Monét A. Ledbetter-Glaude Of Inet Productions Inc.: 5 Things You Need To Know To Successfully Run a Live Virtual Event

An Interview With Fotis Georgiadis

Test your live stream in advance and make sure all your software is updated. This is done so there are no technical difficulties.

As a part of our series about “5 Things You Need To Know To Successfully Run a Live Virtual Event”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Angel Mone’t.

Monét A. Ledbetter-Glaude better known as (“Ms. Angel Monét”), is a songwriter, performer, vocalist, pianist, playwright and is the creator of “Jack’s World”, a children’s family musical filled with inspirational messages of Love, Family and Self-Esteem. Ms. Angel Mone’t is also the President of Inét Productions Inc. (www.inetproductionsinc.com), a music production company that specializes in the development of instrumental, vocal, performance skills and her children’s music program, “Peppy People’s Music” which provides a multicultural music curriculum with resources that teach children the fundamentals of music and addresses the needs of music in early childhood education.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit more about you. Can you tell us a bit about your “childhood backstory”?

I was blessed to have a wonderful childhood. I grew up with supportive parents and three loving siblings. One thing I loved doing at a very young age was playing the piano, singing and writing songs. The piano was how I expressed myself. I used the piano to get all my thoughts and feelings out as it became my outlet. When my friends were outside playing, I would be in the house for hours playing the piano. By the time I turned nine years old, I would sit in my room writing and performing skits. This was the start of my experience producing plays. I was active in the church and also participated in Girl Scouts and the 4-H Club. At age fourteen I started playing professionally in the church. A couple of years later I joined a local gospel group called the Mighty Quintets. We traveled all through the Midwest and south as the opening act for the professional gospel group Maggie Ingram and Ingramettes. I graduated from John Yeates high School and later attended Berklee College of Music.

Can you tell us the story of what led you to this particular career path?

When I was little, I knew music was the career path I was born to take. Although I had a love and passion for music, seeing how it had the power to make people feel better about their circumstances, lift their souls and encourage them motivated me to want to pursue the career path of becoming a musician. I’ve always loved to encourage and empower people. But having the opportunity to do this through my music is something I knew I would always do. I also loved being able to create something and share it with the world. Music has the power to make people happier, healthier, and more connected.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I remember being very nervous before performing in a talent show. When my name was called, I walked on stage to the piano and forgot some of the words. I couldn’t show that to the audience, so I started making up words and improvising throughout the song. I believe I saved myself from major embarrassment but wasn’t sure if the words even made since once I was done. It was an unforgettable experience. That experience taught me to relax more and practice breathing exercises to help me be calm before a show. A few years later I managed a teen band called So Amazing. During black history month, the band had the opportunity to perform at a major event. I was so nervous and excited about the performance I forgot my shoes at home, and I ended up wearing my bedroom slippers instead. I learned to slow down and breathe and always have a checklist before an event.

Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

The Bible — In the bible there are stories to inspire and encourage you during times of trials and tribulations. The word of God has had a significant impact on my life. It’s the word that gives me the faith to pursue my goals and dreams. When I’m feeling down or discouraged, I will read a passage in the bible, and it always encourages me to not give up. It is the word of God that has kept me together during some of the most difficult times in my life. The film Fame that came out in the 80’s made a significant impact on my life. The movie showed students at a performing arts school from all walks of life pursuing their dreams through perseverance and hard work to obtain their dreams. Fame was the ultimate goal. Seeing Artist in different disciplines of the Arts was refreshing to me. It taught me that if I wanted to be a professional Artist, I had to work hard by practicing and believing in myself.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

My favorite “Life Lesson Quote” is “A closed mouth will not get fed” — this phrase has been with me forever — I don’t hesitate to ask for help or ask questions if I do not know something. If you don’t ask for what you need or for what you want, you will never know of the possibilities.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. For the benefit of our readers, can you tell us a bit about your experience organizing events in general?

I have many years of experience organizing events. Throughout my childhood, I was helping to organize events for the gospel group I was part of. I helped to organize our anniversary show and the fundraiser when we had to raise money for our different expenses in the group. After college, organizing events took off when I started my own business called Inet Productions, a music production company that provides private and group instructions, children’s music programming, and music entertainment. For example, I would have various events during the year for my students, such as music bingo night, and holiday parties. My major event during the year was the annual music recital. This was a showcase for my students to perform for their families and friends. During this time, I would also recognize them for their accomplishments throughout the year. I also produced and directed an original stage play called Jacks World. This is a children’s musical about a boy searching for love and family. In addition, I organized various events for my inspirational teen band called So Amazing Band and more. Since COVID and not being able to meet in person with my students and others, God gave me the vision to do the Ms. Angel Monet show, and virtual award shows. Although, The Ms. Angel Mone’t Show was not able to meet in person, I still felt it was important to empower and inspire children and still recognize people for their accomplishments. We have done various award shows, for example, we had an award show for teachers and ministries. To date, I am working on a music festival for the House of Inspiration Network called the HOI Family Music and Arts Festival scheduled for July 29, 2023.

Can you tell us a bit about your experience organizing live virtual events? Can you share any interesting stories about them?

