American Public University System Commencement Weekend

Happily Experiential Studio

The Happily Experiential Studio was responsible for creating an immersive and engaging environment for all attendees, including graduates, faculty, and families. Led by the Experiential Producer and supported by the Associate Producer, Registration Lead, Marching Orders/Seating Lead Coordinator, and Activation Leads, Team Happily transformed the exhibit hall into a vibrant and celebratory space known as 'Grad Central Station.'

Team Happily designed and implemented activations like a step-in branded photo booth, life-size displays for social media posts, and safe, entertaining spaces for younger guests. Production Assistants and the Staging Supervisor played vital roles in ensuring that each activation ran smoothly and that every detail was executed to perfection. The Experiential Studio's careful planning also included managing key logistical elements such as catering, brand presence, and contract requirements, while navigating the vendor community to select the best partners for the event.

One of our proudest 'Happily Moments' was helping to dress up the children who walked with their parents to receive their diplomas on stage, making them feel special and included in the celebration. The Experiential Studio also coordinated the confetti cannons for the iconic 'turning of the tassel' moment, adding an extra layer of excitement to the commencement ceremonies. Through their collective efforts, the team ensured that every attendee left with lasting memories of this significant occasion.

Happily Creative Studio

The Happily Creative Studio unified the aesthetic vision for the entire APUS Commencement Weekend. Under the leadership of a Happily Creative Director, Team Happily took charge of the university’s brand transition, ensuring that all visual elements were cohesive and reflective of APUS’s bold identity. Set Designer and Stage Installers worked thoughtfully to bring the vision to life, from the oversized entry banner to the thematic floor clings and the striking designs within the commencement hall. Their combined efforts ensured that the event's visual narrative was consistent and fully branded, reinforcing the significance of the occasion and leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

The Creative Studio also collaborated closely with the production team to develop detailed run-of-shows, accounting for the nuances of large-scale productions to ensure every moment was perfectly timed. This coordination was crucial in managing talent intake, transportation, on-site logistics, and preparation, ensuring all participants were fully ready to contribute to the event's success.

Happily Broadcast Studio

The Happily Broadcast Studio was responsible for capturing and streaming the event to both in-person and virtual attendees. The Happily Broadcast Team, including a Broadcast Director, Technical Director, and Content Producer, transformed a bare exhibit hall into a sophisticated ceremonial setting by raising fabric walls, carpeting the entire floor, and constructing two stages complete with audio, projection, lighting, and teleprompter setups.

Additionally a Happily Broadcast Graphics Designer, Motion Graphics/Animation specialists, Camera Operators, Audio Engineers, Lighting Designers, and Grips, ensured that the three separate commencement ceremonies were presented with multiple camera angles, ASL translations, and real-time visual projections, allowing all 14,000 in-person attendees and 16,000 virtual attendees to fully experience the event. Backstage Managers and Talent Wranglers coordinated behind-the-scenes activities, ensuring smooth transitions and a professional broadcast. Team Happily also skillfully handled unexpected challenges, such as a venue lighting reset due to a solar flare, demonstrating their ability to adapt and maintain the event's flow without disruption.