BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  1. Production & Strategy
  2. Strategy

NBC Marks Election Night in New York With Interactive Maps, Exhibits

Lauren Matthews
November 7, 2012

As citizens across the United States anxiously awaited the results of the election last night, NBC once again hosted Democracy Plaza at Rockefeller Center, a free interactive, election-focused exhibit and promotion for the public that also served as the hub of election-night coverage from NBC News, Telemundo, CNBC, MSNBC, and NBC 4 New York.

Originally scheduled to open Tuesday, October 30, the outdoor setup saw its kickoff delayed until Friday, November 2, due to Hurricane Sandy. This is the second time NBC has turned its Rockefeller Center headquarters into Democracy Plaza­—the last time was in 2004; in 2008, the broadcasting company created a scaled-down version called Election Plaza.

Thousands gathered to watch live coverage of results on large screens in the Midtown site, which was doused in red, white, and blue hues. Underneath the surface of the iconic ice rink was the outline of a U.S. map that had individual states filling in red or blue as NBC News officially called them for Obama or Romney. The crowds also watched and cheered as red and blue banners representing the number of electoral votes gained by each party rose up the front of the General Electric building toward the key 270 mark. Two elevated temporary studios overlooked the rink, one for NBC News and one for MSNBC. Just off to the side of the rink was another temporary studio where Today national correspondent Tamron Hall was based.

In addition to serving as a news hub for the network, Democracy Plaza was designed as a consumer event with prominent brand integration by sponsor Windows 8. Visitors could test the new Surface tablet at stands placed throughout the area and interact with Windows products at several exhibits, including a video booth outfitted with a news desk and teleprompter where people could record and share a mock NBC News report produced on a Windows PC. Caricature artists using tablets loaded with the new Fresh Paint app for Windows 8 also provided visitors with drawings of themselves alongside the presidential candidates. Downstairs inside the concourse were replicas of the Oval Office and the White House press briefing room where guests could have their photos taken and then share them online via Windows tablets.

NBC worked with Jack Morton Worldwide to create Democracy Plaza and bring the on-air broadcast experience to the public. The experience agency handled everything that “you could see, touch, or interact with,” according to Cristina Calzadilla, the vice president and director of public relations and communications at Jack Morton, including the map projections, broadcast sets, and interactive exhibits.

