USA - InfoComm International and NSCA have announced a cooperative effort to consolidate their industry events. As part of this consolidation, the 2008 NSCA Systems Integration Expo will now become part of InfoComm's annual trade show in Las Vegas, 18-20 June 2008. NSCA will also transfer its ownership interest in Integrated Systems Europe to the remaining partners, as per a separate operating agreement.

According to Chuck Wilson, executive director of NSCA: "This is simply a huge deal for our industry and one we have been discussing for at least ten years. It's exciting to finally be able to say yes to the hundreds of shared exhibitors and attendees of both trade shows who have been asking for us to do this."

As part of further event consolidation, InfoComm will discontinue its Executive Business Conference and become a primary sponsor of the 2008 NSCA Business Conf

Denmark - Martin Professional A/S continues its positive growth in 2007, maintaining the improvements that the company experienced in 2006, the company reports. Martin increased revenue by 29.8% from DKK 457.8 million (approx. $83.2 million) in the first half of 2006 to DKK 594.3 million (approx. $108.1 million) in the first six months of 2007, an H1 record for the company. The substantial revenue improvement was prevalent across all of Martin's key markets, with the exception of the USA where revenue was slightly lower than last year.

Martin now expects to generate revenue of approximately DKK 1.2 billion (approx. $218.2 million) in 2007 with a pre-tax profit of approximately DKK 70 million (approx. $12.7 million) compared with the previous forecast of DKK 40 million (approx. $7.3 million).

Shipping of large single orders, among other factors, positively impacted H1 2007 reve

USA - Theatrical engineer John Charles "Jack" Suesse died on 17 August following a brief illness. He was 64. For more than 30 years, Jack was associated with J. R. Clancy Inc, the oldest theatrical rigging company in the US, serving as president from 1986-2005. He then formed his own consulting firm, J. Suesse & Associates, and also served as a special projects advisor to Stage Technologies in London and Las Vegas. He was a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and was selected as a Fellow of the United States Institute for Technical Theater in 1993.

Jack worked on theatrical projects of all sizes across the world including the Peace Center in Greenville, SC, the Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City, the Chicago Opera House, and the United States Naval Academy. He had a long-standing concern for safety and served on the Ente

UK - The Verlinde Technologies division of French manufacturer Verlinde has announced that that Simon Rothechild's new title is business development manager for UK and Ireland with immediate effect. Rothechild is now also responsible for the South African territory, as well as other international regions for Verlinde, which are due to come on stream soon.

Thomas Descamps, Verlinde's managing director, said: "Simon has proved over many months an enthusiasm and aptitude to perform in the role, and he continues to hit his new business targets. Our sales in UK and Ireland are on track, and we are pleased to extend Simon's role to South Africa where he has already helped us make significant inroads into a major new marketplace."

(Jim Evans)

UK - Due to circumstances beyond their control, Deco Leisure Group has been forced to pull outof the forthcoming PLASA Show at Earls Court.

The company suffered severe damage to its Birmingham manufacturing plant during the recent floods in the UK, and had hoped to have time to recover from the damage. However, the situation was exacerbated by a reoccurrence of the drainage problems over the week-end of 1 September, prompting CEO Sammy DeHavilland to make a formal statement:

"We consider the PLASA Exhibition to be the most important in the calendar; however the recent flooding has forced us to focus on the continuity of supply to our customers, rather then attending the show - it has become obvious we cannot do both.

DeHavilland explained: "Ironically the main problem, which involves the run-off of excess water from the site, was not our responsibility until last y

UK - Wireless Solution Sweden is to launch Wireless University, an ongoing series of presentations and hands on demonstrations aimed at educating the industry on the technology and benefits of wireless DMX, at PLASA 07.

The programme kicks off at PLASA with a special seminar titled Wireless Control Technology held on Monday, 10 September from 10:30am to 12:00pm.

The series of technical sessions will continue at LDI in November and throughout 2008 in all major exhibitions worldwide, says the company. Two kinds of courses will be offered: A general overview and a more technical course, with completion earning a 'diploma', certifying the holder as a master Wireless DMX technician, available for on-site support.

