The Sheffield Business Awards, organised by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, is recognised as one of the most prestigious and largest annual gatherings for the regional business community. Hosted at the iconic Octagon Centre, the event annually welcomes over 800 guests. The brief demanded not only flawless technical execution but also a high-impact aesthetic that could transform the multi-purpose venue into a sophisticated, premium awards show environment, reflecting the prestige of the accolades being presented.
Stream7 was contracted to deliver the end-to-end technical production. This included a comprehensive package: bespoke stage design, cutting-edge lighting, meticulous sound management, and advanced multi-camera video coverage, all seamlessly integrated within the logistical constraints of the busy city-centre venue.
The Octagon Centre, while vast, presents unique logistical challenges for a high-specification production. The primary challenge was marrying the necessary scale of the technical setup, including large format screens and a bespoke stage, with the venue's architecture and tight operational window. We needed to ensure excellent sightlines for all 800+ attendees while executing a dynamic, television-quality broadcast feed (IMAG) and coordinating multiple external teams, all within a constrained load-in and rehearsal schedule. Our solution had to be elegant, efficient, and technologically robust from load-in to strike.
Stream7's approach centred on leveraging technical innovation and deep expertise in event production to transform the Octagon space. Our team worked closely with the event organisers to ensure the technical execution was a core part of the evening's narrative and visual impact.
We didn't just provide a stage; we constructed a fully bespoke set and staging environment. The key component was the custom-built stage backdrop, which featured high-resolution modular LED panels. Crucially, these panels were not simply used for static logos or video playback. They were interfaced and managed via DMX control, allowing them to be treated as integrated lighting fixtures. This dynamic integration allowed our lighting designer to include the backdrop's visuals and colours directly into the lighting cues, enabling:
Real-Time Visual Effects: Seamlessly transitioning the entire stage look from deep atmospheric colours during dinner to bright, celebratory palettes for award presentations.
Instant Branding: Rapid and precise branding updates, creating a constantly evolving and highly professional visual identity throughout the night.
Sound Management: Operating in a large, hard-surfaced venue like the Octagon requires careful acoustic planning. Our technicians took full control of the venue's in-house audio system. Through precise equalisation and delay settings, we optimised the distribution to ensure crystal-clear sound delivery for hosts, acceptance speeches, and background music across all areas of the hall, eliminating echoes and feedback issues.
Lighting Solution: Stream7’s comprehensive solution included a strategic mixture of installed spot and wash fixtures alongside the effective use of the venue’s existing lighting infrastructure. The entire, complex lighting plot - covering atmospheric, stage-wash, and dynamic effects - was meticulously designed and programmed by our dedicated lighting technician. This end-to-end management ensured every segment, from the initial welcome reception to the climactic final award, possessed a consistent, professional, and high-impact visual signature.
To guarantee excellent visibility and engagement for all guests, we deployed powerful 12,000 lumen high-brightness projectors paired with large format front projection screens. These surfaces were essential for displaying sponsor slides, nominee profiles, and the live video feed.
Our video solution managed two concurrent camera workflows:
IMAG (Image Magnification): Our dedicated Stream7 camera crew was positioned strategically to capture the main stage action. This live IMAG feed was instantly mixed and sent to the projection screens, ensuring all 800+ attendees could clearly see the facial expressions and immediate reactions of the hosts and award winners.
Collaborative Roaming Coverage: To capture the atmosphere and excitement off-stage, we successfully integrated the roaming camera feed provided by our partners at LensGo directly into our main vision mixing suite. This collaboration allowed us to intercut spontaneous moments from the floor with the formal stage proceedings, adding a layer of dynamic, professional coverage to the final output.
The Sheffield Business Awards were executed with technical excellence and remarkable visual flair. The bespoke, DMX-controlled LED staging provided a high-end, dynamic visual foundation that elevated the ceremony’s atmosphere far beyond standard conference lighting. By tightly managing all technical disciplines - from the custom set and intricate lighting design to the flawless multi-camera IMAG and integrated partner video feeds - Stream7 delivered a flawless, professional, and memorable night. The event organisers praised the seamless delivery and the high production value, cementing Stream7's reputation as the go-to provider for large-scale, high-impact regional events.
