adidas X Parley

Ever thought about holding an event in an ocean pool? Well, it can be done.

And thanks to Not So Normal Productions we got to be part of the awesome launch of adidas tennis X Parley collection at Bondi Icebergs Club.

On 10 January 2019, we helped launch the adidas tennis X Parley collection – high-performance sportswear made using upcycled waste from beaches and coastal communities that is intercepted before it reaches the ocean.

The event involved emptying out the entire Icebergs ocean pool and creating a temporary tennis court for some friendly games with celebrities, including [warning: name drops ahead] Ian Thorpe, Jesinta Franklin, Elise Perry, Beau Ryan and Ana Ivanovic.

AV1 was involved in the original consultation of the feasibility of the event and recommending suitable suppliers for the custom build elements.

We were also tasked with providing suitable AV – given the unique environment and time restrictions with the tide.

We provided an audio system for the players and DJ to be heard clearly across the open-air site. As well as a large monitor to loop promotional videos for adidas and Parley.

Working in such a unique venue didn’t come without its challenges. Bumping in the gear was difficult with so many stairs. And of course being right next to the ocean meant we and our gear were exposed to the elements.

Managing this involved consultation, cooperation and coordination with all organisers and suppliers to ensure a detailed WHS risk assessment was in place and all potential risk factors were considered.

Despite planning the event to happen at low tide, towards the end of the game waves began to break over the wall and into the pool during play. Foreseeing this potential hazard meant our setup in the pool was very minimal, and we kept to strict timelines for bump-out.

As a B Corp, this was a brilliant event to be involved in. Knowing that plastic was being intercepted before reaching the ocean and re-purposed into shoes is something we proudly support.

We also thoroughly enjoyed working with a great team of suppliers in a challenging scenario and executing the event to perfection.

All photography by Esteban La Tessa