Case Studies

The National Housing Federation (NHF) returned to ACC Liverpool for the fifth time in March 2022.  The event brought together the finance leaders from the housing association sector for a two-day conference in the convention centre after a two year break due to the pandemic.

 NHF made use of all available spaces within the convention centre including Hall 1 auditorium, level 3 breakout rooms and Hall 2 for their exhibition and seminar stage. The ACC Liverpool production team worked closely with the client throughout the event planning process to advise on how they could grow the event.  The team ensured it successfully delivered every aspect of the event and that delegates enjoyed an unrivalled experience while in Liverpool.

The opening plenary, keynote speeches and debates took place in the main auditorium in the convention centre throughout the duration of the conference.  The ACC Liverpool production team provided an enhanced production package within the spaces to provide the perfect backdrop for the presenters while on the stage. This included a 12m wide screen projection surface, dual projector setup for edge blend, camera to screen, rear cyc and lighting for brand specific colours as well as an upgraded intelligent lighting package above the stage.  The team incorporated two bespoke printed backdrops for both the soft seating area and lectern position.

All of the venue’s level three breakout rooms have recently been upgraded with 9K projectors and new 16:9 surfaces within all the spaces.

The 2019 event saw the introduction of a triangular LED screen consisting of three sides of 3.5m x 1.5m using 2.9mm LED panels. This was provided again this year and flown in a central position within the exhibition hall.  It was utilised for live streaming from the main plenary and keynotes, sponsor logos and adverts and also for the broadcast of BBC Business News in between sessions. This element created a real focal point within the exhibition and was visible as soon as delegates entered the hall.

The production team worked with the client to design and install an exhibition seminar space within the lower galleria of the venue. This stage had a 11m wide x 3.5m high bespoke printed canvas backdrop, allowing the client to create another breakout/seminar space in an area which is sometimes unused for exhibitions. They utilised the use of silent headsets for the audience to ensure that nothing was missed in a busy exhibition environment.  A quirky use of this area was during the drinks reception when it was transformed into a silent disco making use of the headsets and a small lighting package which was perfect for the occasion.

Emma Harrison, NHF event manager, said: “Working with the ACC Liverpool production team for the NHF Housing Finance Conference and Exhibition 2022 was an extremely smooth process from the planning stages through to the live event delivery.

“The team is open to ideas and propose ways to enhance the event delivery while also being aware of working within our budget limitations.

“Communication prior to the event was excellent and that is maintained on-site too. The event was delivered exactly as planned and the team were all friendly, professional and quick to adapt to any last-minute changes, such as streaming in remote speakers.

“You’re in safe hands with the ACC Liverpool production team and I look forward to working with them again in 2023.”

Marcus Kerr, ACC Liverpool production manager, said: “National Housing Federation enabled our in-house team to lead on new design and production opportunities within their Housing Finance Conference and Exhibition.  We have built a great relationship with the team over the years, meaning they have confidence in us when we advise on how they can grow their event and on a variety of production techniques.

“It is always great to have them back in the venue and we look forward to welcoming them back next year and to see what we can do next to grow and deliver another successful event.”