Dawn Dennis: Navigating International Events & Sustainability
Get ready for an exciting conversation with industry veteran Dawn Dennis! From managing global events to pioneering sustainability in live productions, Dawn shares her incredible journey and insights. Check out this preview, and don’t miss the full episode next week!
How did you transition from working in Las Vegas to an international career in events and entertainment?
Dawn Dennis began her career in 1990 as a stagehand in Las Vegas. By 2000, she was inspired by the Sydney Olympics’ opening ceremony and set her sights on working on a large-scale global event. She initially planned for Athens in 2004 but ultimately pursued an opportunity with the 2008 Beijing Olympics. By 2006-2007, after completing major projects in Las Vegas, she had saved enough to take a risk and move to China. She embraced the cultural shift by being open-minded and willing to learn rather than imposing Western work methods. Over time, she worked on various international projects, freelanced across Asia, and eventually moved to Hong Kong in 2011, where she spent a decade building her career in large-scale event production.
How did your early experience in theatrical production prepare you for working in global events?
Dawn’s foundational experience came from live event production in Las Vegas, including concerts, corporate events, and theatrical shows. She worked on complex projects like MGM Grand’s EFX, a large-scale theatrical production featuring automation, hydraulics, pyrotechnics, and complex lighting. This hands-on experience in troubleshooting technical challenges and learning how to work under tight deadlines helped her develop problem-solving skills crucial for event management. She credits her background in live production for teaching her how to execute high-pressure events with limited budgets and strict time constraints—essential skills when moving into international event logistics and management.
What are the key differences and similarities between working in Asia and the Middle East?
Dawn highlighted that the pace of work in both regions is extremely fast, with clients expecting high-quality results in short time frames. However, the Middle East has even greater financial resources and ambitious government-driven initiatives. While Asia was experiencing a boom in event production over the last decade, recent political and economic shifts have slowed growth in cities like Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the Middle East, particularly Dubai and Saudi Arabia, has become the new epicenter for large-scale events, driven by massive government funding for tourism, culture, and infrastructure. The ambition in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, is unlike anything she has ever seen, with grand-scale projects being launched regularly.
How do you incorporate sustainability into large-scale events in the Middle East?
Sustainability is a key focus for Dawn and her work at Pico International, which holds multiple ISO certifications for sustainable business practices. Despite the high level of consumption in large events, she advocates for practical, impactful sustainability measures such as sourcing locally, reducing food waste, and reusing materials. She encourages clients to make conscious choices, like eliminating single-use plastic water bottles, opting for reusable décor, and minimizing excess food waste. Dawn also emphasizes the role of event professionals in educating clients about sustainability without making them feel burdened, highlighting that small changes can have a significant impact when implemented consistently.
What do you love most about working in events, and how did the pandemic change your perspective?
Dawn loves the variety and unpredictability of the events industry. No two days are the same, and each project presents unique challenges that require creative problem-solving. Whether working on a corporate conference, a luxury brand launch, or a Guinness World Record attempt, she thrives on making seemingly impossible projects come to life. However, the COVID-19 pandemic was a humbling experience, as it was one of the few situations she couldn’t “fix.” Unlike previous crises, where she could pivot to another location or find alternative projects, the global shutdown forced her to pause and reassess her career path. Despite this, she remains passionate about the industry and excited about the new opportunities emerging in the Middle East.
Key Takeaways
- Breaking into an International Career
Dawn Dennis transitioned from working in Las Vegas to a global career by seizing opportunities like the Beijing Olympics, embracing cultural adaptation, and taking calculated risks. - Versatility in Live Events
Her background in theater and production equipped her with problem-solving skills applicable across industries, from concerts to corporate events and large-scale exhibitions. - Middle East vs. Asia Markets
While both regions share a fast-paced work environment, the Middle East currently has booming growth driven by government-funded mega-projects, whereas Asia is in a recovery phase post-COVID. - Sustainability in Events
Implementing eco-friendly practices, such as reducing food waste, sourcing local materials, and rethinking disposable event elements, is crucial but requires continuous education and advocacy. - The Power of Adaptability
From pushing boxes at concerts to leading international event operations, Dawn emphasizes that embracing change, solving complex challenges, and maintaining curiosity are key to long-term success in the events industry.
Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.
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