France - The PLASA-hosted technical lighting event, PlugFest, returns to Lille, France from 16-19 April 2024, bringing together lighting professionals from across Europe to test products and learn about protocols and standards.
Together with the expert hosts, Hamish Dumbreck (JESE Ltd), Wayne Howell (Singularity UK) and Peter Willis (Howard Eaton Lighting), PlugFest provides an opportunity for lighting manufacturers, developers, and technicians to test and debug their designs, as well as improve the connectivity of their products.
Besides interactive testing, PlugFest offers a programme of educational seminars, unpacking the most widely used protocols. And the organisers are pleased to announce that the 2024 event timetable has been extended for more in-depth testing time, without compromising the valuable conference offerings.
Further, attendees can join techni

The Netherlands - Cisco Live 2023 took place in the Amsterdam RAI from earlier this year. Thearent, a company that specialises in the rental and sale of materials for professional purposes, transformed an area of the RAI for the event using Wentex Se Frame Modules.
Cisco Live is an event for IT professionals that focuses on education and training. With various topics being covered over the course of five days, it was necessary to have a number of different areas available for participants. Using a total of 5500 Wentex Set Frame Modules, Thearent transformed a single, large area of the RAI into several smaller spaces.
With different sessions taking place simultaneously, Wentex Acoustic Panels were also used for effective sound isolation. Highlite International is an official distributor of Wentex products and the SET Frame Modules come in different sizes. They can be

UK - In step with the welcome return of the British summer, PLASA Show made a triumphant return to the Grand Hall of Olympia London from 3-5 September, spanning a third more floor space with a striking 28% increase in visitors.
Lee House, operations director for Ambersphere Solutions, says: “I was struck by a sense of nostalgia and excitement - PLASA Show has made a triumphant return! The hall was bustling with a diverse array of exhibitors and, most importantly, visitors who were eager to engage in meaningful conversations about their technological needs for the present and future. It was a jam-packed, unforgettable three days that left us eagerly anticipating what next year will bring."
Tom Mowat, hire account manager for Encore, concurs: “PLASA Show 2023 was absolutely incredible. It was fantastic to see the whole of the hall used by exhibitors. The attendance a

The Netherlands - DirectOut is introducing Prodigy.MX, a multiformat audio matrix elevating the audio routing, converting, and processing capabilities of the Prodigy Series ‘to the next level’.
Prodigy.MX offers an impressive capacity of 1664 x 1668 audio channels, making it a formidable asset for professionals in need of versatile audio solutions. Its modular hardware simultaneously accommodates multiple audio formats, selectable between Dante, Ravenna/AES67, SoundGrid, AVB/MILAN, and MADI, and ensures seamless interconnectivity among them.
The modules feature bidirectional sample rate conversion (HD SRC), enabling connections across various clock boundaries. Operational control is facilitated through globcon control software, compatible with both Mac and PC, while local operation is simplified with an intuitive touch display, providing essential monitoring and co

UK - The winners of this year’s PLASA Awards for Innovation were announced last night at PLASA Show at Olympia London. The awards, run in association with LSi magazine, are respected industry-wide for celebrating future-focussed technology that improves safety, efficiency and performance through new methods and materials.
40 products were entered this year, with the judges ultimately awarding eight products, including one highly coveted Gold Award. This year’s judging team comprised 12 independent technical specialists from a wide array of backgrounds, chaired once again by chartered engineer and LSi columnist, James Eade.
The winning products and judges’ comments are listed below:
Astera, PlutoFresnel: The judges said that the versatility of this battery powered Fresnel-come-profile is unmatched and it will

UK - Classic Gear Live (stand A78) at this year’s PLASA Show, running from 3-5 September at London’s Olympia, offers a unique opportunity to get hands on with some of the lighting and audio products that have shaped our industry, from the 1973 Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon PA to the pioneering Vari-Lite Artisan console and VL2 and VL4 moving lights that featured in the band’s shows a generation later; from the unique cutaway lighting fixtures that graced Strand Electric’s famous West End showroom for years to the prototype and unique rep version of CCT’s Silhouette spotlight that shook up the fixture market; from the MMS memory lighting control that introduced the level wheel to the world to the custom mixing console that brought Cadac into the world of theatre.
But equipment is nothing without people, and Classic Gear Live will also offer an opportunity

