When the senior leadership of a nationwide electrical contractor gathers to define the future, the technology supporting them must be as reliable as the infrastructure they build.
In January 2026, Talon Audio Visual partnered with Austin-based agency Premier Event Source to execute this client’s Leadership Summit. Bringing together 160 senior leaders from across the country, this high-profile event required a flawless blend of immersive scenic design, complex logistical support for breakouts, and a robust, independent network infrastructure.
The Challenge: Security First
One of the most complex requirements for this summit was connectivity. The client has a strict internal security policy prohibiting the use of hotel or venue networks for business operations. They needed a "building-wide" solution that was completely air-gapped from the venue.
Talon AV designed and deployed a massive cellular-based network:
The Hardware: We utilized 12 distinct cellular modems and 16 access points strategically placed throughout the venue.
The Coverage: This custom network blanketed the General Session, Backstage, FOH, Media Room, Expo, Registration, and all 8 Breakout rooms.
The Result: A secure pipeline for production data, digital signage, and attendee connectivity without ever touching the hotel’s infrastructure.
General Session: High-Fidelity Impact
For the main stage, the goal was broadcast-quality presentation.
Audio: To ensure crystal-clear intelligibility, we deployed a premium JBL audio system. By utilizing the VTX A6 series for our main arrays and VRX delays, we achieved concert-level sonic clarity that remained visually unobtrusive.
Visuals: The centerpiece was a triple-LED wall configuration driven by a Barco E2 Screen Management System for seamless widescreen playback. Talon’s creative team also collaborated with the client to design the PowerPoint decks and custom motion graphic assets.
Comms: With a 30-person crew, reliable communication was non-negotiable. We utilized a hybrid Clear-Com FreeSpeak II and HelixNet system, ensuring wireless, crystal-clear comms for stage managers and techs anywhere in the building.
Breakouts & Expo: Consistent Quality Everywhere
The experience didn't stop at the main stage. We supported 8 breakout rooms and a central Expo/Meal room with the same attention to detail.
Audio Uniformity: We deployed uniform speaker coverage across the breakout and expo spaces. This ensured that whether an attendee was in the main hall or a small workshop, the audio quality remained premium and consistent.
Wayfinding: We built and managed touchscreen kiosks in key foyer locations, updated daily with the agenda to help the 160 attendees navigate the complex schedule.
Digital Signage: In the expo and Meal Spaces, we deployed 6 BrightSign Players to display looping videos in several expo areas, as well as timely updates about breakouts and meals in the lounge space.
Session Transcription: Even in the intimate breakout sessions, the client wanted a transcript of all the proceedings. We used traditional recorders in the GS, and in the rooms without presenter microphones, we deployed a tablet-based transcription system to provide transcription of all the sessions for their internal records.
The Executive Session & Wrap
On the final day, our team rapidly converted the Expo area into a private, closed-door Executive Session for a final strategy recap. Over the course of 8 days on-site, our crew of 30 (including travel and local techs) delivered a seamless experience, handing off ISO recordings, session transcripts, and behind-the-scenes footage to the client's internal media team for immediate post-event use.
The Technical Deep Dive (Gear List)
Audio: Precision & Coverage
PA System: JBL VTX A6 Line Array System (Mains) combined with JBL VRX delays.
Subs: JBL VTX B18 Subwoofers.
Fill: JBL AC25 Ultra Compact speakers for front fill.
Control: Yamaha QL5 Digital Mixing Console with Rio3224-D Stage Box.
RF: Shure Axient Digital Wireless with DPA 4088 Directional Headset Mics.
Amplification: Crown IT-3500HD Amp Racks.
Video: Processing & Playback
Switching: Barco E2 4K Screen Management System.
LED Surface: 180x INFILED DB2.6 Pro LED Panels (creating 3 separate walls).
LED Processing: NovaStar MX40 Pro Controllers & CVT10-S Fiber Converters.
Playback Servers:
4x MacBook Pro M4 Max (with DeckLink cards in Sonnet chassis).
3x MacBook Pro M1 Max (Primary Playback/Graphics).
Support Machines:
14x Lenovo ThinkPads (Graphics/PPT).
2x MacBook Airs (Additional Content, BGM, Audio Cue Playback).
Lighting: Atmosphere & Design
Console: GrandMA
Fixtures:
Chauvet Maverick Force 2 Profiles (Key light/Specials).
Martin MAC Auras (Wash).
Chauvet COLORado 72x Battens & COLORdash PAR H7X (Scenic Uplighting).
Chauvet Freedom PAR battery Uplights in Expo and Foyer
Comms & Infrastructure
Intercom: Clear-Com HelixNet (wired digital partyline) & FreeSpeak II (wireless).
Network: 14x Cellular Modems & 14x Access Points (Air-gapped production network), with Peplink SDX Pro, MBX, and BR2 Routers.
