The Live Events Stage in Hall 6 enters its third day today in Hall 6B100 (Thursday, February 5), with six sessions covering topics from cruise ship AV installations to drone shows and the future of audio delivery. The free-to-attend stage began on Tuesday and runs through to tomorrow, offering behind-the-scenes insights from professionals working on major live events.
Stew Hume, managing editor, TPi Magazine, and co-organiser of today’s events, said: “For the third day at the Live Events Stage, we’ll be bringing a broad range of topics, covering everything from the development of drone technology to innovations in pro audio, alongside thought leadership discussing sustainability within the live events sector.
“Thursday’s content will see two sessions overseen by Laura Frank and our friends at frame:work, pulling back the curtain on visual technology, as well as MONDO-DR’s Daisy Thorogood hosting a session diving into the technical installs of some of the world’s grandest cruise liners. We’ll also be closing out the day with an interview with Coldplay’s video director Jack Banks, learning more about the use of video within the band’s Rushmere tour.”
The day’s first event is at 10.30am with “On the High Seas” examining AV systems on high-end cruise ships. Among the speakers is Matt DeJong, lead design associate at SLVR/LES for Royal Caribbean Group. The panel will discuss the advancing world of cruise ship AV technology. The session is moderated by Daisy Thorogood, assistant editor at MONDO-DR.
At 11.15am, “Emerging Markets” brings together industry leaders from the Middle East, Africa and South America to discuss growth, challenges and opportunities in global entertainment. Duncan Riley, managing director of DWR Distribution, Andy Reardon, managing director of Creative Technology, and Chris Palmer, executive commercial director at Rock-it Cargo, join chairperson Stew Hume, for the discussion.
The 12pm session, “A Quest for a Greener Future”, examines how the events industry is tackling sustainability in 2026. Axelle Meunier, CSR project manager at L-Acoustics, and Andy Land, global head of sustainability at The Focusrite Group, will discuss the topic with Hume again chairing.
Thursday afternoon begins at 2pm with “Camera, Screens and the Expanding Visual Stage”, exploring how directors and designers ensure performers remain central as video landscapes grow larger and more immersive. Tito Sabatini, show director at Duo2, appears with moderator Laura Frank, executive director at frame:work.
At 2.45pm, “The Sky becomes a Stage” examines drone spectacles and large-scale aerial storytelling. Drone experts Darrel “Daz” Jamieson, creative director, HQ Worldwide Shows, Dubai, and Denis Kornilovich, co-founder, LumaSky, discuss algorithmic choreography, safety, regulation and how drone performances are emerging as a new discipline. Pawel “Spider” Pajak, creative director and producer at Percepto, moderates.
“Surfing the Soundwave” at 3.30pm explores the next evolution in audio delivery for live events. Pieter Doms, freelance audio engineer, Michael Kinzel, global segment manager for live and entertainment venues at d&b audiotechnik, and Fabian Braun, CEO of JOYNED, join Hume for the discussion.
The day concludes at 4.15pm with “Behind the Screen”, examining the touring video world and capturing live moments in real time. Ant Barrett from Resolve Film joins Hume for the session.
Tomorrow, Production Futures will take over the Live Events Stage, delivering a day of discussion, speed networking, training and industry engagement designed to support the next generation of live events professionals. The programme includes insights from newcomers and award-winning emerging talent, perspectives from established industry leaders, structured speed-networking sessions and skill-building opportunities.
The Friday programme will be hosted by Hannah Eakins, CEO of Production Futures. The Production Futures takeover forms part of ISE’s Fast Forward Friday initiative.
The Live Events Stage is located at stand 6B100 in Hall 6 and is free to attend. The stage is sponsored by MA Lighting, with Ross Video sponsoring Wednesday’s programme.
