Curriculum Vitae- Steve Wilson

OVERVIEW: - I have 20 years’ experience directing and managing projects and production on international events, exhibitions and installations. I have worked all over the world, but have spent the last 9 years based in Dubai where I have managed several projects that have won Middle East Event Awards. I am always seeking freelance or permanent positions where my knowledge, experience and leadership in design and production of events and exhibitions will enhance a project and at the same time help to improve quality and costs. DATE OF BIRTH: 18 / 04 / 70 NATIONALITY: English MARITAL STATUS: Married CONTACT DETAILS: +971 55 103 9937 LINKEDIN PROFILE: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=27376681&trk=tab_pro PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Nov 2016 – Current FREELANCE CONSULTANT – Events, Exhibition and Temporary fit out specialist.

Overseeing projects and production – specialist in Problem solving, Costing, Structural engineering, Specifying, Manufacturing methods, Sourcing, On-site delivery and Reconciliation.

May 2014 – Nov 2016 SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER for EVENTSERVE at Dubai World Trade Centre

Production and delivery of the Cabinet Ministers Retreat 2016 at Bab Al Shams. Details and Images below. Production, artist management, stage management, Infrastructure and Hospitality for the first Dubai Comedy Week at Skydive Dubai 2015. Production and delivery of The Nostalgia Motor Museum at the Dubai Motor Show 2015. Production and delivery of Sheikh Dalmook al Maktoum men’s wedding in Jumeirah. Details and Images below. Managing a team of Project Managers and Project Coordinators. The team, are tasked with delivering all weddings, events and exhibition stands directly contracted to Eventserve. Working in an “agency” with its own production facility, in house electrical distribution, carpentry, staging, lighting, graphics, Design, AV and furniture departments.

Feb 2011 – May 2014 SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER for HQ Creative

Head of Production and Site Management for Sheikh Hamdan International Photography Awards in 2013 and 2014 at DIFC Gate. Details and Images below. Head of Production and Site Management for Abu Dhabi National Day 2013 and Zayed Heritage Festival Abu Dhabi as one Event. Details and Images below. Head of Production and Site Management for the production and installation of the Award winning Dubai National Day Event 2012 for The Executive Council of Dubai at Festival City. Details and Images below. Senior Production Manager on the build for the prestigious Opening Ceremony of Education Without Borders at the Burj Park for The Higher Colleges of Technology. A groundbreaking event including the first large scale 3D mapping projection seen in the UAE. Details and Images below. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150585357445524&set=vb.154096894154&type=2&theater Senior Production Manager for Abu Dhabi Art 2011. The first time an event had been held in the UAE Pavillion on Saadiyat Island and the first time one company had delivered the majority of Abu Dhabi Art. Details and Images below.

June 2007 – Feb 2011 SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER for Action Impact

Highlights: Head of Production and Site Management for Oman Sail HQ at The Wave development in Muscat. 2 months installation and fit out for this “temporary” 10 year lifespan headquarters. Details and Images below. Project Director IDEX 2009 Infrastructure – after being personally approached by ADNEC, I was responsible for design, presentation and negotiating the multi-million dirham contract to build and fit out their Restaurant, Press Structure, Organizers office, Delegations lounge and Security structure at IDEX 2009 approx 5000sqm – IDEX 2009 was the winner of Best Event in the 2010 Middle East Event Awards. Details and Images below. Winning two Middle East Events Awards as Senior Production Manager / Project Director for the Du Ramadan Tents at Mina a Salam Hotel, in 2007 for Best Arts or Cultural Event and 2008 for Best use of a Temporary Venue, Structure of Event Space. Details and Images below. Reclaiming 1500sqm of beach then building and dressing a 110m x 40m structure at the Mina a Salam Hotel for the Du 1st anniversary party as Senior Production Manager. Details and Images below. Senior Production Manager on the largest environmental graphic and signage installation in the UAE, for twofour54 at their Khalifa Park campus Abu Dhabi.

