Delegates were seated on a block centred around a catwalk, thrust from a wide stage area that served as both a business meeting forum and a scenic entry-exit point for the models. Blackout Triple E was responsible for providing trussing, 28 electric chain hoists, the tracking system for a huge rear-projection screen and the suspension for the lighting, sound and video equipment. Further projection screens were suspended on truss portals and a large quantity of rental black drapes was used for masking purposes. A significant number of custom-made white drapes created the perimeter walls and divisions for specific zones, whilst voile drapes created a lavish texture for the lighting designer Quentin Jarman. To close the conference, the nine metre main screen was tracked off the stage and a live band riser traveled downstage to allow for a performance by Toploader.
The assembly took place in a mere 40 hours and Blackout Triple E project manager Eric Porter headed a team of 12 who worked in four shifts of 10 hours. "All aspects of the project were extremely time critical, from the midnight load-in through the 24-hour work schedule whereby teams worked in shifts to enable other departments to dovetail into the overall timetable," said Porter. "Rigging tolerances were critical and my team had to install all the main flown elements into position within 10 hours, when priority for floor space moved to the seating build. We have a long-standing relationship with Creative Solutions managing director Steve Helliker and the project brought together a team of people who, having all worked together previously, were able to establish an excellent dialogue and cooperation to produce a remarkable corporate event."
