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| News & Events | Archive |
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| Blackout Builds Giant Conference and Exhibition Environment for Microsoft's Tech.ED Europe |
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August 2005
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The 'Vertigo' lounge
The Arena
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Drapes and rigging specialist Blackout was appointed by live brand communications agency PCI Fitch to work on the complex infrastructure, which underpinned the set for Microsoft's Tech.Ed Europe 2005.
As the largest conference and exhibition of its kind in Europe, filling all eleven halls of The RAI in Amsterdam, Tech.Ed is Microsoft's flagship European technical education conference for developers and IT Professionals focusing on current and soon-to-be launched technologies.
Over 6,500 IT professionals and Microsoft developers attended the 12th edition of the 4-day event to update their knowledge of the latest integrated solutions from the world's largest software developer.
Working on the project for the seventh year, Blackout's Project Managers' Chris Brain, Kevin Monks and Ken Nock collaborated with PCI Fitch's Head of Production, Aine McElwee, from the early planning stages to achieve her exacting specifications for the main conference and exhibition showcase.
To transform The RAI into Microsoft's giant conference and exhibition environment, Blackout supplied a considerable quantity of rigging equipment and a large contingent of black drapes, weighing over 12 tonnes. The drapes and over 1.5 KM's of truss, 200 electric chain hoist motors were expediently transported from their South London HQ in five 45' trucks supplied by KB Events.
Playing a pivotal role, Blackout's 14-strong team maximised the 7-day build up and expertly rigged the large scale environment, which comprised over 150 exhibiting Microsoft partners, a keynote area housing over 5,000 delegates and four giant break out rooms designed to hold over 750 attendees.
For the grand finale party, Blackout's team worked with PCI Fitch's Producer, Anne-Marie Bracken, Technical Manager, Dave Whitty and their appointed Set Designer, Martin Sutherland, to transform the RAI's Hall 7 into highly themed delegate entertainment arena, named Studio 7. Sponsored by Microsoft System Center, the party finale culminated with a rock and roll twist including leading tribute bands - the Scizzor Sisters and NU2 performing live on the main stage. It also featured a games arcade, pool room, karaoke bar and an exclusive screening room.
Two impressive inter-joining lounges formed the centrepiece of the arena. Designed with minute attention to detail, they incorporated the style of the two bands. To convey a glam rock spirit, The Scizzor Sister's lounge boasted bright vibrant colours and safari-style animal prints. The 'Vertigo' lounge, combined references to dizzying heights with a host of props, including rock climbing equipment, all supplied by specialists, Bicknall Scenery.
Blackout supplied and rigged both lounge structures, which measured 20 metres square by 9 metres high. Deploying over 3,000 square metres of shimmering translucent voile, Blackout's team expertly dressed them to create a glamorous and sophisticated effect. The silky semi-opaque fabric also served as a perfect canvas to highlight a myriad of striking lighting effects, enabling Lighting Designer, Gary Collins, to maximise his inspired design.
PCI Fitch's Head of Production, Aine McElwee commented: "It is the smoothest event I have ever had the pleasure to be involved in and Blackout's support was integral to the success of the whole show."
For further information, please contact:
Katinka Allender
PR Consultant
Phone: +44 (0)1865 409977
Email: katinka@katinka.org.uk
Chris Brain
Blackout Ltd
Phone: +44 (0)20 8687 8400
Email: chris.brain@blackout-ltd.com
Anna Webb
Litmus Communications
Phone: +44 (0)20 7249 6226
Email: anna@litmuscomms.co.uk |
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