People Behind the Projects: Andrew Ibbott, Event & Scenic Project Manager.

Over the last two years, Andrew Ibbott has been establishing himself as a Project Manager within our Event & Scenic team. He has gained valuable experience delivering a wide range of agency-led events, supported by the company’s Senior Project Managers Danny Wise and Anthony Taggart, Commercial Director Nick Hart and Managing Director Alan MacDonald.

Andrew works across AV, scenic and large-format print, coordinating technical delivery, crew planning and production scheduling. He joined the company two and a half years ago after working as a Technical Theatre Manager in private education. That role gave him a strong technical foundation and experience handling live productions across a full academic calendar.

“The variety is what I like,” he says. “No two jobs are ever the same. One week I could be on a FTSE100 company’s AGM, then the next it’s product launch or activation for a mainstream or high street brand.”

Bringing the Teams Together

Most of Andrew’s work comes through agencies. He supports the delivery side of each project by shaping the technical approach and schedule around the brief. That includes coordinating with internal departments and external freelancers.

“I enjoy being right in the middle of that. Understanding the brief, pulling in the right people across tech, scenic and print, and making sure everything stays on track. We’ve got specialist teams for each part of the job. As a PM, it’s my role to coordinate it all.”

He adapts each setup to the format and site conditions.

“It depends on the job. The starting point is always the brief, what the client’s trying to achieve and the environment we’re working in, then from there, it’s about choosing the right kit and building the right crew to match.”

The Standout Projects: Formula 1

 Earlier this year, Andrew delivered a series of Formula 1 activations for agencies supporting Alpine, Williams and McLaren.

“I’ve had the chance to work on some brilliant shows this year, but being involved in a series of Formula 1 events was definitely a standout. There’s a real buzz around those events.”

As a long-time fan of the sport, working trackside made the experience even more rewarding.

“I’ve followed F1 for years, so getting to bring my job into that world was amazing. Being in the pits and paddock during the Silverstone GP weekend, for me that’s bucket list stuff.”

Andrew on-site at one of the three Formula 1 related events he has supported this year, including car launches and activations around the British Grand Prix.

AV, Print and Scenic in Sync

Although Andrew focuses on technical production, his role includes working closely with the scenic and print teams. That combined view helps him manage each part of the job more effectively.

“It means I can manage the full picture. I’ll be working closely with our scenic and print teams while keeping the client up to date, making sure every element is on track.”

This knowledge helps shape accurate delivery plans that reflect how each team works on site.

“Knowing how scenic builds slot into a venue, how large-format print is installed, or what can be done in tight turnarounds. All of that helps when you’re managing a show end to end.”

With Media Powerhouse now made up of established teams brought together through acquisition, each division brings deep expertise to the work. That structure allows project managers like Andrew to plan clearly, knowing each part of the delivery is in capable hands.

“The real benefit is being able to trust those teams to do what they do best while I focus on bringing it all together for the client.”

Building the Right Crew

Andrew matches each crew to the format, the pace of the job and the type of venue. His focus is on people who stay calm and communicate clearly.

“I’ve worked with a great mix of freelancers and techs who I know can deal with pressure and adapt on the day.”

He cites communications as a key factor when crewing.

“A big part of it is communication. I need people who can work as a team and keep things moving without needing to be micromanaged. That’s what makes the difference when you’re up against time or in a busy venue.”

Andrew is also supported by Events Coordinator Richard Why, who assists with crewing and logistics across all Media Powerhouse projects. Adding Richard into the team has helped sharpen the process even further.

“Having Richard on board has made a huge difference. It takes the pressure off us when it comes to the admin of crewing and logistics, and he’s always one step ahead. He’s been a great addition.”

Hybrid Events in the MCR 

Andrew also manages hybrid and streamed productions in the Virtual Gallery, Media Powerhouse’s in-house MCR space for live and remote content.

“A big part of that recently has been the MCR Virtual Gallery we’ve got at HQ. It’s a broadcast-level setup for online and hybrid events. It gives clients a high-end production finish, just like a TV broadcast.”

The space supports high-quality streamed content for clients running internal communications, international meetings, or partially live and online events. It is purpose-built to deliver professional production standards to hybrid formats.

“The tech is already there, but making sure we’ve got the right crew lined up who know the systems inside out is the trickiest bit. There’s only a small group of people who’ve worked in it so far. I’d love to bring more crew up to speed with how it operates.”

Andrew is looking to deepen his own technical knowledge of the Virtual Gallery to help train more crew on how it runs. Building out a wider pool of freelancers capable of supporting MCR delivery is a priority, particularly those with experience in video mixing and live sound.

Andrew’s projects have taken him across the UK and Europe, delivering live events in key locations including London, Paris and Vienna.

Talk to the Event & Scenic Team

If you’d like to speak to Andrew or anyone in the Event & Scenic team about your upcoming project, we’d be happy to help.

Whether you’re planning a brand activation, live show, scenic build, technical production or hybrid event, our team can support you across every part of the process.

Contact us to talk through your next event.