The Global Leadership Summit brought senior leadership teams from around the world together for a three‑day conference at Raffles London at the OWO, formerly known as the Old War Office. Alongside keynote presentations, breakout sessions and leadership discussions, the event incorporated an electrifying and engaging array of visuals. Reflecting the venue’s iconic heritage, the event required a visual solution that enhanced engagement whist complementing the prestigious setting. While the Grade II‑listed building provided an extraordinary backdrop, it required the First Network team to approach installation planning and space management with particular care. To meet these requirements, the team selected Absen LED as the centrepiece of the main ballroom environment. A 22‑metre‑wide by 3.5‑metre‑high Absen 1.9mm LED wall formed the backdrop to the event’s general sessions, delivering exceptional clarity, uniformity and colour performance for high‑impact content throughout the programme. A custom central LED feature and purpose‑built stage design added depth and presence, supporting smooth presenter entrances and dynamic scene changes.
To ensure a streamlined workflow without compromising audience experience, the technical crew constructed a bespoke control room and speaker green room within the venue’s underground car park. This solution allowed unobstructed use of the main ballroom while maintaining efficient communication and operational control. Interactivity played a significant role in the conference. Drawing subtle inspiration from the venue’s history and association with Ian Fleming and the James Bond franchise, the creative team incorporated themed digital engagement features, supported by the LED displays. Interactive roulette‑style graphics appeared across the screen to coordinate live audience participation, while a combination of wireless Catchbox microphones and an advanced Shure Axient system enabled seamless contribution from all delegates. The technical setup accommodated 56 wireless microphone inputs and multiple audio‑visual playback sources, including 7.1 surround sound. “Absen’s LED solution was instrumental in bringing this event to life,” says Jasmine Aswani, Projects Director at First Network. “The clarity, reliability and ease of integration meant our team could focus on delivering a seamless experience for our client, while the Absen technology performed perfectly from start to finish. It’s always reassuring to work with a partner whose products we can depend on at critical moments. The visuals were striking, the interactive moments felt natural, and execution remained smooth. Absen’s technology and First Network’s teamwork helped create an experience our attendees won’t forget anytime soon.”
