This was the Dutch Grand Prix VIP Event that everyone wanted a ticket to. 50 VIP guests were invited to the W Hotel in Amsterdam to be wined and dined following the Dutch F1 qualifying.

The event included live and in-person Q&A sessions with Formula One royalty, who shared their take on the qualifying highlights ahead of the big race the next day.

Having completed the a similar event for the British Grand Prix, TPP was the technical production company of choice to deliver the lighting, rigging av, and power for the event.

Setting Up

TPP travelled to the city of Amsterdam ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix VIP event to prepare the venue.

All the lighting hire kit and auxiliary items were transported by truck from the UK to the venue in Amsterdam. TPP organised all the relevant permits and managed the transportation. Once onsite, we commenced the load-in to the venue’s W Lounge on the sixth floor.

The W Lounge is one of the coolest venues in Amsterdam. Complete with terrace, pool and cocktail bar, it presents a genuine VIP experience for events of this nature.

The set-up was very straight forward, as we had already created a similar finish in the UK for the same client for British Grand Prix VIP event.

Lighting Design

The lighting design was heavily focussed on creating a contemporary event decor. As we saw for the British Grand Prix VIP event in London, the Astera Titan Tubes were implemented as the core feature for their dynamic and vibrant hues.

This simple, yet effective lighting design presented a bespoke look that is identifiable to this short series of Grand Prix VIP events.

While the Astera Titan Tubes offered the dramatic styling required of such a high profile VIP event, we also used Source Four Profiles and uplighter to light the area where the panel would be sat.

Audio Visual Equipment

The layout of the W Lounge did not lend itself to a large stage where guests could gather around. Instead, the Q&A session was filmed and streamed online. We installed a number of large screens around the venue on which the Q&A was broadcast while guests sat comfortably and enjoyed the atmosphere.

The Grand Prix VIP Event Panel

Guests of the Dutch Grand Prix VIP event were treated to an exclusive Q&A with a panel of F1 racing royalty. The lineup included former F1 1999 World Champion, Mika Häkkinen; motoring correspondent and racing driver, Vicky Butler Henderson, and British automotive F1 engineer, Rob Smedley.

The 50 VIP guests enjoyed exclusive interviews with the panel, who shared their real-time reactions following the Dutch Grand Prix qualifying, and spoke openly about their predictions for the main race the next day.

Final Thoughts on First International Event Since the Pandemic

For TPP, this was the first overseas event since the Covid-19 pandemic. As a company that has supported international events for the past 20 years, this was a momentous occasion. The events sector has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, and there’s still a long road to recovery ahead. But, small and exclusive events are clearly the way forward, for now at least.

We are seeing more and more interest in exclusive events, such as this, which signifies a temporary shift in the sector. Until confidence in large gatherings resumes, we expect to see small events, roadshows, virtual productions and hybrid events grow in popularity.

Hosting an Exclusive VIP Event?

If you are considering hosting an exclusive VIP event for your company or client, please speak to us about your technical production, set and stage requirements.

Our turnkey technical production services include:

• Event lighting
• Audio Visual
• Sound
• Video production
• Live Streaming and pre-records
• Rigging
• Power
• Set and stage
• Conference production
• Presentation support

TPP is here to support you every step of the way with technical production support. We offer venue site visits, design and layout – including 3D visuals and 2D layouts, detailed lighting specifications and kit lists, lighting and stage design, equipment hire and general advice regarding your turnkey technical production.

For professional technical production, please contact the team at TPP on 01264 889 934 or email us at info@theproductionpeople.com