General

ESTA announces Award Winners

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - ESTA (the Entertainment Services and Technology Association) announced the winners of the 2004 Dealers' and Manufacturers' Choice Awards during the LDI exhibition in Las Vegas last week. The Dealers' Choice Customer Service Awards offer ESTA's Dealer Members the opportunity to publicly recognize those manufacturers that provide consistently good customer service throughout the year. The awards recognize superior performance in four main areas: Customer Service, Shipping and Billing, Technical Support and Quotations/Project Management. Dealers cast their votes for manufacturers in each of three categories based on the Manufacturers' number of employees, 1-6, 7-25, and over 25 - and the winners for 2004 were Doug Fleenor Design Inc; City Theatrical and Apollo Design Technology Inc, respectively.

The Manufacturers' Choice Dealers of the Year Awards offer ESTA's Manufacturer

Breaking China

Details: 14 March 2016

If the cruise market isn't of interest, then maybe China is. PLASA will shortly be introducing a new service for members which will assist them with securing new business in China.

Run in partnership with Schmittzehe & Partners, the service will embrace investment valuation, financial structuring, business development, negotiations, interim management and the setting-up and manning of representative offices. Members are offered a free half-hour consultation.Call us now on

New PLASA Members

Details: 14 March 2016

24 new members have signed up over the summer months and a further 38 are currently applying for membership.

Included amongst the recent new members are Spectrum (UK) Lasers Ltd (Peterborough), Theatre Projects Consultants (London), Robe Show Lighting (Czech Republic), AV Matrix (Harrogate), Bryant Broadcast (Surrey), Central Presentations Ltd (Kenilworth), Miltec UK (Maidstone), Chainmaster (Germany), Milos Ltd (Czech Republic), PR Lighting Ltd (China), VXCO Lighting Systems (Switzerland), The Sound & Light Company Ltd (Isle of Wight), DiGiCo (UK) Ltd (Chessington), Guangzhou Surepro Audio & Lighting Equipment Co (China), Meyer Sound (USA), Duran Audio BV (The Netherlands), Sleepless Productions Ltd (Havant) and Atmosphere Inc (Derby).

Individual members inc

PLASA links up with Seatrade 2005

Details: 14 March 2016

PLASA has announced a joint initiative with CMP Princeton, organizers of the annual Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention, to launch a new pavilion at the event, focusing directly on lighting, audio, AV and staging technologies.

The PLASA@Sea Pavilion will form a key element of the show which is the largest gathering of cruise line owners, operators and suppliers in the world. Although such technologies have been seen at Seatrade before, this is the first time they will feature in a dedicated area.

This new initiative offers a targeted market opportunity for companies who want to directly connect to the growing cruise markets and will also raise the profile of PLASA and its members.

Seatrade takes place in Miami in March 2005 and UK companies may be able to secure funding to participate. For further details call our US office on +1 212 352 2334 or e-mail

Auction to utilize Stage Electrics' expertise

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Stage Electrics will be holding an auction in North London on behalf of Northern Light on Saturday 20 November. 850 stage and entertainment lighting, sound and miscellaneous lots will be under the hammer at the Millennium Studios, 5 Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire from 10:00am. Over 2500 invitations have been distributed and the level of response has been impressive. Viewing of the equipment takes place on Friday 19 November from 14:00 to 20:00 and on the Saturday morning from 08:00.

There will be new and used equipment to suit every budget. From large Gladiator follow spots to small birdies, Patt 23 to Strand SL Profiles, From Carousel to Barco LCD projectors. The list is endless and an up to date version can be found at the website below.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Bill Groener elected ESTA president

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - ESTA - The Entertainment Services and Technology Association - has announced the election results for its 2005 Board of Directors, with Bill Groener of Color Kinetics taking over the role of president from Mike Wood. Other appointments are: manufacturer vice-president - Bob Luther (CEO, Lex Products Corp), dealer director - Larry Schoeneman (Designlab Chicago Inc), manufacturer director - Rich Wolpert (Union Connector Company) and affiliate director - David Taylor (Theatre Projects Consultants).