Dec 2002 – June 2007 PROJECT MANAGER Freelance

Highlights: Senior Project Manager helping to deliver three stands at E3 Los Angeles including 1500sqm for Ubisoft, working with Enigma. Delivering a multi discipline roll out for Samsung including, Bandit Marketing vehicle with giant working mobile phone for a European tour, Dressing the IMAX London for the 3D opening of Matrix Reloaded, Building a multi screen billboard at Heathrow airport, all for FK International as Senior Project Manager. Re-design and fit out of Madame Tussauds main entrance and foyer area on 42nd Street New York for Above Consultancy as Senior Project Manager. Installation of a 2300sqm stand with an 1800sqm lighting rig, 11 display trucks and a daily stage show for Volvo at the European Road Transport Show in Amsterdam Rai for Jack Morton as Senior Production and Site Manager. Senior Project Manager for 14 hospitality suites and stands at 3GSM Barcelona including best stand, Blackberry for Button PLC in 2006.

Jan 2000 – Dec 2002 PROJECT MANAGER For Mice International

Highlights: Project Manager for Motorola at CeBit 2000 a 4.5 million sterling hi-tech stand, winning second in show out of 22,000 exhibitors. Project Manager for Sony Playstation Europe at E3 Los Angeles for 3 years running

Jan 1997 – Jan 2000 PROJECT MANAGER For Cognoscenti Ltd.

I was involved in all aspects of design and manufacture for client’s point of sale requirements. From concept stage through development to prototypes and production.

Jun 1995 – Jan 1997 CONTRACT GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Providing an identity on paper from advertisements to stationary and brochures. Then producing the print ready artwork for corporate clients using both Mac and PC based Software.

INTERESTS: Furniture Design, Fencing, Fly Fishing, Fiction, Music, Interiors, Photography, Movies. REFERENCES: Employer Employer Contractor Client Venue / Client Khalid AlHammadi Simon Burnett Thomas Montagne Omar Saudi Sue Worth Vice President DXB LIVE Consultant (Vice President Germany) Senior Marketing Director Director Event Planning D.W.T.C Expo 2020 D4 Projekt, Berlin Msheireb Properties Qatar ADNEC DUBAI DUBAI GERMANY QATAR / DUBAI ABU DHABI If you wish to contact any of my references please let me know and I will CONFIRM their up to date contact details.

You can also see my LinkedIn profile and read my Recommendations at http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=27376681&trk=tab_pro

The following pages contain images of just a few of the more recent Events, Exhibitions and Installations I have managed for various clients here and around the world.

TEC Innovation Hub 2016 for HQ Creative

Working with HQ Creative as Freelance Production and Site Manager our team had a very limited time of around 20 days to concept, cost, design and build the Innovation Hub for The Executive Council. I was responsible for finalising all build and

installation including the delivery onsite. The HQ Event team managed another amazing feat in an incredibly short time to ensure that another world record was broken in Dubai, as cyclists gave a whole other meaning to putting the pedal to the metal, breaking

the world record for the most mechanical energy produced in one hour.

UAE Ministers Cabinet Retreat 2016 for DWTC

Working with MOCA we put a small team together to deliver a wonderful high end event for the UAE Cabinet. The site was only available for 4 days, during which we had to build two large structures. The main structure was a presentation area with several think tank (breakout areas). The other was a modern European style Majlis for Cabinet lunches. The event was a success and

delivered to very high quality for the guests.

Sheikh Dalmook al Maktoum Men’s Wedding 2015 for DWTC

At a busy period for the team and with no available project managers, I decided to deliver this job myself. A sand plot in Jumeirah was transformed in 8 days from sand to an open air venue for 600 people. All the construction except tents

and scaffold came from DWTC in house teams and equipment. This included power distribution, Lighting, Audio and Carpentry. DWTC hospitality division catered the event for its 3 days. The client and guests were extremely happy with the result.

