UK - ExCeL London has signed a new five-year contract with Blitz Communications as its partner of choice for the provision of AV & staging services.

Blitz is now the sole onsite preferred supplier for audio, video, lighting and staging across all event spaces at ExCeL. These include ICC London, the UK's largest fully-flexible- 5,000 seated auditorium; Capital Hall, London's largest banqueting hall seating up to 3,000 guests; the 87,328m2 multi-purpose Event Halls; the 45 Gallery Meeting Rooms; the self-contained Platinum Suite; and the Capital Suite comprising 17 individual meeting rooms.

Blitz first partnered with ExCeL in 2005 and this will now be the third time the parties have signed services contracts. The new agreement has come about in response to the ongoing business development at ExCeL, particularly following the successful launch of the ICC facilities in 2010. The v

UK - Entertainment industry training centre Backstage Academy has released dates for its new year short courses at its base in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Those looking to acquire new skills or re-qualify in backstage disciplines for live events can now book on to one of the following courses via www.backstage-academy.co.uk:

Rigging Course, Wednesday 16 - Thursday 17 January

Event Safety Passport (SPA) Course, Wednesday 27 February

Stage Pyrotechnics Course, Thursday 28 February

The two-day Rigging Course takes place in the arena-sized studio on site at LS-Live and is tutored by industry veteran Eric Porter. It's a practical and theoretical training course targeting anyone who works with rigging equipment and wants to improve their equipment knowledge, safety awareness, practical techniques and theory. Delegates will carry out practical sessions on a truss rig in the stud

UK - Unusual Rigging has been nominated as Favourite Rigging Company in the annual TPi Awards, which take place on 11 February 2013, with the company saying it is 'delighted' with the nomination.

Nominations are voted for by industry professionals, making this shortlisting an accolade of Unusual's standing in the business. The awards highlight projects undertaken in 2012, which has been a particularly busy year for Unusual who constructed, among other things, the tallest tower and the longest cable camera in the world, at 100m and 2.5km respectively.

Other diverse projects have included Sports Personality of the Year 2012, the current Hollywood Costume exhibit at the V&A, The Bodyguard in London's West End, UK tours for

Phantom of the Opera, Lion King and Oliver!, production services for Piccadilly Circus Circus and the strengthening of the roof t

UK - 2013 got off to a spectacular start for Star Events Group (SEGL) with the event engineering and seating specialist providing stages and structures to three of the UK's leading New Year celebrations.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay - celebrating the 20th anniversary of the world famous street party SEGL were contracted by Unique Events for the 13th successive year and provided a 15m VerTech stage system for the centrepiece 'Concert in the Gardens' show featuring Scottish 80's legends Simple Minds.

The stage specifically designed to integrate with the listed Ross Band Stand structure located in West Princess Street Gardens was erected over two phases spanning the Christmas festivities. The 41m wide frontage provided rigging facilities for four audio hangs and stage right and left wing Imags to give the audience a great view of the show. Production access features including substructur

UK - Following popular demand, the LTM Motor School is back. Starting with two course dates in February 2013, the LTM team will be teaching a two day course on hoist maintenance and general theory. The course offers participants the opportunity to strip down and rebuild a LoadGuard hoist, under expert instruction from the LTM training staff.

Past motor schools have proven popular and this is the first course of its kind covering the LoadGuard hoists. The course has been introduced after customer demand as the hoist has been on the market for over four years now and clients and end users are keen to understand the workings of the LoadGuard.

The course will also cover general electrical theory, correct operation procedure, maintenance, troubleshooting and health & safety, giving a good overall view of hoist theory to participants.

The two two-day courses are being held at Adli

South Africa - DWR Distribution has kicked off the year with the fully booked Prolyte Rigging Training Course in conjunction with Prolyte and Rhino Rigs. The five day course, currently running in Johannesburg, will also be held in Durban and Cape Town.

Presented by Rinus Bakker from Rhino Rigs, an international expert in his field, the course includes certification. "This is something we have wanted to do for a long time," commented Robert Izzett, Prolyte brand manager at DWR Distribution. "The South African market has cried out for it, and it's a privilege to have someone of Rinus' caliber and experience, heading up the training."

