Live Illustration Delivers Engagement at Scale

Hey Meeting Planner!  My job is to make your conference content shine through live illustration. Understood one comment at a time, event attendees share this with me at every single event:

These notes are better than mine!

I had no idea what the heck you guys were talking about until he drew it for me.

So many people are visual learners- like me!

These are consistent comments- heard from large swathes of populations including 25-year-old social workers, 58-year-old heavy equipment managers, C-Suiters, academia, software developers, educators and so many more.

One at a time, these are smile-laden touchpoints.

But for an EVENT PLANNER, value erupts when the engagements represented by these comments are understood at scale.

The Six Engagements that happen at Scale via Live Illustration

Live Illustration value (spoken and unspoken) rings true for all attending your event.  Your attendees gain value when they:

• Remember what was said, multiplying speaker value beyond the moment because of visual reinforcement from the illustration.
• Appreciate your event content and see a representation from a fully engaged listener (yours truly).
• Get to laugh together at the humor captured -creating continued shared experiences for the group.
• Find entertainment from the live visual element in the gathering.
• Review an image and share with their boss and network – showcasing what they learned at your event (validating attendance).
• React to big paper event photographs posted to social media events.

Return on Investment for Live Illustration

The Return on Investment (ROI) of Live Illustration extends into three arenas

Full alignment and support of event programming

The act of live illustration reflects brightly on a speaker, panel, or group discussion.

You made him look good.

Content gains lasting power when captured onto a canvas and reviewed and photographed by attendants.  Used as a memory aid after the event, the level of comprehension and recall goes up 3-4 times because of the striking visual aids.

The new and novel

An event can be dead and lifeless if it’s perceived as the same content, same faces, and the same experience as the year before.  Live Illustration provides a unique point level of entertainment.  The act of illustration finished works, and the illustrator himself are all points of interest within an event space.

Returning next year because of the value

The cost of keeping an attendee coming back is less than the cost of winning a new attendee.  Why not reinforce the value of your conference?  Live illustrations make your event more memorable and have been used as ‘proof of learning’ to validate return tickets.

Big Paper Strategy LLC

175 Kendall Park Rd, Peninsula

5.0 32 reviews

• Katie P ★★★★★ 4 months ago

  Matt Orley was a great addition to our company event last week. Our team loved watching him work, and the live illustrations were such a fun, memorable touch. He was professional, easy to work with, and added good energy to the event. I would recommend him for any live event to add a little something extra and unexpected!

• Charlie Smith ★★★★★ 6 months ago

  Matt and Big Paper Strategy elevated our conference from a typical conference to an elevated experience for our entire company worldwide.  His ability to capture the key concepts and present them in a fun way accelerated the learning and application for those who attended.  I loved to see attendees taking pictures of the business illustrations he created.  We will absolutely use Matt and Big Paper … More Strategy again!

• Lauren Myers ★★★★★ 11 months ago

  Matt Orley came to our all-firm summer meeting and did a FANTASTIC job capturing our firm’s conversations and accomplishments. I highly recommend him for a unique experience for conferences, meetings, trade shows, etc. Matt was very easy to work with and made our experience seamless. Thank you, Matt!

• Josh Ladd ★★★★★ a year ago

  Matt was an absolute legend for our event. Not only did the board turn out phenomenally, Matt was great with our event attendees and handle the chaos of our live event with poise and grace. Could not recommend Matt more - truly a phenomenal experience (and output) working with him.

• Kareena Gibson ★★★★★ a year ago

  Matt joined us at the 2024 American Association of Service Coordinators Conference and was a HUGE hit. Education is the foundation of our annual event, and adding this visual representation of the learning elevated the experience for our participants and presenters. Our attendees loved seeing him create art right before their eyes, and we found them seeking out and studying the displayed boards in … More between sessions. Matt made the pre-event planning effortless and offered great suggestions on how best to leverage his work onsite. He was pleasant, professional and funny onsite, and became part of the team.
  We will definitely be inviting Big Paper Strategy to future AASC conferences, and I highly recommend him to any event planners. Matt will bring an element you never even realized you were missing and help you take your programs to the next level.

