UK - AnswerBack Interactive, the audience interaction specialists won the Live Event of the Year category in the AV Awards 2005, through its work with Celador International on the Summer 2005 regional theatre tour of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Live.
At the same event, AnswerBack was also awarded the Grand Prix - an award given to a project that delivers the best documented results to the user company, or shows how technical innovation can be best applied.
Guy Freeman, Managing Director of Celador Music & Events, said "We are delighted that AnswerBack won these awards for their work on this key project for us. They delivered to time and budget and provided us with an extremely good quality and cost effective solution that enabled us to launch a unique and exciting new product."
Paul Krisman, MD of AnswerBack Interactive, commented "I am thrilled to have won these awards and it's a tremendous boost for a young company like ours. Within a matter of weeks we were able to design, manufacture and deliver the complex technology and services to meet Celador International's exacting criteria. It worked, and it worked well."
(Jim Evans)
USA - For the third year running, Los Angeles-based Visions Lighting helped create the party atmosphere for Spanish-language radio station Super Estrella's annual Reventón concert at The Pond in Anaheim.
Working with Reventón's lighting designer, Chris Reade, Visions Lighting erected an intricate overhead truss structure that dominated the look of the event. The lighting rig itself included 32 Martin Professional MAC 2000 fixtures, 19 Atomic 3000 strobes, 24 High End Studio Color fixtures, 24 Studio Beam fixtures and 20 Molefays.
Visions Lighting, worked around the clock for three days to make Reventón happen. Each of the nine Latin artists playing at this year's event, several of whom had their own lighting designer, played anywhere from a 20 to 50 minute set.
"It's difficult to describe just what Reventón is like for someone who's never experienced it," remarked Todd Roberts, owner of Visions Lighting. "The audience is dressed to the nines; everyone is dancing in the aisles between acts and it's just this big party - not to mention that some of the biggest names in Latin music are playing." This year's sold-out show featured performances by Juanes, Alejandro Fernandez and Julieta Venegas.
Reventón was also one of the first major events where Visions Lighting had used its new Flying Pig Systems Wholehog III console. "Chris (Reade) is very used to the Hog II," notes Roberts, "but it really did not take him long to settle into using the new board. He used it on a small show and then was comfortable enough to use it on R
UK - Event freight specialist EFM, has appointed David Simmill as its new operations manager. Simmill, who has been involved with logistics operation for twelve years, is being brought in to support all four divisions of the company, working across the music, promotions, sports and exhibition logistics divisions to streamline current operations and develop new logistics channels.
Simmill's background includes overseeing a European network between 10 different offices, with complete responsibility for two UK offices. His experience spans air, ocean and road freight in the high profile automotive and aerospace industries.
"My move to EFM, as a company looking to develop, means an exciting time ahead," says Simmill. The diverse clients we work with, with a variety of challenges they each face put the company in a unique position to have the very best logistical facilities in the UK, a new challenge that I am looking forward to taking on."
(Jim Evans)
China - The 4th Music China and 3rd Prolight + Sound Shanghai open this Wednesday - 19 October - at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Pudong, Shanghai.
Music China will house around 750 manufacturers and suppliers of musical instrument and accessories. Prolight + Sound Shanghai, with around 170 exhibitors, will show a good range of pro-audio and specialist lighting equipment. Together the events are expected to attract well over 35,000 retailers, wholesalers, dealers, distributors and musicians.
Music China 2005 will house "the largest offering of musical instruments and accessories to be found anywhere in Asia". As well as national pavilions from Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, Spain and the UK, some of the world's leading names in MI will be at the show.
Prolight + Sound Shanghai will feature exhibitors from eleven countries & regions, including China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Norway, Singapore, Taiwan, the UK and the USA.
(Jim Evans)
UK - Following the popularity and professionalism of last year's show, Stage Electrics once again worked with Dave Roxburgh and his team at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) to present the Stage Electrics Tradeshow in Cardiff on 5 October. This year there was almost a 40% increase in the number of visitors. The RWCMD Bute Theatre was transformed with the help of a team of hardworking students. The students' work is assessed and contributes towards one of four production placement grades for the second year of their studies.
