Video Applications Inc. and Scharff Weisberg teamed up to provide video support for a three-day leadership meeting for Kindred Healthcare, Inc. at the Palazzo Ballroom in the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas. The first-time event for Kindred, attended by 1,200 employees, was produced by Event Designs New York (EDNY), a boutique special-events production company. Kindred Healthcare is a healthcare services company, which, through its subsidiaries, operates hospitals, nursing centers and contract rehabilitation services businesses across the US.

“When I received a phone call from Kevin Verronneau, EDNY’s executive producer, I immediately contacted my Video Applications associate Shawn Oatey in Los Angeles to put together a complete package for this event,” notes Scharff Weisberg’s senior event manager, Guy Bostian. Shawn and I worked closely throughout the process to ensure the best technology and the highest customer service.

The leadership meeting showcased the kind of collaborative work at which Video Applications and Scharff Weisberg, who recently announced a co-ownership agreement, excel. Their combined experience and expertise and the accessibility of their bicoastal resources enabled them to ensure smooth execution of a multi-day event spread across two large spaces, each of them requiring several turnarounds.

The leadership meeting kicked off with a trade show featuring internal and external vendors to the healthcare industry; progressed to a General Session which opened with a Cirque du Soleil-style performance and went on to multiple corporate presenters supported by graphics, video and IMAG; and culminated with both venues transformed into large breakout rooms for multiple presentations to attendees.

“Our goal is to deliver exceptional client experiences by utilizing our knowledge and resources effectively,” says Shawn Oatey, VP of sales at Video Applications. “For this show, we were able to use our combined strength to provide equipment and key staff that met the client's expectations for the show and the budget.”

A 35,000-square-foot space in the Ballroom served as the trade show venue. Video Applications and Scharff Weisberg were challenged to convert the area for cocktails and dinner on day one and lunch on day two with a keynote speaker requiring graphics, video playback and IMAG. Another 35,000-square foot space in the Ballroom was devoted to the General Session on day two. Multiple presentations followed the dynamic opening which saw Kindred’s CEO rolled out in a German Wheel; an Elvis impersonator—this was Las Vegas—led attendees in a three-minute break stretch. Video Applications and Scharff Weisberg were tasked with re-setting the General Session room the same day for an employee awards ceremony at which The Water Coolers improvised custom tunes.

“We installed two switching systems both of which were located backstage in the General Session room enabling us to conduct rehearsals simultaneously for both the General Session and trade show rooms,” adds Bostian. “With the switching system in place, we also had the ability to route feeds independently to the main screens or the delay screens.”