(Jim Evans)

UK - Arena Group has raised its product profile, launching its latest new product, Arena Deck, a lightweight, contemporary and robust platform, staging and decking solution for event organisers.

Arena Deck uses 1.5m x 0.75m octagonal shaped decks which are simple, lightweight and quick to install, and incorporate visually appealing glass hand rails. The new product provides a smooth, solid and safe surface suitable for feature areas and media and camera platforms at any height or configuration in both indoor and outdoor event environments.

Used for the first time at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics games, Arena installed a multi-tier Arena Deck into ExCel. This was used for sporting events including boxing, table tennis, fencing, boccia and sitting volleyball and offered easily accessible wheelchair ramps and viewing platforms. The new product was also utilised for fol

UK - With pre-orders queuing up weeks before for the arrival of initial stock, the new Octo-Pouch from Dirty Rigger carries on the success of what is fast becoming a globally recognised and leading brand within the industry.

With unprecedented stocking orders from dealers and end users across the globe, the Octo-Pouch has already smashed predicted sales figures. Dirty Rigger's chief designer Steve Marshall said, "The new tool pouch is a completely new concept for Dirty Rigger and offers a level of design, flexibility and compatibility that's unique within our range.

"Initially built around our original Riggers Tool Pouch design, the Octo-Pouch evolved into a product of its own, where diversity of content, tool security and safety was paramount.

"Again, we must give thanks to the Dirty Rigger community for all their ideas and suggestions throughout the trial pe

UK - Rackz, the UK based 19" rack specialist designer, manufacturer and supplier, has expanded its range of wood finish Credenza rack units which are being distributed worldwide via the Penn-Elcom network.

This is due to popular demand and the foresight of Rackz' Dave Roberts who spotted a gap appearing in the market led by changes in digital technology and the requirement for elements of home entertainment / smart-home systems to be combined into elegant integrated packages. These are also designed for all commercial applications.

The Credenza range is a simple self-assembly product, designed for quick, efficient and stress-free set up - even for those challenged with DIY skills. Says Roberts: "The idea is that anyone can assemble a Credenza rack even those with little or no practical experience - unlike some 'self-assembly' products which are accompanied by a brick

Europe - Luc Peumans from Genk, Belgium based creative visual design practice, Painting With Light, has designed stage and set lighting for the first arena touring production of Dreamworks' Madagascar LIVE!

Brought on-board by Netherlands based producers, Stage Entertainment Touring Productions, Peumans' joined a seriously talented and acclaimed creative team on a show high in production values that is scheduled to tour internationally for two years.

His work brings atmosphere and vibrancy to the pacey musical that follows the adventures, thrills, spills and comedy moments of a group of escapees from Central Park Zoo in New York ... who find themselves shipwrecked on the sandy shores of Madagascar.

Peumans used David Gallo's stage/set design, based on a series of curtains, elaborate scenic and printed drops, drapes and scrims used to create the different locations, as

India - A Milos MR5 roof system was recently used for a high profile open-air concert by Oscar award winning Indian megastar A R Rahman, staged at the YMCA Grounds in Chennai, India. Organised by popular Tamil broadcaster Jaya TV, the event was attended by 30,000 enthusiastic fans.

The multi-deck layered stage was designed by leading Bollywood set designer Varsha Jain, and this, the Milos roof system, all trussing, rigging and assorted scaffolding and structures utilised on site were supplied by Chennai based 'Men At Work Stagecraft Management Pvt Ltd'. The project was managed for them by Mankaran Singh.

The Milos roof system measured 24m wide by 18m deep with 13m of headroom. Various trusses were sub hung from its mother-grid, including six straight ones of different lengths and four circular - one at 8m, one at 4m and two 6m diameters.

(Jim Evans)

The Netherlands - Magenta Research will utilise ISE 2013 (booth #11-C84) to introduce new additions to its Voyager, MultiView and HD-One core product ranges as part of a complete, end-to-end solution for fibre and UTP-based signal switching and distribution.

Magenta's fully digital Voyager Series of fibre-optic based products, which began shipping in 2011, extend, switch and distribute video (including HDCP protected content) and auxiliary signals digitally over fibre-optic cable.

