Seamless Execution of La Salle University’s Commencement & Baccalaureate Mass

Client:

La Salle University

Event:

2023, 2024, and 2025 Commencement Ceremonies & Baccalaureate Mass

Attendees:

Approximately 5,000 students, families, faculty, and staff

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Challenge:

La Salle University required a highly coordinated event production plan to accommodate both indoor and outdoor venues for its commencement weekend. AMP Event Group was tasked with producing two event spaces simultaneously:

1. Indoor Venue - Tom Gola Arena for the Baccalaureate Mass on Friday and as a potential rain contingency location for Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday. This required a fully equipped setup prepared for a last-minute weather decision.
2. Outdoor Venue - McCarthy Stadium, a challenging environment for audio due to surrounding buildings that created sound reflections and delays.

The biggest challenge was ensuring redundancy and rapid adaptability, as a decision to move the Graduate ceremony indoors due to weather could be made with as little as one hour’s notice. In 2023, this need became a reality when heavy rain forced the Graduate ceremony indoors on short notice. AMP Event Group had to flawlessly transition and execute the event with minimal disruption.

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‍Solution:

‍AMP Event Group developed and executed a dual-venue production strategy, ensuring that both locations were fully prepared to accommodate the ceremonies.

• Baccalaureate Mass & Rain Contingency Setup
  
  
  
  • Designed and installed a complete staging, audio, and lighting system at Tom Gola Arena while keeping it available for potential last-minute commencement relocation.
  • Transformed the basketball arena into an incredibly beautiful and majestic ceremony space, incorporating full-scale event design, elegant draping, scenic lighting, and custom scenic elements to elevate the environment to one worthy of the occasion.
  • Implemented a redundant production setup to allow an immediate transition indoors, ensuring that all production elements—audio, video, and staging—could be activated within an hour.
  • Successfully moved the Graduate Commencement indoors in 2023 due to rain, executing the transition seamlessly with no delays to the ceremony.
• Outdoor Commencement at McCarthy Stadium
  
  
  
  • Designed an optimal audio configuration to address sound challenges caused by surrounding buildings.
  • Strategically curved line arrays to minimize sound bounce-back and delay, ensuring clear, high-quality sound for both graduates and guests.
  • Coordinated staging, video projection, and seating layouts to enhance visibility and audience experience.

Results:

• A seamless transition from outdoor to indoor in 2023, ensuring the Graduate ceremony proceeded on schedule despite heavy rain.
• Successfully managed two fully equipped venues simultaneously, allowing for flexibility and a polished event experience.
• Achieved crystal-clear audio at McCarthy Stadium despite architectural sound challenges.
• Completely transformed the indoor space at Tom Gola Arena, providing a visually stunning and meaningful experience for attendees.
• Positive feedback from university leadership, students, and families, highlighting the smooth execution and professionalism of AMP Event Group.
• Continuing in 2025, AMP Event Group remains La Salle University’s trusted partner for delivering a seamless and elevated commencement experience.

Testimonial Videos:

• Angela Polec, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
• Gina Scozzaro, Director of University Events

Conclusion:

‍AMP Event Group’s meticulous planning and technical expertise ensured that La Salle University’s 2023, 2024, and 2025 commencement ceremonies were executed flawlessly—whether indoors or outdoors. Our ability to adapt rapidly to weather conditions while maintaining a high production standard underscores our expertise in large-scale academic events.

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