Janine Harouni talks to Warehouse Four ahead of her debut show in Dubai…
Warehouse Four & Advanced Media launch ‘Sound On: PODTALKS DXB’
Award-winning event venue, Warehouse Four and professional AV equipment supplier, Advanced Media, to host a series of keynote talks about the podcast industry and what it takes to produce a successful podcast show.
Aimed at creators, the media industry and podcast fans, ‘Sound On: PodtalksDXB’ invites leading podcast producers from around the world to share their expertise and experiences, offering attendees a unique glimpse into the world of podcasting and the secrets behind crafting a successful show.
Taking place at Warehouse Four, each event will feature a keynote presentation by a prominent podcast producer, shedding light on their journey, career milestones, and the intricate process of producing compelling content. This will be followed by an extensive moderated Q&A session offering attendees the opportunity to ask their own questions.
The debut ‘PODTALKS DXB’ event will take place on Tuesday 23 April and will feature the award-winning investigative journalist and broadcaster, Rianna Croxford.
Rianna is an Investigations Correspondent for BBC News and Current Affairs. She presents podcasts, documentaries and reports for both UK and international TV, radio and digital media. Her stories have reached millions globally and prompted government inquiries, changes in UK law and policy. Most recently, her podcast series ‘World of Secrets – The Abercrombie Guys’ and BBC television documentary ‘The Dark Side of Cool’ have led to calls for a legal investigation in the US over allegations of sexual exploitation by the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch.
Rianna is a British Journalism Award winner, Forbes 30 Under 30 media honouree, and has also been shortlisted for the Royal Television Awards and Orwell Prizes.
Each event will include a light breakfast, including specialty coffee, tea, juice etc and the opportunity to network with fellow podcast professionals. The talk itself, including the Q&A will be approximately 90/100 mins. For those looking to extend the conversation or simply mingle with like-minded individuals, coffee will be available post-event, creating the perfect setting for further discussions and networking opportunities.
Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of podcasting. Secure your spot at PODTALKS DXB today and unlock the secrets to creating impactful podcast content.
EVENT INFO:
Where: Warehouse Four
When: Tuesday 23 April 2024
Time: 8.30am – 12 noon.
Door policy: 18+ only
Price: AED 65 (including breakfast)
Tickets: Ticketslover.com
https://ticketslover.com/dubai/events/sound-on-podtalksdxb-vol-1
ABOUT WAREHOUSE FOUR
Warehouse Four is a stylish 4,000sq ft event venue and studio located in the heart of Dubai. The venue is available for:
Functions | Events | Meetings | Off-Sites | Lectures | Training Sessions | Press Conferences | Product Launches | Team Building | Presentations | Exhibitions | Pop-Up Stores | Fashion Shows | Award Ceremonies | Photography | Film & Video
Contact:
Ian Carless – Partner | Warehouse Four
Mobile: +971 50 7380158
Email: ian[at]warehousefour.com
Web: https://www.warehousefour.com
ABOUT ADVANCED MEDIA
Advanced Media Trading LLC is one of the Middle East's largest suppliers of broadcast, professional video and photography equipment and accessories.
Contact:
Pooyan Farnam - Partner | Advanced Media
Mobile: +971 50 735 8363
Email: pooyan[at]amt.tv
Web: https://www.amt.tv/
We had a great time hosting a 'Coffee Morning' event last week organized by the Innovation Crew at Warehouse Four! ☕🌟
Top Event Trends for 2024
There’s no doubt that 2023 brought fresh challenges and opportunities for the events industry, from a growing awareness around sustainability, diversity and inclusion, as well as the impact of rising event costs, AI and new technology. So it's fair to say that it's as dynamic a time as ever for event professionals!
Going forwards, we've been keeping an eagle eye on the conversations happening in events, and we're diving into all the exciting trends that we've seen making headway in the lead-up to the new quarter and year. From sustainability to event technology, here are our top predictions from Warehouse Four for corporate events in 2024!
Experience-first events will lead the way
Experience is becoming more and more essential, and this looks set to be a key trend for 2024. Gone are the days of people attending an event because it's the only way to network, absorb content, or - let's face it - get out of the office. With more competition than ever for event attendees, from increased numbers of events, to more options for attending virtually, your event has to offer something unique and exciting to draw guests.
2023 saw a huge focus on creating the best possible experiences for attendees, which in return offer clients tangible ROI and lead generation opportunities. Immersive, experiential events, pop-ups, brand activations, holding events in the Metaverse and the use of social media have all developed as unique methods of attendee engagement. And as we know, engagement is a hugely important metric - according to Markletic, 49% of marketers even said it was the single biggest contributing factor to event success.
