Evolution Scenic’s 30-metre Investopia main stage with curved scenic structures and integrated LED screens.

Building a Complete Scenic Environment for Investopia 2024


In February 2024, Investopia returned to The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi.

The project required significantly more than a single main conference stage. It called for a complete temporary scenic environment capable of supporting large-format presentations, smaller panel sessions, press conferences, MOU signings, business networking, private meetings, television interviews, registration and outdoor hospitality within one coordinated venue experience.


Evolution Scenic delivered the complete design, technical development, fabrication and installation of the scenic scope. This included the principal conference stage together with supporting presentation areas, networking booths, enclosed meeting rooms, media studios, registration features, branded entrance elements and outdoor scenic components.


The project extended across multiple areas of the hotel, connecting the main conference room with pre-function spaces, meeting environments, media facilities and supporting stages. Each zone had different operational requirements, but all needed to function as part of the same visual and material system.


This meant the scenic approach had to remain consistent while adapting to different scales and uses. Large-format stage architecture, repeated booth fabrication, enclosed temporary rooms, broadcast spaces and registration elements all needed to share a coordinated construction language, finish quality and branding treatment.


The completed environment therefore relied on careful integration between scenic fabrication, technical systems, graphics, lighting and site installation. Rather than treating each area as a separate build, Evolution Scenic developed the project as one connected temporary environment designed to support the full range of conference, networking, media and hospitality functions.

Engineering the Main Conference Stage


The principal stage measured 30 metres wide and incorporated a 26.5-metre-wide by 5-metre-high LED screen. Rather than treating the LED screen as a standalone technical surface, Evolution Scenic developed a wider architectural composition around it to give the stage a stronger sense of scale and visual continuity.


Two curved scenic structures, each reaching 5 metres in height, framed the screen on both sides. Metal support systems formed the internal structure of these scenic elements, while their visible surfaces received painted finishes. The curved geometry created a softer transition between the rectangular main screen and the wider stage environment, helping the entire elevation read as one integrated scenic installation.


Six LED screen totems were incorporated into the stage composition. Each totem measured approximately 1 metre wide by 5 metres high and used a metal-supported scenic construction.

Black-painted return panels enclosed the visible sides of the totems. These returns concealed the internal support arrangement and ensured that each screen column appeared as a resolved three-dimensional scenic element rather than an exposed technical fixture.


Evolution Technical supplied the LED screens, while Evolution Scenic fabricated the stage, curved scenic structures, support elements and finished surrounds required to integrate the technical systems into the complete stage environment.

Integrating Light Within the Stage Construction


The stage deck was finished with exhibition carpet, providing a continuous surface across the full presentation area and creating a clean visual base beneath the large-format scenic structures. LED lighting was built into the stage steps, helping define the changes in level while contributing to the overall illuminated composition. The integrated step lighting also connected the lower stage architecture with the larger LED elements positioned across the backdrop.


A lightbox logo was incorporated directly into the front stage fascia. This allowed the Investopia branding to become part of the fabricated stage architecture rather than appearing as a separate applied sign or graphic panel.


The relationship between the central LED screen, six vertical LED totems, curved painted side structures, step lighting and illuminated fascia branding was developed as one coordinated visual system. By integrating lighting into the scenic construction itself, Evolution Scenic created a more unified stage environment in which digital content, fabricated forms and illuminated branding worked together across the full 30-metre stage composition.


This integrated approach also helped maintain visual continuity across different viewing angles within the conference room. Whether viewed directly from the front or from positions further to the sides, the illuminated stage fascia, vertical totems and curved scenic structures continued to read as parts of the same fabricated environment rather than as separate technical components.

Manufacturing the Networking Environment


Beyond the main conference room, Evolution Scenic manufactured a custom B2B networking area containing 50 individual booths. The challenge in this area was repetition and consistency. Every booth needed to maintain accurate dimensions, align correctly within the overall layout and provide a practical setting for business meetings without disrupting the visual rhythm of the wider networking environment.


Each booth incorporated an integrated storage cabinet. Building the storage directly into the scenic construction reduced the need for additional freestanding furniture and helped keep the individual meeting areas visually controlled and uncluttered.


