For the 12th Season of the Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA), Evolution Technical was commissioned to design and deliver an original audio, video and lighting (AVL) concept that elevated the prestige of the awards while keeping photography at the heart of the production.

Hosted at Dubai Opera, the ceremony required an advanced stage solution that seamlessly combined automation, video, lighting and audio into a single, immersive production. Working in collaboration with TECS, Evolution developed a technically sophisticated show environment that transformed the venue while supporting the ceremony's creative vision.

The Challenge

The production required complex technical systems to be integrated into a refined stage design without distracting from the award ceremony itself.

A dynamic stage environment was needed to support multiple award presentations, performances and visual transitions while maintaining flawless synchronisation between automation, media playback and lighting. The installation also had to work within stage area of Dubai Opera, requiring careful engineering of the rigging and automation systems.

Delivering smooth, repeatable movement of large LED screens while maintaining precise show timing demanded detailed planning and specialist technical expertise.

The Solution

Working alongside TECS, Evolution Technical engineered a bespoke automation system that enabled LED screens to travel on both the X and Y axis (stage left to stage right and upstage to down stage) creating a dynamic and adaptable stage environment throughout the ceremony.

A large central hero LED wall formed the visual focal point of the production. The complete system was rigged from Dubai Opera's mothergrid and fly bars, supported by Litec truss, GIS hoists and dedicated automation rails to deliver smooth, controlled movement.

To further enhance the scenic design, Evolution fabricated a custom LED-framed stage arch, providing dramatic visual transitions and full blackout capability controlled directly by the lighting team, whilst being supported by GIS hoists and Litec truss.

Content playback was managed using Disguise media servers, with timecode synchronisation ensuring seamless coordination between automation, video playback and lighting cues. Lighting control was delivered from GrandMA2 consoles at front of house, while DiGiCo consoles managed the event's audio system, providing exceptional clarity for presenters, performances and award announcements.

The result was a fully integrated production where automation, lighting, audio and video operated as one unified technical system.

Delivery Highlights 

• Complete AVL production
• Bespoke stage automation system
• Automated LED screens
• Hero LED wall installation
• Litec truss and GIS hoist rigging system
• Custom LED scenic arch fabrication
• Disguise media server programming
• Timecode synchronisation
• GrandMA2 lighting control
• DiGiCo audio mixing consoles
• Technical installation, programming and commissioning

Outcome

The completed production transformed Dubai Opera into an immersive stage environment that celebrated photography through innovative technical design and seamless show execution.

By integrating advanced automation, synchronised media playback and premium AVL systems into a single production workflow, Evolution Technical delivered a sophisticated ceremony that balanced technical excellence with creative storytelling. The project demonstrates Evolution's capability to engineer complex live event productions where automation, stage technology and precision show control are essential to the audience experience.

Project Ecosystem

Client:

Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA)

Venue

Dubai Opera

Dubai, UAE

Evolution Technical:

Technical Production • Stage Automation • Audio Systems • Video Systems • Lighting Design • Show Control • Media Server Programming • Rigging • Technical Installation & Commissioning

Evolution Scenic:

Stage Build, Pre-Function Build

Evolution Site Services:

Power distribution

Created as an exclusive private celebration, "Project Sourfish" brought together internationally renowned performers for an evening of live entertainment in a bespoke event environment.

Every element of the production was designed to deliver a premium but intimate guest experience while meeting the technical expectations of A-list artists and their touring teams.

Evolution was entrusted with the complete Technical production, managing staging, rigging, professional audio, lighting, video playback and show infrastructure to create a system capable of supporting multiple live performances.

The Challenge

Unlike a traditional concert, the production combined the expectations of a major live performance with the flexibility required for a private event.

The venue had to accommodate multiple artists, changing technical riders and rehearsals, while maintaining a polished environment for invited guests.

With a compressed production schedule, every technical system from staging and rigging to lighting, audio and video had to be installed, integrated and fully commissioned within a single day, leaving sufficient time for rehearsals before the event.

