Introduced in Dakar, Senegal under the title of Centre International de Conférence de Diamniadio (CICD), the project was designed to host 15th Summit of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). The 15th Francophone Summit was a kind gesture by then-President of Senegal Macky Sall and Francophonie to the senior president as the latest edition of the summit was organized in his own country and chaired by the secretary general of Francophonie who previously served for 3 terms (2002-2014). It was a matter of great prestige for the Senegalese government to show the whole world that she could build a modern international convention center in the district of Diamniadio far from downtown with no infrastructure in place. In addition, the broadcast by TV5 Monde, one of the world's top 3 television networks, was a major opportunity to promote the country throughout the event to be attended by heads of government and diplomats from 65 countries. The project was supposed to be completed only in 9 months as it was of diplomatic importance for Senegal and Francophonie, and one tiny mistake could result in a major disappointment as the whole world would be watching. The Senegalese government assigned this critical mission to Summa that opted for Ateksis as the subcontractor of professional systems. Having previously delivered the Sipopo Congress Center with flying colors in a more limited time and under similar circumstances, Turkish companies proved once again by their performance that it was the right call to put trust in them. 42 meter-wide multi-purpose main hall is equipped with Event series speakers by D.A.S. Audio, and sub-woofers by Aero series, along with left/middle/right array configurations. Each array comprises 8 pieces of Event210A (2×10” + 1.5” HF) three-way speakers and 3 pieces of LX218CRA (2 x 18”) active sub-woofers. Front seats are backed by 8 sets of DAS Artec 526A (2×6” + 1” HF) front-fill speakers embedded under the stage. All the speakers are disguised by acoustic permeable panels in harmony with the architectural style. The multi-purpose stage features DAS Action M12A active stage monitors to meet the needs for audio monitors. The positions, angles and latency time of each speaker were designated by acoustic models created through AFMG EASE modules at the stage of designing them all in consideration of criteria for acoustic ergonomics. Site measurements were performed by NTI Audio XL2 Acoustic Analyzer at the start-up stage. The configuration of BSS BLU-160 DSP relied on the data generated to offer homogeneous audio distribution and maximum intelligibility. The mixing, processing and transmission of all audio sources are provided by BSS Soundweb London's products and London Architect's custom-made interface, and 3 mixing consoles by Soundcraft Si Performer are integrated with the overall system by means of a BLU-Link option card, offering a capability to control all inputs of outputs of an operator via one single digital mixer. In addition, DMX interface of the console is communicated to Lite-Putter Dimmers, offering convenience to control De Sisti Leonardo Series stage lights via the same mixer. Stretching over nearly 2000 square meters, 1200-seated hall features Christie Roadster HD20K-J 18K ANSI Lumen (20K Central Lumen) video projector and Da-Lite 416” engine-driven curtain for video presentation. Comprising HDMI and HD/SDI video signals to a great extent, the system runs on video extenders, matrix switchers and distribution amplifiers by Extron renowned for its quality and reliability for the transmission, processing, switching and distribution of images. Avitech Titan 9000 Multiviewer serves as a multi-image processor. In an effort to enable any operator to control the whole video system via one single point, an automation system powered by Extron's IP Link control processor and touch screen control panel was established, and an automation interface was designed for operational needs. Based on the dynamics of the multi-purpose hall, the conference, audio, video and control link requirements are met by means of custom-made link panels compatible with the architectural style as they are embedded in critical spots on the stage to respond to needs as a part of various scenarios.

