General

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14 March 2016

Members of ASPEC will benefit greatly from PLASA's knowledge, experience and resources. ASPEC will be working closely with PLASA's Production Equipment Rental Group (PERG), its counterpart group based in North America, discussing and sharing common rental issues which affect all those involved in the sector. It will be the beginning of a new and exciting chapter.

ASPEC has operated in its present format since 1994, comprising many of the UK's facilities companies in the film, television and broadcast industries. It will continue to be a leader in the k

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14 March 2016

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14 March 2016

Both sharing legacies in the events industry of over 20 years, the two companies will work as one to grow all sides of the business, from brand engagement activities, roadshows and stunts to award, conference and event production, with an enhanced focus on overseas incentive travel for 2014.

Paul Lloyd will join the team as event director, and he comments, "When you meet the Mobile Promotions team you are instantly struck by the passion they exude for their clients, which is something that we very much have in common. We pride ourselves on

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14 March 2016

Blitz has achieved five successive years of growth, with significant investment in both technology and project management talent, ensuring their service offering is at the highest level. With 15 years' experience in the events industry, most recently at MCL London, Andy brings a wealth of experience to the team; he will be ensuring the promotion of Blitz's increasing portfolio of services, and their expanding range of technologies unique to the events sector, says the company.

Sales director, Graham Pope commented, "In a world of technology, people make the difference and I am sure Andy will complement our existing team perfectly and become an integral part of our continued success."

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

The creative industries careers event took place across Sheffield City Hall, Sheffield Theatres and the O2 Academy. It attracted over 350 14 -19-year-olds eager to learn about employment and career pathways in the creative industries. Live Nation's Paul Latham introduced the event by talking about how he got into the event industry, followed by talks from BBC Introducing's executive producer Lyndsey Boggis and Stealth Management's James Mountain.

Backstage Academy set up camp in the O2 Academy Sheffield where it aimed to inspire students about the career opportunities on offer in the backstage live events sector. It invited students to hear practical advice from in

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14 March 2016

Jack returns with RCIB Insurance Racing Squad, to drive the Vauxhall Insignia for a second full season.

AC-ET were delighted with Jack's performance in his 2013 debut BTCC Championship last year. He achieved great pace over the season, including being second fastest for most of the race day at Silverstone and a well-earned second place podium finish in the final round at Brands Hatch after a climactic battle for position with outgoing BTCC champion Gordon Shedden.

Fittingly, the first race of the 2014 BTCC Championship - on Sunday 30March 2014 - takes place at Brands Hatch, so Jack will be hoping for another positive outcome on the circuit

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14 March 2016

Sir Paul McCartney was among the other double winners and also reunited with his Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr. The pair teamed up for Sir Paul's song Queenie Eye during the ceremony, which is known for its heavyweight on-stage collaborations. The show was opened by Jay-Z and his wife Beyonce, while Madonna joined Macklemore and Lewis during their anti-homophobia anthem Same Love, as 33 same-sex and heterosexual couples got married on stage.

Broadway First - Theatre impresario Sir Came

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14 March 2016

"I am happy to welcome Ken to White Light," says Peter Threadgold, White Light sales director. "His experience on all sides of the industry makes him a great addition to our team. I look forward to working with him as White Light continues to grow."

In his new role, Ken will focus on delivering White Light's innovative products and quality customer service to both new and exi

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14 March 2016

"We're very excited about the PLASA Job Board because we know how critical it is for employers in the industry to attract first-rate talent with a minimum expenditure of time and resources," said Kacey Coffin, Director of Membership for PLASA worldwide. "And it's important for us to help enable smooth career transitions for our members and those seeking industry jobs."

Both members and non-members can use the new PLASA Job Board to reach qualified candidates with members receiving special pricing. Employers can post jobs online, search for qualified candidates based on speci

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14 March 2016

The system, which is perfectly adapted for use in either performing arts buildings or supply chain warehouses has been developed to deliver easy-to-read live consumption information for electricity, water and gas direct to buildings or facilities managers securely over the internet.

The information gathered can help drive down energy use by identifying exact wastage points. Logical grouping of areas, departments or buildings is easily achieved, with detailed reports easily created to show weekly, monthly, annual or custom period usages.

SMS or email alerts can be sent to key workers in the event of defined parameters being met - be that, for example, unexp

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14 March 2016

The entertainment industry newspaper's 2014 awards also saw Hampstead Theatre named London theatre of the year. Michael Grandage's company was named producer of the year. The Donmar Warehouse's former artistic director was praised for his inaugural West End season, which featured the likes of Daniel Radcliffe, Jude Law and Dame Judi Dench and offered £10 tickets.

The prize for school of the year went to the National Youth Theatre, which provided free training to young people in 2013. London's Southwark Playhouse was named best fringe theatre, while the annual &q

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14 March 2016

"Having a full time representative in Cape Town is something we always hoped for," said Duncan Riley of DWR. "It's so much easier for our clients to make a phone call and be assisted with someone who is in the area and who can help straight away." The team at DWR have wonderful Cape Town industry friends, which means that there will still be regular visits, roadshow and training. Once new premises have been found, the new address will be announced. For now, Bradley will be available on his mobile."

"Bradley has been in the industry for the past 11 years and with a lovely and easy-going nature, it has been a pleasure to welcome him to the DWR family. He came up to Johannesburg for a couple of weeks at the

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14 March 2016

Tez Sheals-Barrett, project manager and bid team leader for this contract for Star Events said that the news is perfectly timed, as the centre-piece of the contract is the company's new VISTA corporate viewing system, which is being officially launched at the Event Production Show. Star's delivery team includes their regular VISTA partner, Centre Stage, who manufacture and install the Xenia suite system and TT Tents, who themselves have a long history with the RWHS.

