Recognising that event organisers were in need of something between Grenoble’s massive arenas and intimate live venues in size, Alpexpo devised a ‘box-in-a-box’ concept for a 3,389sq-m within the existing Greater Hall, served by an L-Acoustics L Series professional sound system.
This architectural feat transforms a traditional exhibition space into a chameleon-like venue that can be adapted to serve intimate seated concerts for 1,495 and standing shows for 2,100 with equal ease. The magic happens in the transitions – where comedy shows morph into corporate presentations, and business conventions become live concert halls.
‘Our challenge was creating an adaptable system that could be everything to everyone, whether hosting a morning keynote or an evening concert – and the transformation had to be instant,’ says Sales & Installation manager Antoine Maurel at L-Acoustics’ French Certified Partner, M+ Equipment. ‘They wanted to build a complete auditorium inside the existing hall.’
Alpexpo – a venue with Olympic heritage dating from 1968 – has served as the Alps region’s premier event destination. But evolving audience expectations and a growing demand for venues that could handle everything from stand-up comedy to hybrid and immersive multimedia experiences. Its ‘traditional’ approach, however, no longer sufficed. ‘With the existing attachment points, we needed to have a lightweight and efficient system adapted to the type of events, hence the L2,’ Maurel says.
The answer came through the exceptional weight-to-power ratio of the L Series, allowing the team to deploy a full concert-grade line array system – two L2D arrays as the main system, complemented by three flown KS21 subwoofers per side in cardioid configuration for controlled low-frequency management. A centre cluster featuring A10 Wide and A10 Focus speakers ensures perfect coverage for the first audience rows.
‘The L Series gave us something we couldn’t achieve before,’ Maurel explains. ‘Through advanced DSP processing, we can completely transform the acoustic environment. No manual intervention, no compromise on quality – just instant adaptation to whatever the event demands.’
The installation includes sophisticated monitoring solutions with permanently hung A10 speakers and mobile X8 units, plus six additional X8 speakers for stage lip coverage when needed. Every element was meticulously modelled using Soundvision software, giving stakeholders – including venue management, structural engineers, and government consultants – complete confidence in the coverage and performance.
In this, the Alpexpo team has not only solved their own challenge but provided a blueprint for other venues facing similar constraints. ‘It’s not just a sound system; it’s a complete ecosystem that reflects our venue’s ability to adapt and excel,’ Alpexpo MD, Jérôme Riff says. ‘We’ve created something truly unique for the Grenoble region – a space that can be whatever our community needs it to be.’
Perhaps most remarkably, the project – from initial concept to opening night – was completed in just a few months. This rapid execution required unprecedented coordination between all parties, with M+ Equipment working alongside Alpexpo’s team to ensure every deadline was met.
‘L-Acoustics systems are installed throughout our region, and their reputation for excellence made them our natural choice,’ notes Riff. ‘But what truly impressed us was how this solution goes beyond sound. It’s enabled us to reimagine what our venue can be – from hosting agricultural conferences in the morning to world-class performances that evening. This flexibility doesn’t just serve our business needs; it enriches the entire community’s cultural life.’