I have many years of experience organizing events. Throughout my childhood, I was helping to organize events for the gospel group I was part of. I helped to organize our anniversary show and the fundraiser when we had to raise money for our different expenses in the group. After college, organizing events took off when I started my own business called Inet Productions, a music production company that provides private and group instructions, children’s music programming, and music entertainment. For example, I would have various events during the year for my students, such as music bingo night, and holiday parties. My major event during the year was the annual music recital. This was a showcase for my students to perform for their families and friends. During this time, I would also recognize them for their accomplishments throughout the year. I also produced and directed an original stage play called Jacks World. This is a children’s musical about a boy searching for love and family. In addition, I organized various events for my inspirational teen band called So Amazing Band and more. Since COVID and not being able to meet in person with my students and others, God gave me the vision to do the Ms. Angel Monet show, and virtual award shows. Although, The Ms. Angel Mone’t Show was not able to meet in person, I still felt it was important to empower and inspire children and still recognize people for their accomplishments. We have done various award shows, for example, we had an award show for teachers and ministries. To date, I am working on a music festival for the House of Inspiration Network called the HOI Family Music and Arts Festival scheduled for July 29, 2023.

In your opinion, what is an example of a company that has done a fantastic job creating live virtual events? What specifically impresses you? What can one do to replicate that?

A great example of a company that has done a fantastic job creating live virtual events would be the Massachusetts Conference for Women — this virtual conference is so well organized and put together — breakout rooms, content, informative, sponsors, presenters, and user-friendly. To replicate such an intricate event would require a dedicated group of knowledgeable people to host, engineer and well-prepared to run the event.

What are the common mistakes you have seen people make when they try to run a live virtual event? What can be done to avoid those errors?

Not starting their live virtual event on time due to technical difficulties. It’s always a good idea to have a technical/dress rehearsal before your live event. This way you can lessen your chances of technical issues or timing troubles on the day of your event. Some issues may arise regardless, but most can be avoided with a little bit of practice. A week before an award show we have presenters join in from the room and computer they will be using to present on the day of the event. This allows them to test their camera, lighting, and audio. We also test the PowerPoint and supporting videos they may be using. This helps to identify glitches beforehand and gives everyone involved time to practice. We run through the entire program as if it were live. Writing out a timeline of the show and sticking to it as much as possible would avoid the show running too long.

Which virtual platform have you found to be most effective to be able to bring everyone together virtually?

Using OBS in conjunction with Zoom streaming on YouTube and Facebook.

Are there any essential tools or software that you think an event organizer needs to know about?

Google applications and Microsoft Office is a good software to use because using the excel sheets is good for writing out a timeline to share with everyone.

Ok. Thank you for all that. Here is the main question of our discussion. An in-person event can have a certain electric energy. How do you create an engaging and memorable event when everyone is separated and in their own homes? What are the “Five Things You Need To Know To Successfully Run a Live Virtual Event” and why?

An interesting Topic to discuss along with exciting guest helps to create an engaging and memorable event. The first thing I do is to meet with the HOI (House of Inspiration Network) team and let them know the idea I have for a show. Next, the team and I meet to talk about the ideas and put them to action by inviting the guest to be on the show. Once we have the interviewees and the date is set, we are ready for the show. We try and make people feel welcome from the very beginning by introducing our guest, having good eye contact, smiles, pleasant facial expressions, looking into the camera, being well prepared, and portraying excitement.

For my Children’s shows, I use puppets, upbeat music, lots of smiles and look directly into the camera to ensure good eye contact with the children. Calling and singing their names is a sure way to keep them engaged.

“Five Things You Need To Know To Successfully Run a Live Virtual Event” and why?

1. Know your objective — You need to know what it is you hope to achieve by putting together your virtual show.
2. Know what virtual platform you will use for your show along with technical needs such as microphones, headsets, interface, internet, lighting and laptop/desktop.
3. Write out a timeline and script so the show doesn’t run too long as well as keep the guest and yourself on topic
4. Test your live stream in advance and make sure all your software is updated. This is done so there are no technical difficulties.
5. Relax and have fun. Your energy creates the atmosphere of calmness or chaos.

Let’s imagine that someone reading this interview has an idea for a live virtual event that they would like to develop. What are the first few steps that you would recommend that they take?

1. Set your objective — know what you want to accomplish by putting on a live virtual event.
2. Know your audience.
3. Make sure you have all the technical supplies you need for your live virtual event.
4. A good virtual platform, good lighting, headsets, interface, internet, lighting and a laptop/desktop.

Super. We are nearly done. Here are our final questions. You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

Bringing people together to invest in the movement of Love, Respect, and Self Esteem through music and performing arts.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.

Tyler Perry — He has been very inspirational to me in how he has been very successful in producing his plays and movies. His messages of hope are inspirational and speak to real-life situations. I admire his wisdom tenacity ambition, fortitude, resilience, and his willingness to help others. I have followed the career of Tyler Perry and I know it was not easy for him but he never gave up. I feel we have so much in common around our desire and will to pour hope and positive messages into people all over the world. He is a determined individual who believes in God and has faith to work hard to overcome any obstacles. He truly was my inspiration when I was producing my Children’ family musical “Jack’s World”. I would love to one day collaborate with him on my project or better yet have him produce my musical Jack’s World!

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

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Monét A. Ledbetter-Glaude Of Inet Productions Inc: 5 Things You Need To Know To Successfully Run a was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.