Ten years of TowerEye: ‘Even in America, they can’t do what we can do.’

Tower Eye 10years

TowerEye creates temporary networks and security solutions for events of all shapes and sizes. From a camera on a post somewhere in a muddy festival field to complete monitoring, security, software linking and data management, attuned to the needs of customers in Belgium and abroad. Gust Dierckx and Niels Van Den Heuvel of TowerEye give us a look behind the cameras. And, blow out ten candles in one breath while they are at it.

TowerEye creates temporary networks and security solutions for events of all shapes and sizes. From a camera on a post somewhere in a muddy festival field to complete monitoring, security, software linking and data management, attuned to the needs of customers in Belgium and abroad. Gust Dierckx and Niels Van Den Heuvel of TowerEye give us a look behind the cameras. And, blow out ten candles in one breath while they are at it.

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Let’szoom in on the last ten years. What have been your highlights?

Gust: “We have been the trusted security partner of Tomorrowland since the early years. When they took us around the world with them to work at their international festivals, that really was unforgettable. Even in America, they couldn’t find people to do what TowerEye does. The whole crew and all the equipment were shipped off. That kind of recognition is something we are incredibly proud of.”

Niels: “Absolutely. Carat+, the international diamond exhibition in Antwerp, is another highlight. In three days, we installed a complete video management system, with 200 cameras and aligned frame rates. We set up a high-quality system in an extremely brief time. Three days! But, we did it. And it was unforgettable!”

I can imagine you get a big kick out of that, right?

Niels: “Yes, you sometimes get goose bumps from the unpredictability in our sector. Big complex projects with tight deadlines, that you manage to pull off nevertheless …”

Gust: “… and then seeing the visitors walk through the doors and realising that you smashed it. Nothing can beat that feeling.”

Niels: “Except for the amazing backstage atmosphere afterwards, of course.” (laughs)

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Let’szoom in on the last ten years. What have been your highlights?

Gust: “We have been the trusted security partner of Tomorrowland since the early years. When they took us around the world with them to work at their international festivals, that really was unforgettable. Even in America, they couldn’t find people to do what TowerEye does. The whole crew and all the equipment were shipped off. That kind of recognition is something we are incredibly proud of.”

Niels: “Absolutely. Carat+, the international diamond exhibition in Antwerp, is another highlight. In three days, we installed a complete video management system, with 200 cameras and aligned frame rates. We set up a high-quality system in an extremely brief time. Three days! But, we did it. And it was unforgettable!”

I can imagine you get a big kick out of that, right?

Niels: “Yes, you sometimes get goose bumps from the unpredictability in our sector. Big complex projects with tight deadlines, that you manage to pull off nevertheless …”

Gust: “… and then seeing the visitors walk through the doors and realising that you smashed it. Nothing can beat that feeling.”

Niels: “Except for the amazing backstage atmosphere afterwards, of course.” (laughs)

Right now, it’s mostly about bringing all technology together in one platform. So that you can identify relevant data to actually benefit the organiser.
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TowerEye has grown a lot. How have you handled this?

Gust: “We have always grown organically. That pays off, because it keeps our customers on board – it’s a guaranteed win for us. We are growing at a stable pace, while staying true to our strategy and approach. Plus, we make sure we have the right people on our team.”

What do the next few years hold for TowerEye?

Niels: “This year, we set up a temporary network at the Cycling World Championships. Radio stations from around the world connected to our system. A massive logistical operation. It was a complete package of internet, security, and connection. We want to continue to make our mark in this world.”

Gust: “Next stop: Olympic Games in Paris! That would be amazing. We have now also set our sights on big festivals abroad. We can definitely do this too. Don’t worry, we are full of ideas for the next few years.”

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TowerEye has grown a lot. How have you handled this?

Gust: “We have always grown organically. That pays off, because it keeps our customers on board – it’s a guaranteed win for us. We are growing at a stable pace, while staying true to our strategy and approach. Plus, we make sure we have the right people on our team.”

What do the next few years hold for TowerEye?

Niels: “This year, we set up a temporary network at the Cycling World Championships. Radio stations from around the world connected to our system. A massive logistical operation. It was a complete package of internet, security, and connection. We want to continue to make our mark in this world.”

Gust: “Next stop: Olympic Games in Paris! That would be amazing. We have now also set our sights on big festivals abroad. We can definitely do this too. Don’t worry, we are full of ideas for the next few years.”

We were able to help more than ten hospitals, from AZ Herentals to ZOL Genk.
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What developments have you noticed in your sector?

Gust: “Well, there is AI and facial recognition, of course; all these technological developments will make a difference in the coming years. But right now, it’s mostly about bringing all technology together in one platform. So that you can identify relevant data that actually benefits the organiser.”

Niels: “The automation of payment systems and visitor flows is important too. We can link and digitise everything. This holistic approach to event management will be crucial. And 5G will also offer quite a lot of opportunities.”

And finally: did the coronavirus pandemic have a substantial impact on your business?

Gust: “There were no festivals, of course, last year. And that is when TowerEye was able to show what it’s made of. We contacted hospitals to use our expertise to support them with their new way of working. The result: within six weeks, we had set up a fully operational access control system for them. We were able to help more than ten hospitals, from AZ Herentals to ZOL Genk.”

Niels: “Flexibility is everything in our sector!”

Gust: “Definitely! And, if a solution is possible, TowerEye will find it.” (laughs)

Graphics 4

What developments have you noticed in your sector?

Gust: “Well, there is AI and facial recognition, of course; all these technological developments will make a difference in the coming years. But right now, it’s mostly about bringing all technology together in one platform. So that you can identify relevant data that actually benefits the organiser.”

Niels: “The automation of payment systems and visitor flows is important too. We can link and digitise everything. This holistic approach to event management will be crucial. And 5G will also offer quite a lot of opportunities.”

And finally: did the coronavirus pandemic have a substantial impact on your business?

Gust: “There were no festivals, of course, last year. And that is when TowerEye was able to show what it’s made of. We contacted hospitals to use our expertise to support them with their new way of working. The result: within six weeks, we had set up a fully operational access control system for them. We were able to help more than ten hospitals, from AZ Herentals to ZOL Genk.”

Niels: “Flexibility is everything in our sector!”

Gust: “Definitely! And, if a solution is possible, TowerEye will find it.” (laughs)

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