A) Meeting Impressions carries an assortment of different size and
shape flat and curved panels. These panels can be either fabric covered
pieces or translucent panels, either are ideal for lighting. The combination
of flat and curved panels can be used in endless configurations. That
means our stock pieces can be arranged to accommodate just about any size
screen surround, backwall or accent piece you can imagine.
Q)
What
is the benefit of a “modular” set?
A) The modular concept allows you to choose what will work best in
your location. If your room has high ceilings in the center and low
soffitts on the sides, a modular system can accommodate that scenario.
Modular pieces are lighter and easier to ship than most set materials
and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.
Q)
How
do I go about designing my own set?
A) We suggest that you use our web site's many renderings and photos
as a jumping off point for creating your set design. Many of the designs
you see here were brought to us by our clients. In effect every show
is a custom show, as we tailor the set design you choose to the room you’ll
be in.
Q)
How
does the set go together?
A) Each of the panels has a lightweight aluminum frame with a channel
in it. Thin aluminum links slide vertically into the channels. Around
the screen surrounds and for screen valances, we use the same panels,
but these pieces use a “locking” mechanism for added strength
and support. Meeting Impressions provides detailed instructions for do-it-yourself
assembly, or in most cases, supervision can be arranged by Meeting
Impressions. Typically one supervised set-up and you’ll be good
to go on the second try. See more panel
detail (PDF file). See more lock-panel detail
(PDF file).
Q)
How
does the set look with lighting on it?
A) We think it looks great. The fabric we use is a neutral gray, it
takes on color very well. Whatever color lighting you choose, the
gray makes the set appear to be that color. When used in conjunction
with the backlit panels you can create an exciting multi-colored palate
for any event.
Q)
Do
the panels come in any other colors?
A) Our rental inventory of fabric covered panels are all covered in
the “Platinum Gray” color fabric. We have found this to
be the most stage light friendly color upon which to create your multi
colored palate. Custom colored fabric panels are available at an additional
cost.
Q)
What
exactly are translucent panels?
A) Translucent panels are thin milky white pieces of plastic housed
in black aluminum frames. Our translucent panels are suitable for
front or rear lighting and in most cases they are also an option for
projection. You may not want to present a PowerPoint presentation on the
translucent panels, but they are ideal for patterns, gobos or image
projections. One client employed a 9 x 12 section of the translucent
panels and then created a PowerPoint presentation and used the individual
squares to create a virtual multi-media presentation.
Q)
How
long does it take to build a set made of modular panel pieces and how much
labor?
A) The time can vary depending on size and design. An average size
set that 12’ -15’ in height and 40’-50’ wide
should take approximately 2-4 hours, using two people. These times can
vary depending on the activity in the room and other elements involved,
e.g., video, lighting and facility staff. A supervisor can help speed
things up and access to a lift is recommended for sets over 14’
in height. Experience will only speed things up on your future set rentals.
The set will usually come down in less than half the time taken to
construct.
Q)
How
are projection screens used with the modular set?
A) When a screen is part of our set, all we require is the screen frame
and skin (no legs). The skin and frame are built as usual. Once the
surround structure is completed, the screen is lifted into place behind
the structure and then the entire frame and skin is mounted flush to the
back of our panels. The screen is held in place by our screen brackets. See more screen bracket
detail. (PDF file).
Q)
What
supports are used to steady the set walls?
A) We use a combination of open frames and fast fold braces. The braces
are 12’ in height and can be adjusted down to 6’ for shorter
sets. Frames are used when sets are over 16’ in height. It is
possible that both types of support would be used in a set-up.
Q)
Is
there a maximum height and width that can be built?
A) Width is not an issue as long as we have the materials available.
As far as height goes, we have done sets as low as 8’ and as
high as 20’. We think the set works best in the 8’ -16’
range.
Q)
What
are your rental conditions?
A) Rental begins on the day your set is delivered on-site and ends
on the day it is picked up. Certain allowances are made for weekend
set-ups and strikes. Rental prices quoted will not vary unless materials
are held for longer periods of time than originally quoted. We can make
all shipping arrangements related to the set.
Q) What
else can you provide?
A) During the design phase, we will provide a line drawing of your
set. A Photoshop-enhanced version of your set drawing or full-on CAD
drawing of your set design can be requested. We also provide a detailed
rental proposal that includes shipping, labor and/or supervision cost
estimates. We can handle all of the shipping related to your set rental.
Beyond the modular hard sets there are many things. Fabric accent
pieces in a variety of shapes and sizes, many of them floor standing.
We can help you create custom graphics for your set wall. Among the
graphics we can provide are raised letters, banners, and signage
for outside the event as well as podium/lectern graphics. We can also
help you with your smaller Exhibit booths and Entryway elements.
Q)
Can
I buy a modular hard set?
A) Several production houses around the country already own their own
modular hard set inventory. Initially you might purchase the materials
to build a small 1 or 2 screen set and augment your inventory with
rental panels from us when needed. As your needs increase, additional
inventory can be purchased from us.
