When it comes to the plenary session, a presentation space – and yes, some PowerPoint – is an inevitability. 

But the styling, seating and set can make a powerful statement and are integral to the audience experience.

This is the central area and platform for sharing updates, information and ideas. A space for education and entertainment. We recently designed an environment that blended TED Talks and Regents Park Open Air Theatre.

Presentations took a lead from TED Talks: ‘ideas worth spreading’ – innovative, insightful, engaging and fast-paced short form presentations (18 minutes max - encouraging discipline and focus!).

Set design was influenced by open air theatre, with an organic feel and foliage to accentuate the theme. Seating and staging layout continued the feel, making the audience feel more connected with the presenters and performers. The extra large screens (9m width) amplified presentation content and gave flexibility to change the scenic to suit time of day, theme, activity and performance.

Lighting design using LED tubes, retro lamps, tree uplighting, intelligent moving lights and LED wash lights brought the ability to create very different ‘states’ within the space.