Stage Electrics' major suppliers were on hand to demonstrate their latest products and services. Exhibiting at the show were Martin highlighting their new MAC700, Rosco / DHA whose stand was manned by Ron Knell and Steve Ramos on his inaugural exhibition for Rosco, Zero88, Strand, ETC, Pulsar, Selecon, RCF, Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, Lee Filters and Mackie also took full advantage of the day with exciting stands. Le Maitre, Prolyte, Techlumen and Apollo products were presented by Stage Electrics Business Development Managers.
Stage Electrics' Helen Gadbury said: "the venue looked even more impressive than last year. We've had some excellent feedback from those who attended and from manufacturers who exhibited. It was our aim to give customers across the UK the opportunity to find out about what equipment is available in a relaxed atmosphere - something we will continue to do in the future."
Dave Roxburgh said: "The event was a huge success. We were delighted by the turnout from schools and colleges and the qu
USA - Stage Lighting Super Saturday, a full-day of seminars, workshops, and "inspiration" for stage lighting designers and technicians will take place in New York City on January 7, 2006 at Pace University's downtown New York campus, now the home of the Bravo Network's Inside the Actor's Studio.
Strand Lighting has announced that it will underwrite Ken Billington's presentation at the event. Tim Burnham, president of Strand says: "Strand Lighting is pleased to participate in Super Saturday. We are particularly honoured to sponsor Ken Billington's keynote address."
Pace University will host the seminar sessions in its Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts, opposite City Hall. The intensive programme will consist of a full day of training in stage lighting and equipment.
There will also be a manufacturers' showcase with technical personnel on hand to show participants their latest equipment.
(Jim Evans)
UK - LD Andy Hurst specified 48 James Thomas PixelLine 1044s and 10 PixelLine 110s for M People's Another Night in Heaven! tour. The 1044s were arranged in four specially made frames each holding 12 fixtures and the 110s were used to upright a large silver upstage drape.
The frames were hidden behind the backline and then lifted into view half way through the performance of Open Up Your Heart for maximum impact. Hurst created a series of pulsing hearts across the PixelLine wall by first making the heart shapes in PixelDrive and then applying a zoom chase to animate them. The fixtures were then used as a high-impact effects surface, with Hurst crafting very specific PixelLine looks and patterns for each relevant song via his PixelDrive software.
All lighting equipment was supplied by PRG Birmingham and the crew were Nigel "Skippy" Monk (chief), Pat Fitzsimmonds and James Spooner.
(Jim Evans)
France - The 24th SIEL, France's leading exhibition for the live entertainment and events markets, will be held from 12-15 February 2006 in Expo-Porte de Versailles in Paris. SIEL has for two years now been offering shows on two separate floors: SIEL Live Entertainment and SIEL Nightlife.
"As a major gathering of the pro audio industry, architects and designers attending SIEL Live Entertainment will have access to all of the market solutions and be able to choose the right equipment for using lights or video to the greatest effect," says a spokesman.
SIEL Spectacle is also organizing a series of conferences dedicated especially to applying live entertainment techniques to other fields.
(Jim Evans)
UK - The third 2005 Scottish Lighting Show was another major success, according to organisers and hosts black light. The well-attended event was held on 23rd and 24th September at the Granton Lighthouse, Edinburgh.
"We had more exhibitors and a wider range of products than ever," says black light managing director Gavin Stewart. "This year's move to the Lighthouse was a major step up as it provided much more space, it was very visually pleasing and created a really good personal atmosphere."
Having previously been held at black light's own premises, the move to the nearby lighthouse meant that the company's day to day business could also carry on unhindered. "We had to run a broadband line from our building and miles of power cabling, but that sort of thing is what we do every day," continues Gavin. "The staff at the lighthouse were keen to help us make the event a success and everybody worked together incredibly well."
