Namibia - Founded in 1919, Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group is one of the largest privately owned companies in Namibia, operating across various sectors including food and beverages, fishing, retail, property development, hospitality, and leisure. The group is known for its commitment to innovation and sustainability and for contributing to Namibia's economic development.
Stage Audio Works (SAW) Namibia recently completed the integration of a modern AV system in the group’s executive boardroom at the O&L Centre in Windhoek. This upgrade aimed to update both the boardroom's aesthetics and technological capabilities, ensuring effortless virtual communication and an enhanced meeting experience for both in-person and hybrid delegates.
“We were approached by the client directly, as we have a long-standing relationship built upon past projects,” recalls Emce Smit, technical manager at Stage Audio Works Namibia. “O&L needed the boardroom to accommodate 17-25 seats and required technology that would be compatible with both Microsoft Teams and Zoom conferencing platforms.”
Other focuses of the project included the installation of a scheduling panel, ceiling-mounted microphones, multiple tracking cameras, a dual-screen setup, power plugs under the table, a cable-free environment and interactive whiteboard technology. To meet these requirements, SAW Namibia installed a portfolio of advanced AV equipment from leading brands. Two 85-inch UHD displays were installed side-by-side to provide high-quality visuals and dual-screen sharing.
The AV-over-IP video conferencing system ensures seamless signal management, content sharing and source switching, enabling users to connect their own devices. A beamforming ceiling microphone and in-ceiling loudspeakers ensure all meeting participants can hear and be heard clearly. Additionally, a content camera captures whiteboard content to facilitate enhanced collaboration.
A participant video tracking solution and on-desk touch panel help ensure engaging and user-friendly meeting experiences and room control. In addition, a touchscreen outside the boardroom displays scheduling details, providing the O&L team with visibility on room occupancy. All active equipment is automatically switched off after the room has been vacated, which results in cost savings on electricity and prolongs equipment life.
“Our ongoing partnership with O&L is important to us. Ensuring their satisfaction with every project is our top priority,” states Smit. “This project was no different; we were focused on delivering a state-of-the-art solution to meet their evolving needs.
“We’re confident that the video-conferencing equipment installed will ensure a more equitable meeting experience for all,” concludes Smit. “We look forward to working with O&L again in the future.”
