Superdrug Conference & Gala Dinner

For many years, Lightwave has worked with Phoenix Productions to deliver Superdrug's Christmas conference, which concludes with a gala dinner. In 2025, the event returned to Manchester Central for a second consecutive year.

Originally built in 1880, this Grade II listed building was repurposed and reopened in 1982 as a multi-space exhibition and event venue whilst maintaining much of its original character and features. The Central Hall is a beautiful, vast space featuring exposed vaulted arches running the length of the expansive hall.

Lightwave was tasked with providing technical production support, supplying all lighting, sound and scenic elements for both the conference and the gala dinner. The two events took place in separate halves of a divided Central Hall.

The conference consisted of an ultrawide main stage with matching front projection screen and a satellite stage for a band. A full d&b sound system was implemented to ensure excellent stage coverage and suitably festive lighting brought the space alive. All areas of the conference were covered to ensure every delegate had a VIP experience.

The larger of the two spaces in the Central Hall was reserved for the gala dinner, where a stage with multiple risers was provided for the headline act. Once again Lightwave provided a full d&b sound solution to ensure the very best quality audio across the entire space. We also deployed the new Sennheiser Spectera wireless system for in ear monitors, wireless instruments and handhelds.