Event: Crescendo! 2003 & 2004, Hyatt Regency Crown Center
Description: Crescendo! is a fund raising event for the UMKC Conservatory of Music
Challenges: At the 2003 event, XS provided lighting and sound. Video was added to our scope of work in 2004. Crescendo would be a technically challenging event to produce in a legitimate theatre with ample rehearsal time. Producing an event of this magnitude in a hotel ballroom required intensive planning to avoid sacrificing the quality of the stage production or detracting from the performers. XS addressed the visual impact and sound of multiple performances with varied production needs on multiple stages through thoughtful and creative production solutions. Working in conjunction with the Decor Committee's theme and vision, the ballroom was lit to enhance the ambiance and magic of the event.
"Some of our guests indicated they were so impressed with
the event they wanted to become more involved with the
Conservatory." Barbara Roberts, 2003 Committee Chair, UMKC
Conservatory
Contact: Barbara Lutman, Manager of Advancement, lutmanb@umkc.edu
Event: Dining by Design, Exhibition Hall below Municipal Auditorium
Description: A fund-raising event to benefit DIFFA, "Dining by Design" brings together Kansas City's most inspired talent to create their own unique dining environment
Challenges: For the 2005 event, XS was called upon to address issues from previous years, most notably 1) inadequate lighting of the silent auction tables, food stations and bars, and 2) loss of floor space resulting from the structure used for stage and general room illumination.
Our solution to the first challenge was to custom fabricate
ceiling tiles that incorporated aim-able luminaires above
each auction table and food station. All wiring was hidden
above the ceiling tiles. The lighting situation was
resolved with patrons being completely unaware that a
temporary ceiling/lighting solution had been provided.
We addressed the second challenge by designing lighting from the balcony level. Doing so not only allowed for a softer room wash and more dramatic dance floor and band lighting than had previously been provided, but did so while maximizing available dining floor space.
"Our figures show that lighting sells our stuff! The
auction was a huge success. Thanks!" Gary Roush
Contact: Gary Roush 816.363.0557
Event: Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy Civic Service Award Dinner, Overland Park Convention Center, Ed Eilert Ballroom
Description: Dinner and awards ceremony, included lighting, sound, and video production
Challenges: Our sights were set on creating an elegant and original stage look for this event that had never been done before. The vast expanse of the Overland Park Convention Center was rendered more intimate through the creative use of lighting and soft goods. This was accomplished through the use of precision lighting on an exquisite fabric overlaid on a fiber optic star-field curtain. Unanimously, the result was deemed breathtaking by the committee and guests.
"XS surpassed every benchmark set by Hyman Brand. The
staging aand background looked great! I will definitely
call XS with any audio/visual needs I have in the future.
They are a great asset to any event." Brad Finley,
Corporate Events
Contact: Brad Finley, Corporate Events, Inc. 913.469.0545
Event: Junior Achievement, 2003 Hyatt Regency and 2004 Marriott Downtown
Description: Annual Business Hall of Fame Dinner & Awards
Challenges: Our client approached us expressing a desire for a new look and feel for their annual dinner and awards ceremony. We transformed the ambience through creative use of unique fabric treatments and lighting.
The fabric design and treatment has become their standard
for each years' event. We have had the distinct pleasure of
producing their lighting and video production for 2003 and
2004.
"Your lighting designs gave our room the look and ambience
to make this event special. The award platform was lit in
such a way that the beauty of the awards shined through and
reflected how special it is to receive the award." Matthew
Dillane, President, Executive Director, Junior
Achievement
Contact: Matt Dillane 816.561.3558
Event: Kansas City Art Institute, KCAI Campus
Description: Gala and auction to benefit scholarship fund
Challenges: After playing a supporting role for this event in previous years, XS was tasked with the unique challenge of relocating this event to the historic Art Institute Campus.
We were originally approached because of our strengths in
lighting outdoor events, our attention to lighting auction
items and our ability to tastefully light the presentation
of the food. However, we believe it was our enthusiasm and
passion for lighting works of art that led to our
partnership with the Art Institute.
We were honored to have been able to feature lighting on an
original work of art by student Rachel Thomas called "Light
Filter". This intricately formed 10' x 7' x 8' sculpture
utilized filtered light through multiple layers of
perforated metal. The sculpture sold fora record $30,000.
The sculptor stated that "The lighting made it".
"Your creative use of theme colors and attention to detail
truly helped the event stand out. I continue to hear
positive feedback on the sound and lighting from our
guests, staff and volunteers." Jade Greene, Director of
Special Events
Contact: Jade Greene 816.801.3483
Event: Lenexa Chamber of Commerce, Overland Park Doubletree and Sheraton Overland Park
Description: Annual Awards Dinner, with lighting, sound and video
Challenges: XS has had the pleasure of providing event productions for the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce Annual dinner and awards ceremony since 1997. Our company has grown along with the event which started out with simple stage lighting and now incorporates elaborate stage and ambient lighting, audio, and video.
We enjoy complete confidence from the committee that
organizes this event and in recent years have been afforded
full artistic control for the look of the stage and
room.
"Your production and staging of our annual dinner was
outstanding. We were so impressed with your talent,
versatility, creativity, and work ethic!" Jan Welch, Event
Coordinator
Contact: Patty Eichman / Jan Welch 913.888.1414
Event: Rockhurst High School Spectacular Gala & Auction, high school gymnasium
Description: Fund raising gala and auction
Challenges: Rockhursts' annual event has become a true labor of love. As the premier private school fundraiser in the city, we have had the pleasure of lighting a variety of diverse and exciting themes.
Though not in charge of the theme or room decor, XS enjoys
free artistic rein in implementing stage and ambient
lighting for the event. We have successfully transformed
the environment so that the guests do not realize they are
in a gymnasium.
"Once again you guys did such a fabulous job. Your acute
attention to detail with the lighting enhanced our decor
and really made the event." Cathy McCoy, CMC Creative
Decorations Chair