AUSA
Commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary
At its annual meeting and exposition, the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) hosts the global defense community with military leaders, industry innovators, policy makers, and international delegates from 92 countries.
This made AUSA’s annual event the perfect place to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary and connect audiences to its rich history.
So, AUSA partnered with Freeman to deliver an elevated and cohesive experience that included immersive staging and lighting for the President’s Reception, an interactive Tribute Wall, and seven outposts that featured unique and experiential soldier stories.
Outposts that immersed attendees in meaningful engagement
Taking inspiration from the National Museum of the United States Army, Freeman created outposts for each of the Army stories (Phantom, Grit, Beacon, etc.) that housed a unique experience.
These experiences blended historical authenticity with modern LED screens, stage design, content development, interactive tech, and audio-triggered storytelling to create an immersive attendee journey.
Phantom:
Attendees went behind the scenes to see how graphic designers, actors, engineers, and radio operators created Ghost Army scenes to deceive the enemy.
Attendees then became part of the staged illusion.
Grit:
Immersed in a trench-like environment, the outpost showcased challenges that soldiers endured.
Attendees received mock telegraphs and examples of humorous notes made to lift battlefield spirits, in addition to viewing WWI propaganda.
Beacon:
Through imagery and artwork, this outpost transported attendees through time, illustrating soldiers’ experiences during the Global War on Terror. Included was a gallery-style collection of historic recruitment posters, wartime propaganda, and women in the military.
Participants
- Designed their own posters, with themselves as the hero
- Shared messages and feelings they experienced during this period via a sketchbook
- Viewed examples of care packages that showed the impact of support for service men and women
Wisdom:
Built as an interactive dispatch station, this activation demonstrated the power of dedicated leadership, bringing together people from various backgrounds in support of the Revolutionary War.
Attendees discovered the complexities behind coordinating war efforts through interactive touch screens and multi-scenic design.
Echo:
Created to blend experiential audio and larger-than-life graphics, this outpost brought attendees into the Vietnam era and included a unique view into the war’s social impact.
Audiences experienced a mix of music, poetry, letters, and famous speeches through outpost audio stations.
Fracture:
Brought to life with live actors, Civil War soldiers guided attendees through the outpost, helping tell the story of a country divided during that time.
Participants were invited to write messages of hope, unity, or loyalty that became virtual pieces of American flag art that displayed on screen.
Vanguard:
Fashioned as an outpost looking into the future, event tech took present day items and overlayed visual concepts of how army gear could evolve into the future.
Interactive tech gave participants the opportunity to share their thoughts on the future of technology and supporting the forces of tomorrow.
