EventNewsDXB

The scariest part of a crisis isn’t the headlines, it’s when the phone stops ringing.In this special episode, we look at how the Iran–US conflict is affecting the UAE and wider MENA events industry, cutting through the noise to focus on what professionals are actually experiencing day to day. Host Ian Carless is joined by Mark Benaicha, Managing Director at Esmos Recruitment, to unpack new data on market sentiment.From shifting timelines and cautious decision-making to the knock-on effects across the supply chain, we look at how different parts of the industry are responding and what that means for the months ahead.If you work in events, conferences, exhibitions, experiential marketing, venues, AV or production, this episode offers a clear, honest view of what’s happening beneath the surface and the questions every business should be asking right now.Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

There’s a moment in every event where everything hangs in the balance. Because for all the talk about creativity and production, what we really do in this industry is manage complexity. At scale. Under pressure. And with people.This week's guest on EventNewsDXB is Vicki Burn, who's has spent over two decades delivering large-scale events and festivals and balancing everything that comes with it. Vicki is Event Director with MENA Live Events and the person leading the team that brought us Taste of Dubai and Taste of Abu Dhabi. Together, we talk about creative vision versus commercial realities, rising costs and sponsorship pressures and audiences that expect more than ever. We also discuss how the industry has evolved, particularly post-Expo, plus what leadership really looks like on the ground, and why burnout and wellbeing are finally becoming part of the conversation. Because lets face it, behind every successful event… there’s a team holding it together.Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

When two industry veterans with 25 years in the game sit down and start swapping war stories about “making it gold at 2am”, you know you’re onto a winner! In this episode of EventNewsDXB, host Ian Carless, is joined by Jo Webber and Sally Kay from This is Spiro and this is a conversation that cuts right to the heart of delivering events in Dubai and the MENA region. From impossible timelines and last-minute client curveballs to the growing role of data and what they call “experiential intelligence”, this is a deep dive into how the industry is evolving  and where it still needs to catch up.We get into the shift from creativity-first to strategy-led thinking, why measurement is finally becoming non-negotiable, and how some brands are still getting experiential wrong by repeating the same tired old formats.But at its core, this episode is about what actually drives impact. Not just what looks good, but what builds trust, changes behaviour, and delivers real return beyond the event itself.Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

How do you build a global-level experiential agency from a garage in Dubai?In this episode we speak with Anam Ahmad,  Founder and Chief Creative Officer of The Hanging House, an award-winning experiential marketing agency transforming how brands connect with audiences through immersive storytelling, technology and audience engagement.From dropping out of school and working odd jobs to launching a startup in her garage and now cementing her place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Anam shares her journey of building an award-winning agency focused on immersive brand storytelling and audience engagement. We discuss the realities behind agency growth, educating clients about experiential marketing, balancing big creative ideas with real budgets, navigating procurement-driven briefs and leading a rapidly expanding team.The conversation also explores leadership, imposter syndrome, and why experiential marketing is becoming one of the most powerful ways for brands to connect with audiences today. Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

When a teenage musician in Beirut realised he loved organising the gig as much as playing it, that spark eventually became eventlab, one of the region’s leading event recruitment businesses.In this week’s episode of EventNewsDXB, eventlab co-founder, Nadim Jamal shares how freelancing turned into entrepreneurship, how Expo and ‘Riyadh season’ accelerated growth and why trust, systems and pacing, not hype, are what actually build sustainable event companies.He talks honestly about the pressures facing our industry right now: shrinking budgets, rising living costs, late payments and the reality of being stuck between client expectations and freelancer welfare. Nadim also makes a compelling case for one simple industry fix... pay on time! Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

When a 16-year-old’s passion for performing arts snowballs into an award from the Queen, you know the story’s going to be good!In the final episode of Season 2 of EventNewsDXB, Zoe Jackson MBE talks to us about how she took her teenage passion and turned it into a performing arts company and charity that inspired thousands of young people and led to numerous prestigious awards.In 2020 she left the UK for Dubai and has since gone on to form of the region’s most respected entertainment production companies, Entertain X. She shares the lessons she's learned along the way, why saying no to procurement races protects creativity, how Expo’s legacy reshaped her business and why Saudi’s cultural boom is redefining what’s possible for live experiences.Zoe also opens up about her event journey and how to manage through growth, evolving from hands-on creative to systems-builder, managing cash flow in slow-pay markets and finding balance when passion risks becoming burnout. If you're in the business of entertainment in the Middle East, this episode is for you.Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

