One criticism that is often levelled at Dubai and the Middle East in general is the perceived lack of pathways for those just starting out in their careers in live events. While some of the region’s larger organisations have launched their own training and internship programmes, there’s undoubtedly more that could be done to nurture the next generation of live event professionals. Aiming to satisfy that need when it comes to the audio side of the industry is Skill Tech Audio Engineering Institute – an organisation that claims to be “not just about teaching sound engineering, but also shaping futures”.…
Author: Peter Iantorno
Projection mapping is a technology that turns almost any object into a canvas, captivating the attention of viewers and passersby, and making it possible to bring a range of ideas to life, from commercial presentations to media art projects. One company that has its fair share of experience in the field is dreamlaser, which has a portfolio encompassing dozens of large-scale projects, including installations for media art festivals, projects for global companies, works for exhibitions and numerous projection shows. “Mapping can take various forms,” began dreamlaser’s Creative Director, Anton Kolodyazhny, discussing the many applications of the medium – including architectural,…
Drones are increasingly becoming a regular part of live events throughout the Middle East, with large swarms often combining with fireworks as well as more traditional audiovisual mediums to produce ever more spectacular shows. Alongside the rapid development in terms of drone shows, drones are also being utilised when it comes to capturing the region’s live events on film, with the quickly evolving technology offering new and innovative angles and making possible the kind of footage that would previously have required the use of a helicopter or, in some cases, wouldn’t have been possible at all. Standing at the forefront…
Energie Entertainment is a name that feels synonymous with the UAE’s live events industry, with the company cropping up on high-profile events all over the country and its prolific social media presence helping to keep the brand in the spotlight even during the typically quieter summer months. In fact, such as the ubiquity of the company, it’s difficult to believe that it was formed just four years ago, as the world wrangled with the challenges of the pandemic. Back then the company’s charismatic Founder and CEO, Tyler Davis Smith, described the business as his ‘COVID baby’, and in subsequent features,…
When it comes to incident management and safety at events, the flow of information is vital. According to Lloyd Major, CEO and Founder of Halo Solutions, speed, accuracy and efficiency are key. “Moving information around is the biggest challenge,” he told TPiMEA, referencing what he refers to as ‘the 90-90-90 principle’. “How communications are handled in the first 90 seconds of any incident affects the next 90 minutes, which in turn has an impact on the next 90 days and beyond.” A former police officer with almost 20 years of experience on the force in the UK, including several on…
Summer festivals have never really been in a thing in the UAE for obvious reasons. However, if ever a festival was perfect for a scorching Dubai summer, WATERBOMB is it. Starring some of the biggest names in K-pop as well as a packed roster of international acts, the unique water-based concept saw water cannon-wielding artists and super soaker-equipped audience members beat the heat by drenching each other throughout the weekend. Launched in 2015 in Seoul, South Korea, WATERBOMB took place for the first time ever outside East Asia on 7 and 8 June at Dubai Festival City Waterfront. Tasked with…
‘Running away to join the circus’ is a fantasy that has crossed the mind of many a world-weary worker who wishes for a life on the road, free from the constraints of the mundane where thrills and spills are the norm, and every day presents a new potentially perilous challenge to be overcome. While in years gone by the circus was the very antithesis of a long-term, stable career, nowadays, with major international groups such as the world-famous Cirque du Soleil putting on increasingly sophisticated productions, when it comes to personnel – both on stage and behind the scenes –…
Returning to the same gig year after year is never a straightforward task. While the temptation might be to rip up the blueprint and start afresh every year to appease the external demands for constant innovation, often a more prudent and logical approach is to build on the foundations that were laid in previous years. This was certainly view of People CEO, Tim Elliott, whose company was recently invited back to produce the Opening Ceremony of the UAE President’s Cup for the second year in a row. “We started this project last year knowing that the story of the President’s…
The Unilumin Utile EA series is specifically designed for large-scale LED rental scenarios, perfectly fitting both indoor and outdoor stage construction needs. This product boasts several highlights, including 16-bit colour processing depth for perfect video source reproduction and 7680Hz high refresh rate for detailed dynamic displays. The Utile EA series is committed to optimizing user experience in installation and maintenance. Each unit weighs only 7kg, allowing a single engineer to install it easily, reducing labour costs. The product also features retractable positioning pins, enabling engineers to complete the installation with a gentle push. Additionally, anti-misalignment latches on both sides prevent…
NMK Electronics and MILOS have announced a new partnership, which will see NMK distribute the Czech manufacturer’s trussing and structural support solutions throughout the GCC. The decision to partner with MILOS was driven by NMK’s strategic goal to enhance its structural support offerings. “In our quest to provide comprehensive solutions to our clients, we identified a gap in our portfolio for trussing and structural support systems,” said Nicolas Cox, Managing Director at NMK Electronics. “MILOS’ reputation for quality, coupled with their attractive pricing and adherence to European standards, made them the ideal partner for us.” The partnership will cover the…
Unilumin is set to host an open day at its Middle East subsidiary show room in JLT, Dubai. Taking place from 24 June to 29 June, this event aims to foster deeper connections with the manufacturer’s valued clientele. Marking a departure from traditional events, the open day will offer an intimate setting where clients can experience the company’s latest LED rental products firsthand. “Beyond a mere product showcase, this event embodies a warm invitation to our showroom, complete with refreshments,” the company stated. “Unilumin is eager to hear genuine feedback and ideas from the clients, underscoring the commitment to customer-centric…
Prolight + Sound Guangzhou 2024 (PLSG) concluded on 26 May in Areas A and B of the China Import and Export Fair Complex. The 22nd edition saw an expanded exhibition area spanning 200,000 sq m (57.7% increase from 2023’s edition), encompassing 21 halls and Y-channel exhibition areas. An impressive 2,136 exhibitors from across the globe unveiled their latest innovations, representing a 52.2% growth. With overseas buyer numbers almost triple that of the previous edition, the show welcomed a total of 107,692 industry visitors, while over 100 enlightening concurrent events, forums and seminars were held during the fair. Ms Judy Cheung,…
