Discovery Place Anniversary Gala Case Study

Discovery Place

Charlotte, NC, USA

Project Type:

Event & Interactives Production

Services:

Development & Design:

Multimedia Design & Interactive Development, Concept Design & Renders

Production & Fabrication:

Digital Media & Interactive Production, Interactive Fabrication, A/V Design & Integration, Construction Drawings,

Operations and Management:

Project Management, Installation Management, Floor Planning

Overview:

Flying Fish partnered with Discovery Place to create two unforgettable anniversary gala events. Each event combined immersive storytelling with cutting-edge interactive environments to dazzle and inspire, designed to transport attendees into worlds of wonder and celebrate Discovery Place’s legacy and mission.

The first gala featured a custom-fabricated large-screen experience, showcasing dazzling visuals that took guests on a nostalgic journey through Discovery Place’s 70-year history. The second gala expanded on this immersive approach, with Flying Fish producing a large-scale Mars colony and projection galleries simulating a journey to a forest. Guests were also invited to explore vibrant forest-themed projection galleries, where dynamic motion graphics blended seamlessly with natural environments to highlight Discovery Place’s commitment to education and scientific innovation. These transformative experiences left attendees inspired and deeply connected to the institution’s vision.

Scope:

Flying Fish provided end-to-end services for two gala events, delivering unforgettable experiences for Discovery Place’s donors, members, and VIP guests.

Production & Fabrication:

We designed and fabricated a 5,000-square-foot Mars colony integrated with large-format projection galleries, showcasing the future of space exploration. For the forest-themed gala, we created immersive environments using advanced projection mapping and motion graphics, transforming the space into a lush, cinematic forest experience.

Project Management:

Flying Fish managed the process from concept to installation, optimizing floor plans for guest flow and seamless transitions between immersive zones. Our team coordinated the installation of advanced audiovisual systems, ensuring flawless execution of projection galleries and interactive exhibits.

Innovative Features and Technology:

Both events featured cutting-edge technology and custom-built environments:

The Mars colony offered a futuristic vision of life on Mars, featuring detailed props, interactive displays, and dynamic lighting. The forest-themed gala used projection mapping and motion graphics to create a multi-sensory environment that immersed guests in Discovery Place’s story. Interactive exhibits encouraged hands-on engagement with scientific concepts, while motion graphics highlighted Discovery Place’s impact over seven decades.

Impact:

Flying Fish helped Discovery Place deliver unique, mission-driven experiences that resonated deeply with attendees. The events' interactive, immersive nature strengthened relationships with donors and members, increased community support, and memorably and powerfully demonstrated Discovery Place’s vision and impact.

Gallery: