This means that CUE2014 is no longer only of interest to the theatre sector, but also to all technicians, producers and board members of locations with a stage.
Enrico Daamen, chairman of the CUE Board comments, "It's been a long time since theatres were the only places to see performing arts and where stage technology plays a role. There are many pop venues, cultural centres and concert halls in the Netherlands where performances are given, as well as outdoor festivals where temporary stages are erected for the purpose. In addition to this, museums, attractions, conference halls, auditoria and even crematoria are fitted with good technical installations for their stages. CUE2014 therefore no longer focuses solely on the theatre technician, but on all parties involved in investments in technical facilities for their podium events."
According to exhibition manager Saskia Vernooij the exhibition has not undergone a complete transformation now that Ahoy Rotterdam is responsible for organising CUE: "The exhibition will retain its sense of familiarity. However, a number of new elements will be added during the 2014 edition. An example of this is the demo area where exhibitors can demonstrate their products live to visitors. At the entrance to CUE, there will also be an Innovation Gallery with posters of innovative products which visitors can 'like'."
CUE is supported by the sector associations VPT, VNPF, VSCD and VVEM. They will invite their members to attend the exhibition and will organise a variety of seminars. For example, each day of the exhibition, the Association for Stage Technology (the VPT) will present an extensive programme of lectures that focus on topical subjects such as legislation, technical issues, innovations and international trends. A special programme will be organised for pupils and students, paying attention to work placement and career opportunities. At the end of the second day of CUE2014, the VPT will organise a big party in Ahoy Rotterdam to celebrate the profession. Attention will be paid to noteworthy events during the past two years, prominent people from the sector will be placed in the spotlight and there will be plenty of entertainment.
CUE2014 is free to visit for professionals after registering via www.cue.nl/registration.
(Jim Evans)
