Jack Morton Worldwide contracted Arena Structures to supply the temporary media facilities to house the 2,500 reporters covering the event within the secure 'ring of steel' protecting the G8 from protesters. The wide range of structures included Arena's proprietary TFS structure incorporating a mezzanine that bristled with screens and I.T. technology, whilst a separate two storey media restaurant and separate briefing rooms for each country, from where broadcasters communicated the conferences proceedings to TV companies worldwide.
Jack Morton's project director Mike Kent commented: "Arena's TFS Structure stood out as a unique proposition that allowed us to do something different and make the best possible use of the limited space available providing a seamless link with the existing buildings. Feedback from the government delegations and media has been very positive in that we have created a great (and different) working environment."
Kent continued: "The professionalism of Arena's project managers, construction crew and the supply partners was also beneficial in ensuring the delivery of a superb media facility."
As the G8 conference drew to a close Hilary Iskander, director of Newsteam International, managing a team of five photographers, commented: "The media centres have been buoyant without being flamboyant. They are smart and stylish, in particular the veranda bar has appealed to us all. The organizers have done a superb job creating this environment - we'd never guess we're working in the middle of a field."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
