CSSI Creates Cafe-Style Atmosphere for Bell South
Continuing a long-standing relationship, 141 Communicator (formerly The Avid Group) and Chicago Scenic paired up again to design and build an environment in the Grand Ballroom of the Fox Theatre in Atlanta for a presentation of services and equipment to Bell South by Accenture. Project Manager Randy Bishop worked closely with Producer Ken Marks to make sure this fast-track project was completed on time and on budget.

CSSI Designer Robert Kovach was directed to design an area with a café-style atmosphere that would allow Accenture to present their high-end systems. The environment for the promotional event included two lounge areas complete with couches and plants to set the mood.

Additional décor included columns made of laminated wood that accented the corners of the lounges and incorporated indirect lighting for the space. The columns helped to highlight specific areas and added a feeling of height to the room. All ten columns were topped with inverted pyramid shapes and sconces that helped illuminate the space. Eight of the columns were used for ambient light while the remaining columns were placed around the room and used to display graphics panels with information about the new services.
CSSI also coordinated the pick-up and delivery of a very unique vending machine and twelve work stations that displayed additional information. The state-of-the-art vending machine, which required special shipping and handling, gave users the option of making a beverage purchase by using a cell phone.

CSSI Job Lead Mark Goeke, along with Wayne Adams, worked efficiently with 141 Communicator's freelance Technical Director Vinnie Ring to successfully complete the installation process within the allotted six-hour time block.

Large Screens Provided for Teamsters Convention
Working with Ricky Kirshner Productions, CSSI built the set for the recent Quadrennial Teamsters Convention held at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. Senior Project Manager Ken Zommer coordinated the fabrication of the set and managed the installation process along with CSSI Carpenter Joe Strange.

The set, which was installed in three days, included six large screen surrounds. Four of the screens were hung around the conference hall and two were placed on stage. Videos with live coverage of the event and information and images regarding the Teamsters were projected on the screens, so all of the 10,000 participants could view the action.

Other scenic elements included an automated podium that could be quickly adjusted to any individual's height at the touch of a button. Final touches included hardwall skirting for the 120'-wide dias and two giant Teamsters logos.

This was a particularly special project for the crews involved, as it used the same production team that produced the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles. Along with Producer Ricky Kirshner and CSSI Project Manager Ken Zommer, other team members included Art Director Rene Lagler, Staging Supervisor John Bradley, Lighting Director Bobby Dickenson, and Sound Designer Patrick Baltzel.

La Petite Academy Conference is a Mountainous Success
Chicago Scenic Studios really knows how to move mountains, and at the recent La Petite 2001 Leadership Conference at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, we did just that. Working with Cresta Group's Joan Bugen and Co-Producer David Tekler of Media Projects, Project Managers Gary Heitz and Randy Bishop coordinated and oversaw the project. CSSI Carpenter Wayne Adams joined Gary and Randy onsite for the installation.

The set included a magnificent 24-foot-tall mountain designed by Ryan Hall, and painted by Paige Barnes. The design also included several other mountains which were placed in front and behind the main mountain to add depth and perspective.

President of LaPetite Academy, Judith Rogala, chose a mountain theme because of a recent team-building experience she shared with the company. Judith and her associates participated in a series of coordinated outdoor activities that focused on building company spirit and trust. However, the beautiful set was the just the beginning of what she had in store. To start the show, she surprised everyone when she stepped out from a small platform on the back of the mountain and rappelled down the face of the mountain dressed as a mountain climber. This really got the audience's attention and set the tone for a very successful meeting.

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