Three Interview Setups That Instantly Level Up Your Event Content

One thing I’ve noticed time and time again is that people often leave interview setups at events to the very last minute. It’s usually a quick “grab a camera, throw up a light in the corner” kind of situation. And while that can technically work, there’s a much better way to do it.

With just a bit of planning, you can get some genuinely impressive results without adding much to your workload. So in this post, I want to walk you through three types of interview setups that I personally love to use at events, and why each one works so well.

1. Classic Vox Pops: Quick, Energetic, and Event-Driven

This is probably the most popular style of interview, especially at busy events. Someone with a handheld mic chats to attendees, speakers, or award winners in a fast-paced, back-and-forth style.

The beauty of Vox Pops is that they’re super quick and simple to do. The one thing that most people mess up, is not using an experienced interviewer. Pro tip: don’t just throw your intern or someone from marketing into the role unless they’re genuinely comfortable on camera and can think on their feet. A skilled interviewer makes all the difference at getting the best out of the subject while also making them feel comfortable.

If done correctly, this setup brings a real sense of energy and consistency to your event footage. It’s dynamic, it’s in the moment, and it feels very connected to the live experience.

2. Controlled Studio Setups: Polished, Versatile, and High-End

For more premium events, or if you want content that extends beyond the event itself, a studio-style interview setup can work wonders. And honestly, setting up a controlled environment isn’t as complicated as it sounds.

More and more, I’m finding that we’re able to secure a separate room at the venue, often a spare meeting room or breakout space. We’ll bring in a three-point lighting setup, a clean backdrop, a boom mic for crystal-clear audio, and just like that, you’ve got a mini studio on-site.

What’s great about this setup is that the content you produce isn’t tied only to the context of the event. The interviews might be happening at the event, but they can be used far beyond it. You get high-quality footage that works perfectly for your event recap video, but also holds up on social media, your website, and branded content campaigns.

You can record longer interviews, control the environment, and make sure everything looks and sounds great. Everyone’s dressed up and camera-ready, and the content feels elevated and timeless.

3. Live Conversation Interviews: Engaging, Authentic, and Podcast-Like

This last one is a personal favourite. Right after someone finishes their presentation, instead of letting them simply walk off stage, why not bring them into a live conversation format?

You can set this up just off-stage or in a designated area with a few chairs, a bottle of water, and a host ready to dive into a short discussion. It’s relaxed, it’s conversational, long format and it gives the audience that extra insight once the event is over.

This style is picking up traction. It brings depth, energy, and a fresh take on the traditional post-talk format.

My Final Thoughts

Whether you go with the fast-and-fun Vox Pop, a polished studio-style setup, or an engaging live interview, the key is to plan ahead. A little bit of intention goes a long way in creating content that doesn’t just document your event, but elevates it.

And remember, no matter which format you choose, always use someone who knows how to conduct a great interview. It’s the difference between average footage and content that actually connects.