In addition, Wireless Solution will host Road Shows and Open Houses in Europe, America, Middle East and Asia, which will give industry professionals a chance to n

International - The first digital edition of Lighting&Sound International magazine goes live today, on the eve of the 2007 PLASA Show.

Timed to coincide with both the PLASA 07 and the re-launch of the popular LSI Online website, L&SI's digital edition will offer an easily navigable and fully searchable on-screen version of the familiar magazine, accessible for subscribers anywhere there is Internet access, as soon as the magazine is published.

The digital edition will allow PLASA Media to significantly increase the global circulation of Lighting&Sound International magazine.

Available free to industry professionals worldwide, the digital edition will boost readership, particularly in developing markets where the cost of subscriptions has previously been an obstacle, and equally in far-flung territories where

UK - A seminar chaired by Mhora Samuel, director of The Theatres Trust, will highlight what leading theatre owners are doing to limit the carbon footprint of their venues - and what the industry can do to help. The seminar will take place at the forthcoming PLASA Show in London.

Following the Kyoto Protocol, the UK Government set a goal for CO2 emission reductions at 20% below the 1990 level by 2010. With the Climate Change Act due to be in place by Easter 2008 all businesses are being asked to play their part. Many theatres are aware that reducing emissions also helps to reduce their energy bills and are taking action now.

At this seminar, organised by The Theatres Trust, Dr Ben Todd, executive director of Arcola Theatre and Natalie Lewis, group operations co-ordinator of Ambassador Theatre Group, will talk about their plans to reduce CO2 emissions in their theatres and what

UK - Stagesafe, the event safety consultancy set up 10 years ago by Chris Hannam, has introduced a new Event Safety Vehicle, based on a 4x4 Jeep Cherokee, that besides serving as a patrol vehicle for event safety staff during festivals and events, is also designed for use as a rapid response vehicle in emergency situations.

Says Hannam: "The specially equipped vehicle can be called in instantly by radio to a hazardous situation that can then be evacuated, cleared, contained and made as safe as possible until the full support of the emergency services arrive. Following the emergency, safety staff can then deal with the aftermath and conduct an investigation designed to prevent further or similar incidents."

The new vehicle is, he says, designed to protect organisers, staff, audience and performers, adding that it can also be used to transport emergency crews, equipmen

UK - The new look PLASA07 opened for business this morning, 9 September, following a rush of last-minute registrations and confirmation of a substantial number of major product launches scheduled over the four days of the exhibition.

This year's show features a new layout, new features, over 50 new exhibitors, plus an expanded educational programme with many sessions free to visitors. These include special interest sessions from BEIRG, InfoComm International and the Theatres Trust, plus specialist sessions from Cirque Du Soleil, Duran Audio and Wireless Solutions. Additionally, the organizers have invested a range of visitor facilities including wi-fi lounges and meeting rooms.

The PLASA Awards for Innovation will be announced at 6pm this evening in the Central Bar area, located between Earls Court 1 and 2.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Following discussions between PLASA Events and A.C. Lighting, an agreement has been reached that will see A.C. Lighting sell its A.C. Lighting North Trade Show to PLASA Events.

The agreement reflects the intention of both organisations to work together to ensure the entertainment, event and production industries in the north have a single industry-led event that serves their needs.

A.C. Lighting, a long-standing member of PLASA, started their event in 1999 and quickly established it in the industry calendar, developing it further in recent years to provide a strong focus for the region.

A.C. North 2008 will be the last trade show organised under that name by A.C. Lighting. Immediately after its close, PLASA Events will take over the management and ownership of the event and will look to build on the regional platform established by A.C.

The move fits the strategic aim

UK - In an unexpected move announced today by Julian Blyth and Andrew Stirling at PLASA 2007, SCV London and Stirling Trading are to join forces. The new operation will be effective as of 1 October and Stirling Trading will be moving into the larger SCV premises in Loughton, Essex. The arrangement sees Andrew Stirling taking up a full-time position on the board of directors of SCV London.

