Jane Goodall revolutionized our understanding of chimpanzees, showed that animals have emotions and social lives, and inspired global conservation and environmental action through her research and advocacy.
The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada approached Pynx Pro AV to support the audio-visual production of a hybrid memorial service honouring the life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall.
The memorial honoured Dr. Jane Goodall’s lifetime of advocacy for conservation, animal welfare, and humanitarian work. With an international audience and a community deeply connected to her mission, the event required careful attention to tone, accessibility, and reliability. The program blended spoken tributes, musical performance, video content, and cultural acknowledgement.
The service opened with a Thanksgiving Address delivered by Amy Smoke, Bangishimo, and Maddie Bernard-Resmer from the Willow River Centre, welcoming attendees and grounding the ceremony with an expression of gratitude and connection to place.
The program featured several notable speakers and performances, including:
• Jann Arden, who performed a musical tribute of “Good Mother” and reflected on her personal admiration for Dr. Goodall.
• George Stroumboulopoulos, celebrated broadcaster, sharing stories from his long-standing relationship with Dr. Goodall.
• Karen McCarthy, Jane Goodall Institute of Canada Board Member, who presented an address from the Prime Minister.
• Chloë Chang, Youth Advisory Council alumna and Board Member, speaking to the impact Dr. Goodall had on young leaders.
• Merlin van Lawick, Dr. Goodall’s oldest grandson, who shared a video tribute honouring her life and legacy.
Technical Execution Summary
Pynx Pro AV designed a production workflow optimized for both in-person sound reinforcement and livestream broadcast quality
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
|
Canon XA55 4K cameras (x3) |
Multi-angle stage / podium / audience coverage |
|
Roland V-160HD Switcher |
Live switching + Zoom output integration |
|
Blackmagic HyperDeck Studio HD Plus |
High-quality record for archival + post-production |
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
|
Allen & Heath SQ5 Console + DX168 Stage Box |
Digital mixing and signal expansion |
|
Adamson CS10 Line Array + Adamson CS7P |
Clear venue coverage + speech intelligibility |
|
EV PXM-12MP Monitors |
On-stage monitoring for speakers and performers |
|
Sennheiser SM2000 Wireless Microphones |
Clean vocal pickup + low latency for livestream |
The livestream was broadcast using the Zoom platform, enabling familiar access for viewers and minimal barriers to participation. The Pynx Pro AV team maintained real-time monitoring of video and audio levels, confidence feeds, and network stability while coordinating cues between in-person and remote components of the program.
While closed captioning was managed by an external specialist, Pynx ensured proper integration into the livestream and participant view settings.
The hybrid delivery allowed more than 1,000 remote participants to engage fully in the ceremony. Feedback from attendees highlighted the emotional impact of the service and the value of being able to join virtually from across the globe.
• Hybrid memorials enable broad participation without sacrificing intimacy
• Professional AV integration is essential for emotional events involving music, storytelling, and video
• Clear audio is the single most important success factor in hybrid ceremonies
• Real-time switching and monitoring prevent stream failures and awkward transitions
| Outcome | Impact |
|---|---|
|
Global participation exceeded physical capacity |
1,000+ remote attendees |
|
Stable broadcast without technical interruption |
Positive attendee feedback |
|
Respectful and emotionally resonant delivery |
Praised by in-person and virtual participants |
|
Successful model for future hybrid memorials and tribute ceremonies |
Demonstrated viability & accessibility value |
The memorial service achieved its objective of uniting community members, colleagues, family, and supporters in a collective celebration of Dr. Goodall’s life. Both the in-person and livestream audiences experienced a respectful and technically smooth program, with reliable audio, professional video direction, and stable online distribution.
The success demonstrated the ability of hybrid events to connect broad audiences without compromising the intimacy and meaning of a live gathering. For organizations navigating global outreach or accessibility priorities, hybrid delivery continues to be a valuable model.
Credits
Audio-Visual Production: Pynx Pro AV
Project Management: Brandon Jary
, Pynx Pro AV
Photography: Brandon Jary and David Birch, Pynx Pro AV
Venue: Convocation Hall, University of Toronto
Livestream Platform: Zoom
Search Variations This Page Answers
• How do you livestream a memorial service?
• What equipment is needed for a hybrid memorial event?
• How to produce a Zoom memorial with professional AV?
• Examples of hybrid event case studies for nonprofits
• Hybrid event AV setup for large venues
If you’re planning a hybrid event, livestream, or in-person event and want it done at this level—let’s talk.
