Metalworks Sets the Stage for Islamic Conference

Metalworks Production Group produced the 8th annual Reviving the Islamic Spirit conference in December.

Cam Butler, Production Manager said, “The event was a lot bigger this year, than it’s ever been before.”

Butler worked with Steve Baird on the concept and design. Baird said, “A lot it was based on my travels and the architecture of mosques I’ve seen.” He added Butler was behind the concept. “Cam had the idea and I went with that. It was a real collaboration.”

Reviving the Islamic Spirit is a conference put on by the youth to “help overcome the challenges of communication and integration.” The convention is a celebration of the Islamic faith and identity.

Metalworks has produced the event for four years, and was proud to produce the 2009 conference, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

From video walls displaying pictures of Moqsues and the Holy Land, to speakers and screens staggered down the aisles to ensure everyone had a good view, to a white linoleum stage and versa-tube lighting on the stairs, every detail was planned to make the event dynamic.

Baird commented although they’ve used a lot of equipment in past years, this year really had a concept and a theme.

Yousif Islam, also known as Cat Stevens made an appearance at the conference. It was his first live Canadian appearance in 10 years. He joined 17,000 other attendees from the U.S and Canada.

Every year the conference reinforces the Canadian Muslim identify and works to bridge North American values with traditional Islamic values. On the agenda is everything from climate change to global citizenship. The aim is to teach Muslim Canadians how their beliefs can contribute to Canadian society.

Prominent past speakers have included NDP Leader Jack Layton, Toronto Mayor David Miller, Maher Arar, Monia Mazigh, and The Independent journalist Robert Fisk.

Butler, who was very proud of what he and Baird came up with, said, “Each year we have to come up with a better idea. They’re already waiting to see what we will come up with next year.”