Creating an unforgettable event requires the perfect blend of meticulous planning and creative vision. The University of Bedfordshire’s Sports Awards 2024 serves as an example of how to elevate an event to achieve a memorable and significant night. With the aim of breaking away from the traditional corporate awards format, the university collaborated with a specialist production team to craft a night of elegance, excitement, with personalised branded touches.
CLIENT: UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE
SERVICES: VIDEO PRODUCTION – AV – CONTENT CREATION
The University wanted to turn their annual Sports Awards into a red-carpet-worthy occasion. The aim was to convert the Marquee on their rugby ground into a venue that reflected a formal black-tie event, whilst capturing the spirit of the university’s sports community. The evening needed to feel both prestigious and celebratory — from the lighting and sound to the overall atmosphere. The university also wanted to find a way to capture the event to serve as content for their website and socials channels.
To set the scene, a bespoke backdrop was created that featured the awards’ logo in a sophisticated black and gold design. The backdrop framed the stage, enhancing the sense of occasion. For the audio-visual setup two large screens were installed, ensuring that all attendees had a clear view of the presentations and video content. A comprehensive PA system was deployed that included 8 full-range speakers to ensure high-quality sound across the venue. The setup also included 2 handheld microphones for live speeches and announcements. The audio was managed by a dedicated technician, who oversaw the mixing desk to guarantee impeccable sound quality and smooth transitions throughout the evening.
The venue was illuminated using 12 uplighters and 8 T-bar conference lights with many reflecting the university's colours, creating a personalised atmosphere.
Additionally, two 75” screens were installed to display slides and videos, keeping the audience engaged and ensuring that stand out moments were projected for everyone in the room to see.
Through seamless technology, the attendees experience was enhanced and assured a memorable award’s evening was provided.
To capture the evening, an additional expert camera operator was there to curate footage and create a highlights video. This video not only served as a lasting memory for attendees but also as promotional material for future university events. A third-party photographer was also hired to capture high-quality images, ensuring that every aspect of the night was captured and remembered.
"The First Sight Media team were amazing, and the night was a huge success. With everything taken care of, a huge weight was lifted from our shoulders. The entire team was a pleasure to work with."
- Rosie Munro, Corporate Events Manager, University of Bedfordshire