General

PLASA 2012 free registration ends in 48 hours

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The PLASA 2012 free registration offer ends in just under 48 hours! Over 9,000 people have taken advantage of the free registration offer for this year's PLASA 2012, taking place at Earls Court in London from 9 - 12 September. Register before midnight on the 29th February and save £20 on the standard ticket price.

All previous PLASA Show visitors have been sent this special offer via email, and free registration for new visitors is live at www.plasashow.com

(Claire Beeson)

Freddie Nyathela with SARA members Nonhlanhla Bonongo (left) and Nomsa Ndlovu (right).

South African Roadies to attend NSA Skills Conference

Details: 14 March 2016

South Africa / UK - Two female members of the South African Roadies Association (SARA); Nomsa Ndlovu (26) from Zola, Soweto and Nonhlanhla Bonongo (28) from Emdeni, Soweto - will join SARA president Freddie Nyathela in attending The National Skills Academy Creative & Cultural (NSA) Annual Industry Conference 2012, which takes place at The Lowry in Salford, Manchester on 6-7 March 2012.

The Conference will bring together professionals from the Creative and Cultural industries from all over the UK, to discuss how to work better in collaboration with young people and education, and explore the real return on investment in skills, and what impact this is having on the sector. John Hayes MP (Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning) will be the keynote speaker, and he will be joined by some of the most influential figures from the creative and cultural se

The course, which provides an overview of different pyrotechnic devices

Last call for Stage Pyrotechnics course

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Backstage Academy has announced the last few remaining places on its Stage Pyrotechnics course on Monday 5 March.

The one-day course is one of a few approved by The Association of Stage Pyrotechnicians and completion of the course will assist with membership of the association, by allowing one year's free membership upon joining.

The course, which provides an overview of different pyrotechnic devices, their uses and the relevant health and safety, is delivered at Backstage Academy in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The day culminates in students helping to produce a pyrotechnics display in the LS-Live studio, a 17,500sq.ft space that is normally used for the production rehearsals of internationally recognised touring artists.

Backstage Academy will also be running the following courses in March: ProTools 101 course - 5 March; Vivien Basic - 15 March; Vivien Advanced - 16 Mar

The Week in Lighting & Sound

Details: 14 March 2016

Arts Funding - Investment by businesses in the arts has dropped to its lowest level for seven years, despite a government drive to encourage philanthropy. Companies gave £134m in the financial year 2010/11, according to Arts and Business, which compiled the figures. That is £10m down on the previous year and the lowest since 2003/4. But overall investment in the arts, including money from private donors and trusts and foundations, rose by £28.5m to £686m, Arts and Business said. The charity, which aims to connect cultural organisations with donors, said individuals gave £382m in 2010/11, up £23m on the previous year. Investment from trusts and foundations rose from £155m to £170m.

Anarchy In The UK - The Sex Pistols have signed a record deal with Universal, it has been announced. An "expanded and repackaged edition"

The FNR Team at the start of the 2011 Ride

First Night Riders third outing schedule set

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - On Friday 22 June a group of intrepid motorbike riders hailing from all sectors of the entertainment technology industry will set off from the Royal Albert Hall in London for a four-day open-air tour of England's green and pleasant A-Roads.

Their mission? To raise as much money as possible for industry charity The Theatrical Guild (TTG), the only charity dedicated to looking after the interests of backstage and Front of House personnel.

"2012 marks the third First Night Riders event and we're hoping to make it the most successful and fun ride yet," says organiser David Edelstein, who is a keen biker and managing director of stage engineering company Triple E. "It's important that we value the help charities like The Theatrical Guild provide. TTG is the only charity in the UK available to anyone who works, or has worked in theatre - backstage or front of hou

European RDM and sACN Developers Conference and Plugfest

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - PLASA's Technical Resource Office announces that an RDM and sACN Developers Conference and Plugfest will take place on the 26 - 28 April, in the UK, at Gatwick Manor, London Road at Lowfield Heath, just south of Gatwick Airport.

This Developers Conference aims to provide a European forum for manufacturers, designers, consultants and prospective users; and to ensure that the adoption of these new standards achieves desired levels of interoperability and reliability.

The "Plugfest" is a hands-on opportunity for product developers to try their products and code implementations with products from a variety of other manufacturers, with support from their industry peers in an environment that encourages co-operation and improved understanding of the standards, and with the aim of achieving high levels of interoperability.

