The most recent World Meeting of Families marked the first time the event was held in the United States. The meeting, which has occurred every three years since 1994, is the largest global gathering of Christian families. Hargrove Inc., creator of world-class experiential events, trade shows, and exhibits, was tasked with preparing the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia for the international religious meeting’s U.S. debut, which was held September 22-27.
In addition to the unique entrance treatments, registration units, media center, and signage and services for show management, Hargrove created a massive stained glass window that helped transform the convention center setting into a serene place of worship. Two major factors were taken into consideration when designing and installing this feature: location and materials.
Location
When investing in a substantial focal installation, be sure it is placed where it will have a lasting impression. What areas of the event will have the highest levels of traffic? Should attendees have the ability to touch the installation?
Hargrove strategically installed the stained glass window above one of the main convention center entrances on Broad Street, which created a massive impact from the moment World Meeting of Families attendees saw it. The colorful installation spanned three stories and was visible from both outside and inside the convention center. This stained glass backdrop truly gave the two halls that had been transformed into a 12,000-seat church an authentic cathedral feel.
Materials
While it appeared to be a true stained glass feature, the installation was accomplished using window clings, which saved time and money and was safer to use compared to glass. The completed window feature measured 19.5 feet wide and 72.5 feet tall and included 25 clings of various sizes and designs.
The Hargrove team spent hours agreeing on which colors and cling styles would look best once installed. This included choosing whether to use clings with tiny sparkles or a solid color and deciding which created the most realistic visual of a cathedral-style stained glass. Even the tiniest details can have the largest impact on an installation feature.
It is important to have an overall ambiance in mind when planning an event. Attendees and guests should feel engaged from the moment they step inside the venue and incorporating a statement piece can help transform the space.
