Blackout provided drapes and rigging for two high profile events in Doha, Qatar, further reinforcing its reputation in delivering superior event solutions in the Middle East region, December 2011.
Working with client WRG for the consecutive projects, Blackout supplied over 800m of truss for the 20th World Petroleum Congress (WPC) opening ceremony at Doha Exhibition Centre, alongside 120 motors and 600m of black wool serge to create a stunning back drop for the reception.
The tri-annual event is regarded as the largest of its kind in the oil and gas industry, and the first time it had been hosted in the Middle East since its establishment in 1933. Members were welcomed to the 20th Congress with a 5-star dinner and a performance from the prestigious Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
A 13 strong crew completed the seven day load in and two day load out for WPC, headed up by Blackout project manager Tim Searle who was responsible for co-ordinating the entire infrastructure of both projects, which concluded with a charity auction and dinner for Reaching Out to Asia (ROTA).
A total of three truss grids were installed by Blackout, alongside a projection gauze, tab track and stage blacks for the gala dinner which took place at the Katara Cultural Village.
The event played host to VIPs including Qatar Foundation Chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, and raised more than $13m for poor communities throughout Asia.
Tim Searle, Blackout project manager said:
“Faultless co-ordination was imperative to the execution of both Doha events, given the close proximity of their timings and it being the first time WPC was staged in Doha. We were able to maximise cost and time efficiency for the client through reusing equipment across both events, which also enabled more efficient and sustainable transportation. Our extended time in the Middle East meant we were able to interpret WRG’s brief to the maximum.”
Tim Elliot, WRG operations director said:
“Blackout have been our preferred rigging supplier since we set-up our operations in Qatar. Inevitably the shows have become more complex, and this year we had the added complexity of WRG completing five mega events in one month during December 2011. On each occasion we used Blackout they have risen to the challenge and delivered to a great standard."
