Germany - This year, HOF celebrates its 25th anniversary. What began in 1997 with five employees has grown over the past 25 years into a team of over 50 people.
The areas of special construction made of aluminium and steel as well as trusses for event technology still represent HOF's core business. In parallel, HOF has established itself over the past two and a half decades as a reliable partner for industry clients from the food, automotive and agricultural sectors when it comes to special constructions and contract welding work.
From day one, the motto of company founder Hans-Wilhelm Flegel has been: "The crazier the idea, the better. There is no idea that cannot be implemented." HOF has remained true to this motto over all these years and still lives by it: "We don't do things by halves. What we do, we do it right!"
One of HOF's first major projects was the to

UK - The Stage Bus, a Birmingham-based events production company that provides solar-powered staging solutions, has released the latest version of its newest stage, The Stage Box.
A concept that’s been designed and constructed at the company’s Halesowen HQ, The Stage Box is built into a converted 20ft shipping container. It provides a stage platform which can operate from the back of a truck, or as a detachable unit which can self-dismount using hydraulic legs. The entire stage is solar-powered, and can run for up to eight hours on a full charge.
The latest version of The Stage Box expands its power capacity with a modular solar battery system, allowing its running length to be extended past the eight hour mark. Combined with its nature as a self-contained unit which can be locked up and safely left at any event site overnight, this makes it the ideal choice for sm

UK - PLASA Show, London’s international event for entertainment technology, will once again open its doors at Olympia London from 4-6 September. Thousands of professionals from across the live sector are expected to attend the show, coming together to celebrate the industry’s strength and innovation following the pandemic. Tickets are still available for £15, which will increase to £20 on the door.
200+ global brands will sit side by side in Olympia’s Grand Hall, representing the very best of pro audio, lighting, audio-visual, rigging and staging technologies. These include the show’s headline sponsor Robe, as well as fellow lighting brands Chauvet Professional, Claypaky, Ayrton, Avolites, ETC, Elation, GLP, Vari-Lite, Martin, TMB, plus many more. The pro audio sector is well covered, with brands such as d&b audiotechnik, Sennheiser, Yamaha, DiGiCo, Shure, RCF

UK - TAIT has confirmed the appointment of Mark Dakin as managing director of TAIT Neasden & Haverhill in the UK.
Mark brings to TAIT over 40 years of production and technical direction for London’s principal opera companies and major performing arts venues, including the Royal Opera House, National Theatre and English National Opera.
In this new role, Mark will oversee local business operations, team and clients, whilst working closely with the Global Executive Group.
Mark Dakin comments: “The one thing that links the many varied roles I have held over the 40 years of my career, is the artistic application of technical expertise, the joy of collaborative practise and the balancing of the systems that enhance and deliver the artistic vision of creatives and optimise the business imperatives of producers and organisations.
“I am thrilled to be join

UK - Le Mark Group will be exhibiting its extensive product range at this year’s PLASA show. Two new Dirty Rigger products will take centre stage; the V3 edition of the heavy-duty backpack and four-way stretch ladies’ work trousers will both be showcased on Stand E20.
Additionally, Paper-Tak– a paper-based alternative to generic PVC tape will make its debut. Visitors will also be able to see a selection of Le Mark’s best-selling tapes, labels, flooring and crew wear, with a knowledgeable team on hand to answer any queries.
Speaking ahead of the show, Stuart Gibbons OBE, managing director, Le Mark Group said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the show again this year and we’re really excited to see what people think of the new products we will have on the stand. The Dirty Rigger backpack has been built around industry feedback. It’s comfortable to wear

Europe - Blumano, engineering consultancy and advisers for safety and stage machinery design, has announced its expansion with Blumano Deutschland. This base, located in the heart of Western Europe, will work closely with Blumano’s network of offices in Ireland, the UK, Italy, South Korea and the Netherlands.
Laura van Haperen joins this organisation and brings impressive experience and her qualifications as a DGUV V 17/18 (formerly BGV C1) expert in Germany. Her career as a safety expert in machinery and equipment for stages and other production facilities includes collaborating with leading companies in the entertainment industry. She has also improved quality management issues regarding business and technical processes throughout her work with automated stage machinery manufacturers.
Laura and Blumano's other directors met during standardisation meetings within CE

UK - Prolight Concepts Group has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Flightcase Juice. The addition of this brand ‘enhances the current umbrella of brands, and enables Prolight to continue to stock, supply and develop this popular consumable’.
This label cleaner and permanent market remover is developed and manufactured in the UK and is currently available in 0.75 litre spray bottle. A 5-litre version is also available which is suitable for refills or larger usage requirements. Mini sample bottles of Flightcase Juice will be given away at the upcoming PLASA Show in London.
Managing director Andrew Jeffrey comments, “I am pleased to welcome Flightcase Juice in our group. We will be looking at further expanding the range with the same dedication and passion that we have applied to our other brands over the years.”

UK - Free registration for this year’s PLASA Show will end at midnight tomorrow (31 August). Taking place in Olympia London’s Grand Hall on 4-6 September, the leading entertainment technology trade show promises to deliver some of the latest technology, brand showcases and product demos. Alongside ample networking opportunities, visitors will also be able to take advantage of the show’s free-to-attend seminar programme of over 60 sessions, taking place across four show floor theatres. Meanwhile, the winners of the 2022 PLASA Awards for Innovation and the Gottelier Award will be announced at the show on Monday 5 September.
Don’t miss out – register for your free ticket by midnight tomorrow: https://registration.gesevent.com/survey/1ibtbcj5j6f10?actioncode=WB14

UK - Central London venue Somerset House is inviting suppliers to apply to become an accredited supplier. The venue hosts hundreds of events each year for a range of clients and is keen to ‘ensure its suppliers and their services are equally inclusive and sustainable in practice’.
Rebecca Moore, senior event manager, said, “Somerset House is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community reflecting the diversity of our society. Our newly accredited suppliers will reflect this and actively engage with it. There’s a lot of new, forward-thinking talent in our industry, and we welcome businesses both big and small that identify with our beliefs and working practices.”
The accredited list is being reviewed for the first time in over three years. Somerset House is expecting significant interest given the opportunity to work with high profile brands, busin

USA - JHS has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor of Maloney Park StageGear Covers. Founded in 2017 in Wichita, Kansas by ex-musician, performer and writer Natasha Maloney Park, Maloney StageGear Covers are constructed from a high quality, robust, lightweight polyester material with a water repellent acrylic coating.
A suitable solution for protecting vulnerable instruments from dirt, dust and liquid spillage, these protective covers feature a reverse reflective silver and black stylish design. Whilst the black evokes a professional look at home, in the studio, on stage or theatre, the silver side protects vulnerable equipment from heat whilst also reflecting harmful UV rays, helping to prevent fragile instruments from fading, warping and cracking, the company says.
Maloney StageGear Covers are easily folded for storage, corners are reinforced with hemmed

UK - An old cowshed with flagstone floors has been transformed into a home dance studio fit for a competitive dancer, thanks to Le Mark Group. Caroline de Grey, who competes in ballroom as well as a social Argentine tango and Latin dancing, needed a home rehearsal studio for the hours of practice she puts in each day.
Work on the barn conversion began at the end of 2021 and was completed in June 2022, with Caroline now boasting a space that allows her to glide seamlessly through her routines on a new vinyl floor laid by Le Mark.
“The project started in October. I got in touch with a production manager for Holland Park Opera who creates temporary dance floors. He created a frame which sat over the flagstones, before installing a wooden floor on top. He then recommended Le Mark Group for a vinyl to lay over the ply,” explained Caroline.
Caroline did her researc

Ireland - A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ireland (AC-ET Ireland) turned to Doughty Engineering when they were contracted by Dublin Business School (DBS) to deliver a new studio space to enhance its extensive suite of programmes. DBS has evolved over the years, expanding its offerings to meet the demands of various sectors, offering subjects in business, law, finance, computing, media, arts, psychology, and social science.
To create a modern studio with the latest technologies, AC-ET Ireland specified and supplied a number of leading technology brands for the project, including Six-Track from Doughty Engineering. “Once we knew that track and drapes were part of the client’s brief, it was a no brainer for us to specify Doughty products,” explained Aaron Cripps, AC-ET Ireland’s managing director.
“We know that Doughty kit is consistently reliable and that the t

