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.
Episodes
15 episodes
Episode 15 - Simon Mellor, Founder and Principal of Long-Stile FZE
Simon Mellor joins The Backdrop for a conversation spanning nearly three decades at the forefront of the international events industry.From joining dmg events as Vice President and concluding his tenure as President of the Middle East, t...
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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...
Episode 9 - Andy Fordham, Endurance Events Pioneer and Founder of Clear Path
In Episode 9 of The Backdrop, Michael sits down with Andy Fordham, Founder of ClearPath and one of the world's most experienced endurance event operations leaders. With more than 35 years of international experience and over 400 events delivere...
Episode 8 - Adam Parry, Founder of Event Tech Live
Episode 8 of The Backdrop features Adam Parry, Founder of Event Tech Live, one of the world's leading event technology exhibitions, returning this November at ExCeL London.Host Michael MacLennan sits down with...
Episode 7 - Jimi Elgohary, Co-Founder of Mistikal
Great events don't happen by accident—they begin with creativity, storytelling and a clear purpose.In Episode 7 of The Backdrop, Michael MacLennan is joined by Jimi Elgohary, Executive Creative Director and Co-Founder of MISTIKA...
Episode 6 - Stephen Wilson, Director of Events and Partnerships at Five Iron UAE
In this episode of The Backdrop, we sit down with Stephen Wilson, Head of Events and Partnerships at Five Iron, to explore how golf is evolving far beyond the traditional course.From premium hospitality experiences and corporate...
Episode 5 - Declan Meenan, Co-Founder and Director, Ogma Safety
Safety is one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of delivering successful events. In this episode, Michael MacLennan is joined by Declan Meenan, Co-Founder and Director of OGMA Safety, to discuss risk management, crowd safety, op...
Episode 4 - Anju Gomes, Regional Director of ICCA
The business events industry plays a critical role in knowledge exchange, trade and economic growth. Anju Gomes joins the show to discuss the global meetings landscape, destination competitiveness and how associations continue to drive innovati...
Episode 3 - Paul Grinnall, 35 Year Global Events Industry Veteran
In the Events Industry - Paul Grinnall has seen it and done it all. With more than 35 years of experience across the global events industry, Paul Grinnall joins The Backdrop to discuss the challenges, opportunities and uncertainties shaping the...
Episode 2 - Nadim Jamal, Co-Founder Event Lab
Entrepreneur, innovator and industry disruptor Nadim Jamal discusses the changing landscape of experiential events, audience engagement and event technology. From launching successful ventures to creating memorable live experiences, Nadim share...
Episode 1 - Dr. Ray Tinston, Managing Director Middle East, Identity
In our debut episode, Michael sits down with Dr. Ray Tinston to explore the evolving role of events in economic development, destination positioning and strategic stakeholder engagement. Drawing on decades of international experience, Ray share...