The exhibitors were pleased too. Peter Sherrington of Strand Lighting commented, "It was a fantastic show, we had very good feedback and we sold equipment." John Jones of Lift Turn Move added: "It is a really friendly show and the turnout has been really good."
(Jim Evans)
Czech Republic - The Prague Quadrennial 2007 ( PQ 07) takes place in the Czech capital city from 14-24 June, 2007. The organizers report that they have confirmed a record-breaking number of 52 countries who will exhibit there. First-time participants will include artists from Georgia, Ireland, Singapore and Malaysia. In addition, Portugal and the Philippines will return.
Fifty countries will feature in the Section of National Exhibitions, 26 countries in the Section of Architecture and Technology and 38 in the Student Section - Scenofest.
Further information about the Heart of the PQ exhibition now touring the globe, as well as the PQ installation displayed in the framework of the Salon of Czech Scenography exhibition in Prague can be found on the official website below.
(Jim Evans)
UK - Showsec looked after 2,000 soul fans at the Jazz FM Northern Soul Night held in Blackburn's King George's Hall last month, as part of the company's long term relationship with the venue. This was the first of six such events to run this winter and all genres of soul music were included on the playlist across the venue's three rooms.
Blackburn Borough Council, which owns and manages King George's Hall, brought in Showsec five years ago, to manage the safety and security for all events held in the venue. For the Northern Soul night, Showsec brought in eight SIA licensed stewards and five additional stewards to cover the entrance, ticket stalls and monitor throughout the inside of the venue.
Area Manager Alan Wallace oversaw the operations, with Showsec's specialist staff working alongside the venue's in-house team. He commented: "Working in local venues is a vital aspect of Showsec's work. By creating smaller scale crowd management plans and assessing event security that differs greatly to the larger scale events we work on, we can offer a unique service combining a broad staff base with an understanding of the venues."
(Jim Evans)
UK - The Solent was the location for AIR 2005, the newly-launched Audio Industry Regatta, held this year on 24-25 September. Formerly known as the DAMMSTY weekend, this annual event has been organized since 1989 by Ken Walker and Brenda White. The DAMMSTY sailing trophy, introduced in 1993, is awarded in memory of Dave Martin of Martin Audio.
This weekend raises money and awareness for the Elizabeth Foundation for Deaf Children. Based in the Portsmouth area, the Elizabeth Foundation offers support nationwide to deaf children, from birth to five years old, and their parents.
This year's splash and dash event was held over two days, with 13 sponsored boats from the pro audio world competing over five races. Saturday evening's fundraiser event at Gunwharf Quays included dinner, auction, raffle and the obligatory pop quiz, all washed down with more than the odd tot of rum.
Since its conception this sailing event has raised over £65,000 for the Elizabeth Foundation. This year has been the most successful yet, with a grand total of £8,500. The raffle raised £777, with prizes donated by Leisuretec, Nevada, beyerdynamic, Clarity, Neutrik, Shure, Kelsey Acoustics, R G Jones, Ansabac, Martin Audio, Allen & Heath and Sound Foundation. The auction raised £1,832, while PLASA presented a cheque for £3,000 to the Elizabeth Foundation founder, Shirley Metherell, at the Earls Court show earlier in the month.
The 2005 DAMMSTY winner's trophy was presented by Simon Bull of Martin Audio to Kelsey Acoustics captain Michael Whiteside. Runner up
UK - The PLASA Show has again proved itself one of the most influential events in the industry calendar. Around 13,000 (subject to ABC audit) key industry people visited London in early September to participate in what is now the major international gathering-point for the entertainment, event and installation industries. The emphasis was very much on business, with exhibitors not only generating significant leads, but also reporting an unprecedented number of orders being placed.
As in previous years, the Show had a strong international profile with a third of exhibitors based outside the UK, and an increasing international visitor attendance, which is now nudging the 30% mark.
One of the key reasons for the Show's continued momentum is its focus on new developments and its ongoing investment in interactive feature areas, awards that recognize the best design work in the industry and a strengthening seminar and conference programme.
