The Museum was open to the public until 6pm and BOA guests were scheduled to arrive at 7pm. The team installed a sophisticated production design including lighting, set, A/V and furniture in four separate areas of the venue as well as external architectural lighting. Event Concept's installation and rehearsal schedule had to also take into account the needs of the caterer, florist, a BBC film crew, VIP security staff and the Chinese State Circus.
Event Concept's production designer Adam Wright says: "Guests are often amazed at how we manage to transform the space and set up a full technical production in such a short window of time. We have years of experience working in this venue and with other accredited suppliers and we know that planning is crucial. We have to be able to work seamlessly as a team."
The purpose of the event was to raise funds to prepare Team GB for success at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. With this in mind, Event Concept's production designer Adam Wright transformed the space with an elegant yet inspiring Chinese theme. He says: "The event needed to be motivational. We wanted guests to imagine the thrill of success in Beijing. The pace of the event played a crucial part in creating this vibrant atmosphere."
In order to create momentum and to allow additional time for technical checks in the main stage area, Wright's plan was to gradually reveal each separate area to guests as the evening progressed. As guests arrived, they saw the imposing entrance archway lit in brilliant Olympic colours. They were directed into Waterhouse Way for a drinks reception before moving through to Central Hall for an exquisite Oriental dinner. The menu was created specifically for the event by The Moving Venue Caterers. Comperes Steve Cram and Clare Balding welcomed the guests and the 39 Olympic medallists who formed an inspiring procession down the magnificent central staircase before taking their seats.
While the world-famous Chinese State Circus were giving an amazing performance on stage after dinner, Wright's team were still busy behind the scenes creating a further piano bar which would later be revealed in North Hall for guests to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.
(Lee Baldock)
