IBM
TechXchange 2025
the challenge
IBM’s TechXchange 2025 is one of the largest technology learning events in the world — a gathering of developers, partners, and innovators sharing ideas that shape the future of enterprise technology.
For this edition, IBM needed more than coverage. They wanted a storytelling partner who could bring the energy, emotion, and human connection of the event to life through cinematic production. The challenge was immense:
Capture multiple experiences happening simultaneously across a multi-day conference.
Manage several video crews across different zones (main event, Sandbox, learning weekend).
Deliver daily sizzle reels and social cutdowns in less than 24 hours.
Maintain IBM’s brand quality, tone, and global scale across dozens of deliverables.
Somnio was selected for our ability to deliver high-end creative production at scale, combining strategic storytelling with the technical precision of broadcast-level execution.
the solution
To meet IBM’s vision, Somnio designed and executed a comprehensive production ecosystem covering every stage of the event — from concept to delivery.
Our team operated four parallel production units:
Lightboard Studio: Capturing on-camera storytelling sessions using a 70” LED display and transparent annotation board for real-time teaching visuals.
Roving Main Event Crew: Covering the conference floor, Sandbox activations, interviews, and drone cinematography.
Learning Event Crew: Capturing IBM’s learning culture through breakout sessions and community interactions.
On-site Editing & Media Management Teams: Ingesting, logging, and delivering same-day edits directly to IBM’s Media Lab.
Production Details
Cameras: Sony FX6 full-frame systems with G Master lenses for cinematic depth.
Lighting: Aputure and Litepanels kits with modifiers, ensuring consistent color and soft, flattering key light across all environments.
Audio: Wireless lavaliers, earsets, and handheld mics managed by dedicated engineers for each crew.
Motion: GoPros, 360° cameras, and FPV drones (DJI Neo and Avata 2) for immersive action and time-lapse sequences.
Data Management: Dual Mac Studio setups with Thunderbolt 5, 32TB RAID storage, and mobile SSDs for seamless ingest and backup.
Editing: Two mobile editing bays running Adobe Premiere connected to on-site servers for real-time sizzle creation.
Color & Finishing: Calibrated monitors and LUT consistency across all cameras ensured a unified visual tone aligned with IBM’s brand.
Deliverables
3 daily sizzle videos edited overnight for morning playback.
2 cinematic pre-event openers.
10+ post-event highlight films (Partners, Sponsors, Learning as a Culture, Sandbox, Credential Club, Bootcamp, etc.).
Behind-the-scenes feature of the Lightboard studio.
Somnio’s Orlando-based crew of 20+ professionals — including DPs, gaffers, grips, sound engineers, editors, and data managers — worked in unison to produce over 30 hours of high-quality footage and deliver more than 20 final edited films under an accelerated schedule.
the results
The result was a cinematic, human-centered documentation of IBM TechXchange 2025 — one that celebrated innovation, connection, and learning.
Somnio’s fast-turnaround production captured the heartbeat of the event in real time, giving IBM fresh daily content to energize attendees and global audiences. Each sizzle reel was broadcast the next morning to thousands on-site and across social media, while the post-event films extended engagement for months after.
The hero “TXC Sizzle” film, delivered within five days of the event’s close, served as the flagship recap for IBM’s internal and external communications — earning recognition for its storytelling craft and production quality.
Beyond the numbers, the partnership demonstrated what’s possible when strategy, creativity, and technical excellence converge.
Impact highlights
20+ final edited films delivered in 30 days
Daily on-site turnarounds with overnight editing
4 production units operating in parallel
30+ hours of footage captured
Full integration with IBM Media Lab workflows