UK - Backup is once again the lead charity on the #WeMakeEvents Support Hub at this year's PLASA Show. The #WeMakeEvents Support Hub brings together multiple charities and organisations that have been playing an integral part in supporting the industry.
The team will be on Stand A80 (part of the #WeMakeEvents Hub) to offer support, raise awareness of mental health and help remove the stigma that surrounds it. Trained mental health first aiders from Backup and Music Support will be on hand to provide advice and information for anyone who wants to talk, either for themselves or for someone they want to signpost to get industry help, throughout the show, with PLASA also bringing in EventWell to provide a specific Wellbeing and Safe Space for anyone who needs immediate help at the show.
On Monday 4 September at 11.30am in Seminar Theatre 3, Backup will also host a session

UK - PLASA Show once again returns to Olympia London to showcase the future of live entertainment technology. From 3-5 September, the expanded show will set the stage for 239 brands, 112 educational sessions, and the meeting of thousands of industry professionals. Free tickets are available until 31 August, after which the price will increase to £15, then £20 on the door.
Lighting professionals can look forward to meeting Artistic Licence, Astera, Ayrton, Chauvet Professional, Claypaky, Elation, ETC, GDS, GLP, MA Lighting, Martin, Robert Juliat, ROXX, SGM, TMB, Vari-Lite and more leading brands. Plus, headline sponsor Robe will run impressive live demonstrations on its stand throughout the show.
Pro audio professionals can connect with brands suc

UK - Ayrton will officially launch its new IP65-rated Argo 6 fixtures at the PLASA Show (3-5 September, Olympia London) on 5 September 2023. Argo 6 FX will be exhibited on Stand C11 by Ayrton’s exclusive UK distributor, Ambersphere Solutions, alongside a wealth of other innovative LED products from the Ayrton portfolio.
For the first time in its history, Ayrton is launching a weather-sealed effects luminaire that offers as much creative potential indoors as outdoors. "Argo 6 presents a minimalist design incorporating features for total protection against harsh weather with easier internal access," the company says.
A new composite alloy, reduction in thickness of the parts, an optimised cooling system, simplified lens guidance, and integration of low-density optical components, mean Ayrton has been able to reduce overall weight by 20%. Meanwhile, the placemen

UK - Robe looks forward to the buzz and energy of another PLASA expo at Olympia where it will be launching three new products and debuting a new live performance concept on stands A70 & C28. Designed to create drama, excitement and anticipation, visitors will be drawn to the booths by Robe putting a real live production at the heart of the event.
Robe’s partner companies Anolis and Artistic Licence will be on adjacent stands and this area of the show floor will be a lively and interactive ‘takeover’ space where all are welcome to enjoy the tech, innovation and drama.
Products being launched at the show include:
iForte LTX WB is an ultimate long throw LED wash beam for all environments, developed for stadium shows, concerts and all events and spectaculars where serious intensity is needed over massive distances. The iForte LTX WB can create an imposin

UK - The Institute of Professional Sound (IPS) is turning up the volume on its Pro-Audio Show 2023 at Greenford Hall in west London on Saturday 14 October. The event is totally dedicated to sound professionals.
With live Q&A sessions, over 30 international exhibitors representing more than 70 brands, and UK debuts of a number of technology products, the free one-day event caters for ‘everybody with a passion for professional sound’. In addition to providing access to technology experts from across Europe, the IPS says its remit stretches even further.
“Depending on working genre, the nature of sound work can be quite solitary from a craft point-of-view, and the IPS Pro-Audio Show is about redressing that balance,” says show coordinator Ian Sands.
“While the show serves the entire sound community across TV, radio, film, production, post, live events,

UK - At this year's PLASA Show from 3-5 September in London, the Adam Hall Group will present the latest product highlights of its two brands Cameo and LD Systems on stand B13. The focus will be on the lighting solutions from Cameo, which has been nominated for one of the renowned PLASA Innovation Awards in the form of the new PixBar G2 IP65 LED Bar series.
In 2022, the Adam Hall Group's participation in the PLASA Show was all about MAILA - the ground-breaking Modular All-Round Intelligent Line-Array System from LD Systems. This year, the Adam Hall Group is turning the spotlight particularly on its Cameo lighting brand. In addition to the PixBar G2 series, visitors can look forward to the OTOS SP6 IP65 Spot Profile, the OPUS SP5+ Profile Moving Head with optimised LED engine, the compact AZOR S2 Spot Moving Head and the S2 IP65 LED Softlight Panel.
The Cameo Highlights

