Introduction
Content management in BackOps is designed to help teams plan, organize, and execute all of the digital content required for an event.
While file management focuses on storing and sharing physical files, content management focuses on content strategy and planning—what content is needed, where it will be displayed, and how it will be produced.
At a high level, content management answers the question:
What content do we need for this event, and how will it be used?
Two Core Concepts: Content and Surfaces
Section titled “Two Core Concepts: Content and Surfaces”The content management system in BackOps is built around two primary concepts:
- Content – the individual pieces of content that need to be created or collected
- Surfaces – the places where that content will be displayed or used
Separating content from surfaces allows you to plan content once and reuse it across many locations throughout the event.
Content
Section titled “Content”Content represents any digital material required for an event.
Examples include:
- Sponsor logos
- Welcome videos
- Digital signage loops
- Presentation slides
- Marketing graphics
- Social or promotional assets
Each piece of content can include defined requirements, making it clear what needs to be produced or delivered. This is especially valuable when working with external design teams or collaborators, as expectations are clearly documented in one place.
Surfaces
Section titled “Surfaces”Surfaces represent the locations or mediums where content appears during an event.
Examples of surfaces include:
- LED walls
- Digital signage displays
- Projectors
- Posters or printed signage
- Web or virtual platforms
Surfaces store the technical specifications needed for content to be displayed correctly, such as dimensions, formats, or resolution requirements.
By defining surfaces independently, you can understand how the same piece of content may need to be adapted for different outputs.
Planning Content Across the Event
Section titled “Planning Content Across the Event”By combining content and surfaces, BackOps allows you to plan your event’s content holistically.
You can:
- Define all required content up front
- Assign content to one or more surfaces
- Understand how many deliverables need to be created
- Identify reuse opportunities across multiple surfaces
This approach reduces last-minute surprises and ensures content creation is intentional rather than reactive.
Digital Signage and Scheduled Content
Section titled “Digital Signage and Scheduled Content”Content management is especially powerful for events using digital signage.
You can:
- Plan signage content in advance
- Assign content to specific surfaces
- Schedule when content appears during the event
- Manage sponsor loops, welcome content, and program messaging
This makes it easier to sell, plan, and execute content-driven experiences during the show.
From Content Planning to Deliverables
Section titled “From Content Planning to Deliverables”Content management connects directly with BackOps file and task systems.
Once content is defined, it can be turned into deliverables and assigned to the appropriate collaborators or crew. This allows you to:
- Request presentations from speakers
- Collect graphics from sponsors
- Gather marketing assets from artists or vendors
Deliverables appear as actionable items for the people responsible, and uploaded files are tracked directly against the content requirements.
Centralized Control Without Bottlenecks
Section titled “Centralized Control Without Bottlenecks”By outlining content requirements early and assigning ownership, BackOps helps teams avoid fragmented content workflows.
Instead of chasing files through email or shared drives, content planning, assignment, and delivery all happen within the same event environment.
Content Management as a Planning Tool
Section titled “Content Management as a Planning Tool”At its core, content management is about control and clarity.
It gives teams a structured way to:
- Plan all content needs
- Communicate expectations clearly
- Coordinate contributors
- Ensure content is delivered on time and in the correct format
Content management completes the operational picture by bringing creative and digital assets into the same system as schedules, tasks, and execution.