Typically, engineers participate in these ev

PAI celebrates 30th anniversary

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - In celebration of PAI's 30 years within the service industry, the company will be marking the occasion throughout 2012 with a series of online anniversary activities.

Established in the summer of 1982 as a provider of cutting-edge lighting and sound systems to the entertainment sector, the South Wales-based organisation has grown extensively over the last three decades and now encompasses Vaughan Sound, Lighting Technology Projects and Link AV within the PAI Group.

"Following the expansion into the group of four businesses specialising in the design, installation and service of sound, lighting and audio-visual equipment, we are proud to have administered, supported and nurtured one of the industry's most proficient teams," says the company.

"We'll be marking the 30 year milestone on our brand new website and our social media accounts, where we will be tak

A total of 820 attendees, including exhibitors, headed to the Renaissance Austin

PLASA Focus Texas proves unmissable

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Busy booths, packed seminars and a raft of new product launches firmly established PLASA Focus as an unmissable industry event for Texas. A total of 820 attendees, including exhibitors, headed to the Renaissance Austin to see over 50 brands launch dozens of new products and enjoy Focus's trademark informal, friendly atmosphere.

Among the new products making their debuts at Focus Austin were: the MAC III AirFX luminaire and M2GO and M2PC consoles, launched by Martin Professional; along with the DLV Digital Light, and TechnoArc automated luminaire, both from High End Systems.

The Professional Development Program was a major attraction with substantial audiences for sessions that ranged from Demystifying Audio to Austin City Limits Live!.

CEO of PLASA Matthew Griffiths, commented, "Exhibitors have been enthusing about the high quality of visitors and th

Before joining CAST Software, Jim Hutchison was a full time writer, lighting designer, and professor

Jim Hutchison takes dual roles at CAST

Details: 14 March 2016

Canada - CAST Software of Toronto has announced the promotion of Jim Hutchison, creator and editor of the internationally renowned JimOnLight.com, stepping up to assume the role of product manager for CAST Software's wysiwyg as well as for Vivien Virtual Event Designer, the CAST software suite for the special events industry.

Hutchison has been contributing marketing and technical copy for CAST Software as their social media manager since early 2009, in addition to writing various articles for the company's newsletter, The Plan.

"I'm beyond thrilled to be leading the amazing development team at CAST," says Hutchison. "I've been a wysiwyg User since Release 4, and I don't think that there is a design I haven't created in wysiwyg since the early part of this century! I love the products, I love the teams, and I love talking to our Users about how wysiwyg wo

WiSE advice for women at Perform 2012

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - This week, thousands of participants will turn out for the Perform 2012 theatre conference in London. Attendees will participate in seminars, network with other professionals, and get advice from over 50 exhibitors. This Friday, Women in Stage Entertainment, a leading networking and professional development organisation, will be hosting a seminar to engage young women considering a career in the entertainment industry.

Created by co-founders Paule Constable and Sarah Rushton-Read, WiSE aims to increase the visibility of women in the stage entertainment industry, and provides a dynamic forum for members to share information, opportunities and support. This year WiSE is taking on more educational initiatives to inspire young women to enter technical theatre.

The seminar, held at 12:30pm on Friday, is just the start for WiSE. It will feature women currently working in the in

The Week in Lighting & Sound

Details: 14 March 2016

Fair Play - Radiohead have linked up with a site which allows fans to sell tickets for their forthcoming UK tour to other fans at face value. The band said tickets sold via their fan club will be exchangeable via the Ticket Trust if a fan can no longer go. It follows a Channel 4 documentary highlighting gig promoters selling tickets on secondary ticketing websites for inflated prices. They added, "The band's enjoyment of their own shows has been marred by the knowledge that a great many of their fans have been obliged to pay well over face value for their tickets." Fans will be limited to purchasing two tickets via the fan club, with names registered, and photo ID required for entry, "to ensure fans are treated fairly". Tickets will still be available to buy from other ticketing websites.

Old News - Engelbert Humperdinck is to represent the UK at this

The PLASA Bar Late Opening

Details: 14 March 2016

No trip to PLASA 2012 is complete without a trip to the PLASA Bar at the centre of EC1. The PLASA Show is renowned for its social atmosphere and the PLASA Bar is the place to go and meet your industry colleagues when the show closes at 6pm. Open all day, the licensed bar comes alive between 6pm and 8pm when it remains open for two hours beyond the show floor closing time on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. Why not head there to catch up with friends and colleagues after a busy day, before you head out to your evening's entertainment?