UK - Lift Turn Move (LTM) has promoted Robert Price to general manager of the Wirral-based supplier of lifting and rigging equipment to the industrial and entertainment markets.
Price, previously head of sales, will lead ongoing growth of the business, following the 2018 acquisition by GIS AG, the Swiss electric chain hoist and light crane manufacturer. LTM distributes the full range of GIS hoists, control systems, material handling equipment and components. The company will name a replacement head of sales, who will join a team of 12 employees, in due course.
Price, who has been at the company since 2019, is continuing a second spell at LTM, having originally joined in 2011 and leaving three years later to explore other opportunities. An experienced industry professional, Price started out at Pfaff-Silberblau in 1998, where he sold GIS hoists so his association with G

UK - #WeMakeEvents invites keen cyclists from across the events and entertainment industry to sign up for BikeFest 2022, which will take place on Saturday 3 September.
Together, the BikeFest team will raise funds for Backup – the technical entertainment charity, which helps industry peers during times of ill health and financial hardship, and other #WeMakeEvents-supported charities. Starting at SFL’s headquarters in Reading to a destination in London, BikeFest will also kick off the PLASA Show as it returns to Olympia London from 4-6 September.
Now in its sixth year, BikeFest began as a 100-mile cycle to PLASA Show to raise awareness and funds for mental health in the industry. With the pandemic, this need became ever more relevant. Since 2020, #WeMakeEvents campaign has been instrumental in expanding the BikeFest event in the UK, and for the first time this year,

UK - PLASA and LSi are calling for nominations for this year’s Gottelier Award. The award recognises the invaluable contributions of the people behind the products, from pioneering product developers to creative R&D teams.
Named after the late lighting designer and industry commentator Tony Gottelier, the Gottelier Award aims to recognise product developers who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of entertainment, presentation, or installation technology.

Launched in 2007, previous recipients include: Christian Heil (L-Acoustics); Alan Jacobi (Unusual Rigging); Wayne Howell (Artistic Licence); Anne Valentino (ETC); David Cunningham (Entertec); Pasquale Quadri (Claypaky); Jim Bornhorst (Vari-Lite); John Meyer (Meyer Sound); Terry Clarke (Klark Teknik, MC2 Audio); Fred Foster (ETC); Alex Cooper (Midas & Klark Teknik); John Stadius (Di

UAE - Unusual Rigging & Engineering won an award for exceptional delivery and contribution to EXPO 2020 Dubai. At a ceremony at Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, last month, the company was recognised for its contribution to health and safety at the event which took place between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022.
Denis Bramhall, managing director at Unusual Rigging & Engineering commented: “We are extremely proud to have won this award. There were over 3,500 subcontractors working on EXPO 2020, so for us to be one of the final 3 in the health and safety category was completely unexpected and to then come first is a huge honour. We really were up against some big companies – some of which employ ten or eleven thousand people, whereas in contrast we are an extremely small team. But good things come in small packages, and our team here at URE, really did pull out all t

France - Naostage has announced the appointment of experienced pro-AV professional Alexis Reymond as its new sales manager.
Reymond has worked as a freelance audio engineer, electro-acoustic consultant, sound designer and music producer for more than 20 years, most recently in a sales engineering capacity with fellow Nantes-based company Arbane Groupe (APG/Active Audio). His other experience includes spells with event specialists Videlio and Magnum, where he worked as a sound engineer for 17 years, and Disneyland Paris, where he served as a freelance AV technician.
In his new role, Reymond – who is tasked with developing Naostage’s commercial strategy and overseeing its development, both domestically and internationally – will initially focus on building relationships with major industry players in the EMEA region and showcasing the benefits of the Naostage pro

UK - In May 2022, Burning Man Artist, David Best, in conjunction with Artichoke UK created Sanctuary – a public artwork and COVID memorial for the nation, to pay tribute to those lost during the pandemic.
It was also a moment to mark rebirth, recovery, and regeneration. Built by Best and his crew, together with the local community, in the Miners’ Welfare Park in Bedworth, North Warwickshire, individuals from the local community took part in the project, employed to assist with the build and volunteering as Sanctuary guardians and guides once it was open to the public.
Unusual Rigging was contracted to provide production management and rigging services, to survey the site, provide condition reports, plan the build layout and production compound as well as manage the structural build and post event clean up.
Kate Harvey, director of projects at Artichoke UK com

