, and shape future content. By combining the best of in-person engagement with robust online accessibility, PSC stands ready to further its mission of a more sustainable pet industry—reaching new audiences and forging stronger partnerships.

WHY EARTH COAST PRODUCTIONS?

  • Dedicated Expertise: ECP specializes in live-broadcast production, ensuring every detail—from set design to final stream—is handled with precision.

  • Full-Service Partnership: We immerse ourselves in your vision, coordinating with platform providers, training speakers, and managing show flow so you can focus on delivering great content.

  • Proven Success: Our ongoing partnership with PSC highlights how professional event production can not only preserve but elevate the energy of in-person gatherings in a virtual or hybrid format.

“Working with Earth Coast has been a game-changer for our events. Their professionalism, efficiency, and commitment to quality shine through at every stage—from strategy to final broadcast.” – Key PSC Stakeholder

Through collaboration, innovation, and meticulous production, Earth Coast Productions and the Pet Sustainability Coalition have successfully navigated changing event landscapes—proving that compelling, community-driven experiences can thrive on any platform.


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