"Based on the dynamics of the multi-purpose hall, the conference, audio, video and control link requirements are met by means of custom-made link panels compatible with the architectural style as they are embedded in critical spots on the stage to respond to needs as a part of various scenarios." As a part of Integrus Wireless Digital Language Distribution System, Bosch's DCN Flash Mount built-in delegate units are mounted into the armrests of 75 presidential chairs on a 4-layer mobile platform on the stage. The connections between delegate interfaces mounted into the platform and modules embedded in armrests are organized to offer convenience for the mobility of the platform and seats. Interpretation rooms and mobile interpretation booths by Audipack Silent series on the stage are equipped with BON BEM-182 HD/SDI broadcast monitors for high quality and low latency, Bosch DCN-IDESK interpreter desks and Bosch LBB 9095 interpreter headsets, offering 16 interpreters all the capabilities that they may need during simultaneous interpretation. Participants listen to interpretation channels through Bosch's Integrus Wireless Digital Language Distribution System that offers audio distribution for up to 32 individual channels. Fed by a 16-channel INT-TX 16 central unit, infrared Integrus radiators cover the entire hall, and provides participants with interpretation through Integrus pocket-size receivers. Designed to respond to particular requirements of conference practices, Bosch HD Conference Dome cameras are integrated with the DCN system by means of DCN-HD Automatic Camera Control software. The system was designed in a way to display the image of any speaker taking the floor on the stage's curtain and monitors of interpreters and operators without any need for an action by an operator. Providing Full HD with 10 ms. of latency off a HD/SDI video output, the Conference Dome cameras prevent any delay in transmission of images, which is crucially important for simultaneous interpreters in particular, and any failure in audio/video synchronization.

"Thanks to the parametric equalizer integrated onto the real-time frequency analyzer, the custom-made interface offered a capability for operators inside the hall and the control room to discriminate right frequencies before any feedback is initiated inside the hall."

Capability for the right frequency discrimination

Designed to host diplomatic meetings, the presidential hall boasts 5 bow-shaped tables that create a 20 meter-diameter circle, with a total of 75 Bosch DCN-DISCS delegate units. All the cables of the DCN system are hidden in invisible spots of the console. Delegates are able to submit digital or analog audio and video by junction panels and Extron's transmitters placed under each table and designed in line with the architectural style. Speaker, video, projection, camera and language distribution systems were designed in 4 configurations with 90 degree intervals since the hall is in a circular shape. The speaker system is equipped with speakers and sub-woofers by D.A.S. Audio's Reference series globally acknowledged for the past 20 years now, and with Professional Power Amplifiers of D-Series. RF-12.85 steerable horn speakers and RF-118 horn-bass sub-woofers helped to get a perfect frequency response and coverage in speech frequencies in particular. Featuring an architectural style that fits for feedbacks from the acoustic perspective, the hall is decked out with a solution to make minimum concessions to frequency range by means of BSS BLU-100

DSP in consideration of various microphone usage habits and speech characteristics of 75 individual delegates. Thanks to the parametric equalizer integrated onto the real-time frequency analyzer, the custom-made interface offered a capability for operators inside the hall and the control room to discriminate right frequencies before any feedback is initiated inside the hall. Manufactured in Norway and optimized in consideration of operation for 24/7, video projectors of Projection Design F32 series by Barco serve as a part of the video system. Mounted onto engine-driven lifts compatible with the ceiling's architectural style, 4 projectors were reflected onto an engine-driven 240" Da-Lite curtain. This allowed to design the video system in a way to be totally hidden whenever it is not operational. The transmission, processing, switching and distribution of video signals were provided by Extron's products with no compromise on quality and reliability. The system is put on automation by Extron's IP Link series.

"The Senegalese Minister of Communication announced the government's plan and goal to establish a 25-hectare technology town equipped with a budget of $ 120 million in Diamniadio that came into prominence thanks to the Francophonie Summit. Ateksis accomplished another critical international mission and managed to get the thumbs up."

Bosch DCN Conference Software

Bosch's DCN Conference Software capabilities were put to use to respond to high demands and expectations of Francophonie meetings. 4 individual user interfaces were designed for needs on the computers of 4 individual operators. The speaker's video image that was automatically captured on the projector's curtains was displayed inside the hall by being embedded in the list of delegates waiting for their turn to take the floor. Upon the request of Francophonie, a dedicated notification interface was designed for the secretary general to be displayed in 50 monitors in front of him/her. In addition to the control room with total control over the whole system, the system was designed in a way to allow for Duoson Multimedia operators to easily control audio, video and DCN systems through the operational center established inside the hall. Senegal hosted a major event attended by heads of governments and diplomats from 65 French-speaking countries as the whole world was watching on TV5 Monde across the globe. Going beyond expectations and attracting great appreciation from all the participants, the convention center was named after Abdou Diouf. The Senegalese Minister of Communication announced the government's plan and goal to establish a 25-hectare technology town equipped with a budget of $ 120 million in Diamniadio that came into prominence thanks to the Francophonie Summit. Ateksis accomplished another critical international mission and managed to get the thumbs up, offering professional products and smart solutions.