• Donna Robinson A4LE ★★★★★ a year ago

  When we first discovered Matt and Big Paper Strategy, we were a bit apprehensive about how this innovative enhancement would play out at our event. But let me tell you, it was a colossal success! The attendees were absolutely thrilled to see their sessions captured live, and the priceless memories created were nothing short of a masterpiece. Matt brought our sessions to life in a way that not only … More engaged but also excited everyone present, showcasing his masterful listening and artistic skills. In fact, our session speakers were so thrilled with the artwork that they wanted to take the boards home!
  Of course, every great event has its challenges. We faced a couple of hiccups, like the requirement for all materials to be recyclable at the center (goodbye foam core boards) and a shipping issue that delayed the arrival of Matt’s original sustainable boards. But true to the spirit of innovation and collaboration, Matt demonstrated extraordinary problem-solving skills and adaptability, thinking quickly on his feet to find resolutions within minutes. His flexibility and creativity turned a potential setback into opportunities for even greater engagement!
  If you’re looking to elevate your next event and create unforgettable experiences, I wholeheartedly recommend engaging Matt and Big Paper Strategy. With his talent and dedication, you can turn your sessions into vibrant visual narratives that resonate with attendees long after the event has ended. Don’t miss out on the chance to add a splash of creativity and make your next event a canvas of creativity!
  Donna Robinson, CMM, CMP
  COO, Association for Learning Environments

• Donna R-A4LE ★★★★★ a year ago

  When we first discovered Matt and Big Paper Strategy, we were a bit apprehensive about how this innovative enhancement would play out at our event. But let me tell you, it was a colossal success! The attendees were absolutely thrilled to see their sessions captured live, and the priceless memories created were nothing short of a masterpiece. Matt brought our sessions to life in a way that not only … More engaged but also excited everyone present, showcasing his masterful listening and artistic skills. In fact, our session speakers were so thrilled with the artwork that they wanted to take the boards home!
  Of course, every great event has its challenges. We faced a couple of hiccups, like the requirement for all materials to be recyclable at the center (goodbye foam core boards) and a shipping issue that delayed the arrival of Matt’s original sustainable boards. But true to the spirit of innovation and collaboration, Matt demonstrated extraordinary problem-solving skills and adaptability, thinking quickly on his feet to find resolutions within minutes. His flexibility and creativity turned a potential setback into opportunities for even greater engagement!
  If you’re looking to elevate your next event and create unforgettable experiences, I wholeheartedly recommend engaging Matt and Big Paper Strategy. With his talent and dedication, you can turn your sessions into vibrant visual narratives that resonate with attendees long after the event has ended. Don’t miss out on the chance to add a splash of creativity and make your next event a canvas of creativity!
  Donna Robinson, CMM, CMP
  COO, Association for Learning Environments

• Idaho Out-of-School Network ★★★★★ a year ago

  Matt was a brilliant addition to the Power Up Summit! He has exceptional listening skills, capturing the essence of each presentation with accuracy and creativity. His workshop was well received, his artwork lit up the halls and he was great to work with, an absolute professional!

• Libbie Buehler ★★★★★ a year ago

  Matt joined us for a business session where we had both company updates and a guest speaker on AI. This was the first time we had a graphical recorder at an event but it certainly won’t be the last. Matt’s work provided so much visual interest while the speaker spoke and gave people something to gather around while on break and during dinner. Great results and absolutely worth it. He was … More so easy to work with, too!

• Karla Polce ★★★★★ a year ago

  Matt Orley of Big Paper Strategy delivered outstanding work at our kick-off event, perfectly illustrating our FY25 vision and strategy. He highlighted our successes and commitment to our people with such clarity and professionalism. Despite being a last-minute addition, Matt accommodated us without any issues. His rates are very reasonable, and we are still receiving compliments on his exceptional … More work. Highly recommend!

• Jennifer Warawa ★★★★★ a year ago

  Matt was part of our annual fiscal year kickoff this year and was fantastic! He captured workshop discussions, key takeaways from the customer panel, our strategy for the new fiscal year and more. We were thrilled to then put his art panels up in our office so we are surrounded by great memories and takeaways from the one time of the year we have the entire company together. We invest so much in this … More once a year event and then the memories usually fade away, but this year because of Matt’s work, the essence of all that was shared will be part of our day-to-day. Thank you Matt!

• Susan Elhindi ★★★★★ a year ago

  Matt was extremely professional and captured so many details of our conference in his artwork. It was truly a pleasure to have him on site and to see our company strategy and goals brought to life in a artistic format.

