UPS Ignite General Session

August 23, 2023
Hilton Americas-Houston
Rig Rundown: UPS 2022 at Marriott Marquis Houston

Brand Tales partners with Limitless for Audiovisual and Lighting at the UPS Ignite General Session

At Limitless, we always want to test the boundaries regarding event production and system designs. Our opportunity to provide AV at the United Plant Services event brought us precisely that – an inspiring and complex system design with a backbone of visual excellence.

UPS, Ignite 2022 was one for the books, pulling out no stops on the production. Limitless’ execution on all of its departments, lighting, video, audio, network, distro, and master show control, left a lasting result. It was a fantastic opportunity for our team to push the envelope.

  • Cutting-Edge Performance – We relied on advanced AV technology to deliver pristine audio and captivating visuals. From vibrant LED screens to perfectly tuned sound systems, every detail was crafted to immerse attendees in a world-class experience.

  • Tailored Execution –  Collaborating closely with the UPS and Brand Tales team, we provided custom solutions that aligned with their vision. Through detailed planning and precise execution, we brought their creative ideas to life, ensuring every aspect of the production exceeded expectations.

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Quick Facts

  1. Duration: 2 days
  2. Attendees: 1,000+
  3. Stage Size: 24′ x 48′
  4. Equipment Used: 
Chamsys mq500

Lighting Design for High-End General Session

At Limitless Lights and Sound, we thrive on opportunities to showcase our cutting-edge lighting systems. For this UPS event, we leveraged our versatile inventory to create a production that was both visually stunning and budget-conscious.

A Flexible and Professional Design

Designer Sean Pauw expertly crafted a lighting setup that balanced flexibility, professionalism, and a touch of flash. By strategically utilizing our inventory, he delivered a polished system that elevated the event’s atmosphere without compromising on cost efficiency.

Key Elements of the Lighting Design

  • Upstage Hair Light:
    To provide excellent hair light on the upstage area, we deployed a mix of Elation Cuepix Battens and Martin MAC Auras. These fixtures were positioned along the truss above the video wall, creating dynamic and flattering illumination.

  • Key Light Precision:
    For precise and adjustable key lighting, we used Martin MAC Viper Performances. Their framing shutters allowed for exact placement, while the CMY engine enabled seamless color tuning to optimize lighting for video.

  • Eye-Catching Effects:
    To add visual flair, we incorporated Robe Pointes and Cuepix WW2 Blinders into the rig. These fixtures provided both bold effects and warm audience-facing visuals.

  • Backstage Functionality:
    The backstage area featured Elation Z60IP fixtures, which doubled as cue lights for speaker entrances. This clever integration ensured smooth transitions and professional stage management.

The Lighting Setup

Here’s a snapshot of the lighting inventory we deployed for this event:

  • (12) Martin MAC Aura Moving Washes
  • (14) Robe Robin Pointe Moving Hybrids
  • (6) Martin MAC Viper Performances
  • (12) Elation Cuepix Battens
  • (12) Elation Cuepix WW2 Blinders
  • (16) Astera AX5 Wireless Uplights 

By combining technical precision with creative design, we delivered a lighting system that brought the event to life and left a lasting impression on attendees. At Limitless Lights and Sound, every production is an opportunity to push the boundaries of innovation and execution.

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To ensure the live event was captured in high definition and projected clearly, Limitless Lights and Sound deployed a robust camera setup featuring Canon rigs paired with premium accessories from Sachtler and SmallHD.

Camera System at a Glance:

  • (3) Canon C200 Bodies
  • (2) Canon CN-E 70-200mm T4.4 Compact-Servo Cine Zoom Lenses
  • (1) Canon 24-70L F2.8 Lens
  • (2) Sachtler Video 20 S1 Tripods
  • (1) Sachtler FSB8 Tripod
  • (2) SmallHD Cine-7 Monitors
  • (1) SmallHD 502 Monitor

This system delivered seamless IMAG (Image Magnification) and high-quality recordings, ensuring a polished visual experience.

Rising to the Challenge with an Outstanding AV Crew

The success of this production was a testament to the resilience and professionalism of our team. When a key production manager fell ill with COVID just days before the event, the crew stepped up, leveraging months of meticulous planning to deliver an exceptional show.

Key Crew Members:

  • Sean Pauw & Dash Speer: Production Managers and Designers
  • Teagan Shunkwiler: Master Show Control
  • James Shiplette: IMAG & Video Systems Technician
  • Bryce Saucier, Eric Ochoa, Pablo Meija: Camera Operators
  • Roland Casiquin: Audio Mixing/Engineering
  • Oscar Ruiz & Justin Estes: Lighting Technicians
  • Hudson Davis: Master Electrician

Special Thanks

We extend gratitude to our partners AudioTek, OneDMX, and Austin Event Lighting for their invaluable support in making this production a success.

