21 July, 2016

Staging Connections show off unique event technology

Staging Connections, venue partner Melbourne Cricket Ground and in-house hospitality provider Epicure produced a unique event with an Olympic twist, that demonstrated the evolution of technical services for events.

Showcasing the new partnership, 150 event managers gathered at the Olympic Room at the MCG, for a fittingly-themed Olympic celebration of technology and its place in events.

Staging Connections contrasted the 1956 Olympics, which was staged at the MCG, against the 2016 Rio Olympics using projection, staging and multimedia techniques to delight attendees, showcasing how digital technology has evolved to engage and even interact with guests.

Rob Meek, Project Manager – Melbourne, Staging Connections, outlined the range of techniques his team used to achieve the special production.

“We used projection mapping and staging techniques to highlight some of the key images and memorable moments from the 1956 games, which were illustrated by black and white images projected onto a kabuki screen and frosted window surfaces. When the kabuki reveal took place and the screen fell to the floor, it dramatically unveiled the colour, liveliness and style of the 2016 Rio Olympics with beautiful city vistas projected onto a large panoramic screen made up of hexagonal screens. This was the first time we had ever used hexagonal screen surfaces on the east coast of Australia.”

“Our objective was to showcase how far technology has come, and feature the endless opportunities that the evolution of technology brings to events. In addition, we installed a new rigging system and projected custom designed animations onto the arena windows with a glass adhesive frosted surface that certainly wowed the crowd!” Meek said.

Décor and styling supplied by Staging Connections included centrepieces of single silver candlesticks similar to the original 1956 torch contrasted with copper geometric frames featuring colourful florals on hexagonal bases, reflective of the Rio games.

Tim Chapman, General Manager – Digital demonstrated how event organisers could use Event Poll and Event Tweet to gain audience engagement. Guests were encouraged to use the hashtag #MCGShowcase and via Event Feed their posts were sent live to the MCG scoreboard and multiple screens around the room.

Rebecca Harvey, ‎Executive Manager Hospitality at Melbourne Cricket Club was proud to demonstrate the potential for events at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“It was incredible to see how digital event services can bring an event to life. The colourful projections onto the hexagonal screens were simply stunning and combined with the bright lighting, floral centrepieces and delicious cuisine by Epicure, made for a great night. The MCG is such a versatile venue for a range of events and it is exciting with Staging Connections as our new in-house partner to be able to create stunning events that combine elite technology with a range of other world-class services at the home of sporting history, the MCG,” Harvey added.

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