Event technology will continue to advance drastically
Arguably the biggest trend of 2023, across all industries, was the advance of technology that's expected to have a transformative impact on our lives. With AR, VR and AI tools starting to make their way into our daily work, event organisers are able now more than ever to create other-worldly, personalised experiences for their attendees, and to do so in less time than ever before. In fact, tools such as ChatGPT are being used across the scope of planning events, from writing business plans and content outlines, to drafting budgets and proposing speakers, as in this recent example of a futuristic event planned almost entirely by AI...
However, other areas of event technology have taken a backseat compared to the rush of attention around AI. Despite significant hype around The Metaverse in recent years, there have been few examples of virtual events really investing in the online environment and making it as lifelike and organic as possible. This is something we expect to see growing significantly in 2024, however, as we start harnessing AI to make it easier to create truly interactive virtual experiences, where matchmaking is seamless, and chatbots can help to make the experience as slick as attending in person for all attendees, wherever they are in the world.
In-person events dominating the market
In line with our forecasts, while we saw a few examples of virtual events in 2023, in-person events have been overwhelmingly the preferred option for businesses. According to Meeting & Group Business magazine, 2023 was set to be the in-person events market's "strongest year ever", and the 2023 AMEX Global Event Trends Forecast reported "booming optimism and focus on in-person meetings and events".
That's been reflected by what our clients are looking for, with over 95% of events booked through Hire Space being fully in-person this year. That said, hybrid events have still kept their head in the door, especially as events with a virtual option can increase brand reach significantly and allow international attendees to avoid the hefty travel costs we're seeing in the current economic climate.
Over the past couple of years, we've seen many venues become hybrid-ready for this very reason. Having spoken to many of our London-based hybrid venues, it appears the market's appetite for meeting in person, with the option of tuning in virtually, has remained relatively high in the first half of this year. It seems most people would still prefer to attend physically though. According to Markletic, 72% of respondents said they'd get more value out of attending a hybrid event in person.
Tighter budgets require a more strategic approach to event programmes
With event costs rising by 40-60%, it's no secret that thanks to the cost of living crisis, budgets were under the microscope in 2023, and this scrutiny isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's estimated that the average cost per attendee was 32% higher compared to 2019 levels last year... When it comes to venue pricing, a strategic approach is crucial.
When it comes to making a case for events to stakeholders, businesses will need to ensure their events are aligned with their company objectives. It's become more important than ever to prove genuine ROI from events as cost vs return remains a large concern for the sector.
Continued drive on sustainability
The past couple of years have seen the climate crisis and sustainability soar to the top of the agenda for the events industry, with ICE's 2022 report showing that sustainability was the top challenge reported by respondents. No longer just a 'nice to have', the industry is making huge leaps towards making events sustainable for their clients and this will continue to be a huge driver this coming year.
It's no easy feat, though: according to GBTA’s June 2022 Sustainability Report, 90% of organisations said they required professional guidance in their sustainability journey. But the organisation's 2023 report showed that action is being taken, with 71% of travel buyers and suppliers saying that they now have a sustainability supervisor or team in the company, which is 5% higher than last year.
We're finding more and more as time goes by that clients are asking for sustainability policies and accreditation for venues - a positive sign of things to come.
Renewed focus on data and event measurement
Measuring the impact of events has become more essential than ever as we fight to prove ROI and the importance of events as a marketing channel. The biggest trend we've seen around this has been a renewed focus on data collection, which can be used to analyse the success of events and make adjustments for future events.
Technology is really driving the ability to make stronger insights from events. Platforms such as Arena, Cadence and Brella can be used to draw insights around audience engagement at virtual events, while for in-person events we're beginning to see a proliferation of wearable tech like Bluetooth wristbands, and built-in tech such as facial-recognition cameras that track eye movements and calculate engagement with content.
We believe these trends will continue to drive our thriving industry and we're feeling optimistic about the future. And it's not just us: according to the 2023 AMEX Global Event Trends Forecast, 75% of event professionals rated their optimism levels at 8 or higher on a scale of 1 to 10, which is an increase from 2021 (59%). It's reassuring to see we're heading in the right direction following a tough few years.
Located in the center of Dubai, Warehouse Four is one of Dubai’s leading independent event venue and regularly plays host to a varaiey of events including product launches, brand activations, workshops, training sessions and more.
Organizing a successful event goes beyond logistical precision; it's about creating an experience that lingers in the minds of attendees long after the last guest has departed.
As the industry continues to adapt and evolve, here are some of the top trends that are currently dominating the event landscape.
A new podcasting experience has arrived in Dubai with the launch of Airstream 4 Podcst Studios.
6 important factors to consider when choosing the right event venue.
If organising events wasn’t difficult enough already, event managers have a number of important decisions to make when planning a new event. Undoubtedly, one of the most important is choosing the best event venue.
To make life a little easier, we’ve compiled a short list of what we think are the 6 most important factors to consider when choosing the right event venue.
1. Type of event
One of the first things to take into account is the type of event and also the number of attendees. Certain events, like product launches, workshops, team building, etc, lend themselves to a different type of space.
