CASE STUDY
Audi Australia Australian Grand Prix
Arbory Afloat, Melbourne
Audi Australia Grand Prix Brand Activation
Audi Australia created a premium hospitality activation at Arbory Afloat during the Australian Grand Prix, transforming the floating venue into an immersive brand environment overlooking the Yarra River.
NEXTGEN was engaged to deliver the technical production across a challenging multi-zone venue where access, ambient daylight, weather, power and floating infrastructure all needed to be considered.
The solution combined large-format LED screens, digital event displays, professional audio, architectural lighting, custom rigging and power distribution. Together, these systems created a connected Audi experience that could transition from daytime race coverage through to evening hospitality and entertainment.
THE PRODUCTION CHALLENGE
Delivering AV Across a Floating Grand Prix Venue
Arbory Afloat presented a unique technical environment. Floating infrastructure created engineering and rigging constraints, while restricted river access required careful planning around equipment delivery and installation.
High levels of ambient daylight meant visual displays needed sufficient brightness to remain effective throughout the day. Meanwhile, multiple levels and a busy Grand Prix audience required audio, screens and branded content to remain visible and consistent across the venue.
The production therefore needed to balance creative impact with practical engineering, weather considerations, power management and safe technical delivery.
WHAT NEXTGEN DELIVERED
NEXTGEN developed an integrated AV environment that connected LED displays, digital signage, professional audio and event lighting across the venue. Each system was planned around the physical constraints of Arbory Afloat while supporting Audi branding, race coverage, hospitality and entertainment.
LED Screens & Digital Event Displays
Large-format LED screens delivered race coverage and Audi content throughout the venue, while double-sided displays increased visibility across different audience areas.
Digital event boards provided additional surfaces for branded messaging and sponsor content. Together, the displays created a connected visual environment rather than relying on one central screen.
Professional Audio Across Multiple Zones
Distributed speaker systems provided consistent sound coverage across the multi-level venue while maintaining clarity within a busy Grand Prix environment.
The audio system integrated DJ content, live announcements and broadcast audio, allowing different program elements to move through the venue without compromising the overall guest experience.
Lighting Designed From Day to Night
Architectural and feature lighting helped the activation transition as daylight faded and the venue moved into its evening program.
Lighting highlighted key areas of the floating venue while subtle colour integration supported Audi’s visual identity, creating a consistent atmosphere from daytime hospitality through to late-night entertainment.
Engineering & Technical Infrastructure
The floating venue required custom rigging solutions designed around the barge infrastructure, alongside carefully planned power distribution and generator integration.
Structured cable management connected multiple production zones, while weather, access and compliance requirements were considered throughout the technical design.
This behind-the-scenes planning allowed the visible production elements to operate reliably without disrupting the premium guest environment.
PROJECT OUTCOME
The completed activation transformed Arbory Afloat into a connected Audi brand environment during one of Australia’s highest-profile sporting events.
LED displays, digital signage, professional audio and lighting worked together across the venue, maintaining brand visibility and audience engagement from daytime race coverage through to evening hospitality.
Behind the experience, custom rigging, power distribution and detailed technical planning allowed the production to operate reliably within the unusual requirements of a floating venue.
