How a local event production company adapted to the pandemic
Brookfield native Christian Dennik helps make events happen.
It’s what he does. It’s what he’s always done.
But at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Dennik, the president and founder of Walden Production Resources Inc., said that about 13 events the event technology resource business was involved with were either cancelled or moved to virtual events.
Dennik didn’t panic. adapted and innovated.
Walden Production Resources handles the creative, technological, logistical and other aspects of events and fundraisers
“We sat down and said, well, what can we do,” Dennik said.
From using the Milwaukee Bucks’ official in-game DJ,”DJ Shawna” Nicols, to using special online features to chat, view and be a participant in a virtual event experience — Walden Production Resources has successfully adapted how
Instead, he it operates during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s been interesting. It’s been fun and exciting,” Dennik said.
It has adapted so well that the business even received an award from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) as part of its We’re All Innovating contest.
The contest was started to “recognize and promote the creative ways startups and small businesses are adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to a news release.
“It was very exciting for us to get the recognition,” Dennik said.
“The bigger point of it is we’re still able to keep people connected, when the idea is to stay safe,” he added.
Walden has helped host events and fundraisers for many local business and nonprofits, including Habitat for Humanity, Walnut Way and Revitalize Milwaukee.
The event production resource company has still been able to have keynote speakers and breakout sessions during its events.
How they do it
Dennik said the Pewaukee-based company quickly adapted after events started to cancel.
There’s still entertainment. There are still speakers. But now it’s from the comfort of home, and Walden Production Resources brings the event to you, online.
“The solution we took is let’s create something of our own that’s going to serve event customers,” Dennik said.
Dennik said every event is customized, designed for each user.
The link is a custom link, and the platform used is designed for each event as well.
Engagement is key, Dennik said. “How do we keep people engaged? How do we keep people interested?” he said. “But also how do we keep these people together?”
Walden uses tools for face-to-face video chat, similar to if you were at an event in person.
“You and I could be attending an event together, but if you and I want to have our own side conversation, you and I can do that through our platform,” Dennik explained.
The company has also been able to bring in speakers from across the country.
“They’re all so different, which I think is part of the cool thing about it. It’s just like a real in-person event. Every single in-person event is very different,” he said. “Every virtual event is very different, specific to that organization, what they’re doing and what they’re raising money for.”
Dennik has partnered with local musicians and entertainers, including Evan Christian and DJ Bizzon — two Milwaukee musicians.
They help with event videography and live streaming. The business can also create custom graphics for the event.
Where it began
Dennik said he used to help with the behind-the-scene production of the musicals at Brookfield Central High School, where he attended school.
The musicals were held at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield.
The person who was the technical director there offered him his first job.
“My first job in this industry was at the Wilson Center in Brookfield,” he said. “And that’s where I learned the skills and I learned the trade and fell in love with the business.”
Learn more about the business at www.wprna.com