One market launch shared by a focused room at ADGM and more than 1,000 virtual viewers around the world.

On 29 March 2021, Intercontinental Exchange launched ICE Futures Abu Dhabi at ADGM, introducing a global benchmark for crude-oil futures trading based on ADNOC's Murban crude. The event brought together ADNOC, ICE, ADGM and nine global energy partners.


The launch had two audiences: more than 30 participants in the room and over 1,000 virtual viewers. Evolution's strategy was to avoid treating either group as secondary. The physical event needed the energy and credibility of a live market launch, while the broadcast needed equal access to speakers, discussion and the significance of the announcement.


Brand, room design, remote participation and transmission were therefore planned as one launch rather than two parallel productions.

The Challenge


Financial-market announcements depend on clarity, timing and confidence. Live and remote speakers needed to interact naturally, and international viewers required reliable access to the same conversation taking place in Abu Dhabi.


Health-and-safety requirements affected capacity, guest movement and onsite operations. Those controls had to be integrated without making the event feel provisional or reducing the sense of occasion.

Evolution Events delivered production for the ICE Futures Abu Dhabi launch

The Solution


Evolution developed the launch identity and applied it consistently across the physical environment and virtual output. The room was designed for a focused group of more than 30 participants, with speaker arrangements and production systems supporting bidirectional video and audio.


Remote speakers could contribute directly to the live discussion, while onsite speakers remained clearly visible and audible to the global audience. The two project streams - virtual production and onsite logistics - were rehearsed within one show sequence rather than managed as separate technical packages.


This integrated approach gave both audiences a coherent understanding of the announcement, its participants and its importance to global energy markets.

Delivery Highlights


  • Hybrid launch at Abu Dhabi Global Market on 29 March 2021.
  • More than 30 in-person attendees and over 1,000 virtual viewers.
  • Brand development across the physical and digital experience.
  • Bidirectional video and audio connecting live and remote speakers.
  • Two integrated project streams covering virtual production and onsite logistics.


Premium event environment welcoming international financial leaders

Outcome


The launch created one shared market moment across two viewing conditions. Participants at ADGM could engage in a live discussion, while more than 1,000 viewers received the same speakers, announcements and visual identity through the virtual programme.


The event's credibility came from that parity: the room did not feel like a broadcast studio, and the online audience was not treated as overflow.

Project Ecosystem


Client:

The Intercontinental Exchange


Evolution Events: Led the launch strategy, brand, hybrid planning, onsite logistics, health-and-safety coordination and live event management.


Evolution Technical: Delivered the bidirectional video and audio systems, virtual production workflow and transmission supporting more than 1,000 remote viewers.


Evolution Scenic: Created the branded physical launch environment for the focused onsite audience at ADGM.