How many times have we sat in a bar and magically come up the next 'big idea', only for it to avaporate along with the last drop of vino in your glass! In this week's EventNewsDXB, we sit down with Adam Parry, Co-Founder of Event Industry News and Event Tech Live about ignoring all the 'nay-sayers' and turning that 'big idea' into not just one, but two profitable businesses. Adam unpacks some of the key moments along his journey - why awards became more than trophies but a true community hub and how a daytime conference unlocked sponsorships that ultimatelty made his P/L work! We also explore what innovation really means in events, why tech is only as good as the problems it solves. And he shares the thinking behind Speaker Stacks, a new tool built to bridge content and contacts without spamming audiences.Plus, having made the move from the UK to Dubai, Adam shares his perspective on how two very different markets operate and talks candidly about the culture shift, from the UK’s mature but sometimes rigid industry to the Middle East’s speed, ambition, and appetite for scale.If you're looking for an engaging conversation with one of the event industry's most influential voices, hit that play button! EventNewsDXB is supported by -45dB and Warehouse Four. Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

When Tammy Urwin swapped dreams of the auctioneer’s gavel for a Lapland winter as Santa’s assistant, little did she realise it would be great training for her future career in the event industry!In this weeks episode of EventNewsDXB, Urban Events director Tammy Urwin, joins me to unpack how she wound up doing “experiential” before it had a name and how she designs her events for emotion and memory over format. We also talk zero-waste festivals, like Corona Sunsets, which saw 30,000 people attend over three days, with nothing going to landfill and why sustainability has to be in the brief throughout, not a line at the end. She also talks candidly about saying no to procurement driven briefs and keeping her event agency intentionally small. And we dig into AI’s real utility  - speed, not strategy; plus why hiring for attitude wins and how she's building a pipeline of female talent in a male-dominated industry. If you care about creating moments that outlast the event, this conversation is a good place to start. EventNewsDXB is supported by Warehouse Four and -45dBProduction Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

When Adam Griffiths packed a bag and followed his brother to Dubai he didn’t plan on founding an event agency. However, fatherhood and a hard look at what “trust” means in this market, pushed him to launch Enigma, built on a simple promise: do what you say you’ll do.In this week’s episode of EventNewsDXB, Adam draws a clear line between live events and experiential and why the win isn’t footfall, it’s connection. He shares how his team designs for engagement and dwell, not just more screens and why success lives in the conversation that happens after. We also dig into a standout case from Jeddah’s Red Sea Film Festival with Netflix - a multi-zone fan experience adapted thoughtfully for local culture.Adam also talks candidly about building fast without losing the plot: hiring for attitude, keeping the team intentionally lean, qualifying briefs and saying no to race-to-the-bottom procurement. It’s an honest, practical playbook for event pros in the region: how to protect creativity on tight budgets, use data with purpose and build the kind of trust you can look for in a client.EventNewsDXB is supported by Warehouse Four and -45dBProduction Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

When Ben McDonald returned to Dubai to join Purple Glow, he wasn’t chasing shiny objects or the flashiest tech. He was chasing meaning.In this episode of EventNewsDXB, Ben shares why success in event technology isn’t about who has the biggest screens, it’s about creating moments that truly connect. For him, the metrics are simple: engagement, dwell, conversation.He also talks about designing self-guided brand journeys, using data to give clients real value beyond event day, and how to foster a creative culture that empowers young talent. Ben’s honesty about what works and what doesn’t in the world of event tech, makes this conversation a must-listen for anyone serious about elevating experiences in the Middle East.EventNewsDXB is supported by Warehouse Four and -45dBProduction Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

What happens when you set out to “just see who comes through the door” and end up building one of Asia’s most influential event companies?In this episode of EventNewsDXB, I talk with Jasper Donat, co-founder and CEO of Branded, about his 30-year journey from Star TV in Hong Kong to creating the All That Matters conference and festival in Singapore. Jasper reflects on the wild early days of Asian events, the evolution of his company’s flagship platforms across music, sport, gaming, and marketing, and why live, face-to-face connections still matter more than ever in an AI-driven world.We dive into the lessons of COVID, how Branded found creative ways to keep audiences engaged when everything went virtual (yes, even Cookie Monster got a keynote slot), and why Singapore and the Middle East are fast becoming global hubs for live experiences.EventNewsDXb is proudly supported by Warehouse Four and -45dBProduction Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