• Margi Delgado ★★★★★ 2 years ago

  Matt and team did a great job bringing to life our leaders thoughts on a business critical change. These visual creations will be an asset to our leaders as they further communicate and inspire their departments. We look forward to future opportunities with Big Paper Strategy!

• Courtney Leonis ★★★★★ 2 years ago

  Matt found my conference online and reached out to offer his services. I had never heard of “Live Illustration” but was very intrigued by the idea. After meeting Matt virtually to learn more about it, I was beyond excited to secure him for our Nurse Leadership Conference. He was easy to work with leading up to it and an absolute pleasure to have at the event. His talent for capturing and … More representing the topics discussed in real time in such an organized and creative way is astounding. Everyone raved about how cool it was to have him there and see the illustrations after each session. It became a valuable take away for the attendees. We booked him immediately for next year without hesitation. If you are looking for a unique and buzz worthy activation for your next event, look no further. I highly recommend Matt to live illustrate any event on any topic. He can do it all!

• toi box ★★★★★ 2 years ago

  I’ve been creating events for 17 years and appreciate a self-sufficient talent. Matt was professional and asked great questions in preparation for the speaker sessions. He is the epitome of set him up for success and he will handle the rest. His in-person demeanor is very cordial where he moves silently but his creations are so impactful. A great addition!

• Emily Chermak ★★★★★ 2 years ago

  We hired Matt with Big Paper Strategy and we will most definitely be hiring him again for events/conferences in the future. Matt was an absolute joy to work with and his product cannot be matched. Our conference attendees enjoyed watching him illustrate through different presentations and he did such a quality job. I’d recommend him for any conferences. The Big Paper Strategy is an experience … More that goes above and beyond most conferences - it leaves your attendees with a “wow” factor. Thank you, Matt!

• Magdalena Dexter ★★★★★ 2 years ago

  Great work done by Matt at our annual HR & Communications Forum! His ability to create inspiring illustrations of complex topics, in the moment and with no preparation, coupled with his approachable personality, left a lasting impression on all who attended. I highly recommend Big Paper Strategy services to anyone seeking to elevate their event with a touch of artistic magic.

• Taylor Moschcau ★★★★★ 3 years ago

  Big Paper Strategy brought a whole new dimension to the storytelling at two of our large foodservice conferences with their live illustration visuals. Their innovative approach to visually capturing the essence of each session was nothing short of exceptional.
  Throughout both conferences, Big Paper Strategy’s team seamlessly translated complex concepts and discussions into visually appealing … More graphics that not only helped clarify ideas for the audience but also added an engaging element to the presentations. Their ability to distill key takeaways into simple, yet impactful illustrations truly elevated the conference experience.
  One of the most impressive aspects of Big Paper Strategy’s work was their real-time adaptability. As the conferences evolved, their team adjusted their visual narratives on the fly, ensuring that the graphics remained relevant and in sync with the discussions. This responsiveness added a dynamic element to the storytelling, making the content more accessible and memorable.
  The live illustrations not only enhanced the audience’s understanding but also provided a unique and captivating way to document the conferences. Big Paper Strategy’s contribution to our conferences was invaluable, transforming these events into immersive experiences that left a lasting impression on attendees.
  In conclusion, Big Paper Strategy’s live illustration visuals played a pivotal role in enhancing the storytelling at my conferences. Their talent, adaptability, and creativity set a new standard for conference visuals and helped make these events a resounding success. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to provide their attendees with visual keepsakes of your event content they can look back on time and time again.

• Carolyn Muller ★★★★★ 3 years ago

  Big Paper Strategy’s impact on our SMart conference was truly remarkable, thanks to Matt Orley’s exceptional illustrations. His artwork brilliantly captured the event’s highlights and themes, elevating the overall experience for attendees. Many participants were so engrossed by the visuals that note-taking became obsolete, and they praised the illustrations as invaluable reminders of … More the valuable insights gained. Matt’s artistic talent and Big Paper Strategy’s dedication make them an excellent choice for organizations seeking visually captivating content. Kudo for a job well done, and we look forward to future collaborations!

• Jaime Ellis ★★★★★ 2 years ago

  I recently facilitated a 2-day off-site with Matt as the illustrator. As an executive coach, I have designed and attended many events over the years. I’ve not seen someone able to observe, process, and depict the nuance of deep conversations as quickly and thoroughly as Matt did. It truly felt like he didn’t miss a beat the entire event. His illustrations went beyond spoken words, capturing larger … More themes, underlying energy, and emotions in the room. They became a powerful medium through which our participants could revisit and reflect upon, sparking curiosity and engagement during and after the event.
  My job as a coach is to create meaningful experiences for my clients, and he played a big role in achieving that. Simply put, Matt amplified the content I designed for the group…and made me look good! I look forward to working with him again in the future.