The new Voyager 4-port core (now shipping) can serve as the heart of any transmitter or receiver and opens up an additional sphere of distribution options - use as a 1x4 distribution amplifier, as a 4x1 switch or as a daisy-chainable receiver with the ability to route signals in four different directions. The Voyager four-port core is also a key component in enabling Voyager matrix switching solution

UK - Prolyte Products UK has expanded its projects team with the appointment of Alex White as trainee project manager.

This development follows Prolyte Group's acquisition of Brilliant Stages in July last year, which consolidated the custom capabilities already established within its special projects division, Litestructures. As envisaged, the two entities have pooled their knowledge and experience to deliver several impressive projects over the past six months. The synergy between the companies has proven to be very successful, with further collaborative ventures already lined up for 2013.

White recently completed a Foundation Degree in Live Events Production from the industry-led training centre Backstage Academy. The graduate has already acquired some valuable experience through working on The X Factor Live Tour 2012 and the Goodwood Festival of Speed, as well as a p

UK - From riggers and tradesmen to specialist stunt teams, Dirty Rigger's new Secutor Utility Belt has drawn much interest from end users and distributors around the world.

The new belt has been designed and engineered with comfort and versatility being paramount. The Secutor Belt features a 5-inch wide padded back, lined with specially selected foam and a breathable mesh for exceptional all-day comfort.

The belt also boasts four fully adjustable and re-positionable D-rings for securing additional attachments and a 2-inch outer belt, designed to work with all Dirty Rigger tool pouches and accessories.

Dirty Rigger's designer Steve Marshall said, "This belt has been months in the making, testing materials and construction variations to enable us to maintain the renowned Dirty Rigger quality and performance.

"From Finland and Austria all the way over to Korea, pre-

Spain - Expanding their coverage across Europe, the Dirty Rigger team have announced a new distribution deal with Spain's CineTools.

Stocking a wide selection of Dirty Rigger's tool pouches, rigger gloves and accessories, CineTools will be a valued new addition to a trusted network of stockists around the world, says the company.

Dirty Rigger's Hannah Attfield said, "CineTools offer years of personal experience to the industry and carry this forward in their business. It gives customers great confidence and trust to know their product information and recommendations come from hands-on experience."

CineTools' Beatriz D. Muñoz said, "CineTools decided to bet heavily on the Dirty Rigger brand, a decision we very quickly became proud of. We have been working with the Le Mark Group (Dirty Rigger's parent company) for years and the export team is always aware

UK - For the 4th year running Le Mark's high-gloss StudioTak flooring enhanced the stage on ITV's The National Television Awards 2013.

Hosted by Dermot O'Leary, the NTA's and its collection of star-studded award-winning celebrities shone on Le Mark's water-like-reflection studio floor.

Performances from dancing star Darcey Bussell relied on StudioTak's excellent durability.

Soon after, the high-gloss floor offered a glistening reflection for Kimberly Walsh & X Factor rising star Ella Henderson. The set was built and installed by Blackfriars Scenery Ltd.

Blackfriars project manager Perry Judge commented, "StudioTak is fantastic, we never use anything else."

(Jim Evans)

USA - PLASA has announced the members of the 2013 PERG Council who are responsible for overseeing the activities of the Production Equipment Rental Group which serves the needs of the film and digital community within PLASA. The PERG Council is made up of leading members of that community who donate significant time and resources to shine a light on the challenges and opportunities faced by professional rental companies and focus the collective experience and expertise of members to shape solutions and responses.

Mark Wofford, general manager of Production Consultants & Equipment in Atlanta, was elected chair of the council at their recent meeting in Dallas, TX. Mark commented, "It's important to PC&E to be a part of PERG and the important work that PERG does for the rental industry. The PERG Council is the driving force behind this and to be elected as chair of this group

UK - MP Event Trailers has partnered with Spanish manufacturer Capotex to launch a new temporary or permanent structure solution for the UK events market. The product, called Tubbo, is a modular, design gallery, transparent pod, which is billed as "ideal for outdoor events no matter what the weather".

The modular design of Tubbo makes it quick and easy to assemble and its streamline design and hi-tech material content comply with regulations meaning no structure licensing is needed.

Rhod Howcroft, rental fleet manager, MP Event Trailers comments, "The engaging design and aesthetics of Tubbo mean it will be an instant source of conversation between guests, as nothing like this has previously been available in the world of events. Visitors get the best of both worlds, a heated or air conditioned event space whilst still remaining and watching part of their surroun

USA - Experts in theatre and stage equipment PNTA have become the latest company to take on the full range of Dirty Rigger Gloves & Accessories in the USA.

