The Backdrop Podcast
The events industry is one of the world's most dynamic and influential sectors, yet the stories, ideas, challenges and innovations behind it often happen behind closed doors. This podcast opens that door.
Recorded in One Central, Dubai, and released weekly in a concise 30-minute format, the show brings together the people who shape the conferences, summits, sporting events, festivals, concerts, diplomatic gatherings and major global platforms that connect industries, governments and communities.
Hosted by Michael MacLennan, with production led by Dan Powell and marketing and communications managed by Elle Semine, each episode features candid conversations with some of the industry's most experienced and respected voices. From event strategy and destination development to technical production, design, décor, strategic communications, protocol, safety, security, partnerships and investment, no aspect of the event ecosystem is off limits.
The podcast explores how events drive tourism, stimulate trade, attract investment and create environments where ideas are born, tested and transformed into action. Whether the focus is public sector initiatives, private sector innovation, association-led programmes or institutional gatherings, the discussion goes beyond logistics to uncover the broader impact events have on economies, industries and society.
This is not a podcast about what happens on stage. It is about everything that happens before, behind and beyond it.
Whether you are an event professional, policymaker, venue operator, marketer, strategist, supplier, investor or simply fascinated by how major events come to life, this is your opportunity to hear directly from the people making it happen.
Every event has a story. Every expert has a perspective. Every conversation offers a new way of looking at an industry that brings the world together.
The Backdrop Podcast
Latest Episodes
Episode 14 - Christophe Draye, Founder and CEO of World Wide Wonders and Managing Partner of Scenaxis Group
In Episode 14 of The Backdrop, we sit down with Christophe Draye, one of the Middle East events industry’s Top 100 Most Influential People.Across more than 22 years, Christophe has built an international career spanning the commercial, c...
Episode 13 - AJ Amer, Founder and CEO of AKUGGI
This week on The Backdrop, I’m joined by AJ Amer, Founder and CEO of AKUGGI.With more than 18 years in the events industry, AJ’s career has taken him from FAN EXPO HQ across North America to Expo 2020 Dubai, Expo City Dubai and senior le...
Episode 12 - Mark Benaicha, Founder of ESMOS Recruitment
Episode 12 of The Backdrop welcomes Mark Benaicha, Founder and Managing Director of ESMOS Recruitment.With more than 25 years across events, entertainment and recruitment, Mark has experienced the industry from multiple sides, from creat...
Episode 11 - Sankalp Sharma, CEO & Founder of Rayqube
Episode 11 of The Backdrop welcomes Sankalp Sharma, CEO and Founder of Rayqube Technology, for a conversation about how technology continues to redefine what is possible in the events industry.Sankalp shares his perspective on immersive ...
Episode 10 - Shams Moloo, Chief Development Officer at THA by Armonia
This episode of The Backdrop, Michael sits down with Shams Moloo, Chief Development Officer at THA by ARMONIA, to explore the relationship between people, strategy and organisational performance.Drawing on experience across both the publ...