The rink at Rockefeller Center displayed an outline of the United States. As NBC News called states for Obama or Romney, the map was colored red and blue.
The rink at Rockefeller Center displayed an outline of the United States. As NBC News called states for Obama or Romney, the map was colored red and blue.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
The Fifth Avenue entrance to Rockefeller Plaza was marked with branded signage, and surrounding buildings were awash with red and blue lighting.
The Fifth Avenue entrance to Rockefeller Plaza was marked with branded signage, and surrounding buildings were awash with red and blue lighting.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Red and blue banners representing the number of electoral votes gained by each candidate were rolled up the side of the General Electric building, which was illuminated with patriotic lighting projections.
Red and blue banners representing the number of electoral votes gained by each candidate were rolled up the side of the General Electric building, which was illuminated with patriotic lighting projections.
Photo: Anthony Quintano/NBC News
The plaza's Channel Gardens were surrounded with temporary stands where visitors could test out the new Windows Surface tablets.
The plaza's Channel Gardens were surrounded with temporary stands where visitors could test out the new Windows Surface tablets.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
On the plaza, caricature artists used the Fresh Paint app on Windows tablets to draw visitors alongside a likeness of their preferred presidential candidate.
On the plaza, caricature artists used the Fresh Paint app on Windows tablets to draw visitors alongside a likeness of their preferred presidential candidate.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
NBC and MSNBC news anchors reported from temporary elevated broadcast studios placed on either side of the plaza. Jack Morton Worldwide created all the broadcast sets and interactive exhibits for Democracy Plaza.
NBC and MSNBC news anchors reported from temporary elevated broadcast studios placed on either side of the plaza. Jack Morton Worldwide created all the broadcast sets and interactive exhibits for Democracy Plaza.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
The NBC Experience Store was turned into the MSNBC Experience as part of the Democracy Plaza setup. Chilly visitors could step inside to warm up and have their pictures taken with patriotic props at a photo station from the Bosco.
The NBC Experience Store was turned into the MSNBC Experience as part of the Democracy Plaza setup. Chilly visitors could step inside to warm up and have their pictures taken with patriotic props at a photo station from the Bosco.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Visitors were invited to create their own personalized buttons inside the MSNBC Experience by typing their names and hometowns into Windows desktop computers. The completed buttons could then be picked up at a nearby station.
Visitors were invited to create their own personalized buttons inside the MSNBC Experience by typing their names and hometowns into Windows desktop computers. The completed buttons could then be picked up at a nearby station.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
The upstairs area of the NBC Experience Store was transformed into the Morning Joe Café, where visitors could get a free latte or cup of coffee and take a seat at one of the branded café tables.
The upstairs area of the NBC Experience Store was transformed into the Morning Joe Café, where visitors could get a free latte or cup of coffee and take a seat at one of the branded café tables.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Adjacent to the Morning Joe Café was a lounge area with leather couches and a large TV screen, where visitors watched and cheered as election results rolled in throughout the evening. Signage on the coffee tables encouraged visitors to Instagram photos of their free lattes tagged with #MSNBC2012.
Adjacent to the Morning Joe Café was a lounge area with leather couches and a large TV screen, where visitors watched and cheered as election results rolled in throughout the evening. Signage on the coffee tables encouraged visitors to Instagram photos of their free lattes tagged with #MSNBC2012.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Replicas of the White House press room and the Oval Office sat side by side inside the Rockefeller Plaza concourse. People lined up to have their photos taken by staffers using Windows tablets.
Replicas of the White House press room and the Oval Office sat side by side inside the Rockefeller Plaza concourse. People lined up to have their photos taken by staffers using Windows tablets.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Latest in Strategy
This SNL50 mailer included a Marshall speaker—an homage to the decades-spanning musical guests on the show—a bottle of Chandon to toast the milestone, and a limited-edition crewneck.
Strategy
How Over-the-Top Event Invites Can Make a Big Impact
Firmbee Com Jrh5l Aq M Is Unsplash
Strategy
How Higher Tariffs Are Impacting the Event Industry
As of press time, both the Palisades and Eaton fires were almost 100% contained.
Opinion & Experts
The Case for Hosting Events in Los Angeles Right Now
Sometimes, leaning into the season through cozy, winter-inspired decor can add a natural warmth to your event design. For a corporate holiday party held in December 2023, Sterling Engagements created a stylish wintry retreat in a lodge-like setting. The space featured snow-dusted trees, serene blue lighting inspired by the winter sky, and a color palette complemented by shimmering metallics that were designed to catch the light. The centerpiece of the festive gathering was the plaid dance floor and eye-catching ceiling installation, which mixed different mediums including winter greens, pine cones, starbursts, and more. Florals furthered the whimsical, wintry theme.
Strategy
20 Toasty Tips for Keeping Guests Warm at Winter Events
Related Stories
Herobox Survey07
New York