"This is the culmination of a one year strategy review to develop the SCV London business," states Blyth. "This merger will strengthen our presence in the pro-audio markets and bring some excellent new talent to the Company. I'm very much looking forward to working together with Andrew to develop our business further."

Andrew Stirling comments, "The synergy of our joint distribution portfolios plus the strength of Stirling's direct sales built up over many years exper

UK - M-Audio walked away with four prizes at last nights (Sunday) twelfth annual DJ Magazine Tech Awards held at the Ministry Of Sound .

The company swept up the awards with Ableton Live 6 being named as Best Software, Torq Xponent DJ Controller winning Best DJ Controller, Trigger Finger USB MIDI Controller took Best Studio Controller while the MicroTrack 24/96 Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Recorder walked away with the Best Portable Recorder prize.

M-Audio, who are also featuring a wide range of other DJ products as well as their new EX-66 Studio Monitors, can be found on Stand N39.

(Rob Speight)

UK - The 2007 PLASA Awards for Innovation, announced last night in a special presentation ceremony at the PLASA Show, reflect the ever-more dynamic, diverse and creative health of the global entertainment and installation technology industries.

65 products from 10 different countries were entered this year, and covered a broad range of lighting, audio, rigging and staging, AV, effects, software and accessories - amply reflecting the industry's diversity and global nature.

"The energy, ideas and innovation that feature at PLASA start from the imaginative minds that make up the industry," said PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths. "The talent in this business is formidable, and it's that talent that we're celebrating."

During the ceremony, attended by special guests from across the industry, eight awards were presented.These went to:

beyerdynamic (GB) Ltd - Hea

UK - British loudspeaker design pioneer Tony Andrews last night became the first recipient of the newly-created Gottelier Award, named in memory of Tony Gottelier, the leading designer, innovator and industry commentator who died in 2006.

The Gottelier Award was inaugurated this year to recognise an individual or team who, over the years, has made a significant and sustained contribution to the advancement of entertainment, presentation or installation technology - whether in audio, lighting, rigging, staging or any other related field.

Following nominations from across all sectors, four industry pioneers were shortlisted - Tony Andrews (Funktion One), Richard Belliveau (High End Systems), Adam Bennette (ETC) and Wayne Howell (Artistic Licence). The winner was decided through an open online vote on the PLASA website.

Designed to further emphasise the PLASA Innovation Awards'

UK - Senior Management of CIE-Group - UK supply partners for some of the industry's leading audio & CCTV brands including Inter-M, FBT Audio Contractor and EverFocus - will be donning the cycling clips and hitting the road at the end of September as they undertake a 500-mile cycle ride across France in just three days.

Chris Edwards, CIE-Group's head of marketing and also chairman of local charity 'Derby Kids' Camp', will be joined by CIE-Group colleagues Steve Collin (head of sales) and Martin Featherstone (audio sales), as 'Team EverFocus' undertake this challenging three day event to raise much needed funds both for the children's charity and Wessex Heartbeat Foundation.

The funds raised will help Derby Kids' Camp to provide disadvantaged children from the local area with a free holiday and will also support the hard work of Wessex Heartbeat to provide specialist care for a

UK - Star Events Group has launched its new website (www.stareventsgroup.com) that offers "a host of new and unique features that will make choosing a Star Events Group stage or service even easier than before".

Features include 'Stage Choosing Wizard' which allows the visitor to quickly and simply determine which stage will suit a particular event by choosing options from the drop down menus. The Stage Comparator compares all the main technical specifications and other useful information of any, or all, of Star Events Group's range of stages, while the Gallery shows what can be achieved with each staging line.

Users with Login codes can get access to all the documents pertaining to a particular event. Star Events Group can host this service on request and the service will soon extend to venues that it operates in on a contract basis.

There is also a Useful Links s

Dubai - Following the appointment of PALME Middle East exhibition director, Alexander Heuff, show organisers IIR Exhibitions Entertainment & Installation Technology Group have announced the arrival of Neil Hickman as group exhibitions director. Most recently he has spent four years as director of the Cityscape series of events, based in Dubai.