Bill Groener has a long history of service to the Association, having previously served as the chair of the Technical Standards Committee, dealer director, affiliate vice-president, and a member of numerous committees including Long-Range Planning and the recent Buyers Survey. ESTA says Groener is in the unique position of having, during the course of his career, been a Dealer, Ma

Practical Solutions to a Terminal Problem

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Following on from the successful 'Working Safely - Adapting to change in the electrical distribution phase colour codes' seminar at the PLASA Show, PLASA is hosting a follow-up seminar on 15 November at RIBA's London premises. The half-day open discussion and workshop will attempt to resolve ways in which the industry can manage the mixture of old and new colour schemes in temporary installations, especially during the grace period which runs until April 2006.

Anyone interested in helping to formulate a practical answer to this change in the wiring regulations is invited to attend. For more details on this half-day session, including directions and timings, please contact Nic Bowker at the email or phone number below.

(Ruth Rossington)

PRG merger sees Pagett depart

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Ed Pagett, the well-known general manager of VLPS Lighting Services which merged with PRG recently, has left the company following an internal reorganization which sees David Keighley of LSD-Fourth Phase take over at the head of the newly-formed PRG Lighting division. It is understood that Pagett left the company in mid-October, although no official statement had been issued by PRG at the time of going to press.

Sting returns to the <I>Waters of Tyne</I>

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Sting and Northern Sinfonia are to perform the classic Waters of Tyne, which will be specially arranged by composer David Lang whilst high wire artist Philippe Petit crosses the Tyne gorge to the upper façade of The Sage Gateshead on 21 June 2005. Lighting for this event is to be designed by Tony Award-winners Fisher Dachs Associates.

Sting - world-renowned singer, composer, actor and activist - will join forces with Northern Sinfonia in June 2005 in his native Northeast. The international chart-topper, who rose to fame as the front man of The Police and went onto global acclaim as a solo artist is to sing Waters of Tyne in an event, which forms part of The Sage Gateshead's opening year of celebrations. Sting commented: "It's really exciting for me to know that this spectacular building The Sage Gateshead will enable visiting musicians to experience this

L-R: Roland Chadwick, Trevor Cross, Eddy O'Hare.

Audio Light Systems arrives

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Audio Light Systems Ltd is a new company created to provide informed proposals and installations for design teams, contractors and clients. Utilizing the latest software, the company says it can design "technically outstanding and quality controlled installations on time and within budget". From conception to completion and training, this new company is offering consultation, installation and project management for new build, refurbishment and upgrade projects nationwide, covering audio, lighting, AV or specialist systems.

The company's core design team of Eddy O'Hare, Roland Chadwick and Trevor Cross have been involved in projects of all scales throughout the globe for the last 25 years and are familiar names in the installation and consultancy sectors. They are currently involved in projects in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

(Lee Baldock)

Online listings: read the small print

Details: 14 March 2016

Worldwide - One of the more established scams in this industry is back doing the rounds again, demonstrating just how lucrative this particular con-trick must be. Persistence obviously pays.

If you exhibit at any of the key shows in the industry, you'll certainly be targeted: the pitch comes via an A4 form inviting you to update an online listing run by a European publisher. Because the listing is overtly linked to a particular trade show, you could be forgiven for thinking that the website in question is somehow endorsed by the organizer, when in fact it is nothing of the sort.

What it is, is a lesson in how to take advantage of people who are just too busy to check the small print. Through the two-minute act of updating and returning the form, which appears to suggest the service is free, you are actually signing a contract binding you to a three-year agreement, which will l

From L-R: Jon Sellins, Simon Battersby, Mark Harding, Steve Reynolds and Rachel Parker infront.

Showsec secure Earls Court

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Showsec has signed a new two-and-a-half year contract to supply London's Earls Court venue with crowd-management services. The contract builds on two successful years with Earls Court, where Showsec has managed the front of house security and stewarding operation, across events including The Prince's Trust Urban Music Festival, Madonna and Justin Timberlake concerts, Coldplay and Paul McCartney. This new agreement extends Showsec's relationship with the venue.

