Case Study: Silicon Valley Meets Midwest with Plug and Play’s Debut Launch Event

At DreamOn Studios, we don’t just want to capture moments—we want to create experiences that resonate. So, when one of Silicon Valley’s hottest venture capital firms, Plug and Play, decided to bring its innovative spirit to Indiana, we knew this would be more than another launch event. This was about bridging two worlds, and we were ready to roll.

Picture the scene: Warsaw, Indiana—a town about to get a major tech upgrade. Plug and Play needed a production partner who could match their vision and energy. Enter DreamOn Studios, bringing that LA-quality production value to the Midwest.

From the moment we said “action,” it was clear this project could redefine what a grand opening could be. We’re talking governor appearances, startup pitches, and enough buzz to power a small city!

As a result of our work together, Plug and Play successfully launched its Indiana presence with significant media coverage and a high-impact event that set the stage for future growth in the region.

Keep reading for a behind-the-scenes look at our process, strategy, outcomes, and lessons learned about using video production and event management to create a powerful launch event.

Client: Plug And Play

Plug and Play is a venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley that recently opened a new office in Warsaw, Indiana. They are at the center of a major initiative to bring new business to Warsaw and the broader Indiana region.

Background: Why Their Work Matters 

Plug and Play’s mission is to build a smart future. To achieve that, they are building a unique ecosystem that connects change-makers and leading organizations. Their impressive network consists of over 75,000 startups, 500+ world-leading corporations, and hundreds of venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies across multiple industries. 

In Indiana, they desire to bring Silicon Valley innovation and venture capital to the state, reversing the trend of talent leaving for coastal tech hubs. 

As Brandon Noll, Director of Plug and Play Indiana, explains: “Far too often, we’re taking talent and people from the state of Indiana and sending them out to Silicon Valley. What we’re building in the state is taking Silicon Valley and bringing it to Indiana.”

Problem to Address: Limited Time for Grand Opening Preparations

The Plug and Play team wanted to create a memorable experience for 250+ attendees, including high-profile guests like the Indiana Governor. But with only two weeks until their grand opening event, they needed a local partner to handle video production and AV management. 

“You could feel the significance of this event and how important Plug and Play is going to be to our community,” said Matt Deuel, co-founder of DreamOn Studios. “It felt like we were capturing history—something that we will look back on as being a key event for Warsaw, Indiana.”

Ultimate Goal: Create a Successful Launch Event 

Plug and Play aimed to:

1. Host a professional grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony
2. Capture high-quality video of the event, including a fireside chat with VIPs
3. Record pitch presentations from potential incubator companies
4. Generate media coverage to amplify their launch

Recommended Solution: Comprehensive Event Production Services 

After an initial meeting, DreamOn Studios quickly proposed a comprehensive solution that included:

• Event AV management (stage, lighting, sound)
• Multi-camera video production
• Live streaming for the overflow audience
• Quick-turn editing for media outlets
• Creation of a highlight video

Brandon was impressed by the DreamOn team’s professionalism and care: “I walk in, and it’s incredible, especially the amount of money and infrastructure in that facility. And then the talent that complements the equipment—it really took you back. And then I thought, well, there’s no way we can afford this level of quality with our bootstrapped budget. 

“Within 24 hours, I had a full-baked proposal and felt like I had a partnership. It was a quick and easy decision for us to say, yeah, we’re gonna go with DreamOn! And then we kept adding services as we went because we truly felt like they had our best interests at heart.”

Process: Planning, Partnerships & Problem-Solving 

The DreamOn Studios team, led by Matt Deuel and Mason Geiger, worked closely with Plug and Play in the compressed timeline:

• Multiple pre-production meetings to plan the event
• Coordination with Zimmer Biomet (venue host) and security teams
• Day-before setup and technical run-through
• Day-of execution, including last-minute problem-solving
• Rapid post-production for media and highlight reel

“I felt like they listened really carefully and wanted to understand who we are, what this event is about, and what we hope to accomplish,” Eileen Aberding, Program Manager for Plug and Play, explained. “There was a lot of time spent getting to know us and our goals so they could then complement that with what they were bringing to the table.”

