General sessions carry a lot of weight. They are often where major messages are introduced, brands are repositioned, and audiences form lasting impressions. For companies navigating a rebrand or strategic shift, the way those moments are presented matters.
That was the case for Cotality, formerly known as CoreLogic. At a recent corporate event in Los Angeles, the company used its general session to reintroduce itself to the industry. Rather than leaning on traditional slides and stage formats, the internal team partnered with Staging Solutions to approach the session as a storytelling platform. The result was a more human, more relatable experience that left a lasting impression on attendees.
Staging Solutions was responsible for the full general session environment, including scenic design, media content, sound design, and show production. The focal point of the stage was an immersive LED "canvas," which acted as more than just a backdrop. It served as a dynamic storytelling tool that evolved with each speaker.
Instead of bullet points and brand statements, the speakers were placed inside animated environments. Kitchens, living rooms, and porches shifted and scaled in response to the content. These familiar settings helped tie technical messaging back to a core emotional theme: protecting the spaces where people live.
This approach made the message easier to absorb. Complex ideas were presented in visual terms that made sense. The goal was never to overwhelm the audience with flash. It was to support the story in a way that felt natural and refined.
For attendees, the experience felt cohesive and immersive. It created a connection between what was said on stage and what the brand stood for. The event team didn't just check the box on production. They used every tool available to bring meaning to the message.
This project offers a practical reminder for planners and brand teams. Strong production does not need to be excessive. When story and design work together, a general session becomes more than a presentation. It becomes something people remember.
Whether you are announcing a shift in strategy, launching a new product, or redefining your company's identity, the approach still applies. Focus on clarity. Use familiar visuals to support abstract ideas. Design with refinement. And above all, build around the audience, not just the message.
