When Lake Okoboji United Methodist Camp replaced carpet with hard surface flooring in one of its gathering spaces, the room took on a whole new acoustic challenge. While the updated flooring improved durability and appearance, it also created heavy echo and sound reflections that made the space uncomfortably loud and made everyday conversation difficult. Mid States Audio & Video was brought in to solve the problem with a targeted acoustic treatment solution.

To reduce the excessive reverberation, Mid States installed Acoustics First sound panels throughout the room. Acoustics First panels are designed to absorb reflected sound energy before it can continue bouncing across hard surfaces, helping control echo and improve overall intelligibility in spaces where speech clarity matters. In a large multi-purpose room like this one, that kind of treatment can make an immediate difference in how comfortable and usable the environment feels.

Unlike a traditional AV installation centered around electronics or control systems, this project focused on the room itself. Acoustic treatment is often one of the most overlooked parts of making a space function well, but it can have just as much impact as any speaker or microphone system when the goal is clear communication. By strategically placing the panels around the room, Mid States helped transform a loud, reflective environment into a space better suited for conversation, gatherings, and day-to-day use.