The Netherlands - At IBC, Sennheiser, Neumann, Dear Reality and Merging Technologies (D50 in Hall 8) will demonstrate immersive production workflows as well as solutions for audio capture, monitoring and processing. Creators and audio professionals of all levels are welcomed to stand.
Four spaces invite IBC visitors to explore state-of-the-art solutions for today’s content production: the immersive presentation zone, active and passive product islands, a Neumann area and a separate Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems (WMAS) zone.
In the immersive presentation zone, which is powered by a 5.1.4 Neumann monitor set-up with nine KH 150 monitor loudspeakers and two KH 750 DSP subwoofers, guests will be able to get hands-on with the Dolby Atmos/immersive broadcast workflows facilitated by the products of Merging Technologies, the latest member to join the Sennheiser Group.

UK - Plymouth’s varied event venues, from a private castle to the local football club, are being showcased at a trade exhibition next month (September). The city’s museum, gallery and archive, The Box, will host the event which features a wide range of hotels, venues and suppliers.
Potential clients looking for the perfect conference, meeting or event space, are invited to meet the exhibitors and enjoy a famed Devon cream tea on 11 September.
Among those taking part in The MeetPlymouth VENUE Showcase are: Pentillie Castle, a country castle on the banks of the River Tamar, available for exclusive hire; BLOCK, a stylish workspace, meetings and event venue at historic Royal William Yard; Plymouth Argyle Football Club, available for celebratory events from weddings and christenings to presentations and product launches, and Le Vignoble Wine Merchant and Lounge which o

UK - TechLED will showcase its range of UK-manufactured lighting effects on stand G30 at this year’s PLASA Show. Contributing the lowest possible airmiles to low-energy LED effects, the show-stopping range from UK-based Abstract, is a must-see for any UK installer with a green agenda and an eye on sustainability.
Recognised as one of the pioneering market leaders in effects lighting with a manufacturing legacy spanning over 30 years, Abstract’s key lighting effects units will be demonstrated, including the Abstract Candi Blox and Abstract Candi Bar, the Abstract X-Lite Pro freestanding lighting system and the Abstract X-Drive. The popular Abstract-supplied, Pixel Neon lighting system will also be at the forefront of stand G30.
Pixel Neon is a square neon flex lighting effect supplied by Abstract. Flexible, weatherproof, and easy to install, Pixel Neon is perfect fo

UK - Voting is now in process for this year’s Gottelier Award, which has received a record number of nominees. Named in memory of renowned industry innovator and commentator Tony Gottelier, this special award recognises the invaluable contributions of the people behind the products.
LSi readers, pre-registered PLASA Show visitors and PLASA members are eligible to vote for the Gottelier Award. The recipient of the award will be announced during the PLASA Awards for Innovation ceremony at PLASA Show on Monday 4 September. The nominees for the 2023 Gottelier Award are:
Mark Ager - XM Automation
Mark’s influence over the past 40 years has been intrinsic in creating and defining the theatre automation industry as we know it today. Known by some as the father of automation, he co-founded and managed Stage Technologies (STL) which developed many of

UK - At PLASA Show 2023, Highlite International will be presenting a wide selection of audio, lighting and special effects products and accessories from its renowned brands Showtec, Infinity, DAP, Artecta and Wentex, as well as from distribution brand Antari.
Among many other products, the powerful Showtec Polar Wash 740 will be on display along with DAP’s new NRG speaker range and there will be some exciting developments by Infinity waiting to be discovered too.
The Showtec Lampy light controller now benefits from a major V2 software update, which has made it faster and brought countless new features including MultiCell capabilities and a CIE colour picker with XY editing - a feature unheard of for light consoles product in this price range - which is why the Lampy has been nominated for a PLASA award.
With all the extra features that the V2 software brings t

UK - Production Futures, the initiative which creates opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop careers in production across the live event industry, has signed with Martin Audio, as their latest high-profile partner.
“It’s wonderful that Martin Audio have seen the potential of Production Futures,” said CEO, Hannah Eakins. “We’re particularly delighted to welcome them as a British manufacturer.
“They are a forward-thinking company with a diverse workforce, and we’ve seen them transform over the last 20 years.”
Production Futures is also in the process of transformation, including the announcement of a new audio learning zone. Along with Martin Audio, this will debut at the 28 September event, which takes place at Production Park in Wakefield.
“In that sense the timing couldn’t be better for Martin Audio as we re