But it is new technology that remains the keystone of the Show and PLASA 2005 was no exception: from across the 300-plus exhibitors came over 1,000 new products - some delivering unique creative solutions, others improving the working practices adopted by the industry. The best new developments were nominated for the PLASA Awards for Innovation, all of which could be seen by visitors to the Innovation Gallery, an impressive display area at the entrance to the exhibition. The nine winners were announced during a lively awards ceremony on the Monday evening of the show.
Providing a focus for professional development is another impo
Germany - CAVIS - the Congress for Audio-Visual Installation Systems, which runs alongside the annual ProLight+Sound exhibition in Frankfurt, has changed its name, the organizers have announced. From 2006 it will be called Prolight+Sound Media Systems Congress. "System integration and media technology are both areas which have been successfully involved in the congress for the last three years and they are firmly established in the fair - so it was time to give this fast-growing trade-fair segment its own proper place in the congress title", says Cordelia von Gymnich, vice-president of Messe Frankfurt GmbH. "We think this is a brand-policy decision whose time has come."
A central theme running through the expert talks in 2006 will be that of "Multiple-purpose halls and arenas." Featuring some 40 sessions, the Prolight+Sound Media Systems Congress is the largest information event at Prolight+Sound: it is open free to all trade visitors in the Conference Level of Hall 9.T. Subjects will cover current questions of technology, law and business involving integrated AV applications.
As an accompanying programme, in Hall 8.0, Prolight+Sound will be offering a series of seminars for professional events-technology staff and a job exchange for job seekers and employers offering jobs - plus the Prolight+Sound Studio, featuring workshops for audio and video production.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - There are still a few places left for Hawthorns latest @ Home event featuring pyrotechnics and radio mics being held on Friday 7 October 2005.
There will be pyro demonstration by Le Maitre; plus Sennheiser, Sony and Trantec will be demo'ing their latest radio mics and will be on hand to offer advice throughout the afternoon. To book a place contact Hawthorn direct on: 01664 821101.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
Belgium - ISE (Integrated Systems Europe) 2006 has nearly doubled in size from the previous show with still over four months to go until the event itself in February 2006. At the Brussels Expo, more than 2000 sqm of extra space has been allocated to meet the increasing demand from new and existing companies. Key exhibitors who signed up over the summer were Eiki and Dataton.
These were astonishing figures for Mike Blackman, ISE 2006 managing director, he says: "We are delighted to see that the level of new business continues to grow each month. Even over the traditionally quiet summer months, we managed to sell over 200sqm of exhibition space. The interest levels and awareness of ISE 2006 is increasing all the time and, now that the website has gone live, we will be channelling our energies towards the visitor and press with a series of exciting roadshows, editorial and advertising campaigns."
Integrated Systems Europe offers opportunities for European companies to create new business and rewarding partnerships. In the UK, financial support is available to eligible companies through the Tradefair group, which facilitates negotiations on behalf of prospective exhibitors and UK Trade and Investment body.
To also demonstrate it's commitment for US companies, the organizer announced that the show has been granted Trade Fair Certification from the U.S. Department of Commerce (UDC). Certification means that ISE can now offer a level of assurance to its US exhibitors for full endorsement of their products and solutions at the show which will help facilitate
Computer DJ was again at PLASA with an array of new products. Of particular interest for bars and clubs as well as light and sound installers was the new Q-Play digital music system, say the company.This touch screen unit will play the required style of music for up to 365 days a year. The system incorporates bio-metric (fingerprint) security, ensuring that only those authorized to do so can change the music (or its volume). The system can be managed by venue staff or programmed remotely via an optional secure internet link.
The other product to attract a stream of visitors was the newly developed Screenfly. This software programme can be used to generate immediate adverts and other live messages on the plasma screen. Within seconds the user can display special offers; introduce new products; show menu details; etc. Screenfly can also be used interactively or to entertain customers and it will accept short video clips; animation; and photos via Blue Tooth.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
UK - Spotlight PR has been awarded the public relations contract to promote The Event Show, now in its 16th year, which is staged over two days at Olympia in London on 25 and 26 January 2006. The industry's most comprehensive exhibition encompasses all aspects of organizing outdoor and indoor events, from small functions to international music festivals.
