At the ABSL Summit 2025 in Kraków, I had the pleasure of creating real-time visual notes – also known as graphic recording at a conference – during keynote speeches, panel discussions, and expert sessions.
After each session, my drawings were shown on the big screen as a visual summary of the key ideas. This sparked lots of conversations and questions like:
- How does it work?
- What’s included in the service?
- How fast do we get the files?
- Can you cover multiple sessions at once?
Let’s answer them right here 👇
🖍️ What is graphic recording at a conference?
Graphic recording is live visual note-taking. While speakers talk, I draw – combining keywords, symbols, and visual metaphors. The result? A clear and engaging summary that helps participants remember more and stay focused.
At ABSL Summit 2025, it was a great fit: intense program, high-level content, and international attendees. The visual notes worked as both a tool for live engagement and a takeaway after the event.
🧩 What do clients usually ask?
1. What’s included in the service?
- On-site presence and live drawing (digital or analog)
- Final visuals in high-resolution (PNG, PDF, JPG)
- Usage rights for internal/external communication
- Optional add-ons: timelapse videos, social media versions, post-event summaries
2. Do you work alone?
I led the visual capture on the main stage – but during parallel sessions, I worked with two additional artists Bogusia from Bora Doodles and Magda from Magda Rysuje who created visuals in other rooms. This way, we covered the entire conference program visually.
3. How much does it cost?
It depends on:
- Number of days and rooms
- Type of recording (analog, digital, with livestream)
- Add-ons (timelapse, social media versions, summary graphics)
Everything is agreed up front and comes with an invoice and clear terms.
4. When do we get the final files?
- Digital files: within 1–2 business days
- Analog photos: even the same day
- On request: PDF compilation, social-ready versions, thumbnail previews
5. Where do you sit during the event?
Best results come when:
- The visual artist can clearly see the stage (sitting with technicians, side of stage or room corner)
- There’s stable power (for digital works) and lighting (for analog work)
- We’ve had a short briefing before the event – to match the flow of the agenda
6. What are the benefits?
- Higher information retention (visuals boost memory by up to 3×!)
- Stronger audience engagement
- Great for post-event recaps, reports, and marketing
- Makes the content accessible even to those who missed a session
✅ Summary
Graphic recording at a conference is more than just nice drawings. It’s a smart communication tool that captures ideas, boosts engagement, and helps your message stick.
At ABSL Summit 2025, it supported an intense, multi-track program with clarity and visual storytelling – and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
🎯 Thinking about adding graphic recording to your event?
Let’s talk! I’ll be happy to walk you through how it can work for your audience.
