Category: Staging

Choosing the Right Rental Stage for LED Screen Support – An Event Planner Guide

LED video walls are undeniably a part of the live event landscape now.  What used to be prohibitively expensive is now used for a variety of live events ranging from corporate events in hotel ballrooms to outdoor sporting events, and everything in between.  In almost all cases, professional event staff need to elevate the LED video wall above ground level.  In this Guide, we’ll discuss the best (and safest) way to get these LED screens in front of your attendees in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Indoor Video Screen Support

Rigging vs Ground Supporting LED Video Walls

In an indoor event environment, using LED video walls are exceptionally impactful and far more flexible than projection.  However, placement can be problematic.  Unlike a projection screen which can just be picked up and moved, LED video walls are heavy.  It’s important to make sure that the LED video wall is placed correctly the first time to avoid costly and unnecessary labor overages.

Sometimes the best solution is to fly the video walls is using overhead rigging points.  However, some venues do not have the points available for rigging, or they may not be in the right spot to facilitate the stage design.  Additionally – as we’ve mentioned – LED video walls are heavy. A venue, hotel ballroom, or exhibit hall space my not be comfortable with hanging points in a ceiling that’s not certified.  And let’s face it, if the venue isn’t comfortable hanging gear out of their ceiling, then you as a planner shouldn’t be either.

The solution is to ground support the LED video walls using staging.  At In Depth Events, we use the Bil-Jax staging system.  Our stage panels are best for ground supporting screens because they have significantly higher weight tolerances than hotel stages, and they are extremely configurable.  Our panels can provide LED video walls support stages in a variety of options for width, length, and height.  Using staging for video wall support offers the event professional a variety of advantages as far as placement, as well as saving you and your end client the exorbitant rigging costs that can come with being in a hotel ballroom or exhibit hall space.

Outdoor Video Screen Support

Ground Supporting in Challenging Outdoor Environments

Any outdoor event has a long list of challenges to surmount before the first attendee walks through the gate.  When you are planning sporting events, concert events, and festivals, you face unique space and power requirements – not to mention guessing what weather will be like in six months to a year.  Making sure that the LED video screens are visible and safe is the best way to capture and project the action to your attendees.

The Bil-Jax staging that we use here at In Depth Events are 4’x4’ staging panels, and their weight tolerance is second to none in the staging business.  We can elevate LED video walls up to a starting point of 12’ above ground level.  In addition, our panels can be drilled though, allowing ugly ballast to be placed under the staging support – and out of sight of your attendees.  Our staging can be set on challenging grades as well, allowing event professionals to utilize event space that might have been previously unusable.

Trusting Your Video Solutions to our Support Experts

At In Depth Events, we understand that your investment in video panels is only second to the safety of the show.  You have a responsibility to your end client to provide the best solutions for LED video wall support in both indoor and outdoor environments.  Luckily, you found us!  Ask our experts how we can provide solutions that make sense for your next live event.  We look forward to hearing from you, and working with you!


Using Triangular Stage Thrusts for Corporate Events

When it comes to corporate events held in hotel ballrooms, creating the perfect ambiance and experience is essential. Working in these professional environments can be both exciting and challenging. However, with the right stage setup, you can transform any hotel ballroom into an extraordinary event space that leaves a lasting impression.

Custom Staging and Layout - Triangular Stages and Options

One of the newest options for custom stage rentals at corporate events is the use of triangular stage thrusts. These stages offer versatility and an eye-catching design that elevates the aesthetic appeal of any event. At In Depth Events, we provide a range of options to cater to your specific needs. Our stage rental options include:

Gloss Black Stages: Sleek and sophisticated, gloss black stages add a touch of elegance to your event.

Gloss White Stages: With a clean and modern look, gloss white stages create a fresh and contemporary atmosphere.

Utility Black: Versatile and practical, utility black stages are perfect for a variety of event themes.

Marley Rentals: Ideal for dance performances or events requiring a smooth and slip-resistant surface.

LED Lit Stages: Add a dynamic element to your event with LED-lit stages that can be customized to match your brand colors.