The repeated booth system also required careful coordination of partitions, openings, finishes and circulation routes. Consistency across all 50 units was important so that the networking area read as one complete temporary architectural installation rather than a collection of separately built structures.


The booths therefore formed a modular scenic environment in which fabrication accuracy and repeatable construction were central to the final result. Their value came not only from the appearance of each individual unit, but from the consistency, alignment and finish quality achieved across the complete networking area.


By integrating practical storage and repeated scenic partitions into the same construction language, Evolution Scenic created a networking environment that supported functionality while maintaining a coherent visual identity throughout the space.

Constructing Nine Enclosed Meeting Rooms


Nine enclosed meeting rooms were manufactured to provide more private settings for discussions away from the open networking area. The rooms used timber-framed construction with MDF cladding. This created a practical temporary construction system that could support scenic finishes, applied graphics, integrated lighting and technical equipment while maintaining a consistent architectural language across all nine spaces.


The wall surfaces combined painted finishes with applied vinyl graphics, allowing branding and visual identity to be incorporated directly into the room construction rather than added as separate decorative elements. Fabric lightbox ceilings introduced an illuminated overhead feature within each room. These ceilings helped create a more controlled internal atmosphere and clearly distinguished the enclosed meeting environments from the open B2B networking booths positioned elsewhere within the venue.


Each room also incorporated a scenic backdrop wall with an integrated television unit. Positioning the screen within a purpose-built scenic composition helped the technical equipment sit naturally within the room rather than appearing as a separately mounted element. The repeated construction of nine rooms required careful attention to alignment, finish quality and consistency between units. Framing, MDF cladding, wall graphics, ceiling lightboxes and television backdrops all needed to be coordinated so that every room delivered the same level of scenic resolution.


The relationship between the structural framing, finished wall surfaces, graphics, illuminated ceiling and integrated media wall allowed the rooms to function as complete temporary interiors, supporting both privacy and practical meeting use within the wider Investopia environment.

Building Broadcast Studios Within the Pre-Function Area


Evolution Scenic also developed two fully enclosed television studios within the pre-function space, extending the scenic scope into dedicated broadcast environments. The studios provided controlled settings for interviews and live broadcasts while remaining visually connected to the wider Investopia installation. Their position within the pre-function area meant they needed to function independently without appearing disconnected from the surrounding scenic environment.


Constructing enclosed studios within an active circulation space required a balance between visual integration and operational separation. The structures needed to define clear broadcast areas while still sitting comfortably alongside the registration, networking and other pre-function elements.


The studios were developed as complete temporary scenic enclosures rather than simple partitioned spaces. This allowed them to read as intentional parts of the event environment, with a level of finish consistent with the surrounding Investopia scenic build.


Their inclusion expanded the project beyond presentation and networking into broadcast production, demonstrating how the overall scenic system was adapted to support different operational requirements across the venue.


By integrating the studios into the same broader design language, Evolution Scenic maintained continuity between conference, networking and media areas while providing dedicated spaces for television production.

Extending the Scenic Language Across Supporting Areas


Additional stages were produced for breakout sessions, press conferences, panel discussions and MOU signings, extending the Investopia scenic environment beyond the main conference room.


These smaller stages needed to maintain the same level of scenic resolution as the principal stage while responding to reduced room sizes, different presentation formats and more focused audience arrangements. The aim was to keep the supporting spaces visually connected to the wider project without simply reproducing the main-stage architecture at a smaller scale.


CNC-routed logos with integrated backlighting were installed within the breakout-stage backdrop walls. The routed construction gave the branding physical depth, while the concealed illumination increased its visibility and allowed the graphic identity to become part of the scenic build rather than a separate applied element. The same fabrication approach was used on branded walls within the entrance lobby, helping establish a consistent scenic language from the point of arrival through to the main conference, networking and meeting spaces. Repeating the illuminated logo treatment across different areas also helped connect the various zones visually.