James Mistry: Pulling Back The Curtain On Event Safety. This week on EventNewsDXB, we sit down with James Mistry, founder of JAM Event Services, for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of event safety and staffing in the Middle East. From the chaotic beginnings of Dubai’s early event scene to Expo 2020’s game-changing legacy, James shares candid insights into why event safety is now seen as essential. Plus he offers his take on how the culture around mental health is finally evolving in a field long defined by burnout and unsustainable hours.James doesn’t hold back when it comes to the industry’s challenges, explaining why he believes too many companies still think quantity trumps quality. He also shines a light on Saudi Arabia’s explosive growth, where a young, ambitious population and a rapidly expanding events calendar are creating opportunities unlike anywhere else in the world.🎧 Listen now to hear James’s take on what the industry gets right, what it gets wrong, and why the future of events in the Middle East has never looked more promising.EventNewsDXB is supported by Warehouse Four and -45dBProduction Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

When Vicki Galloway-Place swapped her UK classroom for the high-stakes world of events, she stepped into a career that would push her creativity, leadership and resilience to the limit. In this episode of EventNewsDXB, Vicki shares her journey from drama teacher to theatre director to events producer and the hard-earned lessons learned along the way.Vicki talks candidly about the industry’s “say-yes-and-make-it-happen” culture, the balancing act between creative vision, production realities, and client demands, and the burnout it can cause. She also opens up about navigating gender bias in events, mentoring the next generation of women leaders and why setting boundaries matters for both career and family, especially as a single mum.It’s an honest, inspiring conversation about finding your voice, standing your ground and changing the conversation in an industry that doesn’t always make space for you.EventNewsDXB is supported by -45dB Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

Jon Noonan: Transforming Event Spaces - One Decibel At A Time!From student nightclub promotions to supplying global iconic events like Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, and Formula One, John Noonan has seen many sides of the event industry. As founder of Thorns Group, he takes us behind the scenes of event logistics - where 400 staff, 15 site managers and 150 lorry movements make the difference between chaos and success.John also introduces his latest innovation: -45db - modular, sound-reduced structures that solve one of the industry’s toughest challenges, delivering up to 45 decibels of noise reduction for exhibition and event spaces.Plus, his bold prediction: why Dubai is set to become the global center of events and why this should matter to every industry professional.Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

David Balfour: Redefining Brand Experiences In this episode of EventNewsDXB, we sit down with David Balfour, co-founder of LightBlue and one of the pioneers of experiential marketing in the Middle East. David shares his desire to help redefine brand engagement in Dubai - shifting the focus from traditional activations to emotionally driven experiences that resonate long after the event is over.From big and bold stunts to more intimate and curated brand moments, David explains why emotion is the new metric and why bravery, strategy and cultural insight matter more than ever.We also explore the future of live experiences in an AI-driven world, why authenticity will become a brand’s greatest asset and what it takes to build strong, trust-based client relationships in a fast-moving market.If you want to create events that inspire, engage, and truly connect, this episode is packed with ideas and insights you can’t afford to miss.EventNewsDXB is powered by -45dB - Sound Reduction Specialists.Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

Iain Morrison - Beyond Burnout: The True Cost of Event ExcellenceWith over 35 years in the event industry, Iain Morrison has seen the effect the industry can have on people first-hand. This week on EventNewsDXB, the founder of The Imagination Collaborative opens up about the pressures facing today’s event professionals - from resource cuts to unrealistic timelines and the silent mental health toll that comes with them.Iain shares his own experiences with burnout, why the industry’s "just push through" mindset no longer works and why he's not afraid to speak up and get the conversation started. Iain shares his own journey, the patterns he’s noticed across the sector and how leaders can take practical steps to create healthier working environments - from better planning and structure to simply giving people the space to speak up.This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling the pressure, anyone leading a team, or anyone who believes there’s a better way to deliver great events -without burning out in the process.EventNewsDXB is powered by -45dB - Sound Reduction Specialists.Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

Benoit Honnart - Inside Electra: Building a Turnkey Event Production Powerhouse.We kick off Season 2 of EventNewsDXB with Benoit Honnart, CEO of Electra, as he pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes world of event production in the Middle East. Behind every spectacular luxury event lies a finely-tuned operation juggling impossible deadlines, creative demands, and logistical nightmares. With manufacturing facilities spanning 53,000 square meters across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Electra has positioned itself as the powerhouse that transforms creative visions into reality. Benoit shares why vertical integration gives Electra a critical edge, how a “people first” culture drives quality and what the industry needs to do next on sustainability and AI. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the industry, this episode is packed with real-world lessons, leadership wisdom and inspiration for anyone in the business of events.EventNewsDXB is powered by -45dB - Sound Reduction Specialists.Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

