Rigging / Staging

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29 April 2025

UK - For the first time, PLASA Focus Leeds has launched an official mobile app, now available to download on both Apple and Android devices. Introduced following the success of the PLASA Show London app in 2024, which saw strong uptake among visitors, the new app is designed to maximise engagement and efficiency at the 2025 show.

Taking place at the Royal Armouries, Leeds on 13–14 May 2025, the event will once again welcome thousands of professionals working across live events, AV, lighting, audio, rigging, staging and more. The PLASA Focus Leeds app serves as a comprehensive, digital companion for navigating the show, enabling you to:

 - Access and print visitor badges directly from the app

 - Browse a full exhibitor and product list in advance

 - View the detailed seminar and workshop schedule

 - Use the inter

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29 April 2025

UK - Unusual Rigging is undertaking a pioneering sustainability initiative that aims to embed environmental and social sustainability across its operations and supply chain. With ambitions that extend beyond internal improvements, the project is designed to identify key areas for action aligned with recognised industry frameworks.

To deliver this work, Unusual is working with Hope Solutions, a leading sustainability consultancy operating at the intersection of climate science and live events. Known for their work with clients including Coldplay, Netflix and Live Nation, Hope Solutions brings deep expertise in carbon measurement, stakeholder engagement, and long-term sustainability planning.

The project is being led internally by managing director Tom Harper - who holds a Masters in the Circular Economy MBA - and supported by facilities and resource m

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24 April 2025

UK - IPS (Impact Production Services), specialist supplier in the delivery of staging and structures, technical production, and equipment hire to the events industry has announced that its new, purpose-built warehouse in Milton Keynes is now officially open.

This opening marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth journey and represents the realisation of a vision first announced in February. The new facility, located just a mile from the existing site, is now fully operational and already playing a key role in supporting IPS’s expanding operations across the UK and beyond.

“Opening this new facility has been long awaited, and we’re absolutely thrilled to see the warehouse up and running,” said James Mason, founder of IPS. “This is a major investment in the future of IPS, and as we prepare for the summer, we’re excit

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24 April 2025

UK - The Human League’s Generations arena tour kicked off its UK leg in December 2024. By the band’s third show they’d already elicited a five-star review from the Guardian, who described the show as “An evening of immaculate electro pop, delivered with grace, precision, and elation”.

Behind the scenes, seasoned production manager Sarah Hollis was at the helm. Hollis has been production managing tours since the late 90s and has worked with The Human League since their 2008, Steel City tour. “I was also the stage manager on that tour,” she explained, “which was a mixture of arenas, theatres and a couple of academies (and not in the order you’d like!) so let’s say it kept me on my toes, and I’ve been working with the band ever since.”

Emmy Award winning designer, Rob Sinclair, was asked by the band’s

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23 April 2025

South Africa - After six years off the calendar, Mediatech Africa is back. The original and largest trade show for AV, broadcast, and live event tech on the continent returns from 3 - 5 June 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec) – and it's bringing the industry back together to mark 25 years since the first show in 2001.

Mediatech Africa has been a cornerstone of the continent’s AV and broadcast industry since day one. More than just an expo, it’s a space for the industry to connect, share ideas, and stay in step with the latest tech. Its legacy is built on collaboration, community, and innovation – drawing top brands, global suppliers, and the passionate people who keep the industry moving forward.

Simon Robinson, co-owner of Mediatech, recalls: “Our first show was in 2001 at the Sandton Convention Centre. It was small, focused mos

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22 April 2025

USA/Europe - Clair Global is expanding its global footprint by welcoming the Ampco Flashlight Group to the team. This partnership strengthens Clair's European presence and “enhances both companies' ability to deliver seamless, high-calibre experiences worldwide”.

Ampco Flashlight Group with its sister companies have been an established name in professional audio, lighting, rigging and motion for decades. The team delivers high-profile projects in live entertainment, theatre, broadcast, and events – both in the Netherlands and internationally. That focus remains unchanged. Clients will continue to work with the same people, receive the same level of service, and rely on the same name – now with the added strength of expanded access to key resources, technology, and expertise in more locations worldwide.

