ENHANCING COMFORT FOR A COMMUNITY OF INVESTORS

OVERVIEW

Category:

Lighting, Audio/Visual

Client:

Pacific Pensions & Investment Institute

Event:

Winter Roundtable 2024

Location:

Meritage Resort, Napa, CA

Objective

The Pacific Pension & Investment Institute (PPI), a global community of pension and investment professionals, requested our audio-visual services for their Winter Roundtable 2024 at the Meritage Resort in Napa, California, which attracts 200+ attendees.  

Challenges & Approaches

During any show, we know when to strike that balance of when to observe and when to problem-solve. 

Smooth process. First we did a site visit and learned the event’s traffic flow and determined the proper screen and projector to use. Next, we determined the number of speakers and where to place them. 

Easy pivot. A few room changes meant switching up the layout, but as an agile team we could pivot without hiccups and we rearranged the placement of speakers. We provided an audio lead and helped mic’d the executives. Also, when we arrived to set up, the room itself wasn’t ready and we had to quickly move 

Q&A needs. They specifically asked for feedback monitors (aka fullback monitors) so that the experts on stage could hear the audience during the Q&A.

Mics. We provided the wireless microphones and ensured mics were muted as needed. 

Stage lighting. We lit the stage and the podium without washing the screen, which was tricky due to its position. 

Always professional. The day of the event, when we got the room it wasn’t ready. There were air walls up, stuff in the way, nobody to be seen, and no help from the hotel. So we had to walk a fine line, spring into action, and help ourselves get the work done. We tracked down the right contacts, had everything removed that was in our way, and got the job done while always remaining professional. 

Enhancing comfort. AV Images pays attention to the details, thinks ahead, and advises as needed. For example:

  • Because the route from the green room to the stage tends to be very dark, we marked it using fluorescent tape and black lights so presenters could see exactly where they were walking to the drape to go on the stage. 
  • Anticipating the need of presenters to charge their phones in the green room, we planted UFO chargers with USBs on them. Then the client asked for another one in the lobby. 
  • They initially wanted a tech table centered in the back of the room, something we try to avoid because people can walk in and see behind you and it can become a nuisance. So we advised the client to place the tech table in a corner, because then the mess of the cable management can hide it under the carpet. 
  • Special tape to put on lapels when the mics don’t stick to more delicate garments. 

Outcome

We understood how they worked and we integrated really well. By observing and paying attention to the details we took away a lot of headaches.

“When you’re visible to the client, they’re watching, and everything’s going to get reported back in some form or other. You have to be mindful of how you work, how organized your place is, how efficient you are, to recognize your cues. Be attentive, always. Put your phone away. I’ve seen a lot of AV companies fulfill the job, but then they’re on their phone and then they’re catching up with what’s going on. Our standard of excellence is up there and we hold each other accountable to that, and it’s part of our DNA and we enjoy that and we really reap those rewards, I think with relationships. That’s why the clients always come back to us.”  —AV Images Employee