USA - ESTA will host a Midwest Rigging Intensive course on 25-27 August in Chicago. The weekend-long event will feature a curriculum developed by a group of dedicated instructors, all of whom are ETCP recognised trainers.
With a focus on practical learning for entertainment riggers, the sessions will feature Ben Brian (Reed Rigging), Tyler DeLong (DeLong Rigging Solutions), Brent ‘Mickey’ Henry (ETC), Ed Leahy (Chicago Flyhouse), Tracy Nunnally (Vertigo), Patrick Stewart (ETC), Shane Kelly (DePaul University), Rebecca Knipfer (ETC), and Verda Beth Martell (DLR Group). This event will provide enough hours to fulfil a technician’s ETCP Education Renewal Credits requirement.
Education sessions will include topics such as fall protection, hoists, loading by math, hardware, and more. The event will comprise two days of classroom training starting at 1 pm on Thursday a

UK - The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) will hold a webinar for end-users in the entertainment industry.
Held live at 10am BST on 7 July 2022 via Zoom, the one-hour webinar aims to initiate conversations between LEEA members and end users, particularly those further up the supply chain. The webinar will explore how having the right lifting equipment and safe working loads in the entertainment sector is vital for successful productions and concerts - ensuring they run smoothly, efficiently and safely.
Furthermore, sourcing and training staff and contracting for ‘thorough examinations’ with LEEA members will give entertainment sector companies the confidence they seek, as members of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association conform to its ‘gold standard’ when it comes to excellence in the Lifting Industry.
Attendees to this webinar will g

UK - Flooring, tapes and labels specialist Le Mark Group has expanded its offering with a new line of British-made Sausage and T-bar markers from Dirty Rigger.
The new products deliver practical marking and rigging solutions for outdoor events and filming, as well as for busy theatre environments. Le Mark’s Jeff Demain explains: “We’re specialists in tapes for marking out stages but, as we all know, you can’t put tape on grass, or sand, or gravel, for example. So, this is a solution that has immediate appeal for the outdoor film, TV and event markets, and more besides.” That solution is a flexible, hard-wearing, colour-coded Sausage marker made from tough webbing and weighted with stainless steel shot. Robust but soft to the touch, its design includes a sturdy brass eyelet at one end, which can be quickly - and securely - spiked in precisely the right spot.

UK - Specialist set designer Diagon has created a new 40,000sq.ft workshop in Erith, southeast London. The facility doubles the company's indoor footprint and will house specialist departments for carpentry, engineering, paint and CAD.
A provider of bespoke scenic build and installation services for the retail, exhibition and event sectors, Diagon works with clients including Christie's auction house, George P Johnson, the BRIT Awards and artist and stage designer, Es Devlin.
Tom Sabin, managing director, comments: “This fabulous new facility marks a huge milestone for Diagon. Coming just after our 21st anniversary, we have doubled our fabrication capacity, created a new studio department with incredible draughting and design capability and added some fantastic staff to the team. With a busy summer ahead, we now have the ability to further step up the scale and qu

UK - PLASA Show is returning to West London from 4-6 September, and those wishing to attend can now register via the event's website.
Taking place at Olympia London’s Grand Hall, the entertainment technology tradeshow promises to deliver some of the latest technology, product demos, and delve into key industry issues. There will also be four showfloor theatres running over 60 sessions on a range of topics across the three days.
The event will provide plenty of opportunities for networking with leading companies from audio, AV, lighting, rigging and staging, each one showcasing popular products and new releases. Some of the brands returning this year include Robe, Ambersphere, ETC, AC-ET, Adam Hall, L-Acoustics, Sennheiser, Chauvet Professional, Leisuretec, Highlite, Polar and

Europe - NEXT Truss has announced the acquisition of Dutch truss manufacturer Interal T.C. All Interal T.C. employees will remain onboard in the new organisation, the company reports.
Interal T.C. has been manufacturing truss structures for the events industry since 2003 and offers standard and custom-made systems, with “plenty of potential for future growth within Interal T.C. as well as for expanding NEXT Truss,” says a statement.
The Interal T.C. rental business will in future be operated by AED Rent, which will supply both new and existing customers with dry hire rental of trussing and rigging equipment from the local hub in Venray. Over time, the rental business could be expanded even further, with the addition of other AV products (such as stage and trade show lighting) from AED group, to support the local market.
The staff and contacts will remain un

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