"This feels like a very natural step," s

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09 April 2025

UK - Unusual Rigging returned to the Royal Albert Hall for the 2025 Olivier Awards on Sunday 6 April, bringing its expertise and large-scale technical capability to one of British theatre’s biggest nights. No stranger to either the venue or the event, Unusual was tasked with delivering the full scope of rigging and draughting requirements for this year’s spectacular ceremony – supporting an ambitious production with sustainable, reusable rigging infrastructure.

“We were brought on to handle all the rigging and draughting requirements for the show,” said Luke MacBride, design engineer at Unusual Rigging. “Our scope included the design and installation of a mother truss to support lighting equipment, scenery, and the automated presentation screen. We also supplied trussing for drapery, including a custom-fabricated curved truss for the red drape, a

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08 April 2025

International - The latest issue of LSi is out now, and can be read online for free here.

Inside our new April issue, Cat Strom catches up with the crew behind Kylie’s Tension tour at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, finding a screen-heavy production that blends nostalgia with modern flair.

Also this month, Rob Halliday explores the new Sadler’s Wells East dance theatre in Stratford. Plus, Phil Ward visits London jazz club Ronnie Scott’s to hear its new sound system; Rachel Terzian charts the evolution of Slovakia’s SRS Group; and Claire Beeson meets the visionaries behind Clean Bandit’s recent London Palladium show.

We also explore the new sound and lighting

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07 April 2025

The Netherlands - PSRIG has announced the launch of PSRIG B.V., its new sales branch near Amsterdam.

“The Netherlands will play an important role in our company’s future growth. This new branch enables us to serve a highly strategic economic and geographic area while establishing a vital hub for more efficient logistics. We’re excited to bring our well-proven mechanical solutions and industry know-how closer to our customers, reinforcing our commitment to delivering top-tier service and hands-on technical expertise to help our clients achieve their ambitious goals,” says Aart Gigengack, CEO and co-founder of PSRIG.

Under the leadership of managing director Marc Lubberts, the Amsterdam adjacent office will serve as a central hub for local client activities. In addition to office and warehouse spaces, the company is developing a dedicated showr

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07 April 2025

Europe - TMB has announced the addition of Nick Berenok to the TMB customer development team for the European, Middle Eastern, and African (EMEA) region.

Based in Nice, France, Berenok brings over 20 years of experience in entertainment technology, international sales, and software development. He has held key roles at Ayrton and Light Converse, where he successfully combined technical expertise with strategic business development across global markets. Fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, and conversational in French, Berenok is known for building strong relationships across global markets. His appointment marks a strategic expansion of TMB’s reach and commitment to delivering trusted support and innovative solutions throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

“I'm really excited to be joining TMB. TMB has been the backbone of Rock &am

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02 April 2025

Europe - Plusfortyfive ApS is a new venture launched by the Generator Group in Denmark whose businesses and brands also include event and show technical production specialist VIGSØ.eu, and automation solutions manufacturer Motor Stage Automation.

The Danish-headquartered operation is headed by Kenneth Jakobsen – who brings 20 years of industry experience – and will be distributing and supporting several premium brands throughout the Scandinavian region.

The company hits the ground running with two German brands onboard, GLP (German Lighting Products) and HOF whose portfolio includes quality trussing, stage and rigging products.

Jakobsen and his team will grow the business organically through establishing a series of additional regional offices and partnerships. This will start in Norway and Sweden in addition to Denmark, with more announ

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28 March 2025

UK - Broadweigh has launched the Wireless Handheld Display Standard (BW-HK-S), a new tool for riggers and technicians working in the high-pressure world of live production. Fully compatible with Broadweigh’s trusted wireless ecosystem, the BW-HK-S delivers instant, on-the-ground access to real-time load and environmental data - keeping crews connected to what matters most, when it matters most.

Designed with the challenges of arenas, festivals, and theatres in mind, the device can receive live data from up to 12 wireless load cells or anemometers at once. Housed in a rugged IP67-rated enclosure with a high-grip finish, it’s ready for the toughest working conditions - whether you’re crawling through a grid in a dark theatre or working FOH at a stadium show.

Tom Lilly, product manager at Broadweigh, said: “The BW-HK-S enhances our system by giv

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27 March 2025

South Africa - For Namibian-based technical supply company, dB Audio, the past two decades have been all about training, growth, and getting even better at what they do.

