Olympic Games Ceremonies. An Event Management Perspective: The Branding of a City

John holds a MSc in Events Management and has over 15 years of extensive international and regional experience with shows spanning all continents except Antarctica. He has been involved in theatrical productions, concerts and large-scale events since 1996, with a proven track record of over 500 shows and events on his resume. He has participated in 12 international opening and closing ceremonies in different sporting events ranging from Olympic Games to world and regional championships. His technical skills and understanding cover the fields of sound, set, and prop design and electrical show installations, and he is well-versed in the latest theatrical automation techniques involving hydraulic and pneumatic systems and performer flying effects. He holds training certificates for Theatrical and Arena Rigging, studied Lighting Programming and is a fireworks designer licensed by the government of Canada. John worked on the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Ceremonies as the Venue Project Manager on behalf of the organising committee ceremonies department. After 2 years on the Olympic Games he moved to the Middle East to continue his events career. He has also worked on the Doha 2005 West Asian Games Ceremonies, the Doha 2006 Asian Games Ceremonies, produced the Doha 2009 Gymnasiade Opening Ceremony and was part of the Ceremonies management team for the AFC Asian Cup Doha 2011. His other involvements include designing the ceremonies for three Emiri Cup Finals and one Heir Apparent Cup in the State of Qatar while also having managed the largest fireworks installation in Doha, Qatar for the AFC Asian Cup 2011. Since mid 2011 John has been working as the Director of Events for Innovations Unlimited ME, a local event agency based in Doha, Qatar. He is an active lecturer and a member of the ISES - International Special Events Society Middle East Chapter.