The Solution

Evolution developed a purpose-built production environment centred around a Litec ground-supported stage and truss system, providing a secure platform for lighting, audio and performance equipment. Professional sound reinforcement, dynamic lighting and video playback systems were integrated into a unified production workflow, ensuring every performance was supported by reliable technical infrastructure.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated fibre-based Luminex AVL network connected the production systems, allowing efficient signal distribution and communication between departments while providing the flexibility needed to accommodate live show changes throughout the evening.

Delivery Highlights 

• Delivered complete technical production for a private entertainment event.
• Installed a Litec ground-supported stage and truss structure.
• Designed and deployed a professional concert audio system using HK Audio line arrays and L-Acoustics amplification.
• Supplied Shure PSM 1000 in-ear monitoring and professional stage monitoring systems.
• Created a dynamic lighting design using Robe, Chauvet and Astera fixtures.
• Managed lighting control through High End Road Hog consoles.
• Delivered professional video playback systems for live show content.
• Integrated a Luminex fibre network for AVL signal distribution and system control.
• Completed installation, commissioning and artist rehearsals within a single production day.

Outcome

Project Sourfish delivered a refined live entertainment experience that combined technical expertise with the flexibility required for a private, high-profile celebration. From rehearsals through to the final performance, every production element operated reliably, allowing artists and organizers to focus entirely on the guest experience.

The project demonstrated Evolution's ability to deliver premium entertainment productions under demanding schedules while maintaining the production standards expected for international live performances.

Project Ecosystem

Client:

Private Client 

Evolution Technical:

Delivered the complete technical production, including staging, rigging, professional audio, lighting, video playback, AVL networking, stage management and on-site technical support for the live entertainment programme.

Evolution Site Services:

Provided temporary power infrastructure, primary power distribution and secondary distribution boards (DBs) to support the concert stage, entrance feature, DJ maze and all technical production systems across the entertainment areas.

The second edition of INVESTOPIA Annual Conference welcomed global investors, business leaders and policymakers to Hilton Abu Dhabi for a programme of keynote sessions, panel discussions and strategic networking focused on the future of investment and economic growth.

To support the conference and its closing gala dinner, Evolution was entrusted with the complete audiovisual and technical production, creating a production environment capable of supporting a high-profile international audience from the opening session through to the final evening celebration.

The Challenge

With more than 1,000 delegates attending across a full day of presentations and discussions, the production needed to balance technical performance with operational flexibility. The programme featured multiple speakers, live presentations and branded content that required smooth transitions and dependable show control throughout the event.

The conference was followed by an outdoor gala dinner, requiring the production team to manage two very different event environments while maintaining the same level of quality and attention to detail across both experiences.

The Solution

The conference production centred around a large-format LED backdrop that served as the focal point for presentations, keynote sessions and multimedia content. A carefully designed lighting scheme enhanced the stage while adapting to different presentation formats throughout the day, and a professional audio system ensured consistent speech intelligibility for every delegate in attendance.

Behind the scenes, high-capacity networking, media servers and rigging infrastructure provided the foundation for reliable show operations. As the conference concluded, the production seamlessly transitioned to the outdoor gala, where atmospheric lighting transformed the terrace into an elegant setting for evening hospitality.

Delivery Highlights 

• Delivered complete AVL and technical production for the conference and gala dinner.
• Installed a large-format indoor LED display with Watchout media servers.
• Designed stage lighting using Astera, ROBE, SGM and Chauvet fixtures.
• Controlled lighting through a High End Full Boar 4 console.
• Supplied an L-Acoustics KARA professional audio system with SB18 subwoofers and X12 front fills.
• Installed HK Audio systems throughout the pre-function areas.
• Managed audio using a Yamaha QL5 digital console with Rio stage boxes.
• Connected all AVL systems via a Luminex networking platform.
• Engineered Litec truss structures to support lighting and technical infrastructure.
• Delivered atmospheric outdoor lighting for the closing gala dinner.

