The 2015 IAA, or International Motor Show, was held in Frankfurt from the 17th to
the 27th of September. In contrast to previous years, the leading car manufacturers
held the important press conferences announcing their new products on their own
exhibition stands, rather than making use of conference rooms elsewhere. On the
elaborate, multi-floor VW and BMW stands, Shure’s flagship Axient system provided
secure, interference-free wireless communication to a world-class standard.

Installation technology consultants IT AUDIO, as a subcontractor of NIYU media
projects, was responsible for implementing the audio connectivity plan for all three
of the BMW Group’s exhibition stands in Hall 11.0 (BMW, Mini, and Rolls Royce). The
practical realization of the audio infrastructure on these stands was carried out by
various contractors, with Lleyendecker handling the main part which was BMW. IT
AUDIO chose an Axient wireless system offering over 30 channels for audio
communications across the mainly split-level stands.

IT AUDIO used eight RF channels for the different presentation areas on the
manufacturers’ stands and for various interview applications. For the evening
events, which involved discussion chairpersons, prominent guests and bands, 14-
channel Axient systems and six channels of Shure’s PSM 1000 in-ear monitoring
were used, and for the all-important press conference, these were expanded by a
further eight channels of Axient.

“Compared to the previous IAA, two years ago, the number of wireless channels
required by BMW Group has almost doubled — particularly as the main press
conference in 2013 did not take place on the BMW stand itself, as it did this year,”
comments Til Schwartz, Managing Director of IT AUDIO. “What’s more, this year we
had to include wireless tour guide and translation systems, which also use up RF
spectrum. There was not much in the way of spare frequencies on-site — it was a
challenging environment. But Axient proved a match for the situation without any
problems.”