The PLASA Awards For Innovation

Details: 14 March 2016

The PLASA Awards for Innovation rank among the industry's highest accolades, attracting a wide range of product nominations from across the industry worldwide. You can view the nominated products throughout the show in The Innovation Gallery, located at the entrance to EC2.

The winners of these prestigious awards will be announced on Monday 10 September at 6pm in a special ceremony in the PLASA Bar, in EC1. As well as accolades for product development, the 2012 Gottelier Award winner will be announced, recognizing one individual's outstanding contribution to the industry. All visitors are invited to join us in toasting the winners and congratulating their hard work.

The Theatres Trust Ecovenue Feature & Peoples Choice Award

Details: 14 March 2016

The Theatres Trust presents 'Celebrating Ecovenue' - an exhibition featuring the work of 48 small-to-medium sized theatres in London which participated in the Trust's ERDF funded environmental sustainability project.

Candidates for the People's Choice Award 2012 will also be on display, and you can vote for the entertainment technology you feel is making inroads into improved environmental sustainability.

Check the seminar programme for details of our report launches - 'Conference 12: Delivering Sustainable Theatres' and 'Evaluating Ecovenue'. You can also find out how you can support the Trust's work as the National Advisory Public Body for theatres in the UK.

The PLASA Fringe Village

Details: 14 March 2016

Offering an oasis of calm at the heart of the action, the PLASA Fringe village brings together many of the industry's leading trade organisations. With a programme of events taking place throughout the four days of the show, The PLASA Fringe village is the place to go to meet your membership organisation, gain advice on issues affecting your business, and become involved in industry initiatives and charities.

ArcSystem installations include Hall for Cornwall (pictured) and Birmingham ICC

GDS promotes ArcSystem at Julies Bicycle event

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Matthew Lloyd, managing director of GDS recently presented to an audience of Industry professionals at an event organised by Julies Bicycle. The not-for-profit organisation was established in 2007 by Alison Tickell. The company was set up to tackle the issue of climate change and promote sustainability within the music, theatre and creative industries. Julies Bicycle has brought together a coalition of scientific and industry figures to map the carbon profile of their industries and take practical steps to reduce it.

The event was held at Julies Bicycle headquarters, the Bush Theatre London and brought together a host of authorities including theatre technicians, consultants, venue managers and lighting designers and was sponsored by GDS distributors White Light and Stage Electrics. Matthew Lloyd was invited as a guest speaker to present the environmental attributes of GDS'

RADA has established a new vocational course to generate opportunities for individuals specialising in sound design.

RADA launches Sound Design course

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) is known to some primarily for its world-renowned training of actors, but the Academy also prides itself on producing the highest quality of technical stagecraft specialists. After 50 years' of training in the areas of stage management, lighting, property making and costume, to name a few, RADA now launches a course in Sound Design for the Theatre.

A statement reads: "The launch of this sound course will cement RADA's leading position in the field of technical theatre craft and allow the Academy to widen access to training in this area, generating invaluable opportunities for talented individuals to help them to enter the industry. Sound Design for the Theatre will provide aspiring sound designers with the skills required to undertake a successful career in technical theatre at the highest level."

Based in RADA's state-of

Richard Dyer receives his certificate from Duncan Haynes MP

Apprentice of the Year 2011

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - GDS design engineer, Richard Dyer, has been named Technical Engineering Apprentice of the Year 2011 in a recent ceremony held at Wiltshire College. The award for outstanding achievement was presented by Duncan Haynes, Liberal Democrat MP for Chippenham.

Dyer has been working for UK manufacturer GDS since 2007, when he was taken on as a full-time employee after enjoying work experience with the company. His BTEC apprenticeship in Technical engineering, combined with a workplace NVQ qualification was sponsored by GDS and completed last year.

Currently in the position of design engineer, Dyer is responsible for the SMConsole stage managers desk and CueSystem show control ranges. Both ranges are being supplied across the world, from London's West End to Sydney and across the USA. They have been used in prestigious shows including the Michael Jackson Arena tour and Broadway's

The Week in Lighting & Sound

Details: 14 March 2016

In The Money - Country star Taylor Swift has beaten Adele and Lady Gaga to be named the highest-earning pop artist of 2011 by trade publication Billboard. The 22-year-old earned $35,719,902 (£22.7m) in 2011 from a combination of music sales, royalties and touring. U2 took second place with $32m (£20m) thanks to their 360 tour, seen by more than seven million people. Kenny Chesney came third, followed by last year's highest earner, Lady Gaga, while Adele came 10th. The British singer had the biggest-selling album of the year, but her earnings were affected by the cancellation of her North American tour for throat surgery.