Over the years, dB Audio has sent over 15 teams to DWR Distribution in South Africa for International Rigging and Basic Rigging courses, the most recent training having taken place earlier this year and presented by Ruud de Deugd of T&E Support. This is over and above attending workshops like Absen Certified Engineer training, roadshows, and open days that keep their crew sharp and ready to tackle anything.

Founded in 2004 by David Benade and Manu Jacobs, the company has always been about staying ahead of the game. “I can still remember the old days in 2004 like it was yesterday,” says Manu. “Back then I was excited, it was all about analogue gear, and suddenly there was di

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25 March 2025

Germany - On 19 and 20 March 2025, LEaT X 25 turned the Ofenwerk Nuremberg into a central meeting place for the event technology industry. With over 1,000 participants, over 100 brands and a mix of networking and inspiration, the event was a complete success, say the organisers.

“The response to LEaT X 25 was overwhelming. The combination of an exclusive setting, a targeted trade audience and first-class exhibitors struck a chord with the industry,” says John Weltersbach, head of event operations at LEaT and new to the team since the beginning of the year.

The 38 exhibitors at LEaT X 25 offered visitors an opportunity to exchange ideas directly with leading industry representatives, establish new business relationships and discuss current market developments. The informal atmosphere of the LEaT X formats makes it possible to establish valuable co

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20 March 2025

South Africa - StageOne has announced its appointment as the official South African distributor for DJ Power stage effects equipment. The distribution deal was finalised during ISE 2025 in Barcelona this past February.

DJ Power is known for its stage effects, including fog machines, flame effects, and confetti solutions, all backed by innovative technology and over 200 international patents. Adding DJ Power to StageOne’s portfolio enhances the company’s ability to offer comprehensive and affordable solutions for live events, concerts, and installations across South Africa.

Peter Berry, managing owner of StageOne, comments: "DJ Power's reputation for reliability and innovation is impressive, and their product range fills a gap in the market for high-quality yet affordable stage effects. We’re thrilled to bring these solutions to South Africa and

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20 March 2025

USA - A ‘groundbreaking entertainment destination’ is set to debut in late 2025. The journey to VAI Resort’s highly anticipated opening night is already underway, with TAIT engineers actively transforming the vision into reality at the Glendale, AZ resort through the cutting-edge infrastructure of the VAI Amphitheatre.

This venue is now open for artist bookings. Designed with the artist’s experience at its core, VAI’s amphitheatre stage – engineered by the live entertainment innovation pioneers at TAIT – ensures that every artist’s needs are met to the highest standard.

Audiences can look forward to ‘an unparalleled connection to live entertainment’, with sweeping views of the stage from the comfort of their luxury hotel suites. Artists will experience a venue built specifically for A-list performances, complete with state-of-the-

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19 March 2025

Czech Republic - Professionals around the world rely on TAF’s Pre-Rig Truss 1 & 2 for convenient storage, trouble-free transport, and reliable support of their moving heads and other fixtures. Both models feature an open bottom section for hanging larger fixtures and are stackable for optimising space during storage and transport. Trouble-free attachment of a dolly provides you with convenient wheeled transfer to/from storage, truck, and event.

Their versatile fork connection system, which comes with a connection kit as standard, provides a range of connection and orientation options:

- Pre-Rig Truss 1 forks can be rotated for vertical or horizontal orientation.

- Pre-Rig Truss 2 forks can be extended up to 65mm (2.55") and allow for 0°-12° fork angles, without the need for corners or additional accessories.

Learn more here

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18 March 2025

Czech Republic - TAF’s new PA Vertical Tower 1 (PAV1) is trusted by the world’s leading rental companies and event professionals who need to safely hang big, heavy line arrays at their important large-scale events.

The PAV1 features a specially designed top section with hanging points and utilises TAF’s heavy-duty HT44 or TT44 truss segments in its construction. It will support loads up to 1,000kg (2,205 lbs) at heights up to 8m (26.2ft). To ensure extreme stability, its robust base accepts ballast up to 2,000kg (4,410 lbs) and comes with four height adjustable spindles for optimising horizontal levelling on uneven ground.