Sheikh Hamdan International Photography Awards 2014 for HQ Creative

This was the second time in two years I had been Head of Production on the HIPA International Photography Awards. With truss

for Audio and Lighting being supported from the rooftop of DIFC and Cirque du Soleil’s performance trusses being supported from the top of the 28m high stage wall, this was some serious event engineering. With client, guests and HQ Creative all happy at the

end it was a great last job at HQ Creative for me.

Abu Dhabi National Day for HQ Creative at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival Abu Dhabi 2013

Al Wathba Festival has been an established Bedouin festival for 30 to 40 years. A few years ago it was given the honour of bearing Sheikh Zayed's name and becoming Zayed Heritage Festival. We created an entire festival site including Main Entrance Fort Gate, 200 Souk units for various retailers and F&B outlets, a UAE landscape area and a secondary performance area near the souk. On the parade ground we also built a Parade Gate, Main Stage and Fort Set with 3 separate grandstands. Half way through the build was when the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi decided it should be his National Day event. Originally set as a seven day festival with

the Main stage in use every day, this was extended to 14 days for the whole site, except the main parade ground.

Sheikh Hamdan International Photography Awards 2013 for HQ Creative

This Photographic Award is the largest financial prize in international photography. Open to anyone from any country it is gaining a reputation worldwide for discovering and showcasing new photographers on the global stage. With only 5 days to go before we

went on site it was decided to rotate the entire show 180 degrees giving the guests a view of Emirates Towers over the top of the stage and screen and giving our production department a headache in the process. This 180 degree turn around meant that

everything on site had to be brought through a 2.5m x 2.5m hole in the stage wall this included 15m scissor lifts, fork lifts and all set and stage components. All the equipment had to leave the site through the same hole before the stage wall could be finished and

the stage built.

Sheikh Hamdan International Photography Awards International exhibition programme 2013 for HQ Creative

This Exhibition Tour took place in August, Sept and October, Due to the distances involved and the dates of shows the same stand could not be used more than once. I had to source contractors and produce stands to the quality expected by HIPA in the following

areas - Ahmedabad, India – Sao Paolo, Brazil – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Paris, France – Dubai, UAE. We produced several costing’s for this tour, changing specifications and contractors in each country until HQ and HIPA were both happy, then we

delivered all of them within 3 months to clients complete satisfaction.

Dubai Government National Day Celebration 2012 for HQ Creative

This National Day Celebration was produced by HQ Creative for The Executive Council of Dubai. New technology, performers and artists from all over the world came together to enhance the HQ Creative local team and deliver a very well received and successful show. Unique to the Middle East the Projection Arches (shown above) allow the stage itself to be projected on directly from above b

ringing the landscape on the screen onto the floor beneath the props and the actors. This immersive experience was enjoyed by the 3000 people in the temporary grandstands and Via TV to millions of viewers across the GCC.

Hamdan International Photography Awards Ramadan Exhibition in Dubai Mall 2012 for HQ Creative

HIPA regularly produce a photographic exhibition for Dubai Mall – This was my favourite, simple but elegant.

Msheireb Properties at MIPIM 2012 Cannes for HQ Creative

Originally contacted by Omar Saudi’s marketing team as someone they had worked with in the past and trusted, I was again personally responsible for costing, choosing the contractors and ensuring a faultless delivery for Msheireb. This temporary structure housed an exhibition space on the ground floor and a Majlis and Auditorium on the upper floor. Having worked in Cannes on many

occasions I think this was the first time a structure of 2 floors has ever been positioned in front of the festival steps.

Abu Dhabi Art at National Pavilion Saadiyat Island 2011 for HQ Creative

This was the first time TDIC had given the major show design and build to one agency. The exhibition itself took place inside the beautiful Norman Foster UAE Pavilion originally commissioned for Shanghai Expo and dismantled and shipped back to the UAE to be rebuilt as a permanent exhibition and event space. Probably the most difficult build I have had to date, due to the fact that the

Pavilion was still under construction while we were attempting installation.

