And what better way to showcase our talent than by partnering with Freeman and Fusion Productions to provide audio, visual, show services, signage and logistics management.
The two most significant events were the General Session and Networking Luncheon as well as the Fire and Ice Event.
General Session and Networking Luncheon
From an audio visual perspective, we did some pretty cool things. Was the event challenging? Yes it was. But for every challenge there is a creative and plausible solution.
As an overview, the general session and networking luncheon was set in the exhibit hall in the Dallas Convention Center. The exhibit hall itself (concrete floors and walls) was a challenge but we were also charged with the following additional challenges:• Find a way to hide and reveal the Dallas Symphony 30 piece orchestra that would perform behind a 10' x 30' wide screen.
• Add some special lighting effects on 20 to 30 foot tall flats on either side of the wide screen.
• Find a way to honor award winners without using the typical format of winners walking to the main stage.
• Find a way to project crisp images onto five large (10' x 30', 2-15' x 20' and 2-10.5' x 14') screens.
• The luncheon utilized the general session space that was located in the exhibit hall. We needed to find a way to avoid using the "mercury vapor lights" in this exhibit hall as they take at least 15 minutes to turn on- and are either "on" or "off". Instead MPI wanted audience lighting and lighting for networking during this luncheon.
• Find a way for the sound not to bounce off the concrete floor in the exhibit hall. This was important for both the general session and luncheon.
Our design and technical support teams came through with flying colors. Here are some of the solutions they came up with:
• The reveal for the orchestra was created with red drape that was hung using two - one ton high speed motors to reveal the 30 piece Dallas Symphony orchestra. Front screen projection was used so that the orchestra could be lit on the stage behind the screen and two hand held cameras were used to capture the reveal on screen.
• Fusion productions (who we partnered with on this project) wanted to add a special lighting effect with DL.2 lighting technology. To save on the costs of building two custom flats, we utilized two- 15' x 20' screens and hung them vertically on either side of the wide screen. This format gave the set a more uniform look, provided a background to project the DL.2s and was the most cost effective solution.
• Three cameras were used for the audience and awards. To honor the award recipients in a non-traditional way, two cameras were positioned on two satellite stages in the audience for IMAG shots. Each camera had a teleprompter mounted to it so that the speakers and award winners could go to the satellite stage(s) to give or receive the award and read their speech from the teleprompter. The third camera was used to scan the audience. This solution created an interactive feel with the audience and a much different look from the standard format of a podium and speech on stage.
• Crisp images were projected using seven Barco digital projectors. Projection was supported by eight different intelligent light fixtures and some 20 regular lighting fixtures for the stage and orchestra.
• To avoid using the "vapor lights" in the exhibit hall for either the general session or luncheon, lighting scoops were added to two-75 foot horizontal sections of truss positioned over the two major areas of the audience. This was enough lighting to see the satellite stages, networking luncheon and audience shots for IMAG.
• A full EAW sound package with delays was installed throughout the exhibit hall. Freeman carpeted the floor and rigged drape around the perimeter of the hall to help prevent the sound bouncing off the concrete walls and floors.
The general session, networking luncheon and breakout rooms were a resounding success. And it couldn't have been accomplished without Rebecca May, Account Executive and a technical support team of 35 professionals.
Fire and Ice
AVW-TELAV and Freeman partnered to create an up-scale lounge environmental experience for 200 of AVW-TELAV, Freeman, Hilton and American Airlines' top customers.
Two distinct theme areas were created to articulate the theme: Fire and Ice.
Fire exuded warmth through a wide array of lighting effects, hazer and plasma featuring dynamic video of lava and fire. Freeman built a Lava Bar flanked by giant Lava Rocks carved from foam and custom printed graphics to bring to life the Bar and Conversation areas.
A relaxing atmosphere of Water was created using cool tones of pools of lights. Images of ice crystals, placid lakes and glaciers complemented the giant foam sculptured Ice Structure.
The goal was to create a unique event that brought the Fire & Ice concept to life in a multi-sensorial experience. Working with Freeman, AVW-TELAV brought the event to life through the use of LED and Intelligent lighting effects, Large Screen Projection and Sound. All aspects of the event from Food & Beverage, Lighting and Music reinforced the theme and allowed the visitors to escape in this surreal world.
AVW-TELAV's Executive Producer Dustin Sparks and Lighting Designer Andrea Curtis worked hand in hand with Freeman Designer Tom Yurkin and Jeffrey Cameron, Vice President Design and Creative to conceptualize the entire event and insure that every detail worked together to create a unique synergy and seamless experience for the guests. And again, their vision could not have been produced without the expertise of Andy Glod, Lighting Technician, Phil Collins, Lighting Equipment Coordinator, and Michael Hergenrader, Project Manager.