The annual IBS is the industry's premiere event. It consists of a four-day trade show and five days of 400 plus meetings (running concurrently) to discuss the latest issues, techniques, products and services related to the construction of residential and multiple-housing buildings (apartment buildings). Close to 1600 companies filled the exhibit floor space, from small "mom and pop" storefronts to well-known super brands like Whirlpool and Kohler. In addition, there were real, "life-sized" custom-built homes installed on the convention center parking lot. An event of this magnitude requires plenty of planning and communications. On-site, the association alone requires 174 radios for communications with contractors and the facility!
But what really announced the show's prestige and stature was the magnificent opening ceremony. It was only 90 minutes long, but it required four full days of setup and rehearsals. The production included a theatrical play consisting of 24 singers and dancers, an elaborate set, and a 32-piece orchestra - all to establish the theme, "Bridges of Friendship." This was essentially, a "world tour" uniting builders across the world.
AVW-TELAV supplied audio visual equipment equal to the task; a large line array system; five studio configured cameras; four 15'x 20' matted screens with BARCO R12 projectors for IMAG and video footage; DOREMI digital recording; four mixing consoles; all of which were managed by Dataton digital controllers.
According to Tom Popielski, Producer, the Dataton played a key role in producing a flawless NAHB opening ceremony: "A key to the flawless performance was the Dataton show control system. By locking all video and multi-track audio playback to a performance timeline, all production elements were synchronized and repeatedly run without variation. This included all production cues involving audio playback, lighting and pyrotechnics, which were locked to a time code that was provided by the Dataton. Once the start/stop cues were programmed, the production team could concentrate on the live cast and orchestra especially during the tight rehearsal schedule."
AVW-TELAV has been handling the audio requirements every year since the earlier 1980's when Freeman first landed the NAHB account. The level of expectation is higher each year and the production challenges become much more demanding. This year, over 80 JBL VerTec line array speakers were configured into twelve clusters powered by 400,000 watts of power in order to deliver even coverage to the 10,000 people that witness this dynamic trade show extravaganza.
Behind the scenes the engineers manipulated the audio with the use of four interconnected 56 input digital consoles and laptop computers. Mixing tasks were divided into four basic mix groups; house mix, stage mix, orchestra sub-mix and digital multi-track mix (which will be used later in post production). Two eight track and one two track hard disc audio playback machines provided sound cues for the show and the click track for the orchestra. Sixteen wireless microphones were used for the on-stage talent, even the lectern had to be wireless so that it could be moved on cue.
The all important intercom system was comprised of 48 remote stations, including eight wireless stations, distributed over six channels. A special designed intercom/talkback system was developed for the conductor so that he could listen to multiple input sources and communicate with the orchestra and the producer independently during the event.The equipment was impressive enough, but it is the expertise of the AVW-TELAV Creative Services production team that pulls it all together. Our staff included show producer, two stage managers, a video director, a full video technical crew, an audio director, three audio engineers, a wireless tech and a communications tech.
Wayne Stetson, NAHB's Executive Producer and Sr. Vice President of the Convention & Meetings Group, made a point to personally thank each person on our crew for such an outstanding job, stating that "I never want to do a show without you guys". Now that is face-to face marketing.
For many of these vendors, the International Builders' Show generates a significant portion of their fiscal year's revenue. So from the moment the attendees walked through the door, it was critical that Freeman and AVW-TELAV positively affected their experience with the right environment.