Election Survey: 55 Percent of Event Professionals Voting for Obama
The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center was one of the first major venues in Manhattan to resume operations after Hurricane Sandy, allowing the ING New York City Marathon and Fitness Expo to set up in time for its Thursday-morning opening.
Strategy
New York Events Set to Resume a Week After Hurricane Sandy
If Survey Herobox03
Strategy
BizBash IdeaFest Poll: Facebook Tops Twitter, Economy Looking Up, Green Planning Important
Working with the department store's in-house events team, the producer created a series of fantastical vignettes designed to evoke the spirit of the retailer's Fifth Avenue window displays.
Strategy
Taxidermy, Cotton Clouds Fill Bergdorf Goodman's 111th Anniversary Gala
More in Strategy
Strategy
How Over-the-Top Event Invites Can Make a Big Impact
In a world where inboxes are full and attention spans are short, an invitation can make or break your event’s perception.
This SNL50 mailer included a Marshall speaker—an homage to the decades-spanning musical guests on the show—a bottle of Chandon to toast the milestone, and a limited-edition crewneck.
Strategy
How Higher Tariffs Are Impacting the Event Industry
Event profs weigh in on this hot economic topic and share how the increased costs are affecting their businesses.
Firmbee Com Jrh5l Aq M Is Unsplash
Opinion & Experts
The Case for Hosting Events in Los Angeles Right Now
Local event professionals share how the wildfires have impacted their events—and why bringing productions to Los Angeles right now is safe and more important than ever.
As of press time, both the Palisades and Eaton fires were almost 100% contained.
Strategy
20 Toasty Tips for Keeping Guests Warm at Winter Events
Discover how to infuse warmth into your event—without sacrificing style and creativity.
Sometimes, leaning into the season through cozy, winter-inspired decor can add a natural warmth to your event design. For a corporate holiday party held in December 2023, Sterling Engagements created a stylish wintry retreat in a lodge-like setting. The space featured snow-dusted trees, serene blue lighting inspired by the winter sky, and a color palette complemented by shimmering metallics that were designed to catch the light. The centerpiece of the festive gathering was the plaid dance floor and eye-catching ceiling installation, which mixed different mediums including winter greens, pine cones, starbursts, and more. Florals furthered the whimsical, wintry theme.
Strategy
How REI (Literally) Takes Out the Trash at Events—and What Event Profs Can Learn From It
Waste management is a major part of the outdoor retailer's sustainable event practices.
Hannah Johnson of Perennial Zero Waste has consulted on waste management for REI events since 2019.
Strategy
Does Your Event Need a Custom Scent?
The right aroma can enhance your event’s atmosphere and leave a lasting impression—without overpowering your attendees.
How to Use Scents at Events
Most Popular
Event Design & Decor
Step Right Up: 10 Carnival Decor Ideas That Balance Whimsy and Elegance
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See How Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Transformed a Porta-Potty into a Music Festival Activation
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Disney+ Leaned Into Y2K Vibes for a 'Throwback' Pop-Up Experience in LA
Strategy
How Over-the-Top Event Invites Can Make a Big Impact
Event Design & Decor
7 Smart Ways to Beat the Heat at Outdoor Events
Strategy
18 Fun Ways to Keep Guests Cool at Outdoor Events
From misting stations to cooling towels, these creative (and often unexpected!) ideas can help your event guests beat the heat this summer.
At Lollapalooza 2019, Pepsi offered shade under a giant prop rainbow. Guests could also swing under cloud-shaped balloons. See more: Lollapalooza 2019: Inside Guest-Focused Brand Activations from Brands Like Pepsi and Cupcake Winery
Strategy
Tips for Hosting an Event Inside an Airplane Hangar—Where Not Even the Sky Is the Limit
Take insights and inspiration from the grand opening of The Executive Hangar, a new venue in Fullerton, Calif.
'Tap into travel,' Borunda advises of hosting inside an airplane hangar. 'Hosting an event at a hangar opens doors to many fun themes. Lean into the obvious aviation or travel themes, and decorate with planes and helicopters. Other fun themes can be ‘launch’ parties; milestones ‘reaching new heights’; or anything that can be a fun play on words in relation to planes, helicopters, or the hangar.'
Strategy
How to Shut Down a Major City Strip for a Single-Day Food and Wine Fest
We spoke with the production team behind the Las Olas Wine & Food Festival to talk strategy—along with all the food, beverage, and activation highlights.
The one-night-only Las Olas Wine & Food Festival Tasting Pavilion took over five city blocks and several side streets. A production management team of 40, along with various activation partners who brought the sponsorships and experiences to life, were given just 24 hours by the City of Fort Lauderdale to build, execute, and break down the festival.
Strategy
Q&A: Inside the Record-Breaking Sustainability Efforts at This Year's Mardi Gras
Through its new Recycle Dat! initiative, New Orleans managed to divert over 10 tons of waste from landfills during last month's citywide celebration.
Mardis Gras 2024 Sustainability Efforts
Strategy
9 Tips for Effectively Repurposing Event Content
Events and conferences can be a treasure trove of content that, if used wisely, can keep your audience engaged all year. Here's how to repurpose content effectively.
Tips for Repurposing Event Content
Strategy
10 Tips on How to Optimize a Private Dining Room for Events
From Miami to San Diego, we spoke with 10 event professionals about what to look for in a private dining room when planning your next event.
At Twenty-Eight Atlantic at Wequasset Resort & Golf Club on Cape Cod, the private dining room's focal points are its floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of Pleasant Bay.
Page 1 of 135
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.