Paint-finished registration counters formed a practical part of the arrival sequence, combining operational requirements with the same branding and finish quality used throughout the Investopia scenic environment. Outdoor areas were supported with high tables, patio umbrellas and a branded display plinth. These elements extended the Investopia identity into the external hospitality areas and provided a more informal setting while remaining connected to the wider scenic treatment.


Together, the supporting stages, registration elements, entrance branding and outdoor features ensured that the project maintained a consistent physical and visual language across multiple zones, rather than concentrating the scenic treatment only within the main conference room.

Coordinating Scenic and Technical Delivery


A project of this scale depended on close coordination between scenic fabrication, structural support systems and technical screen supply. The scenic and technical packages needed to be developed together so that the finished environment remained visually consistent while accommodating the practical requirements of the LED systems. Evolution Technical supplied the LED screens, while Evolution Scenic developed the surrounding scenic construction. This included the main-stage architecture, metal-supported side structures, LED totem return panels, carpet-finished stage deck, integrated step lighting and illuminated fascia branding.


Screen dimensions, positions and structural interfaces needed to align accurately with the scenic build. The surrounding fabrication also had to account for installation access, finished sightlines, dimensional tolerances and the relationship between exposed scenic surfaces and concealed technical components. The project therefore required the scenic and technical elements to be treated as connected parts of the same installation rather than separate packages. Accurate coordination helped ensure that the large central screen, six vertical LED totems and adjoining scenic structures read as one complete stage composition.


The same approach continued throughout the wider venue. Television units were integrated into purpose-built scenic backdrop walls within the meeting rooms, while lighting was incorporated into CNC-routed branding, fascia lightboxes and other illuminated scenic features. By coordinating technical equipment with scenic fabrication from the development stage through to installation, Evolution Scenic was able to maintain a consistent level of finish across the main stage, meeting environments and supporting areas.

Installing a Multi-Zone Environment


Evolution Scenic installed the complete scenic scope within The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, coordinating multiple venue zones as part of one connected temporary environment. The installation included the main-stage structures, six LED screen totems, 50 networking booth positions, nine enclosed meeting rooms, two television studios, several supporting stages, registration counters, entrance features and outdoor scenic elements.


Each area needed to be delivered in accordance with the client’s requirements and venue restrictions, while maintaining consistent alignment, finish quality and branding across the wider installation. Within the main conference room, the 30-metre stage, central LED screen, five-metre scenic side structures and six vertical totems needed to align as one coordinated elevation. Accurate positioning was essential so that the technical and scenic elements read as a unified composition.


Within the networking area, the repeated booth modules required consistent spacing, clean junctions and accurate alignment across all 50 positions. The meeting rooms required the same level of control, with wall construction, lightbox ceilings, graphics, integrated television units and entrances working together as complete temporary interiors.


Across the pre-function area, the television studios, registration counters and branded scenic walls needed to coexist with the venue’s circulation routes without interrupting the visual continuity of the project. The success of the finished environment depended on close coordination between workshop fabrication, site positioning, technical installation and final scenic finishing, ensuring that each individual area formed part of the wider Investopia installation.

Creating a Consistent Physical Experience


The completed project connected a series of different venue functions through one consistent scenic approach, allowing each area to serve its own purpose while remaining part of the wider Investopia environment. The main stage delivered scale through a 30-metre architectural composition centred on the 26.5-metre LED screen and supported by the curved scenic structures and vertical screen totems.


The networking area used repetition and integrated storage to create 50 practical meeting positions, while the nine enclosed rooms introduced a more private temporary interior system using timber framing, MDF cladding, painted and vinyl finishes, illuminated ceilings and integrated television backdrops. The two television studios extended the scenic scope into broadcast production, creating fully enclosed media environments within the pre-function area.


Registration counters, entrance walls, breakout stages, press areas and outdoor scenic elements carried the same construction quality, branding treatment and visual language across the wider venue.


The final result demonstrates how scenic fabrication can shape the complete physical experience of a conference. Rather than concentrating only on the principal stage, Evolution Scenic designed, manufactured and installed the interconnected environments required for presenting, meeting, broadcasting, registering and hosting within one coordinated temporary installation.