THE ASK

As the first gathering post-pandemic, the goal was to create an immersive and inclusive experience that authentically showcased the rich cultural heritage of the First Nations. Our client wanted the main plenary to feature two stages, one at the front of the room for presentations and panel discussions, and a circular stage at the centre of the room for performances. The design would serve as a multi-functional space fostering meaningful discussions and amplifying the cultural essence throughout the meeting.

In addition to the primary plenary space, the client required five additional rooms tailored for smaller, more intimate gatherings that would include VIP guests. These rooms needed to be equipped with two-way Zoom capability to include remote participants in the discussions.

THE SOLUTION

To bring the client’s vision for an immersive cultural experience to life, the design incorporated three expansive 19′ x 96′ screens, driven by interconnected Barco Event Masters to create a single, visually stunning canvas exceeding 17,000 pixels in width. The design included 9 UDMs, 5 hangs of line array, 2 hard cameras, a Jib camera and a custom 18′ diameter circular screen. The circular screen was strategically suspended at a 40-degree angle above the central circular stage designed to mirror the iconic shape of a First Nations’ drum, adding a symbolic and culturally significant element to the meeting. This screen served as a dynamic focal point, contributing to the immersive atmosphere and cultural showcase envisioned by the client.

To ensure a seamless and cohesive visual experience across all projection surfaces, Watchout technology was employed. This tool facilitated smooth transitions between screens and integrated specific elements tailored for the circular screen.

For the 5 breakout rooms, each was equipped with a podium, table microphones, either a video projector or video monitor for PowerPoint presentations, and a robotic camera for Zoom sessions, ensuring that all participants could effectively engage in the discussions, regardless of their location.