29 October 2010
Over 50 000 people in four days walked through the doors of Gallagher Estates for the Johannesburg leg of Sexpo 2010. For the second year running, Integrity Promotions provided the full technical supply and support for the show which is scheduled to travel to Cape Town in November.
Integrity Promotions started with Sexpo in South Africa in 2009, visiting Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. While the concept originated in Australia, South Africans have added a touch of class to ensure the show remains sexy but in good taste. Integrity’s professional lighting and classy stage design for the main stage received compliments from the new owner of Sexpo South Africa, Arthur Calamaras. “He said that he’d never seen a stage look this good,” said a visibly proud Dean Fourie from Integrity, Technical Director and co – designer for the event. Stage design and technical stage drawings were co – conceived by Dean and Wayne Sproule of Pendragon Dezign.
The enthusiasm from the Integrity Promotions team is refreshing. “We don’t do this because it’s a job, we do it because we love it,” Dean and his team agreed. “Our attention to detail is immense and our clients really appreciate that.” Cathy Hill, Project Manager of Sexpo South Africa agrees with the above and stated: “Integrity Promotions is an integral logistics team NO event should ever be without, no matter how small or large the event!!”
Sexpo utilized two halls, containing 190 stands, the main stage, a second stage known as the Chapel of Love, The Durex Workshop, the Ladies and Lollipop Lounges, the outdoor Camel Smoking Area, and the Naughty Welcome Set. Not only did Integrity Promotions provide the technical set up and support for these aforementioned areas, they were also tasked with the responsibility to supply décor and furniture for the Chapel and Welcome area. Concept, design, and management of these areas was spear- headed by Jo Metter. A 4.3km audio cable was run to supply live audio feed to the outside Camel Smoking Area. The Integrity team had a two day set up for all areas, and a seven hour break down.
DWR’s Bruce Riley was on site to assist and help the Integrity team get their heads around Arkaos. “Bruce is a hero,” Dean and Jo agreed. “He didn’t leave until he had us sorted out…. he’s a good asset to your company.”
Another champion for the day was Sean Crawley from Sound Stylists who was appointed LD for the Main Stage and created magic under the direction of Dean Fourie. Dean briefed Sean that he was looking for elegance with a sexy twist to compliment the look and feel of Sexpo. “I love his lighting,” said Jo. “That boy is up and coming. He speaks to the artists, asks about their performance and importantly creates lighting that adds mood. He does magnificent stuff.”
Main Stage
The Main Stage area had a star truss rigged at an angle over the stage area as well as a circular truss with the Sexpo Branding placed at the back of the stage. White floating canvas cubes picked up colour and added life to the stage.
Equipment used as below.
Nexo GeoS Line Array System including:
12 x Nexo GeoS 805 Line Array Full Range Speakers
2 x Nexo GeoS 830 Line Array Down Fills
8 x Nexo GeoCD 12 Hyperbloid Sub Bass Cabinets
4 x Shure ULXP Handheld Mics
All run off the Yamaha sound desk
Projection:
2 x Draper Unlimited 16’ x 12’ Screens
1 x 3m Circular Truss frame and Sexpo Banner
3 x Barco CLM R10+ Projectors
1 x Arkaos Media Pro
1 x Hipper Critter
Lighting:
4 x Mac 250 Wash
4 x Mac 250 Entour
4 x Mac 700
1 x Mac 3000 4 x Robe ColorSpot 240 AT
4 x Robe LEDWash 136LT
4 x Chauvet Q – Wash LED6 x RGB LED Blinders
6 x RGB LED Panels
4 x Bars of 6 Par64 Parcans
48 x JB Systems RGB LED Parcans
2 x Strong Radiance Follow Spots
16 x Par64 LED Parcans (surrounded the circular truss)
1x Avolite Tiger Touch Lighting Desk
1 x JEM Hazer
2 x Smoke Machines
Approximately 100m of trussing
Crew:
Technical Director: Dean Fourie
AV: Dallas Yeatman (Sound Stylists)
Sound: Kyle Robson (Sound Stylists)
Lighting: Sean Crawley (Sound Stylists)
Backstage Manager: Belinda Chapman
Production, operations, and logistics: Jo Metter
Chapel and Workshop Sound and AV Technician: Musa Buthelezi
Chapel Stage:
Sound:
1 x HK Premuim Pro System including:
2 x 15″ Mid-High Speaker + 2 x Dual 10″ Bass Speakers
CD Player and Background Music
2 x Shure ULXP Handheld Microphones
Lighting:
2 x I – Color 4 on Stands
AV:
2 x 50” Plasma Screens on Stands (on Plasma Risers for additional Height)
Live Camera Feed to Plasmas
Lollipop Lounge and Ladies Lounge:
“The Robes worked amazingly here,” said Jo. Gobos were projected onto a draped area, once again creating movement and adding ambience.”
Sound (per Area):
2 x JBL 15″ G2 Speakers on stands
Sound desk
DJ supplied own DJ Equipment
Lighting (per Area):
2 x 2m Quad Truss Totems
2 x Robe Color Spot 170AT
8 x Par64 LED Parcans
1 x Lighting Desk (Hog 500 or Rave)
1 x Smoke Machine
Integrity believe that Sexpo is so much more than the “toys” and gimmicks being sold. “The show is about knowing yourself, it’s about lifestyle and health,” emphasised Jo. “The show is just good clean fun, and we are proud to have been a part of it.”