Hybrid Options: Combining different materials, hybrid stages offer endless possibilities to create a unique stage design.

These stage options can be tailored to match your brand and event theme perfectly, allowing you to create a visually stunning stage setup that leaves a lasting impression on attendees.  One notable advantage of using triangular stages in hotel ballrooms is the improved audience seating layout and viewing experience. These stages offer a wider field of view, ensuring that every attendee has an unobstructed view of the stage. This enhances engagement and creates a more immersive experience, making your corporate event more memorable and impactful.

In Depth Events Provides Custom Staging and other Production Rentals for Corporate Events

At In Depth Events, we specialize in providing not only custom stage rentals but also various other production rentals for corporate events. From audio and lighting to video rentals, we offer comprehensive solutions to bring your vision to life. Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your requirements and create an event production that exceeds your expectations. In addition to our custom stage and seating riser rentals, we ensure seamless coordination of all production elements, guaranteeing a successful and memorable corporate event.

With years of experience in the event industry, In Depth Events has built a reputation for excellence. We prioritize client communication from start to finish, ensuring that your vision is accurately translated into the stage and production setup. We are proud to provide structural drawings that depict the precise layout and design of your stage, allowing you to visualize the final product. Our commitment to meticulous planning and attention to detail sets us apart and ensures that your corporate event runs smoothly and successfully.

Engineering Safety for Custom Stages (and all Rental Stages)

Safety is our top priority when it comes to custom stages and all rental stages. We understand the importance of providing a secure environment for your attendees. Our stages are equipped with safety features such as step units and handrails, ensuring easy accessibility and preventing any accidents. We strictly adhere to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, ensuring that our stages are inclusive and accessible to all individuals. Rest assured, when you choose In Depth Events for your custom stage rentals, you can trust that you are getting a safe and reliable staging solution.

Ready to elevate your corporate event with a custom triangular stage thrust? Contact us to discuss your event's requirements and explore the possibilities. Let us help you create an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on your attendees.


A Tale of Two Political Parties

In Depth Events is a true bi-Partisan live events company!

Ask anyone that works in live events, and they’ll tell you – The event business is a hard way to make a living.  However, even in this challenging industry, there are levels of difficulty.  For example – providing a pool cover for a holiday event is relatively straightforward.  You set a date, bring in the equipment, set it up, and take it back down again.  Weather can always present a challenge, and yes, it’s hard work.  But nothing, and I mean NOTHING, can prepare you for providing gear for political events.

Political events are the most challenging types of events in our industry.  Most political events happen without warning – at most, you have 5 working days to prepare, and even that is a luxury.  Political events are rarely held in a typical event space – they are in factories and manufacturing facilities, in outdoor environments, private homes, and children's centers.  Security is tight.  Timelines are tight, and they’re made worse by mandatory security sweeps.    However, by far the most challenging thing about political events is that it has to be right, on time, every time, no excuses.

At In Depth Events, because of the unique experiences and characteristics that Matt and Robert possess, we are really good at political events.  In fact, we are one of a small handful of companies that do them with the level of consistency that is demanded by our clients.  To that end, he’s the Tale of Two Political Parties, and the four events we’ve done for them this past spring!

Event #1

Trump at the International Union of Operating Engineers in Crosby, Texas

President Trump came to the Crosby, Texas IUOE training and education center specifically to sign two Executive Orders designed to boost the oil and gas industry.  This historic visit was attended by several prominent Texas Republicans, as well as a host of working engineers from all corners of the United States.  However, it started with a single phone call, three days before the event.  When the call came in from Jarrad Scott, founder of PM1, (Production Management One is the most prominent political production company in the United States) Robert knew the clock was already ticking.  In 72 hours, In Depth Events staff, with Robert on site, was able to provide audio, lighting, press feed, backstage monitors, and generator rentals for an event that took place inside a non-climate controlled welder’s training facility.  Every single word of the President’s speech was heard, and the lighting served to make sure the press saw every interaction on the stage.  We worked directly with White House staff to make sure this event went off without a single hitch.