Education without Borders at Burj Park Island 2011 for HQ Creative

This extravaganza on the Burj Khalifa Island in Downtown Dubai included the first ever 3D Mapping projection in the Middle East and the first ever climb of the Burj Khalifa. As Senior Production Manager on the site I was responsible for all build, installation and

infrastructure. HQ Creative design team came up with an amazing stage set concept incorporating 3D mapping projection and a 30m x 10m opening screen.

Twofour54 Stand in Abu Dhabi 2010 for Action Impact

This Architectural wonder was designed by Diller, Scofidio and Renfrew Architects from New York (designers of the Ground Zero site). One of the lead Architects of Ground Zero designed it and I worked closely with him so he was happy with the build and

installation. Even though this is only 100sqm, it has an unsupported heavy cantilever of 70sqm making it one of the most challenging structures I had to build to date.

Oman Sail Headquarters at The Wave Muscat 2010 for Action Impact

As Senior Production manager for the build of this German tented structure I was responsible for the installation and on site client liaison. It was built specifically for Oman Sail as their semi permanent HQ and the level of finish and technology in these offices

leaves most people unsure whether it’s a permanent building.

Yahsat at Mecom 2009 in Dubai for Action Impact

A beautifully designed stand and an excellent finish by local contractors. On time and in budget the stand was finally finished by a movie scenic artist who painted an outer space view with stars and nebulas directly to glass. I was responsible for costs,

procurement and delivery.

IDEX 09 Structures and Fit Out at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre for Action Impact

As Project Director, I took the initial enquiry and worked with the client over 6 months to deliver 5000sqm of fitted and finished structures for ADNEC, including a Media Centre, Restaurant for 1000 capacity with kitchens, An airport style security structure with X-ray and metal detectors and the International delegations lounge which played host to military delegations from around the world.

The show itself won Best Trade Exhibition at the Middle East Events Awards

Ramadan Tent at Mina Salam 2008 in Dubai for Action Impact

In 2008 I managed this project for Action Impact and we won Outstanding Event in a Temporary Structure at The Middle East Event Awards the previous year I managed this also and won The Best Cultural Event in the UAE at the 2008 Events Awards. It is a

stunning environment for everyone to enjoy and I was pleased with the result.

Du 1st year Anniversary Party for Action Impact

This 1500 person dinner dance on the Mina Salam beach was huge success. Several Musical and dance acts from around the world performed during the evening which saw the Du staff and clients enjoy excellent food and entertainment over several hours. I

had to have 1500sqm of beach reclaimed before I could build and dress this 4500sqm Structure and install all the facilities, including kitchens, toilets, and a huge terrace in front of the Burj Al Arab.

Dubailand Exhibition Stand and Show at ATM 2008 in Dubai for Action Impact

This multimillion dollar experience was built for ATM 2008 in Dubai. The technology on this stand included an array of LED and Plasma screens including LED flooring and LED digital star cloth, PDP walls and touch screen displays, also included was an

extensive lighting and sound system to support the regular hourly stage shows. We had only 4 days on site in which to build this 2000 sqm stand and as part of the large delivery team I was responsible for the build and installation of all Dubailand entities areas

along with scheduling and budgeting them.

Du Activations and Stands in Dubai 2007 – 2009 for Action Impact

I was heavily involved at the beginning of Action Impacts’ work with Du during their first 2 years. We installed several stands, kiosks and stages in malls and exhibitions across the UAE. I was initially the main Production Manager for all of these installations

Blackberry Stand at 3GSM Barcelona 2007 for Button Group

This is one of 9 stands and 5 hospitality structures that I managed for Button and for 3GSM 2007. This was by far the most impressive stand at show. A unique design heavily reliant on simplicity. I was responsible for the entire delivery of this. From

original costing and choice of contractors through to full production management of all components, this is one of my favourite jobs to date for any company.

