As much as campaign groups, major companies and industry figureheads are raising awareness and working to address the imbalance between men and women in the live events industry, it’s clear that women are still underrepresented – especially when it comes to technical roles. One person who is devoted to levelling the playing field is Valerie Gard, a TPiMEA Award-winning audio engineer and system technician who has been involved with some of the biggest shows both inside and outside the Middle East, from the likes of Anoushka Shankar, Christian Scott, and London Royal Philharmonic to the main stage at Expo 2020 Dubai.
“There are still so few women in the industry – both in technical roles and as musicians – so, I believe it’s important to offer guidance and be a role model,” Gard explained. Keen to share her knowledge with other women, the engineer recently teamed up with Sennheiser to host a workshop on the technicalities of live performance for female musicians. “Having women in these spaces helps build confidence and shows that there’s a place for them here. It’s crucial for women to have the opportunity to grow their skills and see them-selves succeeding in this field, and I wanted to be part of an initiative that supports that.”
Taking place at the Fridge Dubai on 28 August, the event covered the fundamentals of sound from both a musical and technical perspective and provided the participants with the opportunity to get hands-on experience with a range of high-end audio equipment. “It’s essential for musicians to understand how sound works, what can cause issues, and how to prevent them,” Gard told TPiMEA.
“We discussed technical aspects such as microphone choice and placement, and how these factors can influence the sound significantly. By exploring various types of microphones, we demonstrated how different characteristics affect performance and the overall mix,” she added. “The goal was to provide participants with a solid foundation in sound, empowering them to take control of their sound on stage and go beyond just playing their instruments.”
For the hands-on portion of the day, a mix of Sennheiser and Neumann microphones were used, ranging from RF mics with different capsules to wired mics with cardioid and supercardioid patterns, as well as condenser and dynamics. “We also worked with Sennheiser in-ear monitors, allowing the participants to compare the clarity and control they offer compared to traditional wedge monitors,” Gard revealed. “This was a key part of the day, as it demonstrated how in-ear monitors can improve a performance by reducing stage noise and providing a more accurate and consistent mix. The participants were able to experiment with all the equipment to gain practical insights.”
Gard was keen to thank both Sennheiser and The Fridge, whose support she described as “absolutely critical” to the success of the event. “Sennheiser provided us with a wide range of high-quality equipment, which allowed the participants to get hands-on experience with industry-standard gear. The Fridge also played a huge role by providing the perfect venue and creating a welcoming environment,” she commented. “Their collaboration made the event run smoothly, and I’m very grateful to both for their commitment to this initiative.”
Mig Cardamone, who heads Sennheiser Middle East, added: “As we celebrate 15 years in the Middle East this year, we are proud to be corporate citizens of the region working out of Dubai. This initiative represents our values, and we hope it is the beginning of many more women’s day celebrations in the years to come.”
Overall, Gard was pleased with the turnout and engagement levels. “The participants were eager to learn, and it was clear from their questions and the discussions we had that there’s a lot of interest in technical aspects of sound,” she stated. “It was rewarding to see how they grasped some of the concepts and began to see sound in a more holistic way. The energy in the room was great, and I’m confident that many of the connections made during the workshop will continue to grow.”
Of course, special events like this are only the thin end of the wedge when it comes to ensuring consistent support for women in the live events industry. “Beyond workshops and special events, the industry needs to ensure that women are consistently hired in technical roles so they can be seen as a standard part of the workforce, rather than as something extraordinary,” Gard explained. “Women need to be given the same opportunities as men in live events, production, and technical roles, which means actively including them in projects and creating environments where they can thrive.
“Regular training programmes, mentorships, and visible opportunities for women in technical positions would go a long way in normalising their presence in the industry,” she concluded. “The more women are seen in these roles, the easier it becomes for the next generation to envision themselves in the same positions, which will help to further break down barriers.”
Photos: Sennheiser Middle East
