Expo 2020 and its role as a game changer for immersive entertainment

Widely regarded as an Expo that will go on in living memory for years to come, Expo 2020 Dubai achieved what many thought would be impossible during a global pandemic. As a six-month celebration that truly united the world in showcasing the best of what each had to offer, Expo 2020 produced in excess of 32,000 events and attractions ranging from sporting heroes to Grammy-award winning artists, which helped to attract over 20 million visitors from October 2021 till March 2022.

Another one of Expo’s key attractions were the pavilions, each of whose culturally inspired architecture and immersive fit-outs helped to transport guests into their respective nations or themes.

Having carved a niche within the immersive interior market, ALEC FITOUT won a total of fourteen pavilion contracts including the centrally located Mobility and Opportunity Pavilions, as well as several national ones including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

As an event with a reputation for ground-breaking ideas and presentations, ALEC FITOUT was challenged to bring to life the collaborative vision of multiple stakeholders which included AV hardware, media production, exhibit fabrication, rigging, exhibit lighting, architectural sculpture and MEP.

Described by Architectural Digest Middle East as “one of Expo 2020 Dubai’s signature attractions, a memorable visitor experience made possible through the world of local and international collaborators,” there is no doubt that the Mobility Pavilion was a particular hit with audiences who were taken on a journey of discovery from the origins of voyage and connectivity to its future.

While Expo 2020 achieved many accolades and successes, one of its enduring legacies will be its delivery for a new standard of immersive entertainment and a new bar for the fit-out industry to live up to.

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