Business Details
26 Years
experience
Custom Special Effects & Laser Engineering Solutions
Founded in 1996 by the Suehle Brothers, Image Engineering has grown from a basement hobby into a leader in laser, lighting, and special effects for sports, concerts, and permanent installations. With over 40 years of combined experience, our team of engineers, designers, and technicians delivers innovative solutions tailored to client needs. Headquartered in Baltimore, MD, we operate a 60,000 sq ft facility and serve clients nationwide through a network of experts. Our commitment to pushing boundaries has earned us partnerships with over 30 professional sports teams and global entertainment brands.We prioritize client relationships, ensuring seamless integration of cutting-edge technology with intuitive user experiences. From concept to execution, our projects reflect decades of expertise in creating unforgettable visual spectacles. Our acquisitions of TASC and Syncrolite SXL fleets underscore our dedication to expanding capabilities and maintaining industry leadership.
Services
Laser Effects
Pyrotechnics
Event Production
Permanent Installations
Drone Shows
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in entertainment technology integration.
- Our in-house engineering team designs proprietary control systems for seamless operations.
- Nationwide service with hubs in Baltimore, Los Angeles, and Lititz.
- We pioneered the NFL's first flame tower and patented laser control systems.
- Acquired industry leaders TASC and Syncrolite SXL to expand capabilities.
Services
Laser Effects
Our laser systems create dynamic visual displays for concerts, sports events, and permanent installations. Using proprietary Beam Composer technology, we enable full console control of laser movements and colors. Clients benefit from custom designs that integrate seamlessly with existing lighting systems for unforgettable performances.
Pyrotechnics
We design and execute synchronized pyrotechnic displays for sports arenas and live events. Our systems ensure safe, precise timing with CO2 effects and flame towers. Clients receive custom solutions that comply with local regulations while maximizing visual impact for audiences.
Permanent Installations
Our team integrates lighting, lasers, and special effects into buildings and public spaces. Projects include the Washington Monument's illumination and stadium tunnel lighting. We focus on intuitive control systems that simplify operation while maintaining visual complexity for long-term installations.
Drone Shows
We utilize Verge Aero x1 drones for scalable aerial light shows with 15-minute flight times and 900-lumen RGB lighting. Our designers create custom choreography for events, combining drones with ground-based effects. Clients receive FAA-compliant operations with redundant safety systems for reliable performances.
Event Production
We provide end-to-end production for concerts, sports games, and corporate events. Services include set design, control systems, and integrated effects. Our experience with Super Bowl halftime shows and touring acts ensures seamless execution under tight deadlines while meeting broadcast requirements for millions of viewers.
People
John Suehle
Executive Vice President, Engineering
John Suehle co-founded AET in 1996 and leads engineering innovations. With 30+ years in entertainment tech, he pioneered laser control systems now used industry-wide. His vision drives technical advancements in permanent installations and touring solutions.
Joe Suehle
President
Joe Suehle co-founded AET and established Image Engineering's first office in his basement. He oversees operations and strategic growth, leveraging 30+ years of experience in live event production and special effects for major sports leagues and concerts.
Andy Suehle
Executive Vice President - Sports & Live Events
Andy Suehle, co-founder of AET, specializes in sports entertainment solutions. He developed the NFL's first flame tower and manages relationships with 16+ professional teams. His expertise ensures cutting-edge effects that enhance fan experiences across stadiums nationwide.
Ian Bottiglieri
Vice President, Operations
Ian Bottiglieri leads daily operations with 15+ years in event logistics. He manages warehouse teams and ensures timely delivery of complex equipment setups. His focus on efficiency supports nationwide deployments for tours, sports events, and permanent installations.
Nick Hock
Director, Research & Development
Nick Hock heads R&D, developing proprietary technologies like the Vector Beam laser array. With 10+ years in entertainment engineering, he drives innovation in integrated systems for permanent installations and touring productions while maintaining safety and reliability standards.
Questions
What industries does Image Engineering serve?
We specialize in sports entertainment, concert touring, permanent installations, and event production for clients ranging from NFL teams to international music tours.
Can you handle both small and large-scale projects?
Yes, our scalable solutions work for single events or yearlong tours, with equipment fleets and teams supporting projects of any size nationwide.
Do you provide international services?
While our primary focus is North America, we've executed projects globally through partnerships and mobile production teams for major touring acts.
How do you ensure event safety with pyrotechnics?
We follow strict safety protocols, including FAA compliance for drones, OSHA standards for rigging, and local fire department coordination for pyrotechnic displays.
What control systems do you use for lighting?
Our proprietary Beam Composer software integrates with industry-standard lighting consoles, allowing full control of lasers, LEDs, and special effects from a single interface.
How are permanent installations maintained?
We provide ongoing support with remote diagnostics and on-site technicians, ensuring systems operate flawlessly with minimal downtime for architectural and stadium installations.
