The Introduction

SIMON’S Heart is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit foundation formed to honor Simon Sudman, who died in his sleep from sudden cardiac arrest. The foundation raises awareness of the medical condition and provides the funding needed to protect hearts and save lives. SIMON’S Soirée is an annual fundraising event to support the foundation’s life-saving mission.

Learn more about SIMON’S Heart

The Challenge

After many successful annual soirées, SIMON’S Heart event staff wanted to pull out all the stops for their 20th anniversary gala event. Identifying the Alan Horwitz Sixth Man Center as the event venue, the Visual Sound Live Event Production team was tasked with turning a Philadelphia-based youth basketball complex into a seamless, engaging, and memorable event space worthy of this important milestone. Although the complex is a world-class facility, our initial site visit revealed several gaps where additional event technology was needed to fully meet the demands of a high-profile gala.

The Solution

During the initial site visit, Visual Sound tested and evaluated the venue’s existing equipment, identified areas for technical and acoustic enhancements, and proposed additional audio systems, including microphones, speaker arrays, and audio processing equipment tailored to meet the needs outlined in the program.

Audio

Visual Sound installed a professional line array PA system. This ensured even sound coverage across the event space, including clear, high-fidelity audio during speeches, presentations, and the band’s live performance. Based on the event’s program, we provided wireless handheld, lapel, and headset microphones for MCs, presenters, and performers. A professional sound engineer was on-site to handle mixing and ensure flawless transitions between different segments of the event.

Video & IMAG

Visual Sound used a mix of live camera feeds and pre-recorded video content to capture and display key moments throughout the evening. Content was displayed on the venue’s in-house mounted video monitors in addition to two large format projection screens, providing a clear view for everyone in the room.

Lighting

Outside the venue, attendees were guided to the main entrance with spotlights that added a feeling of anticipation and excitement. In addition, a Gobo light projected the SIMON’S Heart logo onto the building’s facade, reinforcing the organization’s brand presence.

An indoor lighting design package, used in previous years’ events, was replicated for the 2025 event. In addition, stage lights and a combination of spotlights, wash lights, and stage-facing LED fixtures were added to highlight the band’s performance, ensure visibility, and create ambiance. Finally, moving head fixtures were installed to create a dynamic atmosphere on the dance floor and to highlight important moments during the night. Gobo lighting helped reinforce the brand inside the venue.ween different segments of the event.

Staging & Equipment

A stage for the band was constructed providing sufficient space for the performers and equipment. Microphones and on-stage monitors were available for the band to ensure optimal sound reinforcement during their performance.

Technical Staff & Support

Our full team of professional AV technicians were on-site to handle setup, operation, and teardown of all audio, video, lighting, and staging components. This included a dedicated lighting operator, sound engineer, and video technician.

The Results

Putting full trust in Visual Sound’s expert event production team, including pre-event testing and rehearsals, SIMON’S Heart successfully celebrated their 20th anniversary with a memorable event that furthered their ongoing mission.

Why Visual Sound?

Audio visual solutions. Beyond the four walls.

Partnering with enterprises and industries, Visual Sound helps imagine, design, build, install, and support the audio visual environments and experiences that unlock human potential. Wherever they work, learn, play, or congregate.

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