OpenWave Hospitality at 3GSM Barcelona 2007 for Button Group

At 3GSM 2007 Button had 19 spaces for 12 clients. I was the sole production manager on-site for the bulk of the build time. Contractors I chose and managed produced finishes like this 2 floor, 250 sqm hospitality with bar downstairs and office space

upstairs in under 48 hours.

Union Properties at Autosport 2006 in Birmingham UK for Button Group

Autosport was where this upside down Ferrari F1 car made its impression. As with the MIPIM stand above the PDP wall and Motor City Models take pride of place in this landscape of treadplate and rubber. Designed in plan around the Motor City logo this was quite a challenging little stand. High gloss finishes, ground supported truss works and a lot of technology gave me plenty to think

about prior to and during build.

Union Properties at MIPIM 2006 in Cannes for Button Group

The floating, colour change, tubular wall was a feature that took a lot of pre-site work to get right. I managed this Project from

lighting down to the nuts and bolts alongside the designer and main contractor. Another resounding success that received a lot of attention at the show.

Volvo Trucks at ERTS Amsterdam 2005 for Jack Morton Worldwide

Press Day on the multi million euro Volvo Trucks stand at ERTS Oct 2005 in Amsterdam. I dealt with much of the initial costing and managed the build on-site working closely with the Designer and Project Director. We had 9 days to rig and build this 1800sq metre stand, so staying on schedule was crucial to complete a day early for the press.

AT&T Executive Boardroom 2005 for Above Consultancy

With contravision on the automatic doors and the lights and screens switched off this made an excellent reveal of a separate presentation area off the main board room. All the computer systems were remote including wireless mice and keyboards with

high gloss finishes on all the units. I was responsible for costing, production and implementation. After the first installation of a room with 9 workstations in Redditch, AT&T also wanted a different version as part of their Singapore

head office overhaul.

Madame Tussauds Foyer on 42nd St. New York in 2004 for Above Consultancy

When Tussauds realised in late 2004 that the passing trade was lower than it should be in their Time Square NYC Waxworks they asked Above to design a much more interesting and exciting foyer experience. A complete re-fit of the foyer and rearrangement of the glass frontage was called for. I was responsible for costing and implementing the re-

design.

Thuraya Telecom at Geneva Telecom 2004 for FK International

This stand at Geneva Telecom had a very tight cost and build schedule; I therefore sourced eastern European manufacturing and installation crew to get the required results within the clients’ budget. Again I was entirely responsible for costing, production and

implementation.

Samsung and Matrix Reloaded for Above Consultancy 2003

During 2003 / 2004 Samsung invested in Matrix Reloaded and embarked on a series of Marketing events utilising the high profile it

gained from being connected with such a film. The bandit marketing truck and the retail pods were two parts of the programme which were managed by me to be ready for the corporate screening at the Imax cinema. This event included dressing the Imax a

lightshow over the Thames and an evening party on a river boat with fireworks. I was responsible for the the Imax and the marketing units above for the European roll out of their new handset featured in the movie.

Samsung for Above Consultancy 2002

Above is the Heathrow Airport billboard which I was responsible for from costing through to completion. It was position on the most expensive piece of advertising space in the world – by the exit from all Heathrow main terminal. The

feeds to the giant phone phone were live and moved across the world map to be read by a receiving phone screen.

Motorola for Mice International at COMDEX Basel 2001

The Motorola stand above at Comdex in Basel was created using components from the Cebit stand. The Installation of this stand and the technical aspects of production were handled by me and the Project Director.

Motorola for Mice International at CeBit Hannover 2000

This multi million pound Motorola stand at Cebit above was over 2000sq metres. Included in this was a 24m long LED wall, a 28m long overlapped projection wall, 105 Sony plasmas, a network of 70 p.c.’s and a separate presentation stage. The management of

the technical parts of this stand were handled by myself with the Project Director looking after the overall delivery.