I love my "stories" - i.e. - the tv shows I watch weekly and/or DVR! So, when the Emmy's come on TV I am rooting for Steven Colbert, Jon Hamm, and Downton Abbey! From an event perspective, I'm always looking at TV awards productions. How can I learn something?
You can certainly find countless recaps online, but one thing that stood out to me was the adjustable microphone that goes up and down according to the honoree/presenter. It seemed sometimes it was a bit too low and honorees were squatting a touch. Also, the inconsistencies with announcing the nominees. Sometimes it was LIVE from the mic and sometimes it was a v/o. Makes me wonder what was going on behind the scenes. And then placing Weird Al's musica parody tribute mid-show was a real buzz kill. I love Weird Al! But this is a perfect example of Event Energy - something great planners can sense. When an audience first comes in they have all that nervous jitters, want to please mentality. By 9:30 pm, their designer tux is old news, craning their neck to see the stage is sooo yesterday, so Weird Al up there signing a somewhat-hard-to hear performance won't fly.
Things I loved! Well, E! has their ridiculous mani-cam, but I still love seeing the jewelry/manicures up close. Shots from the parking garage were so down - to -earth and fun! Steven Colbert in the parking garage? I guess they don't valet! I just love behind the scenes. When the Emmy director won his directing award for the Tony Awards and accepted from the production booth then cut to cues, a great moment.
Award Shows are a great way to see "another event!" and to steal great ideas! :)