The Team Involved

DreamOn Studios’ team included:

• Matt Deuel & Mason Geiger: Client support, production, planning, event preparation, cinematography, and interviews worked 
• Mike Deuel: Technical Direction, set up, director of the live show and live stream
• Stephen Donely: Set up and camera operation
• Andrew Palladino: Cinematography

Partners included:

• Jeff Snyder and his team from MOJO Events
• Roger Hansen from Zimmer Biomet, who played gracious host on location at Zimmer Biomet 

Plug and Play team included:

• Brandon Noll: Director, Plug and Play Indiana
• Eileen Alberding: Program Manager, Plug and Play Indiana
  Ava Asgari: Program Director, Plug and Play Tech Center 

Outcome & ROI: Spreading the News to 3.14M

The event was a major success, generating significant media coverage and laying the foundation for Plug and Play’s presence in Indiana. 

Key results included:

#1 Seamless event execution

Brandon noted: “We didn’t have to think about the sound. We didn’t have to think about the lighting. We didn’t have to think about any of those things. It was so well done by the team and so professionally done.”

#2 Rapid media content delivery

“They turned around some B-roll footage right away to 10 to 12 news outlets wanting to run 6 o’clock news stories,” Brandon explained.

#3 Extensive media coverage

In the 24 hours following the event, Plug and Play’s launch was featured on 14 different outlets, reaching a potential audience of 3.14 million.

#4 High-quality highlight video

The sizzle reel stood out among Plug and Play’s other office launches. Brandon described it as “uniquely different and very upbeat relative to the others.”

Key Learnings

#1 A partnership approach boosts results 

Eileen Alberding observed: “It really kind of felt like they were part of our team as opposed to a firm we contracted to work with. It was really unique.”

Brandon added: “From the moment I met the team, they were very customer-centric and customer-focused. On the day of the event, they were super professional and worked behind the scenes. Throughout the process, it felt like they were a part of our team. That it wasn’t DreamOn Studios—it felt like they were Plug and Play studios!”

#2 You don’t have to go to LA for high-quality production 

Brandon emphasized, “If you want that LA, very high-end vibe, with Warsaw, Indiana prices and a Warsaw, Indiana work ethic, you go to DreamOn.”

#3 Attention to detail makes all the difference 

The DreamOn team’s professionalism, pre-planning, and problem-solving skills allowed the Plug and Play team to focus on their event and guests without having to worry about the details. “It’s important to work hard on the preparation and pre-production so that you can be ready for anything that comes up during the event,” Matt explained.

#4 Trust is invaluable for high-stakes events 

“There was a level of trust,” said Brandon. “There was no looking over their shoulder, like what are they doing? I mean, they were setting up all morning. They came in and tested sound multiple times throughout the week leading up to the event. We didn’t have to be there. They were doing their own checks and balances.”

“Being able to trust them is huge,” Eileen noted. “And the finished product really speaks for itself.”

Conclusion: Rest Easy with a Partner Here for Your Success

This project exemplified DreamOn Studios’ commitment to delivering excellence, no matter the timeline or complexity. From last-minute problem-solving to seamless coordination with multiple stakeholders, DreamOn proved that with the right partner, even the most ambitious visions can become reality.

As Brandon summed up: “We wouldn’t even put future projects like this out for RFP. We would just go straight to them and say, here’s what we want. There’d be no other reason to look anywhere else! Truly, we’ll use them for everything we do in the future. Professional, great work, customer-centric, exceeded expectations. I’m blown away by the team at DreamOn.”

For future clients considering a partnership with DreamOn Studios, Matt Deuel offers this assurance: “When you hire us to produce these kinds of events, you can rest easy knowing that we will deliver a great experience for you and your attendees.”

There is power in a well-told story. Let’s tell yours!

At DreamOn Studios, we’re not just capturing events—we’re helping write the next chapter of your success story.

Are you ready to bring your vision to life? Schedule your studio tour or discovery call today!