Keynote speakers included Richard Bleasdale, Mike Redmer, Scott Chmielewski, Antoinette Wijffels and Fons Hogenes, who covered everything from case studies to the basics of art and design. Breakout sessions included workshops on configuration, content creation and programming, with 'students' actually running the range of Hog consoles and creating unique content. Live entertainment was brought in to accompany the content showing on the variety of projection surfaces in the venue.
Digital Lighting University was first launched by HES German dealer Arcus as a way to familiarise end users with digital lighting. The programme was considered such a success that Antoinette Wijffels, managing director of Improve, decided to organise the programme in Holland. "It is so important to bring these people together not only to become familiar with digital lighting, but to learn from each other what it can do for them in terms of making their projects extraordinary," Wijffels says.
"Digital lighting is still in its infancy," says HES' Bill Morris. "These products are not the kind of thing a new user can just see at a trade show and immediately understand how to use. We plan to expand this programme to more cities worldwide so that those who want to learn more about the technology get the chance in a hands-on environment that led by early adopters."
Michel Buchner, content design and creative technology expert from The Live House in the Netherlands, attended the programme. "It was very inspirational," he says of the experience. "If you want to excel in this industry you will have to know the best of both the lighting and video worlds, creatively and technically. When you can combine and connect these disciplines, you're a step ahead of the people who think it will stay as it is. There's a lot to learn for everyone."
Wijffels was very pleased with the outcome, claiming: "We got so much positive response to the programme and I feel like everyone walked away with something useful."
(Jim Evans)
