Audiovisual production of a general meeting at an industrial site in Geneva

Organizing a general meeting in an industrial setting presents unique technical challenges.
For the CCIG’s 161st General Assembly, the TPG warehouses in Geneva – Bachet were transformed to accommodate more than 700 participants.

An unconventional site, characterized by large-scale spaces and significant technical constraints, which required an audiovisual approach tailored to each of the site’s unique features.

An industrial site transformed into an event venue

The TPG warehouses offer a raw, industrial setting characterized by steel structures, high ceilings, and an unconventional layout for a corporate event.

This type of venue does not have built-in audiovisual infrastructure. Every component must be designed, sized, and installed to suit the specific location: sound systems, lighting, display equipment, and stage layout.

The goal was clear: to transform this technical space into a venue capable of hosting a general meeting, a cocktail reception, and a dinner, while ensuring optimal comfort and visibility.

The technical challenges of hosting an event in an unusual setting

Working at an industrial site involves dealing with several major constraints:

• Complex acoustics resulting from the room's dimensions and reflective materials
• Rigging options limited to existing structures (IPN, cables, poles)
• The need to ensure that speeches are perfectly clear
• Adjusting the lighting to suit the different stages of the event
• The coordination of multiple technical systems in an open space

These factors require careful planning and the ability to adapt constantly in the field.

A technical approach designed to adapt to the site

To address these challenges, the audiovisual systems were designed specifically for the site.

The sound system was designed to ensure even sound distribution, despite the venue’s size and natural reverberation. The speakers were positioned to effectively cover the entire area without overwhelming the space.

The rigging was installed using only the existing anchor points, which required a custom design tailored to the existing layout.

Lighting played a central role in transforming the venue. A more technical and structured ambiance was created for the general meeting, while warmer lighting—particularly LED string lights—was used to set the mood for social events such as the cocktail reception and dinner.

Finally, a multi-camera setup was installed, with the footage displayed on a screen, to ensure optimal visibility for all participants.

Efficient production with tight deadlines

Time management is a key challenge in this type of project.

The setup was completed in a single day, requiring a technical team to install all the audiovisual equipment in a confined space.

On the day of the event, up to 14 people were on hand to handle operations, managing the sound, lighting, and video in real time.

Once the event was over, the dismantling began immediately, requiring meticulous planning and effective coordination among the teams.

Ensure a seamless experience for more than 700 participants

Beyond the technical aspects, the main goal remains the participants’ experience.

Each choice was guided by:

• optimal listening comfort
• clear visibility of stakeholders
• smooth transitions
• seamless integration of technical equipment

The goal was not to create a flurry of effects, but to effectively support the speakers without disrupting the flow of the event.

Team collaboration and coordination

This project was carried out in collaboration with POINTPROD for the technical set design.

Coordination among the various stakeholders was essential to ensuring the overall coherence of the initiative and the smooth running of the event.

Communication between teams, both in the planning stages and on-site, made it possible to anticipate challenges and adapt the installations to the realities on the ground.

Planning an event at an unconventional venue: key considerations

Before investing in an industrial or unconventional site, several factors must be taken into account:

• technical analysis of the site
• installation and safety requirements
• sound and lighting needs
• logistics for setup and takedown
• team sizing

Thorough preparation is essential to ensure that the event runs smoothly.

Skynight, technical partner for institutional events in Geneva

As an audiovisual service provider, Skynight has been supporting institutional, cultural, and corporate events in Geneva for many years.

Each project is approached on a case-by-case basis, tailored to the location, technical constraints, and the client’s expectations.

Our goal remains the same: to provide reliable, well-managed solutions that are tailored to the event.

Supporting your events in complex environments

Organizing an event at an unconventional venue presents a real technical challenge, but it also offers an opportunity to create a unique experience.

With the right preparation and solid technical expertise, it is possible to turn these challenges into real advantages.

Skynight works with event organizers to design and implement audiovisual solutions tailored to each setting, ensuring that events run smoothly, are easy to follow, and are fully managed from start to finish.