The Open University Bridges To Learning Conference
The Brief:
To provide conference facilities for up to 80 delegates for a celebration of the first year of the Open University's ‘Bridges To Learning' programme. The venue is to be an empty office space on the top floor of the Open University building offering magnificent views of the River Tyne and NewcastleGateshead quaysides. The office space is to be divided into a main conference room and a relaxed area used for refreshment and lunch breaks.
The Solution:
The decision was made to create the division between the two halves of the space using the stage and backdrop that includes a rear projection screen and a Perspex panel-based set. The set was then backlit in the programme's corporate colours. A multi-level stage was then built in front of the set providing a seating area for the panel of guests and a separate area for the main speakers' Perspex lectern.
Sound, lighting and AV support was also provided, which included a main projection screen, three plasma screens and a seamless video switcher. To ensure a smooth transition between the individual speakers' presentations and the main PowerPoint for the conference, a technician was provided to meet the speakers before their speech in order to standardise and proof-read their presentations.
As the entire top floor of the new building is yet to be used, the empty room needed to be transformed and furniture needed to be added in order for it to function as a conference venue. White silks were used to mask off the large South-facing windows to prevent glare and increase the comfort of the delegates whilst still allowing the natural light into the room. Uplighters were used around the space to add a splash of colour to the white decor.
In other conference venues and hotels, the catering and floral displays are organised within the venue, and this empty office was to be no different. The customer did not wish to organise the catering and florists separately and so Hi-Lights rose to the challenge and managed every aspect of this event. Floral displays were provided for the table centres and for the set and stage, as well as in the relaxed area to detract from the plain white walls. Refreshments were provided for the morning and afternoon breaks, along with a lunch buffet.
Anne Hansen, Director said "We were delighted with the quality of the sound, lights and ambience you created for us. You and your organisation made our big event truly special."
