The opening was held on 30 May and the congress took place on 31 May, and Gearhouse was the first choice for executive producer and creative director David Bloch to partner with, in executing the opening ceremony.
Originally, Pieter Joubert (technical director - opening ceremony) was briefed to advise on the technical and set aspects of the ceremony only, but it soon became apparent that the actual congress would require extensive support as well, due to the limited resources available on the island. As both the opening and the congress were to take place on the same stage, in the same venue, with only 12 hours and a rehearsal in between, this became quite a challenge.
It was a lengthy planning process between David Bloch, Zurich based events company Rufener Events represented by project director Lisa Tschanz and the Gearhouse team. Together they pulled the event together successfully with planning commencing as early as September and Joubert joining the second series of site inspections in October.
Gearhouse and Sets, Drapes, Screens (SDS) were appointed as service providers, while all set designs were produced by Bob Klenk of OceanSalt Set Design.
The result was an island - themed look and feel, complete with palm trees and a volcano, utilising a panoramic screen for background visuals. The opening ceremony was inspired by the creation of the island itself and specifically the five elements; Water, Earth, Wind, Fire and Air.
The set alone required 6 x 40 ft containers for transportation to the island.
All technical specifications were managed by Bullitt Productions, headed by Marco Gutensperger. Gearhouse SA supplied all lighting, rigging, audio, generators and power infrastructure, as well as content editing of the Opening Ceremony visuals. Projectors were supplied by PRG, Switzerland.
For the congress setup; the room was completely turned around to accommodate 2500 delegates seated schoolroom style plus 32 committee members seated at custom built desks.
(Jim Evans)
