VENUE: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC)
CLIENT: Laing O’Rourke
EVENT: Laing O’Rourke Summer Bash 2008
BY: Staging Connections and GCCEC
WHAT WE DID: As Laing O’Rourke’s flagship staff engagement activity, the Summer Bash is an annual event where 1200 staff and partners come together to learn, celebrate and raise money for a not-for-profit organisation.
The client wanted a sophisticated look with a difference for the attendees, and that difference was realised in the form of a vertically-hung 27’ projection screen forming the centrepiece of the room. Flanking this were 16’ screens displaying images from 3 x Barco R12 projectors.
Images were controlled by ScreenPro 2’s with a live camera feed inserted into custom made hi-definition backgrounds produced on site in collaboration with the GCCEC IT Department.
Intelligent lighting was used extensively to wash the audience, stage and drapes in the company colours.
SPECIAL TOUCHES: With the tiered seating of GCCEC’s arena creating a natural theatre, a flat-floor approach was used for the main stage area. A 9m x 9m black polished floor was laid down and customised with large vinyl print signage. This theme was carried through to the vision foldback plasma screen surround, helping achieve a seamless customised look.
This holistic approach to the plenary room provided continuity between the ‘set’ and the projected images, leaving the audience in no doubt that they were at a Laing O’Rourke event.
CHALLENGES: Access was super tight, with a major NBL game on in the arena the night before. Tight turn-arounds aren’t foreign to the Staging Connections team at GCCEC and a five hour window was all that was available. The basketball court was struck by 0200, with client rehearsals starting at 0700. The bump in was crucial, with project manager Russell Muddle implementing a schedule which ran with military precision. Working closely with the venue teams, this complex turn around was completed on time, with all audio, projection and lighting elements firing up first go. Almost. The lighting desk suffered a critical meltdown shortly into the rehearsals and wouldn’t respond to even the heaviest hammer blows. Using the extensive reach of the Staging Connections family, a replacement desk was sourced, installed and programmed in record time, with doors opening on schedule.
DEBRIEF: Client was very happy with the up-market feel of the room, receiving very positive delegate feedback.
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