Head of Event Technology Matthias Eckmayr
‘When technology evokes emotions, everything has gone right’
Matthias Eckmayr is Head of Event Technology at Gurgl Carat – and loves the mix of precision, improvisation and wow moments
As Head of Event Technology at Gurgl Carat, Matthias Eckmayr ensures that lighting, sound and images work together seamlessly. His job often begins weeks before an event – with detailed production plans, sophisticated setups and many preliminary discussions. What fascinates him most about his workplace is the unique combination of state-of-the-art technology, personal service and impressive natural scenery. It is precisely this mix that makes his everyday work so special and every event a memorable experience.
From the office to the control room – and never back again
Matthias was actually drawn to traditional event management for his career. But sometimes life turns out differently than you think. ‘I started out as an assistant in the office, quickly picked up the technical side of things – and stayed with it,’ he says. It was a good decision, as it turns out. Not only is he incredibly good at the technical side of things, but it's also what he enjoys most to this day.
Big pictures, strong emotions
What does Matthias love about his job? ‘The variety. From shovelling snow to streaming, it's all there.’ But above all, he loves it when technology gives people goose bumps: ‘When the emotions in a video are so strong that the audience is moved to tears – then I know we've done everything right.’ The 100 m² screen at Carat is often the centre of attention. It is operated by three Full HD projectors. Presentations, PowerPoints, videos – everything can be coordinated down to the second thanks to the PIXERA media server system. Even live adjustments during the presentation are possible.
Technology meets nature – and surprises
The Gurgl Carat offers event organisers a level of quality that you would hardly expect at an altitude of almost 2,000 metres: state-of-the-art technology, professional support and a spectacular mountain panorama right on your doorstep. ‘The combination of cutting-edge facilities and proximity to nature is unique,’ says Matthias. ‘You walk out of the event hall and in five minutes you're in the middle of the high mountains – that's really impressive.’
Matthias' technical tip for event organisers
‘Be sure to schedule time for a final rehearsal, ideally the day before. This can make the difference between an event that functions well – and one that inspires enthusiasm.’
The production plan as the key to a successful event
The be-all and end-all for Matthias: a good production plan. ‘The earlier we get the information, the better we can prepare.’ The ideal scenario is a detailed schedule, preferably with a rehearsal the day before – because without preparation, there is often no time to implement creative ideas perfectly from a technical standpoint. And what does such a plan look like? ‘Some customers send us every single slide, including lighting instructions. That's great – I prefer it to be too detailed rather than the other way around.’
Streaming, sound & more: technology at the highest level
Hybrid events are also no problem at Gurgl Carat. A controllable PTZ camera and an external image mixer enable professional broadcasts. An L-Acoustics system, tuned by a specialist acoustics company, ensures perfect sound. Recently, a permanent sound engineer has also joined the team, further enhancing the quality. And how flexible is the setup? ‘Incredibly flexible,’ says Matthias. ‘As long as the data fits, we can place content anywhere on the screen – in any shape, colour or size.’
Memories of special events
There is no shortage of experiences. Which events really stick in the memory? For Matthias, it is the emotional event organised by a prefabricated house manufacturer: ‘Everything was just right. The preparation, the cooperation – and the emotions in the room.’ But he also fondly remembers the AUDI FIS Ski World Cup. Half a metre of snow is falling outside – and yet everything inside is running like clockwork. That's why he's already looking forward to this year's event, which will take place on 22–23 November 2025.
Why plan an event at Gurgl Carat?
For Matthias, it's clearly the perfect combination: ‘Top technology alone can be found elsewhere. But combined with genuine service, authentic hospitality and this incredible location in the middle of the mountains – that's unique.’ Short distances to the hotels, natural scenery on the doorstep, professional implementation in-house: the Gurgl Carat brings together everything that makes an event special.
Other team members
Matthias Eckmayr's profile
| Favourite place at Gurgl Carat? | |
| Directly by the media server, our Pixera. | |
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Three words that describe you? |
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Resilient, solution-oriented, creative |
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Coolest technological moment at an event? |
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| When technology generates or conveys emotions. | |
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Your must-have for every production? |
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| Actually, the entire production – without Pixera, there would be no image on the screen. Without a mixing console, there would be no sound. Without stage lighting, there would be no atmosphere in the hall. Without PowerPoint, there would be no presentations or lectures. In terms of organisation, my must-have is a well-structured production plan. | |
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The best thing about your job? |
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| The variety – no two events are the same. | |
| Gurgl Carat in three words? | |
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Impressive, close to nature, all-in-one |
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Without this, nothing works from a technical point of view: |
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The absolute basis is good preparation and excellent cooperation. |
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Favourite moment in the Schalfkogel Hall? |
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Children's carnival – around 200 locals and guests in the hall and pure joy for everyone. |
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Technical tip for event organisers? |
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Many meaningful videos with loud and emotional music. We can convey that very well. |
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First thought when a big event is coming up? |
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Where can I avoid sources of error during the planning stage? Looking forward to the challenges that await us. |
