This was in fact Core's second PLASA Focus - their first being in Baltimore in 2014, and since that time, the brand has upped the ante with the opening of a new US operation based in Virginia, which was launched in November.
Says UK based Core Lighting's MD Phil Ion, "The Orlando expo was great timing for us in relation to the launch of our American operation a few months earlier. The location was excellent as with the numerous entertainment industry businesses operating out of Orlando and the place has a real buzz about it."
The latest Core innovations were showcased at the exhibition, with particular emphasis on the new PinPoint and the new Mk2 version of the best-selling ColourPoint battery powered uplighter.
Feedback from the US market and take-up so far has been excellent - the robust engineering and build quality of the CORE products is appreciated, along with the ease of use, the IP65 rating - making them ideal for indoor or outdoor use - and the brightness, all of which makes Core stand out from others, together with the quality benefits of being 'Made in the UK' .
Ion notes the rapid growth of the product internationally, that the long term advantages of quality investment are far more evident now and people are thinking twice before buying lower spec'd products sourced from Asia.
The highly dynamic little PinPoint is a tiny wireless pin-spot / birdie weighing just 700 grams with a single LED lightsource that outputs a punchy 300+ lumens and the unit is even IP65 rated.
The head is connected to the base of the PinPoint via a flexible stainless steel 'gooseneck' for maximum focusability, and the brushed aluminium housing gives a stylish, contemporary finish. Wireless controls include Wireless DMX and Bluetooth with Core's own tablet apps.
Further options include the base being capable of vertical or horizontal orientation making it ideal for sitting on shelves. The base is also magnetic for easy clamping to metal objects of all types - including railings, ceiling structure, beams, lighting, sound and video mixing consoles and control equipment - where it can also provide working light in difficult situations.
The standard battery life - when fully charged - is an impressive 8-10 hours of illumination, and Core is presenting a full solution rather than just a lightsource - with an expediently sized flightcase of 10 PinPoint units offering total portability for a system including an integral charging facility.
Core's ColourPoint Mk 2 fixture has already proved very popular as a lightweight lithium battery powered LED event up-lighter with full wireless DMX control.
Core's products are aimed at providing exceptionally versatile and cost-effective wireless lighting that is invaluable to anyone involved in staging or supplying events.
The Core products are also all available in grid mains versions (at 120V in the US) specifically to service the demands of the fixed installation market. A recent example of this in the UK can be seen on the front of the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton.
Ion was pleased with the footfall at the PLASA Focus Orlando which included representatives from high profile organisations like Disney, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld and many more, and generally with a strong interest in the products.
Core also experienced a healthy crop of inquiries from potential new dealerships. Expansion of the dealership network across America is one of the primary tasks for Core's US operation headed by Martin Lawrence.
(Jim Evans)