Showsec's Earls Court team, along with the rest of its London staff, is continuing its programme of the NCFE event stewarding qualifications, SIA door supervisor training and event supervisor courses to ensure high standards of customer care. Over the next year Showsec and Earls Court will also be ensuring the new SIA regulations are adhered to as they are introduced in London.

Showsec southern regional manager Simo

PLASA Elections

Details: 14 March 2016

The results of this year's elections for places on the PLASA executive committee came through just as L&SI was going to press.

Seven candidates put their names forward to contest the four available seats which had arisen from the natural rotation of committee members and the resignation of John Jones (PCM) earlier in the year. The 2004 Treasurer David Hopkins OBE (Audio Design Services) and Chairman Diane Grant (DHA Lighting) were joined on the list of candidates by Stuart Gibbons (Le Mark), Iain Price-Smith (Light Engineering - Multiform), Siobhan Hitchen (Rope Assemblies), Linda Moore (Stage Electrics) and Duncan Smith (Roscolab).

Voting closed at 5pm on Monday 6 December with Diane Grant securing the most votes, followed by David Hopkins, Linda Moore and Siobhan Hitchen. Those four will now serve on PLASA's executive body - the first three serving three-year terms, whilst Siobhan

Grants to help Exhibitors in 2005

Details: 14 March 2016

PLASA has negotiated funding for five key trade shows taking place in 2005. If you are considering exhibiting at any of the five events listed below, your first move should be to call PLASA.

Companies can receive up to 50% of their net expenses up to a maximum of £2,500. Stand space, construction, freight costs and literature can all be claimed for, although the grants do not extend to travel and accommodation.Because the funding is sourced from the UK government, it only applies to UK organizations. Eligible companies must be registered in the UK, fit the European Union definition of an SME and export from the UK.

An information pack with further details on how to apply for funding, travel and hotel packages, together with background information on the show and country, is available for each funded event.

ISE in Amsterdam (26-28 January)

PALME in Dubai (24-26 April)

CALM in

PLASA Membership Passes 500 Mark

Details: 14 March 2016

For the first time in the Association's history, the number of members has shot past the 500 mark. If you're interested in joining PLASA and taking advantage of a range of benefits and services tailored to your needs, call us on +44 (0)1323 410335. For 2005, Full and EU member fees will be £470 per year; corporate fees will be £160 per year; Associate fees will range from £80-£470 and Student fees remain fixed at £30.

New wiring colour identification labels

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Le Mark announced the launch of a new product to assist all areas of the entertainment industry effected by the changes to existing electrical wiring core colours. Please see Amendment No 2 to BS 7671 : 2001 or follow the iee website link below.

These colours are a sometimes referred to as "harmonised" colours and will bring the UK closely in line with practice in mainland Europe. Following visitor request received during the 2004 PLASA show and since. The need to produce a simple to use and visually effective method of marking both electrical cable 'tails' and when required Cam-Lok/Power Lock type connectors was requested. With three-phase, a caution notice is also required at the distribution board.

To assist with this,Le Mark has developed a version of its established Identi-Tak cable length marking system.The new version Identi-Tail, combines the existing vi

VectorWorks puts lighting design in the Spotlight

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Computers Unlimited has teamed up with the Central School of Speech & Drama in London to stage the first ever UK VectorWorks Spotlight event.

VectorWorks Spotlight is an entertainment and lighting design software, which merges sophisticated 2D drafting and powerful 3D modelling with advanced lighting design and production tools. The organizer says the event will provide an opportunity to see some outstanding projects created using VectorWorks Spotlight.