Outcome

The technical production provided a professional platform for international speakers, investors and decision-makers to connect throughout the conference. From keynote presentations and panel discussions to the closing gala, every production element supported a consistent, high-quality delegate experience.

By combining dependable audiovisual systems with efficient production management, Evolution helped deliver an event that reflected INVESTOPIA's ambition to position Abu Dhabi as a global destination for investment and economic dialogue.

Project Ecosystem

Client:

UAE Ministry of Economy – INVESTOPIA 

Evolution Technical:

Delivered the complete AVL and technical production, including LED displays, professional audio, lighting, media servers, networking infrastructure, rigging and on-site technical operations for both the conference and gala dinner.

Evolution Events:

Managed client communications, production planning and event delivery, coordinating venue teams, suppliers and stakeholders to ensure the programmed ran efficiently from build through to completion.

Evolution Scenic:

Produced and installed the conference stage, branded scenic elements, presentation backdrops and gala branding, creating a polished environment across both event spaces.

Evolution Furniture:

Supplied furniture for speaker stages, panel discussions, hospitality areas and the gala dinner, supporting both functionality and the overall guest experience.

Evolution Site Services:

Provided temporary power distribution and supporting electrical infrastructure to ensure reliable operation of all audiovisual and production systems.

In March 2023, the Ministry of Economy hosted the second edition of the INVESTOPIA Annual Conference at Hilton Abu Dhabi, bringing together global investors, business leaders and government decision-makers from multiple sectors.

Evolution Technical was appointed to deliver the complete audio, video and lighting and technical production package for both the conference programme and the closing gala dinner.

The project required a seamless technical solution capable of supporting keynote presentations, panel discussions, multimedia content and evening hospitality across multiple event environments.

The Challenge

Delivering a high-profile international conference required a robust AVL infrastructure capable of supporting a full day of presentations, live discussions and multimedia content, followed by an elegant gala dinner in a separate outdoor setting.

The production demanded high-quality visual presentation, crystal-clear audio for more than 1,000 delegates and reliable networked signal distribution across all technical systems. The transition from conference environment to evening hospitality also required careful planning to ensure a consistent production standard throughout the event.

The Solution

Evolution Technical designed and delivered a fully integrated AVL solution centred around a large-format indoor LED wall, driven by Watchout media servers to provide seamless playback of presentations, branded content and high-resolution multimedia throughout the conference.

A bespoke lighting package was installed using Astera Titan Tubes, Astera AX5, Robe, SGM P5 and Chauvet fixtures, all programmed and controlled from a High End Full Boar 4 lighting console. The lighting design provided both functional illumination for presenters and dynamic visual enhancement for the conference stage.

Audio reinforcement for more than 1,000 attendees was delivered using an L-Acoustics KARA line array system with SB18 subwoofers and X12 front fills and stage monitors, powered by LA12X amplifiers. The pre-function area was equipped with HK Audio loudspeakers, while the complete audio system was mixed using a Yamaha QL5 digital console connected to a Yamaha Rio stage box.

All AVL systems were integrated through a Luminex signal distribution network, providing reliable communication between audio, video and lighting systems. The production infrastructure was supported by Litec truss structures, ensuring safe and efficient rigging throughout the venue.

For the closing gala dinner, Evolution Technical delivered an elegant outdoor production featuring atmospheric lighting across the terrace, creating a seamless transition from the formal conference programme to an evening of premium hospitality.

Delivery Highlights 

• Complete audio, video and lighting (AVL) production
• Large-format indoor LED display
• Watchout media server programming
• L-Acoustics KARA line array system
• SB18 subwoofers and X12 front fills
• LA12X amplifier platform
• Yamaha QL5 digital audio console
• Yamaha Rio stage box
• Astera Titan Tubes and AX5 lighting
• Robe, SGM P5 and Chauvet lighting fixtures
• High End Full Boar 4 lighting console
• Luminex signal distribution network
• Litec truss rigging infrastructure
• Outdoor gala dinner lighting
• Technical installation, programming and show operation

Outcome

The completed production delivered a seamless technical experience across both the conference and gala dinner, supporting keynote presentations, panel discussions, multimedia content and evening hospitality with exceptional reliability.

