SAUDI ARABIA: The Momentum Global Development Finance Conference delivered a visually immersive environment shaped by real-time playback, compositing, and multi-surface mapping, with Green Hippo’s Hippotizer Media Servers forming the backbone of the video system. Delivered by HiLights Group in collaboration with La Gloire at the King Abdulaziz Conference Center, the production brought together lighting, video, and stage design into a tightly integrated creative ecosystem.

HiLights Group deployed Hippotizer Boreal MK2+ and Karst+ Media Servers, building a system architecture designed for both flexibility and resilience in a high-pressure live environment. “We designed the system around Hippotizer for flexibility and resilience,” says Ahmed Mohsen, Head of Video at HiLights Group. “It supported high-resolution outputs, dynamic transitions, and seamless synchronization across all visual and lighting elements. “Hippotizer gave us maximum reliability without compromising creativity, and the confidence to execute complex sequences while remaining adaptable to changes during the show.”

Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the event demanded a cohesive approach where video and lighting operated in complete sync, supporting narrative flow while responding dynamically to the evolving structure of the conference.

“Lighting and video played a central role in shaping the atmosphere,” Mohsen continues. “We used a wide range of color palettes, movement, and contrast – from bold, high-energy looks to softer, ambient scenes – to create depth and emotional variation.”

Visual content was designed to complement this approach, combining high-resolution graphics, layered compositions, and motion-driven elements mapped across a clean, architectural stage environment. The result was a flexible visual canvas where content could evolve seamlessly across different segments of the programme.

Configured with synchronized timelines and redundancy systems, the Hippotizer platform ensured uninterrupted playback throughout live operation. “Its ability to handle real-time compositing and multi-output mapping allowed us to maintain both precision and flexibility in a fast-paced environment,” Mohsen adds.

A defining aspect of the deployment was its integrated workflow. Using Hippotizer’s Pin Bridge tool, operators were able to control video parameters directly from the lighting console, enabling tight synchronisation between lighting cues and video content while enhancing creative responsiveness.

“MIDI control further enhanced real-time interaction, giving us a tactile interface for triggering clips, adjusting layers, and manipulating effects during rehearsals and live operation,” says Mohsen. “The Timeline tool structured the show, aligning visual sequences with timecode and key moments, while still allowing manual overrides when needed.”

Operational efficiency was further enhanced through the Mix Preset feature, which enabled rapid recall of complex visual states, reducing programming time and streamlining transitions. Hippotizer’s ZooKeeper network solution allowed multiple servers to operate as a unified system, supporting synchronised playback, shared content, and centralised control across all outputs. “This was critical for maintaining consistency across large-format LED displays and mapped scenic elements,” Mohsen notes.

Redundancy planning played a key role in ensuring system stability throughout the event. “The biggest challenge in live production is adapting to last-minute changes,” he adds. “Hippotizer allowed us to make adjustments seamlessly, without impacting performance.”

HiLights Group delivered a comprehensive end-to-end solution encompassing design, pre-visualisation, technical planning, and on-site execution, with close collaboration across teams ensuring smooth integration of all AVL components.

The result was a series of visually striking moments, from high-impact opening sequences to cinematic transitions where lighting and video worked in tandem to shape mood and energy. Large-scale mapped content added dimensionality and perspective, while more restrained scenes provided contrast and clarity.

“Audience response reflected the success of this approach,” concludes Mohsen. “The visuals played a key role in driving engagement and creating a memorable, immersive experience that supported both the performance and the overall storytelling.”