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UPS 2022 was a complex yet rewarding production that showcased the best of Limitless Lights and Sound. From innovative camera systems to a dedicated team, every detail came together to exceed client expectations. We’re proud to have been part of this event and look forward to future challenges.

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For this event, we were thrilled to deploy our dBTechnologies VIO series to achieve outstanding sound coverage in a large ballroom setting. Using four clusters of arrays strategically positioned along the downstage truss, we ensured seamless audio distribution across the venue.

Coverage and Clarity

Our configuration utilized a total of 24 VIO tops, including front fills to service the first few rows that weren’t covered by the main arrays. This approach ensured:

  • Crystal-clear audio, free of feedback.
  • Consistent sound quality from the front to the back of the room.
  • Balanced coverage that left every attendee immersed in the event.

Audio System Highlights

To achieve this exceptional sound experience, we deployed:

  • Main Clusters:

    • (8) dBTechnologies VIO L210s
    • (8) dBTechnologies VIO L212s
  • Subwoofers:

    • (4) dBTechnologies VIO S218s
  • Front Fills:

    • (8) dBTechnologies VIO L210s
  • Wireless Microphones:

    • (8) Shure ULXD Wireless Systems paired with DPA4088 headsets and handheld mics for clear, reliable speech reproduction.
  • Mixing and Processing:

    • (1) Midas M32R console with Wavesgrid Server for precise audio mixing and processing.

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This comprehensive audio setup provided impeccable sound quality throughout the space, delivering a flawless listening experience for attendees. Whether seated in the front row or at the back of the ballroom, every guest enjoyed the same high level of audio clarity.

At Limitless Lights and Sound, we pride ourselves on crafting tailored solutions that exceed expectations—and this event was no exception.

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FOH, Master Show Control, and Automation

At Limitless Lights and Sound, we’re always innovating to meet the unique needs of our clients. For this event, we redeployed a custom-built Front of House (FOH) show automation and master control system initially designed in 2021 by Austin Schneider, one of our lead technicians. The 2022 iteration featured refined updates, maintaining the streamlined experience the client’s Technical Director (TD) Salvador Garza valued while enhancing flexibility and efficiency.

Show Automation

The backbone of the system was a redundant QLAB setup paired with Companion software. This dynamic duo enabled FOH to serve as a centralized control hub:

  • OSC Messaging Integration: QLAB triggered Companion to send OSC messages to FOH devices, ensuring seamless communication across systems.
  • StreamDeck Control Surface: Operators could access any FOH device on the fly through a user-friendly interface.
  • Simplified Cue Lists: QLAB acted as the master cue list, stacking Companion commands to synchronize multiple system states in a single cue.

The result? A flawless cue-to-cue operation that allowed show callers to transition entire system states effortlessly, eliminating the need for cross-departmental coordination during complex switches.

Meeting the Client’s Demanding Needs

The client required unparalleled flexibility to switch between intricate setups instantly. Key scenarios included:

  • Switching screen configurations (e.g., IMAG on side screens, PPT on center screen, and MEDIA on the back screen).
  • Simultaneously triggering media server audio at pre-defined levels while playing layered video clips in Resolume.

This robust system handled 21 ports of control flawlessly, creating a smooth and efficient run-of-show.

FOH System Configuration

The FOH setup was meticulously designed for redundancy and reliability, featuring:

  • Network and Routing:

    • Netgear 28-port POE Managed Switch & Router
  • Redundant Control Systems:

    • (2) Mac Pro Companion / QLAB computers (1 active, 1 tracking backup)
    • (2) MacBook Pro M1 Max Resolume computers (1 active, 1 tracking backup)
  • Lighting and Audio Control:

    • (1) Chamsys MQ500 with redundant tracking backup on MagicQ PC
    • (1) Midas M32R with Waves Server
  • Video Switching and Processing:

    • (1) Blackmagic Design Smart VideoHub 12×12
    • (1) Blackmagic Design Teranex AV
    • (1) Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini SDI Pro ISO
    • (1) Blackmagic Design ATEM Constellation HD 2M/E
  • Presentation Tools:

    • (2) Presentation Laptops with NDI Adapters

This advanced configuration ensured seamless integration across lighting, audio, and video systems, supporting even the most complex requirements.

The Outcome

This sophisticated FOH system delivered an A+ experience for both the client and attendees. The flexibility and precision of the setup allowed for smooth transitions, precise control, and reliable execution, setting the stage for a flawless production.

By combining cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design, Limitless Lights and Sound once again demonstrated why we’re leaders in event production.

Limitless Lights and Sound's commitment to quality was evident throughout the UPS Ignite Conference.
Limitless demonstrated unparalleled professionalism in every phase of the event, from the prep, to desing, to initial load-in to the final load-out
Our deployment of complex audiovisual setups and coordination of details with event organizers ensured that the UPS Ignite Cnnference was executed properly.
By providing state-of-the-art audiovisual solutions, we contributed to the recognition of UPS' top professionals, aligning their mission and supporting their goals.