Karen Dodd, marketing manager for The Event Show said: "We appointed Spotlight as they have demonstrated considerable expertise in promoting large scale events and have a successful track record in generating awareness nationally both in print press and through broadcast media."
Spotlight PR's clients include Stowe Music Festival and Southport Flower Show, with both events attracting national publicity generated by the agency. Marina Efstathiou, director of Spotlight PR added: "The Event Show is an extremely prestigious exhibition attracting some of the country's most influential event organizers. We will also be communicating the message that the exhibition is relevant to a much wider audience, from those organizing private parties and corporate hospitality events to international music festivals and conventions."
Last year The Event Show attracted almost 5,000 major buyers from companies including the BBC, Clear Channel Entertainment, Coca-Cola Enterprises and HSBC Bank with 47% of visitors looking for live entertainment ideas. The range of exhibitors is vast, covering everything you could possibly need to organize an event however large or small. Leading venues, marquees, furniture and ca
UK - Software providers Stardraw.com unveiled Stardraw Control RC2 (Release Candidate 2) for the first time at the recent PLASA 2005. Billed as a software-based, unified framework that can control any remotely-controllable product from any manufacturer over any protocol, Stardraw Control RC2 is the final pre-release version of the application which is scheduled for final availability later this quarter.
Stardraw Control generates standalone, customized control programs. Like other Stardraw applications it is fast, powerful, flexible and easy to use; with a drag-drop interface and intuitive design environment, installers are able to configure systems and control them without having to write a single line of code. Utilization of Microsoft.net technology means that control programs are portable and can run on any Windows-enabled device, from PC to PDA.
Stardraw Control's open architecture means that manufacturers can offer software control without the overhead of developing exclusive (and limited) software applications for individual products, and since Stardraw Control communicates with any existing device-specific Application Programming Interface (API), manufacturers can add support of their products without changing existing code. For systems integrators this open, unified approach means that a single application can control many diverse products with as much or as little complexity as the end user needs.
Stardraw Control RC2 offers numerous fixes and improvements over the previous version which had already been honoured with two Innovation in Technology award
UK - Following the success in 2004, Stage Electrics is once again utilizing the great space at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff for its 2005 Tradeshow on Wednesday 5 October.
In 2004 the day attracted over 100 visitors from as far afield as Lincolnshire and London, Stage Electrics are looking to build on last years popularity. Once again the RWCMD Bute Theatre will be transformed into a 'mini PLASA' with the help of a team of hardworking students. Their work is assessed and contributes towards one of four production placement grades for the 2 year of their studies.
Stage Electrics' major suppliers will be demonstrating their latest products and services and offering hands on experience and advice. Exhibiting at the show will be: Martin, Rosco / DHA, Zero88, Strand, ETC, Pulsar, Selecon, RCF, Audio Technica, Lee, Mackie, Prolyte, Teclumen and Apollo.
The doors for the event open at noon and close at 18:00, refreshments will be available all day. Attendees can pre-register on Stage Electrics website and will automatically be entered into a free prize draw.
Stage Electrics' Helen Gadbury said: "The venue last year looked very impressive and we had some excellent feedback from those who attended. We are very pleased to be able to give customers across the UK the opportunity to find out about what equipment is available in a relaxed atmosphere."
RWCMD head of stage management, Dave Roxburgh says: "We are delighted to be hosting this event again this year. It is a great opportunity for our students to experience the lates
UK - Visual-Patch, developed by Artistic Licence, has won the PLASA 2005 Award for Innovation. Combining video recognition technology and newly developed software, Visual-Patch can map and patch even the most complex lighting arrays.
A digital camera is positioned before the array and detects the size, position and shape of each pixel to be used, in both symmetrical and random patterns. This information is then analyzed by Visual-Patch, which generates an automatic lighting plot on screen.