Olympic Countdown - The London Olympics and Paralympics could boost West End box offices, according to a survey of theatre-goers. In the Whatsonstage.com poll of more than 32,000 theatre-goers, 70% said they would attend as much

Nashville is the latest event to be launched under the PLASA Focus banner

PLASA Focus: Nashville 2012 - Open for business!

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - PLASA Focus: Nashville 2012 has launched with a new website and free online registration. The event will take place 11-12 July 2012 at the Municipal Auditorium, in Nashville, TN.

Nashville is the latest event to be launched under the PLASA Focus banner, and follows the hugely successful PLASA Focus: Austin, held in February of this year. The current series of North American regional events are modelled after PLASA Focus: Leeds (UK), which, in its third year, topped 2500 attendees.

PLASA Focus: Nashville 2012 will bring regional entertainment technology communities together to do business and network in a relaxed and friendly setting. While regional exhibitors and visitors are set to benefit from the new event, PLASA Focus: Nashville will also give those involved the opportunity to mix with a wider audience than has ever been possible before as PLASA Focus: Nashville will

Fisher Productions appoints Kelly Yeomans

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Fisher Productions has appointed Kelly Yeomans as its Venue Relationship Manager. The role will see Kelly developing and nurturing close-working relationships with Fisher's large portfolio of venues to ensure an efficient, safe and consistent level of service.

"Fisher Productions has undergone rigorous assessment of industry codes and practices to achieve accredited supplier status at the majority of the big museums, galleries, historic houses and palaces in London and the Home Counties. Kelly's previous role, as Logistics Manager for Fisher, provides her with a perfect platform and knowledge of the industry for her new role," says the company.

Fisher recognises the need to manage and strengthen relationships with all its stakeholders and Managing Director Clare MacWatt suggests that "the venue is a crucial part of the event planning process and having a fa

Kenneth Bremer appointed CEO of Matrix Group

Details: 14 March 2016

Denmark - Matrix Group has appointed Kenneth Bremer as CEO. Since 2009, Bremer has worked in Italy, most recently in strategic marketing and PR with loudspeaker manufacturer RCF, based in Reggio Emilia.

Matrix Group's stated mission is to become one of the most important players in the market segment of solutions and product supply to the entertainment industry. With a strong line-up of companies within the group, Matrix Group is an attractive partner towards sales, installation and distribution of professional products to the industry from 'day to day' distribution business to complex turnkey installations.

Matrix Group companies include the following:

Moto Audio Sales - a provider of complete pro audio solutions to live event production - as well as being the distributor in Denmark for L-Acoustics, Arx, Aviom, Optogate, Buttkicker and Pinanson.

Nordic Sales & Staging - a

Robolights on the move

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Specialist manufacturer Robolights, has recently relocated to new premises in the South West. Robolights' Julian Baycock explained to LSI the reasons for the move: "An ideal premises for our company became available in Exeter allowing us to bring our manufacturing, fabrication, warehousing and administration all under one roof. The well equipped building will enable us to increase our capacity and range of services whilst continuing to serve our ever growing UK and overseas customer base."

Although Robolights is well known throughout the industry for its Smart Socket and other award winning products, a large part of the company's business is the manufacture and assembly of specialist facility panels, power distribution, system control panels and other bespoke items.

Over the years Robolights has manufactured numerous production lighting and audio / AV boxes that

inspHire launches Hire Management Dashboards

Details: 14 March 2016

UK- In addition to inspHire's easy to use Hire Management Solutions, dedicated to continual product development, inspHire will be demonstrating new features including inspHire's new user-friendly Hire Management Dashboards at this years PSE Expo.

inspHire Dashboards provide key, real time, information in a simple, easy to read, graphical format for all areas of the business - whether it's live hire and analytical information for the Hire Manager or a snapshot of items due for preventative maintenance or breakdown for the workshop. inspHire Dashboards can also be accessed whilst on the move via inspHire-iX, inspHire's mobile application, which was demonstrated at last years exhibition.

inspHire's easy to use software solution is tailored to meet the specific needs of the portable sanitation market and is used by industry specialists such as Elliotts, D-Tox and Simply Loos.

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