• Caitlin Shaw ★★★★★ 3 years ago

  HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Matt brought a unique, engaging, and memorable experience to our company’s first annual Summit. He was flexible and professional to work with, and did an impressive amount of research and prep work prior to arriving at our meetings. His illustrations perfectly captured each of our sessions over the two-day Summit, and we’re ecstatic to have them to look back on. If you’re … More on the fence, JUST DO IT!!

• Taryn Struck ★★★★★ 3 years ago

  Matt was absolutely wonderful to work! Not only is he the nicest guy in the world, but he has this amazing talent to listen and illustrate collective ideas in such a fun and approachable way. We look forward to working with him again in the future!

• Clark Langlois ★★★★★ 3 years ago

  We contacted Matt on short notice to join an event with internal and external partners. He never missed a beat! From learning fast in the few days leading up to the event to being the star of the show throughout our meetings, it was a A+ experience working with him and he left us great illustrations that will help us tell the story of the event. I would highly recommend working with him for any event! … More

• Scott Hack ★★★★★ 4 years ago

  This review is long overdue. Matt knocked it out of the park for the real estate conference that my wife and I host. He is extremely talented and creates bold visuals that engage with the audience. The drawings also get amplified on social media almost immediately because they are so amazing, easily sharable, and honestly… fun. Do not hesitate in bringing Matt to your event. You certainly won’t … More regret it.

• Rachel Connor ★★★★★ 4 years ago

  Being in the business of educating people, you are always looking for ways to bring the information, the lecture, the presentation to life for the learner. Matt with Big Paper Strategy does just that! His work appeals to the visual learner, the distracted learner, the dedicated learner…all of which want to be able to look back and remember what was taught. Highly recommend Matt!

• Kim Weis Laugherty ★★★★★ 4 years ago

  I cannot say enough about the level of enthusiasm and creativity Matt brought to our Annual Conference! With this being our first in-person Annual Conference in 3 years, we were looking to add major BUZZ and WOW factors for members to enjoy, and Matt delivered! Our attendees were fascinated by his process, giving him and the resulting illustrations major kudos. They could also envision the applicability … More of his work to strategic planning, process mapping, and other endeavors in their school districts.
  By illustrating the education session disussions, the key points, and major takeaways, Matt adds a critical layer to the learning process and knowledge retention.
  We can’t wait to have him back!

• Nancy Bruce ★★★★★ 4 years ago

  Matt, you are so talented and we feel so honored to have your masterpiece be part of our People Experience, Global Talent Solutions narrative! We have been overwhelmed with compliments from the department! This was such a creative way to bring our global, virtual meeting to life and balance our priority to keep things simple. Can’t wait to work together again! 😎

• Priscilla Gandy ★★★★★ 4 years ago

  Matt with Big Paper Strategy has been an incredible extension of our team in ensuring our events are creative, fun, and engaging! Whether virtual or in-person, Matt’s graphic illustrations have allowed us to level-up attendee engagement - so much to the point that we’ve sent his graphic illustrations to attendees as event mementos! I highly recommend Matt with Big Paper Strategy!

• Alyssa Molinari ★★★★★ 5 years ago

  We thought we were hiring Big Paper Strategy’s Matt Orley to record the RESULTS of our Board of Director’s Strategic Planning session, but instead he captured the entire process in real-time and provided an outstanding visual that clarified our conversation and direction throughout! Our leadership couldn’t have been more pleased. Matt is extremely easy to work with and truly brings … More life to our events. We just signed another contract with Matt to illustrate our upcoming Conference and we can’t wait to see what he brings to the table!

• Ohio Society of Association Professionals ★★★★★ 5 years ago

  It was a pleasure to work with Matt and Big Paper Strategy at our annual conference. Highlighting the words and ideas of our keynote speakers, as they were presenting, was an awesome enhancement to the sessions. Attendees enjoyed it, and the speakers did, as well! Matt has such energy, creativity and talent. He definitely adds value to the sessions, and we will work with Big Paper Strategy again!

And a verbal/video review…