🎙️ This week on the EventNewsDXB podcast, we’re joined by Rudi Buchner, co-founder of Three Monkeys, whose journey from a 10-year-old cable runner at a Pope’s visit in Bavaria to one of Dubai’s most innovative event producers is nothing short of remarkable.⛑️ When the pandemic brought the industry to a halt, Rudi and his team didn't just pivot - they reimagined what virtual events could be. By applying broadcast-level production techniques and integrating features like AI-powered captioning, simultaneous translation, and sign language interpretation, they helped set a new standard for corporate communication.🎧 In this episode, Rudi shares how they scaled up his busines to run four event broadcast control rooms simultaneously, the art of transforming corporate executives into virtual stage pros and the brand challenge of being too good at virtual - only to have clients forget their creative roots in experiential and exhibition design.It’s a fascinating conversation filled with insight, resilience and a vision for a more sustainable future in events.Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

Rob Statham & Jake Smith: Behind the Pit Wall - F1 And The Power Of Experiential Marketing🚦 This week, we’re going full throttle into the world of Formula One with Rob Statham  and Jake Smith from The Events House, the creative minds behind some of the most memorable fan zone activations on the global F1 calendar. From setting up Giant Jenga at local events to building 4D cinemas for Aramco in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, their journey is a masterclass in how experiential marketing has become a critical player in the modern brand playbook.🎧 Hear how these large-scale activations come together, why race days in the region are more social phenomenon than sport and how brands are shifting focus from digital noise to real-world, high-impact experiences.Whether you're in events, marketing, motorsport - or just love a good hustle story - this episode is for you.Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

Mohammad Al Shehhi: The Emirati Who Quit His Day Job To Start A Wrestling RevolutionWhat happens when a young Emirati decides to ditch his conventional career path and dive headfirst into the high-flying world of professional wrestling? This week on EventNewsDXB, we're talking to Mohammed Al Shehhi, known to fans as "Shaheen" (Arabic for falcon), who traded 9-5 and office politics for suplexes and theatrical combat.​Mohammad opens up about how he went against the expectations of both family and society and embarked on a remarkable double life: corporate professional by day, aspiring wrestler by night. His persistence paid off. Three years after founding WrestleFest DXB, Mohammed has transformed humble beginnings (the first show had just five audience members) into Dubai's most unique sporting spectacle with regular sold-out events.Podcast Rundown1️⃣ Mohammed's Journey into Wrestling 2️⃣ Living a Double Life 3️⃣ Building a Wrestling Promotion 4️⃣ Creating a Community-Driven Event 5️⃣ WWE Connections and Future Aspirations 6️⃣ Television Dreams and Next Steps Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

Paul Berger: Built To Impress with Arena Events Group CEOIn this episode, Paul Berger, CEO of Arena Events Group, shares his journey from the advertising world of 1990s Dubai to leading one of the world’s premier event infrastructure companies. From launching the city’s first indoor karting facility to developing Dubai Autodrome and scaling Arena globally, Paul has played a pivotal role in shaping the event landscape.He opens up about the surprising differences between global event markets—especially how the Middle East consistently outpaces the US and UK in event quality and guest expectations. Paul also unpacks the power of long-term partnerships in the industry and reveals Arena’s plans to move beyond seasonal events and into semi-permanent, game-changing structures.Whether you're in events, hospitality, or just curious about how world-class experiences are built, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration and a masterclass in global scale-up strategy.Podcast Rundown• Arrival and early days in Dubai.• Dubai AutoDrome and F1.• Joining Harlequin and partnering with Arena.• Arena's expansion throughout Middle East and Asia. • Key market differentials and quality gap.• Importance of long-term partnerships over transactional relationships.• Health of Dubai's events industry.• Arena's future plans.Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

EventNewsDXB - Ep. 8 - Amy Morris: Building Creativity And Innovation In The Entertainment Industry.In this episode of EventNewsDXB, host Ian Carless sits down with Amy Morris, CEO of PopUp Global, to discuss her journey from cruise ship performer to entertainment entrepreneur. Amy shares how a Disney cease-and-desist notice led her to pivot her UK-based business, eventually winning a major cruise line contract. She reflects on navigating the challenges of expanding to Dubai, from cultural differences in business operations to sourcing top-tier talent. Amy also dives into the importance of mental health support for performers, the power of saying no to the wrong opportunities and her excitement for upcoming projects. Tune in for insights on innovation, resilience, and the evolving entertainment landscape in Dubai and beyond.Podcast Rundown• Starting out in entertainment.  • Receiving a cease and desist letter from The Walt Disney Company.• Transitioning from freelance to limited company.• Navigating COVID and winning new contracts.• Setting up in Dubai. • Establishing the business focus.• Being a woman in the event industry.• Mental health initiatives.• Looking ahead.Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

