With virtually all exhibitions and show events cancelled until at least the end of 2020, RTS Thames Valley has brought together a panel of guests to discuss whether shows, as we have known them, have a future, and if so, what might they look like? Or will it be “business as usual”?
Our panellists will be asked to give their thoughts on the nature of shows, possible outcomes from the lack of shows in the near future, whether shows can take place at all until a vaccine for COVID19 is fully available globally, the outlook for other means of interaction, and whether they think shows have a future place?
Darren Woolfson, Director of Technology and Visual Services at Molinare
Darren has worked in the film and television industry for thirty years. Having graduated from Ravensbourne College in 1989 he started his career at Complete Video in Covent Garden. In 1990 he joined Molinare as a Maintenance Engineer and eventually left in 2007, seventeen years later as their Technical Director.
Darren was involved in the management buyout of Molinare in 2003. He and his fellow directors turned a struggling post-production company into a highly successful TV & Film Facilities Village seeing turnover more than double in four years.
In 2007 Darren left Molinare in order to join Pinewood Studios. Here he served as part of their senior management team as both Group Director of Technology and Director of Creative Services Technology. Darren looked after all aspects of technology associated with feature film and television production and post-production and went on to run the Group’s Picture Services division in the UK and also further afield at the Group’s interests outside of the UK.
In 2020 Darren left Pinewood in order to return to Molinare as their Director of Technology and Visual Services where he is once again using technology and innovation to help drive success.
Abby Parsall, Account Manager and Test and Measure Consultant at Boxer Systems
Abby is an experienced Account Manager with Boxer Systems, a leading UK and Ireland solutions provider and integrator in the broadcast, post production and proAV markets. Skilled in streaming media, broadcasting, test and measurement, broadcast engineering and IPTV, Abby has worked for the Boxer Group for 9 years.
Responsible for a wide portfolio of clients Abby has been involved with providing system solutions for the London Olympics, Elite Motorsports, Champions League and major broadcasters.
Mark Birchall, Managing Director at Tradefair
Mark has been organising UK Pavilions at International trade shows on behalf of techUK and the Department for International Trade for over 25 years’. Including MWC and Integrated Systems Europe in Barcelona, GITEX Technology Week and CABSAT, in Dubai, IBC in Amsterdam, CES and NAB in Las Vegas, ConnecTechAsia in Singapore, embedded world in Nuremberg, MWC Shanghai, MWC Los Angeles and AfricaCom in Cape Town.
Ciaran Doran, Director of Marketing at Rohde & Schwarz Broadcast Business and EVP, Pixel Power A Rohde & Schwarz Company
Ciaran Doran is Director of Marketing at Rohde & Schwarz Broadcast Business and EVP, Pixel Power A Rohde & Schwarz Company. With a career spanning 30 years and decade each at Sony and Harris Broadcast in engineering, product management, commercial and executive leadership roles Doran offers a wealth of experience across the complete business arena.
Doran began his career in the as a classical musician, recording engineer and electronic engineer, working on the creative, technical and commercial sides of the professional audio and broadcast industry. This unique combination enables him to understand the deep elements of how technology can deliver or enhance creativity in media & entertainment.
MC Patel, Founder & CEO at Emotion Systems
An entrepreneur and technologist who has built products, teams and companies, MC enjoys an enviable reputation in the media entertainment industry. Currently running his own audio loudness company Emotion Systems, he also works with start-ups and smaller manufacturers in both the traditional broadcasting and post/production arenas.
MC has attended many conferences and exhibitions during his career as both a consultant and an exhibitor and is looking forward to offering interesting and potentially controversial observations on current trends and thinking.
