CPL has provided sound, lighting and video for the event for the last few years, and seen it grow in size and a commitment to production values. The most successful elements of last years' event - also the company's 20th anniversary - were taken as the starting point for this year's stage and set design - and combined with some new components to keep it looking fresh and interesting for the 400 guests.
"Flexibility was the key," states Lee, together with being able to set up quickly and efficiently. A hybrid approach to the design ensured a slick transition from conference session in the afternoon to full-on gala dinner and entertainment in the eveningafter the early morning get-in.
Right at the back of the stage was a 40ft wide starcloth which also featured two sets of door portals for entrances and exits. Downstage of that, and specifically for the conference section of the event, was a 15m wide white voile, and in front of that a further 30 x 10ft section of draping.
The screen was fed by a doubled-up pair of Panasonic 12K laser projectors running through a Barco S3 processing system which took care of all the content storage and screen management including creating PiP displays.
Input sources included laptops running Keynote for the presentations and PlaybackPro for the VT play-ins, plus one Sony VHC-100 roving camera used to record speakers during the conference section and provide a relay for the live entertainment during the evening.
For sound, CPL's new d&b Y-series speakers were used complete with Y7P cabinets for delays further down the room. E8s were utilized for foldback and front-fill and there was a row of V-SUBS along the stage lip.
CPL provided a Yamaha CL5 console to mix comedian Jo Brand who delivered a one hour set, followed by an after-dinner DJ, while the band brought their own FOH mixing console and hooked into CPL's system.
Lighting for the conference was a well balanced mix of generics and LED sources to give an even white wash - primarily using ARRI L5Cs and Source Four LEDs - that enhanced flesh tones and eliminated shadows.
Everything vibed up a few notches for the evening with colourful, funky lighting using a blend of Martin and Clay Paky moving lights including 10 x CP Mythos rigged in the roof above the stage, 10 x Sharpies, 10 x Martin MAC Auras on side-stage stands shooting across for fillers, and four CP A.leda K10s with B-EYE lenses on the stage bringing some fun pixel effects and eye-candy to the party. All lighting was run from an Avolites Quartz.
(Jim Evans)
