Executing Annual General Meetings (AGMs) both big and small over the years Encore Event Technologies (formerly Staging Connections) has gained valuable insight into what it takes to organise the perfect event. Here we share our essential guidelines on how deliver a seamless AGM. As the event production company responsible for executing Annual General Meetings (AGMs) both big and small over the years, Encore Event Technologies (formerly Staging Connections) has gained valuable insight into what it takes to organise the perfect event. Here we share our essential guidelines on how deliver a seamless AGM. Location, Location, Location Face to face is best – Always arrange a site visit in person as the space can look very different online. It comes in threes – Visit up to three different venues and when you’ve engaged one, invite your event management organisation along. Get technical – Assess the technical capabilities of the venue at the site visit – audio, visual, internet connection for video streaming etc. Create a Floor Plan Visualise it – Sketch out a layout or seating plan with the chosen space in mind – this will help you visualise the AGM. Think differently – Think about your chosen space differently to any other event. For an AGM consider working with the venue in say a “landscape” mode – this can often help with maximising the space. Please be seated – Major corporations will require a large board table – typically this head table can span width ways up to 12 metres across depending upon how many board members and delegates are representing the company. The difference is in the little touches – Add drapes behind the stage as a backdrop to enable the board to be easily seen if on camera or when answering questions. Think Tech! Graphs, Stats and Charts – AGM’s will typically require projection and screens to display important charts, graphs and statistics for their business developments. The magic number – Have a minimum of two screens either side of the head table – and place them so they can be viewed by the attending audience and online if you are video streaming. Make the Unseen: Seen – Offer fold-back vision monitors for the head table so directors can follow what is occurring with the presentation without having to turn around 180 degrees. The Power of Auto-Cue – Use auto cue so that all of the essential details of the speeches are outlined beforehand to enable the chairman and directors to relax and engage the audience more effectively. Do you hear what I hear? – To ensure a crisp, clear sound, make sure you have the appropriate number of table and lapel microphones and take the time to test the front of house speaker system from various positions in the room. Light it up – Balance the lighting evenly across the head table using a solution such as Fresnel lighting. Get prepped – make sure you prepare or request a Run Sheet The AGM is not a standard event it could span a couple of hours or up to half a day with Q&A following the main presentations – a run sheet is crucial for everyone involved to know when, where and who is doing what. An AGM run sheet commonly consists of: Meeting called to order, announcements, apologies and previous meeting minutes Order of business Opening speeches (welcome address) Chairman’s address Presentation of accounts Questions and Answers on the accounts Motions, nominations, voting and elections Open discussion of general business – launch of next annual plan Make the most of the compulsory elements Most AGM’s now offer more than just an audio recording for their stakeholders. Video streaming live to the web allows a broader audience access to the AGM, be it your internal team or a range of current and potential shareholders who are unable to attend in person. Learn more about webcasting in our other blog post. Conferencing technology can open up the floor to questions and answers inside and outside of the main space giving a rare opportunity to access the key leaders in the business. The Devil is in the Detail To deliver a successful AGM start planning as early as possible, this can be up to a year in advance for some major corporations. Offer as much detail up front as possible to the event organiser. And Remember – The AGM is one of the most important events on the calendar and can be used to effectively communicate and engage key stakeholders in the business – make your organisations AGM more than just a financial wrap-up. Encore Event Technologies has extensive experience in planning successful AGM’s. Have a look at our previous work and see what we could offer your business with a professional and effective Annual General Meeting. … Read More
Lighting for Events: What is a Gobo?
Mar 18 2018
Each week we aim to demystify the world of audio visual equipment and event services lingo and reveal exactly what those techs are talking about. In this week’s Techie Tuesday we take a look at the event lighting effect the 'gobo' and the many different shapes, patterns and logo’s they can replicate. The possibilities are endless but first we look at the history of the gobo and what you need to know before creating a customised gobo. Audio Visual Discipline: Lighting for events Audio Visual Event Category: AV Effect AV Jargon: Gobo, Batman Signal What is a Gobo?
A “Gobo” is a small stencilled circular disc, and used in lighting fixtures to create a projected image or pattern.
The term Gobo is short for “Go Between Optics”, describing the location where it needs to be positioned in the light path of a lighting fixture. Whilst Gobo’s are not a new technology they are still being used on events the world over. In today’s event market they have taken on a more creative role as technology advances allow for more detailed and impressive shapes to be created.
Gobo’s come in two main types; steel and glass. Steel gobos are very basic, generally have a short life span and are typically described as “black and white”. Glass gobo’s are more detailed, generally have a long life span and are typically described as “coloured”. There is an emerging third type of Gobo, which is designed specifically for LED fixtures, and is made from plastic.
Gobo’s come in many different diameters, ranging from approx 20mm through to approx 150mm. The diameter of a gobo is dictated by the fixture, so it is very important to ensure you know what fixture the gobo needs to be used in prior to manufacture. If used in a static fixture, the projected image will be stationary, however if installed in an intelligent fixture the image can be moved anywhere around the event space. Source: Encore Event Technologies | Learning and Development
What events are Gobo's used on?
Events such as gala dinners, product launches, award ceremonies use gobo’s to support the event branding and to provide visual interest. A growing trend in weddings is to to use ornate glass Gobo’s featuring the bride and grooms name or initials which is presented as a keep sake from the event.
What is needed for a customised Gobo?
A few specific items are required for an effective gobo display: Profile Fixture: a profile light which is designed to take a gobo in its light path is required to focus and zoom the gobo. Gobo Holder: a specific accessory that holds the gobo in place is required for insertion into the profile light. Projection Surface: a dedicated surface such as a wall or drape upon which the gobo is projected upon is required. Why use a gobo?
A gobo is an effective alternative to banners and signage on corporate events, providing something visually different for the audience to absorb. They can also be used to create patterns, imagery and shapes to support the event theme. Check out some images below of gobo’s of all shapes and sizes. Partner with the Event Lighting Experts
Encore Event Technologies (formerly known as Staging Connections) has been designing unforgettable events for over 30 years. As the leading event technology and services company, we are the trusted name for designing and installing stunning lighting for corporate and specials events. Whether you're planning a conference, product launch, gala dinner or incentive event, when you partner with Encore you know you're getting the right ideas for your event from the best in the business. Encore proudly offers the largest range of event lighting and technology solutions for corporate events across the Asia Pacific - so get in touch with our team today to make your event the best it can be. Send an online enquiry or Call 1800 099 209
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