EventNewsDXB Ep. 07 Mike Wain: Thriving & Surviving - Balancing Business & Well-BeingEventNewsDXB is supported by Warehouse Four - Dubai's best independent event venue.Join host Ian Carless and seasoned event professional, Mike Wain, as he shares his insights on Dubai’s ever-evolving event industry and the challenges of entrepreneurship. It's a candid discussion that shed's light on the rise and fall of Mike's previous company, Action Impact and see's him advocate for stronger industry standards and pre-qualification processes to create a more sustainable business landscape.The conversation also explores the mental health toll of the industry, with Mike emphasising the need for empathy, rest, and healthy client relationships. It's an engaging and honest discussion that provides valuable insights into the realities of building and sustaining a business in Dubai’s competitive events scene.Podcast rundown• Mike Wayne recounts his journey into Dubai's event industry. • Closing Action Impact and how COVID-19 reshaped event planning and engagement. • The importance of maintainng industry production standards.• Exploration of the need for mental health awareness in the event industry.• Insights into future trends and the sustainability of the events sector. Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

EventNewsDXB Ep. 6 - Maxine English: A Maverick's Journey From Dubai To The West EndEventNewsDXB is supported by Warehouse Four - Dubai's best independent event venue.What if you could bring some of Dubai's 'anything's possible' attitude to the heart of London's iconic West End? That's exactly what this week's guest did! Join host Ian Carless as he sits down with Maxine English, the maverick powerhouse behind the transformation of the Savoy Theatre. From her early days immersed in Dubai's arts scene to helping shape Dubai's burgeoning cultural landscape, Maxine's story is one of passion, resilience and a touch of old-school glamour. Discover how her childhood love for drama classes evolved into a full-fledged career and how a chance encounter with a hospitality industry titan, paved her way to success. Podcast Rundown• Maxine's background and entry into the theatre world. • The evolution of Dubai's entertainment landscape. • Key challenges of making theatre commercially viable. • The balance between international productions and local talent. • The potential impact of casinos on the entertainment scene. • Personal sacrifices and experiences in theatre leadership. • The significance of creating memorable audience experiences. Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

EventNewsDXB Ep.5 - Ean Thorley: From MTV to Mega Events! A 30-Year Journey in Entertainment.EventNewsDXB is supported by Warehouse Four - Dubai's best independent event venue.In this episode, Ean Thorley, founder of Whatever Live, talks to EventNewsDXB host, Ian Carless, about his journey from MTV intern to Executive Producer of some of the world’s biggest music award shows. From launching MTV Asia, Hong Kong and China to producing groundbreaking events like the Chinese Music Awards, Ean reflects on over 30 years in the industry.Through highly entertaining anecdotes, Ean recounts the highs and lows of large-scale television event production, including handling crises like fires during Dubai’s New Year’s Eve fireworks and Snoop Dogg’s unconventional requests at the MTV Music awards. The conversation also delves into MTV’s shift from music videos to reality TV and its cultural influence, including projects like Dubai Bling.Looking to the future, Ean discusses the Middle Eastern event scene, with Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi all competing for global recognition. And he highlights the need to balance local talent with international expertise while adapting to the industry’s evolving financial landscape.Podcast Rundown• Ean discusses his early career at MTV • Insights into producing large-scale events and firework shows • Crisis management lessons learned from past experiences • Importance of fostering local talent in Dubai's entertainment scene • Challenges of client budgets and managing expectations • Future of events in the competitive Middle Eastern market • The significance of personal connections through events Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

