The EVTG partnership held its Networking Event and Seminar, which was attended by a focused group of EVTG Members and invited guests. The speakers were tasked with enlightening the audience with the importance of Audio Visual capability within Venues/Stadia and the delivery of these solutions where the wider meaning of AV includes integration of security (crowd management)and emergency messaging, travel information, etc.
This topic is of great importance as it has a key impact on the visitor experience, simplistically the business wants people to come, enjoy, talk about it, and visit again with their family/friends! Being able to hear and see clearly, from announcements, etc. to watching action replays or venue information/promotions, which are all part of the visitor experience.
With Venue technology, there are many elements that can be discussed and debated from Infrastructure Fixed & Wireless, Control Rooms for Security & Emergency, Digital Media (LED Screens & Mobile), sound & lighting, ticketing, information services, Cloud Computing, sustainability. One of the key areas of thinking from EVTG is the process of Design & Build of Stadia, where the architect, construction and technology are integrated from the start where all component to deliver the end goal, visitor experience and generate revenue can be maximised, and ensure that the environmental issues are all addressed.
The context of the seminar was set around: • Importance of EVTG in the context of Venue design, build and operation, but where the EVTG expertise can help influence and provide services to cover all the elements of Corporate, Construction, Commercials and Operations, in the planning, building or running a stadia.
• The technology landscape in general, cloud, mobility, digital media where these factors will have an impact on the new or existing venue.
• How some of this can and should be woven into Venue design and build, as the base infrastructure must be able to support the physical and logical capacities, configurations and management to make the most of Integrated IT systems.
The speakers presenting at the EVTG seminar were: Roland Hemming, RH Consulting, “Audio Systems in Stadia”. Roland provided an overview of how sound systems are designed and installed, managing emergency evacuation regulations and how they integrate with the fire alarm and with the building IT networks. Roland also pointed out the change in these venues to Multi-purpose multi-venues, i.e. from holding exhibitions, concerts, sports, etc. Some of the complexities facing venues in delivering AV for the disabled visitors specifically for blind and deaf, requires specialised and managed technology, others like noise pollution, broadcasters, compliance. There are also the challenges of keeping people in the venue for longer after the event, but be able to deliver crowd management and emergency evacuation. One of the issues faced in the industry is the slow development of industry standards and ratification that will allow full IT systems integration, however this still does not detract from the importance of involving the AV expertise earlier on in the design or refurbishment of a venue. Matt Richards, Intelli Media Systems, “Next Generation of High Definition Digital Signage and Video within buildings”. Matt discussed the benefits of deploying a managed TV system in venues, where the relevant factor is driving information in whatever shape of form through the digital medium from signage to advertising videos or specifically generated content incl. UGC (User Generated Content). Importantly discussed by Matt are the fundamentals of what the elements of a system are, the process of installation, operational costs and business benefits, both commercial and improving the customer experience. With regard to a venue(s), it is key that the system is holistic, able to drive all screen types and have screen control, manages a variety of feeds and content that can be manipulated, and thus deliver things like a Venue TV channel, customisation for stakeholders and sponsors, replay channels, etc. and deliver the visitor experience to realise the benefits. Nick Sutton, ASL Control, “3D Control Systems Major Events”. Nick presented on the importance of control systems in a venue with a major event in mind. Once again in a venue the visitor experience is crucial, however, the journey the visitor makes from home via Rail, Air, Road all have an important part play in the overall experience of visiting a venue. Nick demonstrated the importance of a site management system using case study material from St Pancras International and Gatwick Airport which both use ASL’s 3D, open architecture site management system to provide control and supervision of most communications, security and safety sub-systems, thus providing an integrated solution. The system demonstrates the control and flexibility that a venue has over the management and operations of the delivery of services and facilities to the visitors.
Therefore the presentations from our speakers at EVTG of the 21st July 201 clearly highlighted, the importance of AV not just from and Audio Visual perspective of listening and seeing, but it’s importance in being designed into a venue at the design stage and being part of an integrated solution to provide the best in visitor experiences.
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