Greater Phoenix Economic Council

The AV systems shown embrace GPEC’s mission: “To attract and grow quality businesses and advocate for greater Phoenix’s competitiveness.” As part of their move into their new space, GPEC wanted to modernize their AV systems in order to attract modern companies to the region.

Inside the 20,000 square foot headquarters on the 25^th floor of Renaissance Square (see Renaissance Square Lobby Upgrade case study) are cutting-edge AV systems that support GPEC’s goal of enticing innovation and technology companies to expand and move to the region.

L3AV design, programming and integration services were commissioned by GPEC with assistance by Smith Group/JJR Architects & Hines. Our solution to modernize their office included:

Director’s Conference Rooms A & B (a combine/divide room)

This divisible multi-purpose room is used for training, executive committee meetings, full board of directors’ meetings and public meetings with over 100 attendees. Features include audio conferencing with Crestron touchpanels featuring custom programmed dialers. Voice capture for audio and video conferencing is accomplished via Shure ceiling mic arrays that blend into the ceiling and look like 2’x 2’ air-returns. The low-profile mics blend into the ceiling while reducing visual obstructions, a common drawback with traditional pendant ceiling mics. During all-hands meetings, presenters have available wireless lavalier mics for voice-lift and wireless handheld mics for audience participation.

Video Conferencing for both rooms is accomplished using the Shure ceiling mic arrays, two wall-mounted PTZ cameras and Skype for Business on guest devices via Crestron hdmi table boxes in the credenzas and Mersive Solstice wireless sharing system. features two projectors, distributed audio and Crestron control via two custom programmed touchpanels. Content from guest laptops are selected through source selection buttons on the Crestron touchpanel as well as video distribution (combine/divide functions of the two rooms). Crestron video distribution is routed to two 90” NEC LED displays, a Sony 5000 lumen laser projector/113” motorized-recessed projection screen and 46” confidence monitor. Combine/Divide features include individual and mirrored content on all displays using the two Crestron touchpanels.

Program audio is heard through 12 Electro-Voice in-ceiling speakers. For special entertaining events, the room’s in-ceiling speakers are paired with two wireless Electro-Voice 10” powered speakers placed on the 25^th Floor Entertainment Patio.

Executive Conference Room

This conference room is primarily used for audio conferencing. The audio conferencing system features a Crestron touchpanel featuring a custom programmed dialer. Voice capture for audio conferencing includes a ceiling mic array that visually blends into the ceiling. Electro-Voice in-ceiling speakers paired with the Shure mic-array deliver a high-quality AV Conferencing experience and an aesthetically pleasing and productive meeting space. Content from guest laptops is shared to the two 65” wall mounted LED displays via a Mersive Solstice wireless sharing system.

Digital Signage

Eight 55” LED Displays show digital signage content via network updates and design from the GPEC Marketing Department. The custom, always changing content is edited and pushed through the BrightSign digital signage platform. The digital signage displays distributed throughout the office in the hallways and huddle spaces have the ability to connect guest devices for use as a content display. A majority of the work-day they show the latest custom GPEC news as well as workforce, demographics, infrastructure and incentive offerings from GPEC. As GPEC staff tour the office with Corporate Execs looking to locate to the region, they learn all that GPEC has to offer via the eight strategically placed digital signage displays. As guests come-and-go they are met with GPEC digital signage on an 84” Touch LED display in the elevator lobby. Level 3AV is currently working with GPEC to create custom interactive/touch content for the elevator lobby display.

Sound Masking & BGM System

With very few hard-walled offices and multiple hard surfaces, the open office plan posed a challenge to reduce distractions. By adding sound masking by Cambridge to the workplace, conversations are notably less intelligible or noticeable, and thus less distracting. The workplace became more comfortable, private, and productive. The Cambridge system is a dual system, sound-masking AND background music (BGM). At times when the GPEC wants light background music, it is available through an auxiliary audio input on the Cambridge sound controller.

Room Schedulers

Mounted on the wall outside each room (Huddle Rooms, Conference Rooms & Directors Rooms), they allow anyone to see at-a-glance if a room is available or in use, and view details about the current meeting. A swipe of the finger across the color touch screen reveals the room’s entire schedule. Upcoming meetings and open time slots are clearly displayed on a scrolling calendar ribbon, and users can even reserve a room right on the spot from the touch screen. Through Crestron Fusion software, room reservations can either be made at the touch screens or through GPEC’s Microsoft Exchange system.