UK - British manufacturer of professional audio solutions, Wharfedale Pro, has announced its return to PLASA London, taking place at Olympia, London, from the 3-5 September. The Wharfedale Pro team looks forward to engaging with industry professionals and sharing their latest cutting-edge technologies and product offerings.
Visitors to the booth can expect to see a selection of Wharfedale Pro hardware, ranging from the flagship WLA-1 Hybrid Curvature Array to the reliable workhorse Delta-AXF series. Wharfedale Pro has long been synonymous with quality, reliability and performance, and the products they will be showcasing at PLASA are a testament to these values.
One of the highlights of Wharfedale Pro’s PLASA offering is the release of the latest version of their DSP Controller Software. DSP Controller v1.1.8 serves as a management system for the brand’s DP-F and D

UK - At this year’s PLASA Show (3-5 September, London Olympia), LSi magazine’s popular column Classic Gear will be brought to life on the show floor via a new attraction called Classic Gear Live. In association with CH Vintage Audio, the display will enable visitors to experience for themselves a range of defining products from the last 50-plus years and meet some of the people who made and used them.
Throughout its 38-year history, PLASA’s LSi magazine has looked forward, covering the never-ending stream of innovations in the live production industry, and the shows and people that create and use those innovations on spectacular new shows, events and installations. For 17 years of that history, LSi has also looked back, with Rob Halliday’s popular Classic Gear column taking a light-hearted, nostalgic look at the products that have shaped our indu

UK - Following on from a record-breaking BikeFest in Spain earlier this year, the #WeMakeEvents fundraising bike ride returns to London this September to raise money for industry charities Backup Tech, Music Support and Stagehand – and the team is calling for new recruits.
Since being spearheaded by PLASA and Backup seven years ago, BikeFest has grown into a popular industry event, taking place in Spain and the UK each year in the lead up to ISE in Barcelona and PLASA Show in London respectively. Each BikeFest event raises thousands for industry charities, with BikeFest Spain 2023 raising an incredible £50,000, helping industry professionals suffering with ill health or financial hardship.
And soon the BikeFest London team will be back in the saddle, ready to cycle up to 80 miles on Saturday 2 September, in time for PLASA Show at Olympia London from 3-5 September. T

UK - The ABTT’s International Theatre, Engineering and Architecture Conference (ITEAC) has announced its most ambitious schedule yet, including over 50 sessions from around the world for its 2023 edition at the IET, London on 19-20 September 2023.
With contributors from Australia, America, Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Japan, Scotland, Singapore, Sweden, South Korea and Wales – ITEAC 2023 brings more variety to the table than ever before. A full timetable has now been released. The programme includes a variety of live seminars and discussions informed by short films and pre-recorded presentations from prestigious projects and commentators.
Delegates can expect discussion, debate and sharing of best practice, with those attending the IET London event able to create new connections and forge lasting collaborative relationshi

Australia - Following record-breaking attendance in 2023, Australia's largest festival, Vivid Sydney, is inviting expressions of interest (EOI) for its 2024 event programme.
In 2023 Vivid Sydney attracted more than 3.28m attendees who experienced the 300+ light, music, ideas and food events of the programme. Now, artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are invited to submit an EOI to be part of the 2024 programme under the unified, creative vision – Vivid Sydney, Humanity.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said Vivid Sydney presented an opportunity for those in the creative sector to showcase their talents to a large and far-reaching audience as part of an event that exemplifies Sydney’s standing as the major events capital of the Asia Pacific. “Vivid Sydney is a globally recognised event that brings together creativity, innovation and technolog

USA - Audio-Technica has recognised Mavric Incorporated with its Samurai Award for the 2022/2023 fiscal year, for representing Audio-Technica in the US Southeast, covering Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama.
Audio-Technica held the awards ceremony to honour its dedicated force of manufacturer’s representatives on the eve of the InfoComm Expo on 13 June, 2023, in Orlando.
Mavric Incorporated was congratulated for outstanding sales performance and bestowed with Audio-Technica’s Samurai doll. Mavric Principal Pete Petty accepted the award, which was presented by Reid Peterson, Audio-Technica US executive director, system solutions, and Jeff Beck, Audio-Technica US territory sales manager, system solutions.
Peterson said: “We are proud to honour Mavric once again with our Samurai Award. Pete Petty and the res

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