Event #2

 

Trump at Sempra Energy in Cameron Parish, Louisiana

Less than a month later, In Depth Events was on site in Louisiana at Cameron LNG getting ready for another Presidential appearance.  This political event was spearheaded by Streamline Event Agency, with Justin Zebell at the helm.  Cameron LNG is a brand new facility that provides LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) for export.  Matt was the lead on this site, bringing four trucks of equipment to the outdoor event space.  After three grueling days of setting up staging, press risers, seating risers, and photo risers in the Louisiana heat, the President arrived to discuss the number of jobs that the new facility would create in Louisiana.  This event was exceptionally well-attended and covered by the press, with news reports and sounds bites of the President’s speech going all over the world.

Event #3

Biden at a private residence in Highland Park, Texas

In June, we got a call from the other side of the aisle – Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden was coming to Dallas.  His first stop was a campaign finance appearance at a private home in Highland Park, Texas.   Private homes are always tricky because they simply aren’t set up for live events.  For this private home, load in was through a rear alley and then hand carried through the back yard.  Robert spearheaded this event and carried most of the gear himself!  Luckily, production requirements we not difficult, with a small podium and stage, as well as an audio system with a wireless microphone.  The event went exceptionally well, with everyone in attendance able to hear Mr. Biden’s message.

Event #4

Biden at SPARK Children’s Center in Dallas, TX

From the private event that Robert was handling, Mr. Biden hopped in his SUV and drove over to his second stop in Dallas – a speaking engagement at the non-profit children's center called SPARK! At Southside on Lamar.  This event required a lot more production gear and some special backdrop treatment!  Matt brought In Depth Events skills in force with HMI lighting panels, a multizone audio system, and staging for the press.  The event looked great, to the point that the CNN cameraman told Matt it was “the best lighting he’d ever had at a political event”. The venue was particularly happy with the way our crews respected their art and children's installations through the venue.

As I said before – political events are by far the most challenging events we handle as event professionals.  From Presidents to Presidential contenders, National, State, and even non-profit rallies, our co-founders Matt and Robert have been there and we have you covered.  Let us show you how our founders and crew work together with your planning staff to provide the best in event management and event technology.  Contact us today for a quote!


Pool cover on a cruise ship? Sure, we can do that.

Industry insiders know that for custom swimming pool covers, the only company to call is In Depth Events. Our experts have handled everything from wedding receptions in private backyards, Bat Mitzvahs in palatial garden manors, chic clear installations for private events, and corporate parties at hotels, casinos, and country clubs across the US. Our staff is used to the challenges that come with providing clear, frosted, and utility pool covers. In fact, we are the ONLY company in the south that can provide flush mount pool covers for our clients.

In other words – we’re used to challenges when it comes to building custom swimming pool covers and stages. However, when the Tom Joiner people called us, we have to admit that we were taken a little off guard. Every year, the Tom Joiner Fantastic Voyage brings a Christian celebration of music and ministry to its attendees. In the spring of 2018, the cruise ship Carnival Breeze was selected as the host ship or this seven-day cruise. The Tom Joiner people wanted to know – can we build a performance stage over a pool – on a cruise ship?

Of course we can! After several meetings with Carnival staff, several sets of drawings, and several conversations with our engineers, we loaded our equipment on the pool deck in late April using a crane. We had to make sure every last part was in our pack – there are no Home Depots in the Gulf of Mexico. When the night of the build finally came around, our crew faced a rainy night and rough seas. It’s hard enough to build a stage in a swimming pool – it’s even more difficult when the swimming pool is moving around you!

However, our expert stage builders prevailed and finished the build well in time for the headliner, Anita Baker, to perform. The Tom Joiner people were amazed at the transformation of the pool deck, Cardinal’s staff was happy with our respect for their performance area and their engineering staff, and our stage builders went away with a sense of accomplishment for a job well done.

For your next swimming pool cover, make sure to contact the experts at In Depth Events. We look forward to hearing from you, and working with you!