Commenting on the continuing potential for sound and vision integrators in the region, Hickman said, "The boom in hotel build and future tourism attractions shows no sign of letting up - new projects are being announced on an almost daily basis. As a result, the professional sound, light, music, audio visual and systems integration industries are expected to quadruple in the next three years as a result of opportunities in both the commercial and residential sectors."

(Jim Evans)

UK - Sonic Distribution recently celebrated five years in the business and has just acquired a new 5,500sq.ft distribution and warehousing facility and offices.

Sonic MD James Young comments: "It's been an amazing five years. In that short time we've been able to pick and choose leading brands to offer producers and musicians the ultimate solution from the ground up, no matter what their experience or set-ups, from bedroom studios right up to Real World studios.

"With our free loan service and Studio Sonic, we also offer the easiest ways for people to try before they buy. And with the new website, new lines and a brand new office complex we can only go from strength to strength. Here's to the next five years."

(Jim Evans)

UK - PLASA 07, the first PLASA Show managed in-house by PLASA Events, has been judged an 'outstanding success' by exhibitors and visitors alike - with a large number of this year's exhibitors already confirming their intention to return to the show in 2008. The show featured over 500 new product launches and attracted over 50 new exhibitors.

With the show floor packed on Monday morning, PLASA Events also announced its acquisition of the A.C. Lighting North trade show, bringing the PLASA Events' team's expertise and drive to this fast-growing event for the north of the UK.

PLASA 07's radical new layout saw an easy-to-navigate, one-floor event occupy both Earls Court 1 and 2, combined with lower noise limits and a smoke-free atmosphere - plus exhibitors' determination to make the most of the new opportunities with brand new stand designs. The massive growth in innovative video a

UK - Le Maitre chose the recent PLASA Show in London to celebrate the company's 30th birthday. Company directors Rick Wilson and Karen Haddon were joined by members of the media and industry luminaries to help them celebrate their great achievement.

In a short address, Wilson gave praise to all those people, past and present, who had helped them on the way: "Le Maitre has benefited from a great deal of help from both the industry and the media," he said. Karen Haddon added: "It's hard to believe that from such small beginnings, Le Maitre is now such an established international brand."

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Recently formed Scattered Media has announced the launch of its second exhibition - evenTech Ireland 2008 which is scheduled for 18-19 November, 2008, at the RDS, Dublin.

Scattered Media's Darren Brechin says: "As with other regions, the scope of development in Ireland now presents the perfect opportunity for the evenTech Ireland forum and similarly, the event will give a well-timed boost to the Irish entertainment and installation technology industry."

The launch of evenTech Ireland 2008 closely follows the announcement of evenTech Scotland 2008 - scheduled for 20-21 February, 2008 at the Marriott Hotel, Glasgow.

(Jim Evans)

UK - This year's winner of the Michael Northen Bursary, who received an honourable mention last year, is Georg Spindler who entered his lighting design for The Memory of Water, which formed part of the 2007 student show at LIPA.

Described by the judges as "creative in a very theatrical way, this was a beautifully documented and reasoned entry, with well presented sketches and photographs," the design won Spindler the £500 Bursary.

Presenting the award on 11 September at PLASA 07, Rick Fisher, chairman of the ALD, said: "There was definitely no 'favouritism' because this year, for the first time, the judges were not told the names of the entrants, so to us all the entries were anonymous."

The judges - ALD members Rick Fisher, Sam Gibbons, Mark Jonathan, Mary Pope, Paul Pyant, Mike Robertson and Mark White, also representing ETC - were unanimou

UK - A.C. Lighting has opened a new 24-hour online shop (www.aclighting.com/shop) to provide customers with round-the-clock ordering access to its range of entertainment technology brands.

Initially the shop will sell consumable items, but as it develops, A.C. Lighting will be introducing more and more items from its extensive range of lighting, audio and rigging products. Consumables currently available through the shop include batteries, effects fluid, filter sheets, gobos, gobo accessories, lamps and tape.

With the shop being available to customers worldwide and many items available in stock for immediate despatch, the new service provides customers with a fast, efficient way to order urgent items for speedy delivery, says the company.

(Jim Evans)

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