UA92 Graduation Ceremony – Victoria Warehouse

Brief

For the third consecutive year, University Academy 92 (UA92) partnered with Sterling Event Group to deliver their most ambitious and visually striking graduation ceremony to date. With the event continuing to grow year-on-year, the 2024 ceremony marked a new milestone—hosted for the first time at Victoria Warehouse, a distinctive venue requiring expert technical and creative execution.

UA92 challenged us to help craft a bold, immersive experience that reflected their unique identity and maintained strong brand presence, while also ensuring accessibility and a seamless guest experience throughout.

Solution

Our approach began with inclusive design at the core. We built a custom stage featuring an L-shaped side access ramp for graduate entry and a wide, central catwalk-style ramp for a dynamic and dignified exit.

At the heart of the visual setup was a 10m x 4m LED video wall, which delivered high-impact motion graphics and an inspiring opening video. Flanking the main screen were two portrait-format projection screens, used primarily to display live camera feeds—ensuring every guest had a front-row view, regardless of their seat. These feeds were also mixed separately for a live stream, allowing friends and family worldwide to share in the moment.

To support speakers and ensure polished delivery, we provided an autocue prompting system, with scripts managed in real time by one of our specialist operators.

Audio played a critical role in enhancing the overall experience. We deployed a full d&b Audiotechnik sound system, combining line array, point source, and sub-bass speakers to deliver clear, powerful sound across speech, music, and performances. Wireless microphones, instrument packs, and in-ear monitors were also supplied for the live musicians performing during the event.

To bring the show to life visually, our team delivered a bold lighting design using vibrant washes, dynamic beam lights, and striking matrix LED panels rigged from multiple overhead trusses—creating a truly immersive and energetic environment.

The ceremony culminated in a celebratory gold confetti drop from 12 overhead cannons, bringing a fitting close to the proceedings. Graduates and guests then transitioned to a dedicated reception space, where we installed a second stage and AV setup for the drinks reception and after-party.

True to UA92’s “deliberately different” ethos, this graduation ceremony was anything but traditional. The result was a bold, high-impact production that energised the audience, celebrated the graduates in unforgettable style, and delivered on every creative and technical front.