Michael Shephard, MD of HPower Group, organisers of the RWHS, said, "Our brief was very challenging and Star proposed the best use of space with

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14 March 2016

Keynote speakers include Ed Vaizey MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries Doug Richard, Founder of the School for Startups, Dragon's Den panellist and author of the Richard Review of Apprenticeships, Wayne Hemingway, Founder of HemingwayDesign, and Stella Mbubaegbu, Principal and Chief Executive, Highbury College, Portsmouth.

The creative industries have been widely celebrated by Government in recent weeks as the fastest growing economic sector following a report by the DCMS. This conference will explore ways to consolidate and build upon this success by making jobs in the sector available to all young people.

The Conference will mark t

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14 March 2016

On behalf of logistics service provider, DB Schenker, Showforce has been working across 10 separate venues in the Russian city, supplying expert crew to fulfil detailed briefs and technical specifications. Five forklift drivers, each fluent in Russian, have been transporting and setting up broadcasting equipment for various broadcasters.

"This has been an extremely prestigious project for us," explains Showforce's COO Mike Smith. "Our work on the 2012 London Olympic Games has resulted in an emerging reputation as a provider of specialist skilled staff so we are proud to strengthen this through our work in Russia. Every member of the team was carefully selected which included obtaining local qualifications in Moscow to prove

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14 March 2016

Martin commented, "I am really looking forward to working with TSL Lighting, as it is an exciting new approach to the lighting rental industry and a strong team behind a high quality emerging brand. There are lots of opportunities available to the company and I am looking forward to a long term involvement with the whole TSL team."

Sam Tamplin added: "Martin brings years of leadership and commercial experience to assist us with managing the growth of a dynamic and rapidly expanding business. We have just invested heavily in a PAT Test system and cutting edge operational procedures with the company.

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14 March 2016

Funded by the Department for Education and administered through Arts Council England, the three-year £171 million programme was considered to be a major positive outcome of Darren Henley's 2011 review of music education in England.

However, Ofsted's report published in November said the hubs, funded from August 2012, had done little to improve the quality of music education from previous years and that the subject continued

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14 March 2016

Martin commented: "I am working with a number of exciting companies and brands in the production industry now. I am really looking forward to working closely with Mark, Paul and Andy on opportunities and strategy for the business in Europe and the Middle East. Having previous experience with rental companies of various sizes in the UK, I am relishing the challenge of getting more involved i

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14 March 2016

Based on the BS 7909 code of practice, which applies to a wide range of events, delegates will learn about the design, implementation and operation of temporary electrical systems.

Said Backstage Academy technical director Gareth Welbourn, "With the development of new technologies in our industry, we are working in an increasingly 'plug and play' environment where it is easy to become complacent about electrical design."

The BS 7909 standards were introduced in 2008 and are increasingly cited by venues as the minimum requirement for those working on the electrical systems to ensure compliance.

Production manager

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14 March 2016

On Tuesday, 18 February, Happy Hour will be held on the show floor from 5.00pm until 7.00pm, allowing visitors and exhibitors to continue networking into the evening. The reception is being supported by Gold Sponsors Link and Utraltec Special Effects, and Silver Sponsors 4Wall Entertainment, Apollo Design Technology, CAST, MainStage, Nicolaudie, and Wireless Solution.

"Link is pleased to be a Gold Sponsor for the PLASA Focus reception," says Bob Vanden Burgt, vice president of marketing for Link. "Link was a c

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14 March 2016

PLASA is carrying out a survey of employers and technicians across both theatre and live events in the UK in relation to the further development of qualifications and are calling for participation from employers and technicians in the live events and theatre sector. It is hoped data will emerge on how many technicians are working, both employed and freelance, and in which areas of specialism - and it will assess the appetite of the industry for further vocational qualifications beyond the National Rigging Certificate.

Matthew Griffiths, CEO of PLASA said: "This is an essential piece of research for the entertainment technology sector that will be vital in setting PLASA's skills planning over the coming

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14 March 2016

Sting has already released an album called The Last Ship, with music that will feature in the show. The musical will be directed by Joe Mantello, who has won two Tony Awards, for musical Assassins and stage play Take Me Out.

Welsh Boost - Film com

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14 March 2016

Fisher's relationships with venues form a key part of their business and the expanding event production company have built a new Venues Team dedicated to planning and delivering events for this sector.

Rebecca Harris joins Fisher as general manager for venues, bringing 18 years events industry experience with her. Rebecca's career spans across agencies, catering and venues and her previous roles include positions at Hospitality Line, Concerto Live, Harbour & Jones, The Hempel and The Royal Society.

On joining Fisher Productions Rebecca says, 'Having admired Fisher throughout my career I am thrilled to now be part of the Fisher team and look forward to working with all of Fisher's 70 plus accredited venues."

Graham Winn joins Fisher as head of technical servic

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14 March 2016

This restructure sees the EST1 Boot Camp and EST2 Technical School courses split down into more specific modules, each lasting one day and ending with an examination. As a result, the length of the units are reduced, meaning that installers can focus on a particular topic of interest and complete it in one day, eliminating any disruption to project work.

"Our education programme has been going from strength to strength over the last year as we have introduced a range of new courses" says Matt Dodd, education director of CEDIA Region 1. "However, we know that it can be