Duncan Bell, co-founder and director of Branchout Productions talks to PA Life about how to elevate events to deliver the best they can. He draws from over 30 years of industry experience that has built him a solid reputation in event production that combines storytelling with strategic branding. Today, his work spans across commercial, social, live events, and original media, with a focus on innovation, audience growth, and high-quality visual production across platforms and formats…
From brief to brilliance: How PAs can elevate internal events
Branchout Productions has seen the corporate events landscape evolve significantly over the 30 years it has created live, hybrid and virtual events. Today, organisations are looking for more than just a venue and AV setup – they want events that deliver clear business objectives, engage audiences and run seamlessly from start to finish.
“Internal events such as town halls, sales kick-offs, conferences and leadership meetings have become much more experienced-led,” says Duncan Bell, Director, Branchout Productions. “Clients are prioritising engagement, efficiency and reliability. They need events that not only look professional but also communicate the right message and reflect their company culture, whether the audience is attending in person, virtually or through a hybrid format.”
For many Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants and event organisers, technical production can feel daunting – especially when event planning is added to an already busy workload. According to Duncan Bell the most important step is involving the right production partner early in the process.
“Early planning is everything. Understanding the venue, logistics, timings, audience experience and technical requirements upfront can prevent costly issues later. We often help clients identify potential venue pitfalls, hidden costs or technical limitations before they become problems.”
Having a single production partner managing multiple elements of an event can also make a significant difference. Rather than coordinating separate suppliers for staging, lighting, sound, video, set design and floristry, clients increasingly value having one experienced team overseeing the full picture.
“Our role is to remove stress and reduce workload. We can take on as much or as little as a client needs, from concept creation and presentation design through to technical delivery and on-site management. It saves time, reduces back-and-forth decision making and gives clients reassurance that every detail is being looked after.”
Budget pressures remain a reality across the corporate events sector, but Duncan believes high-impact events are still achievable with the right approach.
The size of a budget doesn’t need to be the measure of a successful event
“It’s not always about spending more – it’s about spending smarter. We work closely with clients to prioritise where budget will have the biggest impact and where efficiencies can be made. Pre-visualisation tools can also help stakeholders sign off ideas early, reducing costly last-minute changes.”
Audio-visual production continues to play a major role in audience engagement, particularly as businesses compete for attention in hybrid and in-person environments.
“Lighting, sound and video should support the messaging, not overpower it. Strong presentation design, clear audio, dynamic visuals and well-planned staging all help create a more immersive and memorable experience.”
While some venues encourage clients to use in-house suppliers, Duncan says independent production partners can often provide greater flexibility and client advocacy.
Relying on in-house production can sometimes limit consistency, whereas partnering with Branchout brings a dependable, proven approach to every event. With a focus on quality, hands-on support, and an experienced crew, clients know exactly what to expect. Working with a trusted production partner removes uncertainty and ensures a consistently high standard from start to finish.
An event partner should help you elevate your event
“We can work in any venue and act as a trusted partner throughout the process. Our job is to protect the client’s interests, foresee challenges, manage last-minute changes and ensure the event runs smoothly from start to finish.”
Ultimately, successful corporate events come down to trusted partnerships, attention to detail and having the right team in place behind the scenes. By working with an experienced production partner, EAs and PAs can focus on their day-to-day responsibilities with confidence, knowing every aspect of the event is being professionally managed and delivered to the highest standard.
Ready to make your next internal event unforgettable? Branchout Productions help EAs and PAs deliver professional, engaging events with confidence. Contact the team today to start planning your next event.
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