The versatile design of the PAV1 also allows it to serve as a standalone tower for stages or provide stable support for LED walls.

TAF PAV1 features:

• 1,000kg (2,205 lbs) max. loading
• 8m (26.2f

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17 March 2025

UK - Adlib returned to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall stage earlier this month for the largest annual music industry careers event for young people in the North of England. The team engaged with attendees to discuss career paths and showcase the inspiring roles available in the live events industry.

Over 700 people attended the 2025 Liverpool Philharmonic Music Industry Careers Fest, which was delivered in partnership with Universal Music, Spotify, UK Music, PLASA, LIPA, Revere Arts, and LIMF Academy.

Adlib has a long-standing tradition of supporting the next generation of talent through regular open days at Adlib HQ, as well as providing work experience, apprenticeship opportunities, and participation in Early Careers events.

Lisa Mitchell, training and development, Adlib comments: "We’ve been delighted to support the Liverpool Phil

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12 March 2025

UK - Glyndebourne opera house in Sussex is renowned for its annual summer festival, which attracts over 150,000 visitors, and its auditorium combines operatic tradition with cutting-edge production technology. Behind the scenes, seamless communication is critical to delivering world-class performances, and Glyndebourne recently upgraded its systems to include PunQtum’s IP-based communication solutions. This integration has revolutionised the way teams collaborate across the venue.

"Our communication system serves all production departments, from followspots to automation, wardrobe, and chaperones,” explains Jonathan Moss, head of sound and video at Glyndebourne. “We needed a mix of products that could address all user needs while enhancing operational flexibility and future-proofing our technical infrastructure. PunQtum provides advanced features and s

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11 March 2025

International - The latest issue of LSi is out now, and can be read online for free here.

Inside our new March issue, you’ll find Rob Halliday’s in-depth production report on Cirque du Soleil’s gravity-defying Corteo show, as it visits the Royal Albert Hall.

Plus, we bring you our bumper round-up of news from last month’s ISE, Barcelona and expected highlights from next month’s Prolight + Sound, Frankfurt.

Meanwhile, Steve Moles visits the new Design & Digital Arts building at Nottingham Trent University; Phil Ward learns how SSL’s System T is assisting with Sonosphere’s livestreaming projects; and Louise Stickland meets the largely Ukrainian crew behi

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06 March 2025

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians has announced the launch of its one-day Automation Foundation CPD Course and ABTT Silver Award for Theatre Automation Technicians, adding to its already diverse training programme.

The new one-day ABTT Automation Foundation CPD is an entry-level course designed and created to introduce attendees to this sector of the industry, giving them an understanding of the key components and applications for automation within theatre and live events, as well as an understanding of how automation teams operate.

This continuous professional development (CPD) course gives the candidate something to show future employers or training providers, demonstrating that they have invested time and know the rudimentary basics of automation.

It will also enable attendees to progress on to the ABTT Silver Award for T

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06 March 2025

South Africa - DWR Distribution hosted the much-anticipated annual International Rigging Course from 27 January to 1 February, presented by Ruud de Deugd, founder of T&E Support. As the only training programme of its kind in the country, the course drew delegates from across South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Zambia, and Mauritius, ranging from novices to experienced professionals.

Ruud, renowned for leading these training sessions globally, provided insights into the rigging industry. Over six days, participants covered vital topics such as safety protocols, maintenance practices, lifting materials, force calculations, and load tables. Attendees were expected to have a solid understanding of mathematics, as the training blended practical skills with technical theory.

“It feels like the family is back together,” Ruud shared upon his return to Sout

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06 March 2025

UK - Based on the box office hits of Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, Magic Mike Live! is a 360-degree dance and acrobatic spectacular. Conceived by the film’s original star Channing Tatum, the show takes place at London’s Hippodrome Casino and features heart-racing dance routines that take place in front of, above and around the audience.

Due to the immersive nature of the performance, the show has to ensure that its performers are fully safe at all times. As such, they asked Solutions On Stage to design, manufacture and test bespoke steelwork for a specific track used throughout the show, which had to meet the necessary requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Solutions On Stage’s technical director Darren Williams comments: “A request came in from the technical team for us to inspect the suspension of