102 Years Anniversary Gala ROTAX
A unique setting for a successful 100 + 2 year company history. On Friday, December 9th, 2022, the time had come! After 2 years of being postponed due to Covid-19, we were able to celebrate together in a proper setting. For one evening, exhibition hall 21 in Wels was transformed into a special kind of ballroom for 2,500 guests.
A spectacular concept was developed because there is a lot to tell in 100+ years of company history. We had the honor of being able to design and implement this major event for a special occasion.
It all began when Friedrich Theodor Gottschalk developed the Rotax freewheel hub in Dresden in 1920. Rotanda Axis, the rotating axis, is derived from Latin and gave the company its name. The rest is history, because today BRP-Rotax, based in Gunskirchen near Wels, is one of the most innovative companies in the world of powertrain system development.
In order to be able to present the company history of BRP-Rotax in the best possible way, an intensive study of the history in the run-up to the event was a basic requirement. So, 8 milestones were chosen, which can be seen as characteristic and pioneering for certain years or epochs. A detailed short film and a storyline were produced for each milestone, which were then presented on site during the opening show on a 45 x 6m wide screen, which was presented by 10 laser projectors using soft edge projection. 4 additional laser projectors recorded the delay screens.
The show was designed to be particularly multifaceted, as there were interviews with responsible people and contemporary witnesses in addition to the respective milestones. The platforms distributed across the hall provided a special touch of history, on which various original vehicles and engines of the respective milestone were staged and were part of the show. Barbara Fleissner and Martin Oberhauser moderated the program.
New standards were also set as part of the technical implementation of this mega project. 15 articulated lorries of material were delivered. 150 chain hoists, 2,000 m of trusses, 647 lamps and 80 loudspeakers resulted in a roof load of 40 tons. Furthermore, 10,000m2 of carpet and 20,000m2 of cabling for signal and power were laid. Four large screens by the stairs used live transmission to ensure that all guests had a good view from their seat at the gala table. In addition to the platforms in the main hall with the historical exhibits, various engines from different years of construction were exhibited in the foyer.
The catering was based on a mixture of served starters as well as a buffet and dessert dinner. This created a relaxed atmosphere in the room, which offered guests plenty of space to linger. The gala tables shone all in white and were festively decorated. Cesar Sampson, who performed together with a live orchestra and lured the guests onto the dance floor, provided the right atmosphere.
The dimensions of the anniversary gala did not go unnoticed by the guests. Many industry experts and employees of Messe Wels said that the event was unparalleled in this respect. A great appreciation for all the work that went into making this wonderful evening a reality. Many thanks to BRP-Rotax for the trust and to all our partners involved in the planning of the event for the good cooperation!