EventNewsDXB Ep.4 - Dan Bolton: Candid Reflections on Surviving AdversityEventNewsDXB is supported by Warehouse Four - Dubai's best independent event venue.Join host Ian Carless and guest Dan Bolton as they explore Dan's transformative journey in Dubai's dynamic event industry, showcasing his resilience through challenges and setbacks.From his humble beginnings as a circus performer, Dan discusses the realities of scaling an event business, including having to rebuild from scratch after a disastrous project in Qatar left his once thriving business in ruins.Through candid reflections, the conversation reveals vital lessons on business management, the emotional interplay of friendships in professional settings and provides a candid look at the resilience needed to thrive in Dubai's fast-paced event scene.Podcast Rundown• Dan's transition from circus performer to event producer  • The risks and challenges of rapid business growth  • Lessons learned from a major project failure  • The emotional impact of financial difficulties on personal relationships  • Insights into the shifting landscape of the event industry  • Future aspirations and the importance of resilience in businessProduction Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

EventNewsDXB Ep.3 - Tyler Davis-Smith: From Stage to Spotlight & Turning Adversity Into Success.EventNewsDXB is supported by Warehouse Four - Dubai's best independent event venue.Join host Ian Carless as he talks to Tyler Davis-Smith, founder of Energie Entertainment, about his journey from aspiring performer in the UK to building a thriving entertainment agency in Dubai. Hear how he turned adversity into opportunity during one of the worse times in living memory for the events industry and how he now manages the challenge of maintaining quality amid rising demand.Tyler also discusses expanding into Saudi Arabia, the need for cultural and skills-based training, and initiatives like BeastEd to develop local talent. Plus, he shares personal anecdotes, music tastes, and upcoming ventures in an insightful and entertaining chat!Podcast Rundown• Tyler's early career and transition into event management • The founding of Energy Entertainment during COVID-19 • Challenges and successes in starting a new business • Importance of maintaining quality in a budget-conscious market • Insights on the growth of the event industry in the GCC • The role of Saudi Arabia in the Middle Eastern event landscape • Knowledge transfer and training opportunities for local talent • The balance between short deadlines and quality delivery • Tyler's thoughts on upcoming events and personal interests Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

EventNewsDXB Ep 2 - Mark Breakspear: From Snowboarding to Event ExcellenceEventNewsDXB is supported by Warehouse Four - Dubai's best independent event venue.Join host Ian Carless and DLC Event's Mark Breakspear as he recounts his progression from snowboard instructor to Sales and Operations Manager, where he's played a pivotal role in the rise of DLC Events as a leader in simultaneous interpretation and discussion systems. The discussion explores Dubai’s strategic advantage for hosting world-class events, the city's resilient recovery post-pandemic thanks to Expo 2020, as well as the growing events scene in Saudi Arabia.Mark also delves into technological advancements that have enhanced conference experiences, such as infrared receivers and virtual tech, and emphasizes the importance of local talent in interpretation services. In all, the conversation offer's an insightful look into the evolving events industry in the region.Podcast Rundown• Mark's journey from ski instructor to event management • Insights on managing events during and post-pandemic • The impact of Expo 2020 on Dubai's event recovery • Importance of expertise over cost in event management • Competition in Dubai's event industry and standing out • Technological advancements in event production • The significance of a skilled talent pool in event execution • Strategies for managing the cyclical nature of event business • Future opportunities for DLC Events in the global market Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.

EventNewsDXB Ep 1 - Stefan Wieland: Navigating the Middle East Event IndustryEventNewsDXB is supported by Warehouse Four - Dubai's best independent event venue.Host Ian Carless talks to one of Dubai's most prominent event figures, Stefan Wieland, about a career spanning over two decades, including the creation of 'EINO' - the Events Industry Night Out - a thriving event industry community, which has grown to over 12,000 members.The conversation covers the resilience of the Middle Eastern events sector and how despite  lockdowns and economic setbacks, proactive government support and initiatives like "Crew for Crew" helped the industry recover. The episode also talks about the shifting priorities in the events sector, such as focusing on experience quality and discusses the challenges faced by young professionals in the industry and the increasing importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Podcast Rundown• Stefan's journey from Germany to becoming a key player in Dubai's events • EINO's inception and its evolution into a vibrant professional network • Challenges faced in moderating discussions within the community • The pandemic's impact and the industry's collaborative response • Importance of well-being and work-life balance post-pandemic • Current issues of oversaturation and declining quality in events • Need for structured training and qualified talent in the industry • Optimism for the future of events in the Middle East with new opportunities Production Credits:Presented by: Ian CarlessStudio Engineer & Editor: Manny PenamoraExecutive Producers: Ian Carless & Joe Morrison Produced by: EventNewsDXB & PoddworxSupport us!It takes time and effort to put the EventNewsDXB podcast together and we hope it's worth something to you. If it is, please consider sponsoring the podcast to enable us to keep them coming. Contact us for details.