With nearly 40 years in the business, Seattle based PNTA has grown over the years to offer one of the widest selection of equipment & consumables on the west coast.

PNTA's Richard Buckley said, "We are incredibly excited to introduce the Dirty Rigger tool pouch and rigger glove range. All the team here are really impressed with the quality and materials used on the construction of the gloves and accessories, and the stitching is excellent. They have a style of rigger glove that will suit just about any setting out in the field"

The Dirty Rigger range will be available at PNTA's online retail store and on display in their spacious new warehouse located on Andover Street, Seattle.

(Jim Evans)

USA - With over 25 years of rigging industry experience, USA based The Rigging Box offer a level of service and professionalism that exceeds many others in the industry.

Looking to increase their brand awareness and streamline their packing process, The Rigging Box extensively researched local printed packing tape suppliers before turning to UK based Le Mark Group.

The Rigging Box's Selina Conrad said, "The best price I could find was anywhere from about $3.00 to almost $4.00 a roll, but with Le Mark the tape costs could be as low as $1.25 a roll. Even adding less than $0.25 a roll for shipping still made it worth the purchase.

"Using Le Mark's printed tape has saved us a lot of money. It's easy to work with, no razor needed to cut the end of the tape. The employee can break it off with his hands once he has completed the job and the end is always easy to find when

UK - One Direction performed from a stunning sloping stage designed and built by LS-Live for the band's video game themed sets on ITV's X Factor final at the end of 2012. The hit talent show culminated in a live final at Manchester Central with the boyband as special guests.

The production team was keen to raise the tempo of the show by producing a stage set that would differentiate the band's performance from the contestants, whilst fitting seamlessly in to the existing production at the venue.

Production manager on the job, Kenny Underwood of Cheeky Rascal Productions, is a long-standing client of LS-Live's. He contacted the company direct to bring to life the designs of Stufish's Ray Winkler, in just one week. The 3m wide by 12m long stage, which sloped up to a height of 2.5m, had to be assembled and roll on the stage in just three minutes.

LS-Live custom built a s

USA - The need and importance of accurately assessing the point loads of substantial touring rigs is gaining momentum. With several articles published in the trade press at the end of last year, it was refreshing to see this crucial safety issue receive public airing. To underscore the significance of the issue, Load Cell Rental, who only last November announced its formal arrival in the marketplace, has now made a major move to improve and expand the range of tools available to concerned riggers and promoters.

"When we first looked at the rationale behind a weighing service for large complex touring systems, it was clear that a significant number of measuring devices would be needed to adequately fulfil the needs of the industry," said Load Cell Rental founder, Richard Young. "Our initial investment was for 60 two ton load cells from Motion Labs. Now, we've just

Malaysia - Flightcase and speaker cabinet solutions specialist Penn Elcom has opened a new sales and distribution hub in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This is designed to enable fast access through local sales support centres - primarily in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand - of the full range of Penn Elcom products.

It reflects generally buoyant markets and strong trading in Asia over the last 12 months, as well as being an integral element of Penn's planned medium-term global expansion strategy.

Heading up the operation will be Jane Li, who has worked for some time as operations manager for Penn's Logistics & Quality assurance centre in Xaimen, China. She will initially run a full time staff of three people.

The creation of the new KL facility enables Penn Elcom's clients and end users of all sizes to benefit from direct shipments and optimised efficiency, ensuring even faster

UK - TV and live arena spectacular, Sports Personality of the Year, saw Unusual Rigging apply its technical expertise to a complex and demanding set up. Both a TV show and a live event, this year for the first time, it was broadcast live from London's ExCel Arena.

Hired by Unspun, whose role encompassed creative consultation, event design and implementation as well as technical production and schedule management, Unusual Rigging not only took care of the rigging needs for the arena itself but also for a hospitality event in The Capital Hall.

On winning the project, Unspun's project manager, Alex Clayton-Black, and technical production manager, Gary White, set about putting the key supply services out to tender. They needed to be confident not only in the rigging company's equipment and project management skills but also in its collaborative spirit, as Unspun was procuring infr

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