By integrating professional audio, video and lighting systems into a fully networked production environment, Evolution Technical created an engaging and technically refined event that reflected the international stature of INVESTOPIA. The project demonstrates Evolution's expertise in delivering large-scale government and corporate conferences where technical precision, operational reliability and premium production quality are essential.

Project Ecosystem

Client:

Ministry of Economy – INVESTOPIA

Evolution Technical:

Engineered and delivered the complete AVL production, including LED displays, broadcast camera systems, professional audio, lighting, rigging, media servers, networking infrastructure, livestreaming and on-site technical operations.

Evolution Events:

Directed client communications, production planning, project coordination and event delivery, ensuring all stakeholders, suppliers and venue teams remained aligned throughout the project lifecycle.

Evolution Scenic:

Produced and installed the stage set, presentation environment, branded scenic elements and feature graphics, creating a contemporary setting that reflected the forum's global investment focus.

Evolution Furniture:

Supplied and installed furniture for the main stage, panel discussions, networking areas and VIP hospitality spaces, supporting both delegate comfort and the overall event design

The Accelerate 100x Forum, organised by ADNOC, brought together senior executives, government representatives and industry leaders for a strategic programme delivered simultaneously from ADNOC Business Centre in Abu Dhabi and Al Ruwais.

With audiences, presenters and discussions taking place across two locations, Evolution was appointed to create a unified production environment that enabled both venues to operate as one live event through integrated audiovisual systems and real-time connectivity.

The Challenge

Running a live event across two venues presented a unique set of technical challenges. Rather than producing two independent conferences, the objective was to create a shared experience where speakers and delegates at each location could interact naturally, as though they were in the same room.

This required dependable, low-latency communication between venues, while ensuring presentations, audio, video and production cues remained perfectly synchronized. At the same time, each venue had to operate independently across dedicated production teams, while remaining connected to a single event workflow.

The Solution

A hybrid production environment was engineered to link both venues through a resilient fibre network supported by bonded 4G backup. Live audio, video and production communications flowed continuously between Abu Dhabi and Al Ruwais, allowing keynote speakers, panel discussions and audience interaction to take place without noticeable delay.

Each venue was equipped with dedicated audio, lighting and video systems tailored to its operational requirements, while a centralised networking architecture ensured every department could monitor, manage and coordinate production in real time.

Delivery Highlights 

• Delivered complete AVL production across two live event venues.
• Connected Abu Dhabi and Al Ruwais through a dedicated fibre network with bonded 4G backup.
• Enabled real-time bidirectional audio and video communication between locations.
• Integrated Luminex networking for centralised control and system monitoring.
• Upgraded the main venue with Yamaha CL5 audio control and L-Acoustics monitoring systems.
• Installed professional audio, lighting and video systems at the Al Ruwais satellite venue.
• Managed content playback and screen distribution across both locations.
• Deployed production intercom and talkback systems to synchronise technical teams.
• Provided complete installation, rehearsals, live operation and technical support.

Outcome

The forum successfully operated as a single connected event despite being hosted across two separate locations. Delegates were able to participate in discussions, presentations and live interactions without disruption, creating a consistent experience for audiences in both Abu Dhabi and Al Ruwais.

The project highlighted Evolution's expertise in hybrid event production, demonstrating how advanced networking and broadcast technologies can remove geographical barriers while maintaining the quality and professionalism expected of a flagship corporate event.

Project Ecosystem

Client:

ADNOC

Evolution Technical:

Planned and delivered the complete hybrid AVL production, integrating professional audio, lighting, video, networking infrastructure, live connectivity and on-site technical management across both event venues.

Evolution Events:

Managed production planning, client coordination and operational delivery, ensuring both venues remained aligned throughout rehearsals and live event execution.

