A conversation with former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton took place last month right in our own backyard. Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), the 5,000-ticket event, which was open to the general public, was so heavily secured that even members of the media were prohibited to carry any recording devices. With the utmost sensitivity and professionalism, AVW-TELAV worked behind the scenes of this historic event, managing and maintaining all audio, visual and projection aspects of the animated 90-minute discussion. The stage was set with a podium, which stood off to the side, three large cozy-looking green leather chairs separated by tables, and handheld microphones. AVW-TELAV's sound system in Halls A and B comprised of two Meyer M2D line array packages, plus an Eight Meyer UPA ground support system, ensuring that the thousands of audience members each got their money's worth of informative discussion and could effortlessly hear the former presidents discuss many touchy subjects, including the Iraq war and the US/Canada border issue.
While the former presidents zeroed in on global and domestic challenges facing Canada and the United States, AVW-TELAV used two Barco R12 projectors and six Barco R9+ projectors on two 15'x20' mains screens with two 12'x16' delays to magnify their images, allowing a closer view of each president as he spoke to the crowd. Cognizant of the environmental impact conventional lighting can have, AVW-TELAV worked with Showtech Lighting and opted to for LED lighting, which consumes less electricity, and a basic stage wash to illuminate the set.The Power Within teamed up with tinePublic Inc. to organize and bring this event to Canada. Moderated by Frank McKenna, a prominent Canadian politician who served as ambassador to the United States in 2005 and 2006, "A Conversation with Presidents" was Bush and Clinton's first public appearance together since they both left office. On hand making sure the event was an audio and visual success, AVW-TELAV was proud to have been a part of history.