Similarly, keep in mind aspects like décor and lighting, both of which can drastically influence the overall tone and feel of the event space itself. Having the flexibility to customize your event experience is often a vital component. Most venues will be able to share pictures of past events so you can better understand what your event might look like.
2. Location
A convenient location means different things for different events. For an event with attendees within a limited geographic range, an event venue within a reasonable distance from most attendees homes or places of work may make sense. Taking a little bit of time to consider your attendees logistical planning will help improve your attendance rates. And of course, make sure attendees have clear directions.
3. Ambiance
How you choose to decorate is one of the best ways to customise your venue space, as well as convey your event’s theme and tone to your audience. It also gives you additional opportunities to deepen your attendees engagement with your event – people will always remember how you made them feel!
4. Services and Amenities
It’s important to consider the services and amenities that a venue offers. For example, how is the venue’s management team? Are they easy to deal with, do they get back to you on time?
Similarly, what facilities and amenities are available? Some venues have in house audio-visual equipment for you to use whilst others will require you to engage an AV supplier. Do they have staging, seating, tables etc. If some of these are provided, they can potentially save you cost.
Equally important, be sure to ask about the venues WiFi availability.
And whist not essential, you also might want to check to see if they have a production office (complete with printer) for any last-minute work that you may need to finish before the event begins.
5. Parking
A venue with ample parking space is what dreams are made of in Dubai. If that’s not the case, is there a parking lot close by or can you use a valet parking service?
6. Budget
Last but not least, budget. Unfortunately, the sky is typically never the limit when it comes to budget. Before you start shopping around for an event venue for your soiree, make a detailed list of all possible venue related expenses. This should include things like facility costs, food and beverage expenses, equipment rentals, staffing needs, office services, payment options and more. You also ought to inquire and see what they might be able to include for free, or at a discounted cost as a part of a package.
It never hurts to ask!
Located in the center of Dubai, Warehouse Four is one of Dubai’s leading independent event venue and regularly plays host to a varaiey of events including product launches, brand activations, workshops, training sessions and more.
Ramadan Nights returns!
Great news for foodies - this May see’s the return of Ramadan Nights by Dish Catering. Now in it’s 4th installment, the popular event see’s Warehouse Four transformed into a pop-up restaurant for the holy month of Ramadan. Popular dishes include the eight-hour slow roasted spiced shoulder of lamb with saffron labneh and scented rice pilaf. And if that doesn't make your mouth water, nothing will!
A full menu will be announced shortly.
For more information and bookings, please contact Dan or Kelly at Dish Catering.
Located in the center of Dubai, Warehouse Four is one of Dubai’s leading independent event venue and regularly plays host to a varaiey of events including product launches, brand activations, workshops, training sessions and more.
FRINGE@FOUR WINS OVER LOCAL THEATRE GOERS
Fringe theatre in Dubai got off to a flying start recently with the inaugural Fringe@Four performance at Warehouse Four.
The Fringe@Four series is an initiative from local event venue Warehouse Four who, over the course of the year, have lined up some of the best acts from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to perform in Dubai.
David William Bryan’s award winning Edinburgh Fringe play ‘In Loyal Company’ was the first show to hit the stage and what a way to start!
Even before the play started the scene was set, in no short part thanks to the amazing pop-up theatre that Warehouse Four have created. Huge red theatre drapes flanked each side of the stage with the traditional black stage backdrop. Seating was on one level and close enough to the stage that the overall effect was as much cabaret as theatre.
As the audience filed into the venue, sounds of Glenn Millar were playing in the background with the stage lit by a solitary spotlight, empty save for a large wooden trunk. Yet from the moment Bryan walked on, he occupied the stage as if it were a terrace house in Liverpool – or an ocean, a desert, a prisoner of war camp. The result was mesmerizing, enabling the audience to believe they were actually there and not watching an actor on a baron stage in a pop-up theatre.
Today, when we think of World War II you’d be forgiven for thinking there’s not much that we don’t already know. But ‘In Loyal Company’ isn’t simply an historical war piece, it’s a also a tremendously human story. From the opening to closing scene, the audience was help in anticipation, wanting to know what happened next, whether Bryan was on board ship to Singapore or in a Japanese prisoner of war camp in the heart of the Thai jungle.
That the play works on many levels is testament to several things. From the writing, through to Bryan’s powerful performance as well as the simple, yet highly effective lighting and audio cues, the audience was engrossed for the full 60 minutes. Equally enthralling was at the end of the show, when Bryan addressed the audience to confirm this was indeed the true story of his great uncle and the sacrifice he made for his country.
If this is an indication of the caliber of the Fringe@Four performances to come, then roll on the next one.
Located in the center of Dubai, Warehouse Four is one of Dubai’s leading independent event venue and regularly plays host to a varaiey of events including product launches, brand activations, workshops, training sessions and more.