We are lucky to work with some fantastic event suppliers on our shows. LUX Technical is our AV and lighting specialist and help to transform our shows from just another exhibition to a really creative event. We caught up with Lux’s Live Production Director, Jamie Mangan to gain some insights into the world of Lighting and AV in events.

You can meet the Lux Technical team and see some of their amazing lighting designs at the next London Christmas Party Show, taking place from 4 – 5 May 2016 at 8 Northumberland Avenue in Trafalgar Square. Click here to register for your free ticket to the event

Interviewee:
Name: Jamie Mangan
Job title: Live Production Director Company – LUX Technical
Specialism:  AV & Lighting

How long have you been in the events industry and where did you begin?
I have been working in the events industry for a number of years, but my career began in theatre where I worked for theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh. I go back to my theatrical roots frequently to pull on creative ideas that can be incorporated into corporate events, weddings, brand activations and fine dining for a more dramatic flair.

Tell us about Lux, how long has the company been operating, how/why did it begin?
LUX has been operating for 8 years and was set up by our Managing Director, Peter Gibbons. Not many people know this, but the whole team at LUX grew up together in Stamford Lincolnshire! We were all just kids when we started getting involved in tech for local drama groups. When Peter noticed a gap in the market for a creative yet technical production company, he brought all of us back together. Its really special to work alongside friends, and it has made LUX the celebrated success it is today.

How can lighting and AV add value to an event?
In my opinion lighting and sound is the biggest key to the success of any event. You could have the best performers in the world or the most incredible dinner service, but lighting and sound really brings the whole story to life. Seeing and hearing are two of our five senses after all, so compromising on them would make an event noticeably incomplete.

How quickly does technology change within the industry and how do you keep on top of this?
Technology changes very quickly in the industry. We try to adapt as quickly as possible – for example we create all of our projection mapping in-house from illustration and animation through to projecting the content on site. We also have the ability to create 3D holograms and produce interactive tables!

What is your proudest achievement/favourite event that you have worked on?
My proudest event has to be working on Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford’s War Child Winter Wassail (Right hand image by Jez Dickinson) The charity’s work is incredible and it was great to be involved with such a stunning and unique production.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The most challenging aspect of my job is also the most rewarding, and this is all related to difficult spaces. By difficult spaces I mean venues that might have limited power, sound limitations, or spaces that are physically unusual. An example of this would be an event we are currently working on in the Hatton Gardens Vaults with Story Events. Power in that space is very limited, but we were challenged to put on a full sound/lighting performance! We mastered this by using the latest wireless technologies for sound and light. It’s so rewarding to learn new tech and create something spectacular from it.

You are the lighting and AV specialist for the London Christmas Party Show and London Summer event show – why do you enjoy working on these events?
These events are great for suppliers and clients alike. They give a great insight into our industry and equally show off all of the fantastic, unique venues London has to offer, and the best suppliers to make these events happen.

What do you love about the Christmas party season?
The Christmas Party season is such a festive and joyous time of year and I love how this comes across in our designs. It’s so nice to see people celebrating a great year – we recently provided the production for Facebook’s Christmas Party and we included all the classic elements, including snowy gobos and tints of warm-fire lighting to bring out the cosy corners… it looked amazing!

And finally and probably most importantly, What is your favourite Christmas Food?
Easy question— Fortnum & Masons Christmas Chutney… on everything!