After 14 consecutive years producing the HCEA's (Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association) Annual Meeting, you might wonder if we would run out of challenges. Not so. Each year AVW-TELAV rededicates itself to upgrading the scenic and production support for this event. The Austin, Texas meeting this past May themed,"Bright Stars in the Lone Star", was no different.

More than 700 healthcare convention planners, exhibit managers and supporting members poured into the sessions held at the Austin Convention Center. There was a stellar line up of healthcare-specific workshops and networking opportunities for planners and suppliers. Although we provided on-site audio recording, editing, and audio visual equipment for the breakout rooms, AVW-TELAV's main task at this conference was to create an inviting and inspiring atmosphere for the General Session, which was held in the main ballroom at the Austin Convention Center.

AVW-TELAV used some high-end equipment to achieve the goal. For audio, we used EAW KF650 speakers. Two powerful Barco R8 projectors were used to project visuals onto a 15'x 45' screen, flanked by four LED towers that were controlled by a Watchout multi-display system. Two studio-configured cameras captured the live feed for image magnification. A component video bay production console and Folsom Screen Pro were used to capture the variety of graphics and media displayed. For lighting, we used 36 theatrical lighting fixtures and 12 intelligent fixtures. To add a little more pizzazz to the set, fibre-optic curtains, capable of displaying numerous light effects were used at the sides of the main screen.

AVW-TELAV is pleased to be associated with this meeting and we look forward to once again "stepping up to the plate" next year in New Orleans.