Marcel Fairbairn is the founder & CEO of GearNet Holdings, which runs GearSource®, an internet source for new and used gear – lighting, audio, staging, rigging, SFX. He also recently launched GearShare®, an AI-powered cross rentals tool.
in his spare time is the host of the successful Geezers Of Gear podcast, which presents Dining With Dinosaurs at LDI, an incredible evening event with drinks, dinner, and discussion with an A-list of concert industry legends at LDI this year. And to top it off, he has paired up with Jake Berry to moderate XLIVE: The Concert Touring Sessions, on Saturday, December 6 at LDI, and which includes Dining With Dinosaurs.
As a special gift for his fans, use promo code MARCEL50 for a 50% discount on XLIVE, which includes Dining With Dinosaurs. Tell only your best friends about this deal.
Live Design: Can you describe yourself in less than 50 words?
Marcel Fairbairn: I am the founder and CEO of GearNet Holdings, parent to GearSource® and GearShare®. A lifelong live-events industry innovator, I am transforming how rental companies buy, sell, and rent gear through Tech / AI-powered platforms connecting people and businesses in over 100 countries
LD: Please give a brief overview of your training/education/career path.
MF: I began my career as a musician in the 1980s. Transitioning from the road to business, I held leadership roles in sales and distribution before founding GearSource® in 2002. With decades of hands-on and executive experience, I have blended deep industry expertise with a passion for technology and innovation, first with the the launch of GearSource®, and more recently GearShare® and the GearNet ecosystem, driving AI transformation across the global live-events marketplace.
LD: Please describe your most recent project.
MF: My most recent project is launching GearShare®, the world's first AI-powered cross-rental marketplace built for professional production and rental companies. Launched adjacent to GearSource®, GearShare® connects companies worldwide to share underutilized gear, reduce CapEx, and increase ROI through intelligent tools like GearSpotting® search and GearSync® listing automation.
LD: What are you teaching at LDI and who is your target audience?
MF: At LDI, I’m moderating the first-ever XLIVE: The Concert Sessions alongside legendary touring production manager Jake Berry. I’m also co-hosting the second annual Dining With Dinosaurs event with Geezers of Gear – now an evening gathering that promises to be a doozy for industry pros old and new.
LD: What is your advice for people just getting into the industry?
MF: First, my golden rule is always to do what you say you're going to do! Always deliver at or above the expectations you've been given and do it quietly. Don't brag or say "look at me boss"... just deliver incredible results. And finally, be accountable for your failures or your actions. Don't shrug it off, or worse - blame others.