Visual-Patch uses Remote Device Management (RDM) to set the start address of each fixture during the patching process. RDM is a new control protocol that allows lighting fixtures to talk back to the controller.
When Visual-Patch completes you are left with a lighting rig that is fully patched and a lighting controller that knows the position and address of every fixture. All that without entering a single number!
Visual-Patch is relevant to all types of lighting control, not just LED applications. In fact Artistic Licence is already developing the next generation of Visual-Patch which uses multiple camera positions to generate a 3D map of the stage.
Visual-Patch is built into Artistic Licence's Colour Tramp lighting control system and will also be available under licence to other manufacturers.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
UK - At PLASA 2005 Hawthorn was awarded the UK Rental Company of the Year Award by Martin Audio, an acknowledgment of its continued growth, and the ongoing expansion of its Martin Audio stock.
"Our continued expansion and growth within the sound market, both hire and sales, has been tremendous" said Iain Reinhold, head of sound at Hawthorn, "allowing us to continue with our commitment to and investment in new kit and placing us in the right position to provide the best and latest equipment to our clients and customers."
Zero 88 in its 2005 Dealer Awards at PLASA also awarded the Independent Dealer of the Year Award to Hawthorn. The award is in recognition of the growth and development of its Zero 88 dealership and in recognition of its commitment and support for the brand over the last year.
"We are delighted to receive the two awards, which are further evidence of Hawthorns continued growth in our key market sectors of sales, installations, hire and projects" said Hawthorn's Alan Jackson.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
UK - The PLASA Show closed on Wednesday this week after four successful days of business. The general feedback from exhibitors was very positive, with a number of exhibitors expressing their satisfaction at orders taken at the show.
PLASA Show director Nicky Rowland of Clarion Events told LSI Online that the organizing team had been very pleased with the levels of re-booking for next year's show - both from current and returning exhibitors - and also said that a number of entirely new exhibitors have booked up for PLASA 2006. "We've had extremely positive feedback," said Rowland. "It seems that a high level of business was conducted, with a number of companies even saying they had been overwhelmed by the orders being written at the show." One of these was Vari-Lite's European distributor, PRG Europe, where Philip Norfolk told PLASA Media the company had been "astounded at the level of new business at this year's PLASA".
Factors such as the terrorist attacks on London and the panic surrounding the petrol crisis were sure to have an impact on the Show's attendance levels, the final audited figure has yet to be confirmed. PLASA Media heard anecdotal evidence of a number of people not travelling to the show because of the terrorism factor: however, the vast majority of exhibitor feedback gave a clear indication that visitor quality was maintained at PLASA.
More news on the PLASA Show will follow on LSI Online next week, with a full review of the show appearing in the October issue of
UK - Digital mixing for live sound applications took further significant steps forward at PLASA 2005 with a number of new products and technologies unveiled, news of leading players working together and confirmation of further developments coming to fruition over the winter months.
Allen & Heath has entered the digital mixer domain with the launch of the iLive digital mixing console system. Developed for live sound applications, iLive's 'ground up' design features a flexible architecture with large-scale audio distribution and control. iLive is designed "to bring an analogue feel to digital mixing and draws on the company's extensive experience in live sound and digital technology".
The heart of the system is the iDR-64, a 19" rack-mounting modular mix engine providing 64 channels into 32 mixes, which can be assigned as auxes, groups, matrix and main outputs. The iDR-64 is a stand-alone mixer comprising the 8-channel audio interface cards, DSP processing, and communication ports. The unit is controlled via an Ethernet network and can be connected to a variety of controllers, including the new range of iLive control surfaces, Allen & Heath's PL range of remote units, third party devices, or a laptop/PC.
Two EtherSound ports are provided for low latency remote audio distribution, connection of an additional unit to expand the system to 128 channels, FOH/monitor signal splitting, and the connection of multi-tracks and other EtherSound-equipped devices. All channels and mix masters have EQ, dynamics and delay processing, with on-board FX, and an opti