Evolution Scenic:

Designed, fabricated and installed stage branding, presentation environments and scenic elements across both locations, creating a consistent visual identity for the forum.

Evolution Furniture:

Supplied furniture for presentation stages, panel discussions, delegate seating and hospitality areas, supporting both functionality and the overall event experience.

Evolution Site Services: 

Provided temporary power infrastructure and electrical distribution to support the technical production systems.

For the Kerzner Global Conference Awards Gala 2022, Evolution Technical were appointed to deliver the complete AVL solution for the awards ceremony and gala dinner at One&Only Royal Mirage Fort, Dubai.

The brief called for a fully ground-supported production that combined premium live event technology with elegant architectural lighting, creating an immersive environment that reflected the prestige of the Kerzner brand.

The production supported award presentations, speeches, live entertainment and evening celebrations within a sophisticated outdoor setting.

The Challenge

Producing a premium outdoor gala required a technical solution that balanced high-performance live production with refined visual design.

The audio system needed to provide consistent coverage for speeches, awards presentations and live performances across the open-air venue, while the lighting design had to enhance both the stage and the surrounding architecture. The production also required a stable ground-supported structure capable of supporting the complete AVL system without compromising the venue's aesthetics.

Integrating architectural lighting, wireless performance systems and special effects into one seamless production demanded careful planning and technical coordination.

The Solution

Evolution Technical designed and delivered a fully integrated AVL solution centred around a Litec aluminium ground-supported truss system, providing a stable and visually clean platform for the production equipment.

Audio reinforcement was delivered using L-Acoustics speaker arrays powered by LA12X amplifiers, ensuring clear and even sound coverage throughout the venue. HK Audio floor wedges provided stage monitoring, while Shure RF wireless microphone systems supported speeches and award presentations. Performers were equipped with Shure PSM 1000 wireless in-ear monitoring systems, allowing unrestricted movement while maintaining exceptional audio quality.

Lighting combined both performance and architectural elements. Astera Titan Tubes and Astera AX5 fixtures created ambient lighting and enhanced the event décor, while Robe and Chauvet fixtures formed the core performance lighting rig. The façade of the venue was mapped using Robe fixtures with custom mashrabiya gobos to deliver dynamic architectural lighting sequences synchronized with the evening's programme.

Lighting control was managed using a High End Full Boar 4 console integrated with Swisson Wireless DMX, providing reliable control while minimizing visible cabling throughout the venue.

To enhance key award presentations, cold spark machines were incorporated into the production, adding dramatic visual moments that elevated the audience experience without detracting from the event's elegant atmosphere.

Delivery Highlights 

• Complete AVL production
• Ground-supported Litec aluminium truss system
• L-Acoustics line array audio system
• LA12X amplifier platform
• HK Audio stage monitoring
• Shure RF wireless microphone system
• Shure PSM 1000 in-ear monitoring
• Robe and Chauvet performance lighting
• Astera Titan Tubes and AX5 lighting.
• Venue façade architectural lighting
• High End Full Boar 4 lighting console
• Swisson Wireless DMX control
• Cold spark special effects
• Technical installation, programming and show operation

Outcome

The completed production delivered a sophisticated awards gala that combined exceptional audio quality, immersive lighting and dynamic visual effects within an elegant outdoor environment.

By integrating premium AVL technology with architectural lighting and live performance systems, Evolution Technical created a seamless production that supported every aspect of the event, from award presentations and speeches to live entertainment and gala celebrations. The project highlights Evolution's expertise in delivering high-end corporate event productions where technical excellence and guest experience are equally important.

Project Ecosystem

Client:

Kerzner International

Venue

One&Only Royal Mirage

Dubai, UAE

Evolution Technical:

Technical Production • Audio Systems • Lighting Design • Architectural Lighting • Live Performance Support • RF Systems • Wireless Audio • Show Control • Special Effects • Technical Installation & Operation

Evolution Scenic:

Stage Build 

Evolution Site Services:

Power Distribution 

Evolution Furniture:

Full furniture and decor