When executing a live, global corporate broadcast, every detail matters—from audio clarity and dynamic lighting down to the physical desk where presenters sit. For the Microsoft OPG (Office Product Group) All Hands 2026, the goal was to depart from standard corporate presentation formats and deliver a high-energy, 90’s-inspired morning local news show experience to teams around the globe. We had no idea our live broadcast would turn into an award-winning production!
Having produced three previous Microsoft OPG All Hands events in the style of late-night “Tonight Shows,” our team was excited to pivot to a fresh “Morning Show” concept. To bring that broadcast vision to life within a compact footprint, AV Factory partnered with the Microsoft OPG team to handle the complete technical execution, gear deployment, and custom scenic fabrication.
Crafting the 90’s Morning Local News Vibe
The scenic design wasn’t created to strictly align with standard Microsoft OPG branding, but rather to fully immerse viewers in the nostalgia of a 1990s local news program. Every design element leaned into this theme:
- Retro Aesthetic & Color Palette: Presenter outfits, bright 90’s accent colors, dated furniture, and a quirky coffee table for panel discussions all anchored the broadcast’s unique local news identity.
- Custom Wood-Paneled Desk: The anchor desk featured warm wood paneling crafted specifically to match the built-in wood paneling of the room.
- Newsroom Photo Backdrop: We designed and built a dedicated photo backdrop that mirrored an authentic newsroom environment for secondary shots and photo ops.
Scenic Engineering: High Impact, Small Footprint & Rapid Transitions
Creating a multi-set morning show studio atmosphere within a smaller room required clever spatial engineering and tight choreography.
Over the course of the event, the space transformed into roughly five distinct sets and looks. Because space was extremely limited, everything had to happen in a very specific order. We managed dedicated stage crews who moved scenic pieces and reset looks during tight “commercial breaks.” Achieving this required extensive rehearsals and precise blocking prior to showtime.
Key Design & Fabrication Details:
To execute fast transitions without compromising on desk presence, the AV Factory shop engineered a custom solution: a fully modular, two-piece news desk.
- Latch & Split System: The desk was built in two distinct sections that locked together seamlessly on camera using quick-release industrial latches.
- Integrated Casters: Smooth-rolling casters allowed stage crew to unlatch the desk and roll either half off-camera in seconds, completely resetting the performance space without missing a beat.
- Handcrafted Aesthetics: Designed to reflect OPG’s brand identity, the desk featured bright company colors, warm wood grain pillars, and an elegant, centered plexiglass logomark that caught the studio lighting perfectly.
Full-Scale Studio AV & Broadcast Engineering
Beyond the scenic elements, AV Factory essentially built out a full-fledged broadcast news studio from scratch to service both the onsite live audience and remote viewers around the world. We supplemented the venue’s built-in technology with a comprehensive, professional gear package, including:
- Video Processing & Switching: Barco E2 presentation switching alongside Blackmagic Design ATEM Constellation camera switching for smooth, low-latency live cuts.
- Camera Systems & Teleprompters: Studio camera packages equipped with camera-mounted teleprompters for seamless presenter delivery.
- Lighting & Audio Infrastructure: Full LED studio lighting rigs, high-definition content playback and recording systems, and Arcadia CrewCom wireless intercoms to ensure seamless communication among stage crew and operators.
Four Days Onsite: The Production Timeline
Executing a seamless broadcast requires meticulous preparation. Our team spent four days onsite to bring the Microsoft OPG All Hands to life:
- Days 1–2: Complete load-in, structural setup, lighting grid installation, and broadcast system integration.
- Day 3: Full day of talent blocking, camera rehearsals, and timed set-transition runs.
- Day 4: Live show execution followed by strike and pack-out.
Recognized Excellence: 4 Major Industry Awards
The combination of retro scenic engineering, high-caliber broadcast technology, and high-energy storytelling resonated strongly with internal audiences and international award panels alike.
We are honored to share that the Microsoft OPG All Hands 2026 project took home four prestigious awards:
The Telly Awards
- 🥈 Silver Telly — People’s Telly Award (General Non-Broadcast): Voted on by the public to honor outstanding video projects.
- 🥉 Bronze Telly — Internal Communications: Recognizing excellence in employee engagement and internal messaging.
IABC Gold Quill Awards of Excellence
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) awarded its highest tier of honor to the project in two separate categories:
- 🥇 Gold Quill Award of Excellence — AV Production
- 🥇 Gold Quill Award of Excellence — Special & Experiential Events
Watch the Project Highlight Reel
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the setup, fabrication, and broadcast in our official submission video:
▶️ Watch the Submission Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a2roib1o1IE
Elevate Your Next Live Broadcast or Event!
Whether you need complex live broadcast engineering, interactive stage setups, or custom scenic fabrication built right in our warehouse, AV Factory delivers solutions tailored to your space and vision.
Ready to bring your next event to life? Contact the AV Factory team today to discuss scenic design, live production, and custom event solutions.
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