A panel of industry experts are on hand to assess the individual merits of each venue, drawing on their years of experience to narrow down the entries into a shortlist, before selecting their final winners in each category.

Rosani is an architect and lighting designer with over sixteen years of experience working across architectural, decorative, and technical lighting projects. Her work focuses on the balance between concept, performance, and human perception, always aiming to enhance spatial experience through light rather than allowing lighting to become an end in itself. 

Over the years, Rosani has been involved in residential lighting, commercial, and stage lighting projects, and I regularly collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, combining technical rigor with a strong sensitivity to atmosphere and visual comfort. 

From early beginnings in the retail hi-fi sector Rob migrated into the Pro Audio distribution sector in 1984. Working with some wonderful partners which specialized in the import and distribution of British loudspeakers and electronics within North America.  Over the last 40 years Rob has had the opportunity to assist clients in providing them with cutting edge products to enhance their clients’ projects. 

Currently Rob is with OPS+ Consulting. OPS+ specializes in enhancing Operations, Opportunities, and Optimizations for the Pro Audio distribution and AV Integration industry. 

Phil Marlowe oversees all sales, technical, and service operations across the Middle East region, playing a pivotal role in shaping AVI-SPL’s success. Starting his journey as an installation technician, Phil demonstrated remarkable ambition and vision, becoming the company’s first expatriate employee when he relocated to Dubai in 2008. With over 19 years of expertise in system integration and services, Phil combines his deep technical knowledge with strategic leadership to drive growth and innovation. His commitment to empowering his team with the right tools and training ensures exceptional operational performance and a customer experience that sets industry benchmarks.

Roberta McHatton of Laser Safety Services LLC have been providing laser safety consultation to the entertainment industry since 1995. In 2023 Roberta was awarded the prestigious International Laser Display Association (ILDA) Career Achievement Award. The Career Achievement Award is ILDA’s highest honor, given for work spanning many years in the area of show quality, innovation, and industry service. 

Roberta works within the laser industry to create laser safety guidelines/standards and increase laser safety awareness worldwide. Roberta is particularly well known for our extensive work with Entertainment lasers, an industry that can pose a high risk of potential exposure to the general public. 

An experienced theatre equipment designer, Michael provides clients with efficient, cost-effective systems and safe workplaces. Since 1995, he has designed stagehouses and specified stage equipment for hundreds of performance spaces. His work includes structural reviews, site acceptance testing, and rigging inspections to ensure project quality and completion. 

Before 1995, Michael worked as a rigging contractor across the US. He has served as a production designer, stagehand, and I-mag video operator and supervised lighting and rigging for the Wooster Group. He has also lectured at the Yale School of Drama. 

Michael is currently a Theatre Projects – Principal Emeritus,and contributes to the global work of TheatreDNA. 

Lucy Ockenden is a Creative Technologist, Media Server Programmer, Engineer and Producer. 

Since 2004 she has worked with music artists ranging from Björk to Iron Maiden and in venues from F1 control Bahrain to Wembley Stadium; installations from shopping malls to soccer stadiums and events from online festivals to the world expo.  

Originally from the UK, Lucy worked in the live-for-broadcast sector guiding the industry toward new standards as well as teaching as an Associate Lecturer at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. 

Working with high profile clients at companies such as the experiential marketing agency GPJ, Carina was able to witness first hand the growing desire for her clients to become more sustainable. On the flip side, over the 10 years as a technical production manager, she would also see all the items that were sent into skips and off to landfill. 

Over the years of volunteering, she quickly noticed the increasing demand for donations with charities and felt that there was a need to combine the two. Her venture Event Cycle does just that – helping the event industry implement practical solutions to sustainability challenges while creating a positive social impact and a lasting legacy. She hopes to be able to support the events industry in the transition into a more circular economy and to help those most in need in the process. 

With over 26 years of expertise in event management, experiential marketing, and live production, Dee has consistently led the Better Green Group at the forefront of creativity, strategic management, and delivery. Dee is the driving force behind the company’s Group management and expansion and is the catalyst behind fostering all sustainability and outreach initiatives. Setting high standards and goals for the organisation, Dee also meticulously oversees legal, financial, and operational processes to ensure seamless implementation, with their happy and valued teams.

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