Mark Stephens, director of The Design Division (a specialist VectorWorks reseller and producer of the new VectorWorks Spotlight Training CD), will start the event with an overview of VectorWorks. He will then demonstrate the specific Spotlight features, and will also show the new VectorWorks training CD which now includes specific movies on Spotlight. Alex Wardle, a lighting designer and technical manager, will cover setting up

Wembley Arena - Pavilion

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Wembley London Ltd and Quintain Estates & Development Plc have announced that work on the new Wembley Arena Pavilion has begun. The state-of-the-art temporary structure is being built to host all shows while the £29m refurbishment programme on Wembley Arena begins in early 2005. John Probyn - Clear Channel Entertainment's head of production - has been contracted by Wembley as project manager for the site.Probyn, who has built a successful reputation as one of the UK live music industry's leading production and site managers has been responsible for events such as Clear Channel shows in Hyde Park (see L&SI August 2004) and Donnington.

The Pavilion will take two months to build, with a team of 80 staff on site to oversee construction. The fully insulated and sound-proofed structure will be built with over 45,000m of scaffolding and will weigh over 250 tons. A special secondary mem

L&SI reports from the Entertainent Technology Show

Details: 14 March 2016

LDI is now prefaced with 'ETS' for the 'Entertainment Technology Show' in a conscious move away from the show's established 'lighting' focus. This year's show was a good, positive exhibition with satisfied exhibitors seeing a good level of business, albeit with a bad level of catering. But let's get on to the business in hand . . .

Cirque Du Soleil

Details: 14 March 2016

Cirque Du Soleil now has six touring shows worldwide and five resident productions in the US - three of which are in Las Vegas, with a fourth, 'Ka', due to open this month at the MGM Grand. So this was a home-from-home for the company's technical and human resources representatives who were exhibiting at LDI to raise the profile of its technical recruitment program. This is an increasingly vital requirement of this huge entertainment concern, which now employs around 2,700 people worldwide. Among those which Cirque is particularly keen to reach are experienced automation technicians - essential to so much of their performances.

Lamina Ceramics

Details: 14 March 2016

Making its LDI debut was Lamina Ceramics, maker of LED sources of unusually high brightness. The company has earned a lot of media attention, including a story in The New York Times, and a very favorable quote from lighting designer Jules Fisher. The company's ultra-high lumen RGB light engine is, they say, 10 times brighter than any previously demonstrated and generates light in any of more than 16,000,000 colours, including white.

PLASA Election results

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The results of this year's elections for places on the PLASA executive committee have been announced. Seven candidates put their names forward to contest the four available seats which had arisen from the natural rotation of committee members and the resignation of John Jones (then of PCM) earlier in the year.

The 2004 Treasurer David Hopkins OBE (Audio Design Services) and Chairman Diane Grant (DHA Lighting) were joined on the list of candidates by Stuart Gibbons (Le Mark), Iain Price-Smith (Light Engineering - Multiform), Siobhan Hitchen (Rope Assemblies), Linda Moore (Stage Electrics) and Duncan Smith (Roscolab).

Consultation for new PEL fees

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has published a consultation document in order to elicit views about the fee levels to be established under the Licensing Act 2003. The consultation period ends this Thursday, 23 December. The fees relate in part to applications for authorisations to provide regulated entertainment, and also include fees for notices for temporary events. Before finalizing the fee levels, the DCMS aims to consult as widely as possible on the appropriate level for these fees. The consultation document can be viewed here.

Local Authorities are lobbying the secretary of state claiming that the proposed fees s

Charities want your old phones for Christmas

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - If Santa brings you a new mobile phone for Christmas, don't forget you can put your old one to good use - you can recycle it for charity.

Some of the UK's leading charities have teamed up with specialist recycling company The Recycling Appeal to run eco-friendly fundraising appeals, meaning every mobile you donate can generate vital funds for your chosen cause. The phones are refurbished and resold, with a substantial portion of the proceeds going to charitable organizations. All you have to do is choose which charity you want to donate to - Marie Curie Cancer Care, the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, the Royal National Institute of the Blind, the Children's Hospice Association Scotland or Northern Ireland Hospice Care.

Jamie Rae, chief executive of Eurosource, said: "When people receive fancy new mobiles for Christmas, their old phones are often forgotten about.

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