As the only annual event of its size that is dedicated solely to the global rigging community, it attracts professionals from over 30 countries. Out of around 200 delegates, over 40% are international visitors. These include not only rigging practitioners themselves, but venue technical staff, production managers, health and safety staff and policy makers, providing an exclusive platform to examine and debate the use of newly devised products, industry practices and professional development and to review the process of standardisation across the industry.
The 2012 Conference will open with a talk from this year's key-note speaker, Roy Bickel. Roy is an iconic figure in the global world of rigging. From his beginnings as an amateur performer and rigger in the circus, through his professional career as Roy Zacchini 'The Human Cannonball', and as a trapeze flyer and catcher, trampoline artiste and rigger, Roy became the foremost of the 'Disney Riggers' with an unrivalled reputation, and was responsible for advancing 'Disney on Parade' in 1969 which was, at the time, the largest touring arena show attempted.
Since those early years, Roy has been influential in all areas of the rigging industry; through rock 'n' roll tours, Broadway shows and topically, production rigger for the Winter Olympics in 1980. Still rigging conventions, tours and corporate events, Roy will open the conference, sharing his experiences and insights into the techniques that have developed as the industry has grown.
Following Roy Bickel's opening speech, the Conference will build on the progress of themes scrutinised last year, initially by examining the development of a standard international dictionary of rigging terminology, a convention for rigging drawings and rigging practices across Europe; pivotal strategies in the professionalising of this still relatively young industry.
In addition, break-out sessions are being planned including one on performer flying, an area that has become more prevalent in recent years. Debates on the use of ground supported structures and the subject of dynamic loads are planned to lay a foundation for the further development of these issues.
Also returning this year is the Riggers' Forum on the afternoon of Sunday 9 September. This is an informal event that offers riggers, unable to attend the main conference, the opportunity to discuss issues and challenges in their working environment with experts in the industry.
Further details of the programme content and speakers will be available soon and can be found at www.plasariggingconference.com. Registration is live now - early booking rates are available until the end of June.
(Claire Beeson)
