About Us

Opening the door on the events industry

The events industry is one of the world's most dynamic and influential sectors, yet the stories, ideas, challenges and innovations behind it often happen behind closed doors. This podcast opens that door.

Recorded in One Central, Dubai, and released weekly in a concise 30-minute format, the show brings together the people who shape the conferences, summits, sporting events, festivals, concerts, diplomatic gatherings and major global platforms that connect industries, governments and communities.

Hosted by Michael MacLennan, with production led by Dan Powell and marketing and communications managed by Elle Semine, each episode features candid conversations with some of the industry's most experienced and respected voices. From event strategy and destination development to technical production, design, décor, strategic communications, protocol, safety, security, partnerships and investment, no aspect of the event ecosystem is off limits.

The podcast explores how events drive tourism, stimulate trade, attract investment and create environments where ideas are born, tested and transformed into action. Whether the focus is public sector initiatives, private sector innovation, association-led programmes or institutional gatherings, the discussion goes beyond logistics to uncover the broader impact events have on economies, industries and society.

Whether you are an event professional, policymaker, venue operator, marketer, strategist, supplier, investor or simply fascinated by how major events come to life, this is your opportunity to hear directly from the people making it happen.

The Team

Meet the people behind the mic

Michael MacLennan

Michael MacLennan

Host

A seasoned events strategist with 26 years of international experience spanning conferences, summits, exhibitions, sporting events, cultural festivals, government gatherings and corporate programmes. Beginning his career in Montreal and now in his 18th year in Dubai, Michael has worked across every facet of the events ecosystem — strategy, commercial development, operations, production, communications, stakeholder engagement, protocol, security, partnerships and delivery — bringing an insider's understanding of how major events are conceived, financed, produced and leveraged for lasting impact.

Dan Powell, Producer of The Backdrop

Dan Powell

Producer

Producer of The Backdrop, with over 20 years of experience in live events, audio-visual production and technology. After studying Music Technology in Leeds, Dan worked across the UK and UAE with leading production companies including PRG and Encore, where he now serves as Regional Sales Manager overseeing 45+ luxury hotel partners across the Middle East. A lifelong tech enthusiast, he combines expertise in audio, video and live production with a love of storytelling.

Elle Semine, Marketing Lead of The Backdrop

Elle Semine

Marketing Lead

Marketing Lead for The Backdrop, bringing more than 12 years of experience in marketing, communications, brand development and audience growth across SaaS, Business Intelligence, Events and Media. Elle specialises in translating strategy into impact — building compelling brand narratives, designing integrated communications programmes and creating campaigns that strengthen visibility, engagement and reputation, always built on trust, authenticity and meaningful relationships.