UK - Named in memory of renowned industry innovator and commentator Tony Gottelier, the Gottelier Award recognises sustained or significant contributions to product development in the entertainment technology industry.
Pre-registered PLASA Show attendees, PLASA members and LSi magazine readers are eligible to vote for the Gottelier Award. The recipient will be announced during the PLASA Awards for Innovation ceremony at PLASA Show on Monday 2 September.
The nominees for the 2024 Gottelier Award are:
Robin Elias, senior rigging consultant, Unusual Rigging
Robin Elias began his career in rock ‘n’ roll, touring with bands such as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Queen, and Genesis. Over 35 years ago, he sold his rigging company to Unusual Rigging, where he became technical director, delivering rigging solutions across diverse sectors, including film and TV, live events, museums and art galleries, and for complex aerial performances. With extensive experience, including the suspension of numerous aircraft, Elias recently retired from Unusual, but continues to consult and occasionally works on-site for particularly challenging projects. He remains active in the industry as a member of the National Rigging Advisory Group (NRAG) and an assessor for the National Rigging Certificate (NRC).
Jeremy Hochman, founder, Megapixel and co-founder, Element Labs
In 2003, Jeremy Hochman and his team at Element Labs pioneered the first linear mappable LED video fixture, Versa TUBE, revolutionising creative LED technology. He later advanced pixel mapping with RasterMapper software and created Stealth, a transparent video display offering designers unprecedented visual creativity. After Element Labs was acquired by Barco, Hochman established Revolution Display, introducing lightweight Carbon and Air products using aerospace-grade materials. His team then launched the M8 Platform, the first 4K LED processor with integrated fibre. Hochman later founded Megapixel and introduced Helios, the industry’s first and most powerful 8K LED processing platform used in major global events.
Yvan Péard, founder and product creator, Ayrton
Yvan Péard, founder of Ayrton, pioneered ground-breaking lighting for live entertainment from the start, with innovations like EyeColor, DreamPanel Floor and WildSun 500C. His inventions like MagicPanel, MagicBlade FX, and the laser-sourced Cobra set industry standards. From the 2021 Radical series, via Perseo, Domino and Huracán to the latest creations including the laser-sourced Kyalami and the Ultimate series with its instantly successful Rivale, Ayrton offers compact, efficient LED and laser-sourced fixtures. Péard's creations prioritise sustainability, with eco-friendly design and production practices. These innovations not only benefit global lighting designers but also advance the industry's sustainability journey.
Wouter Verlinden, product manager, Martin Professional
Wouter Verlinden has been a pioneering force in the creation of many innovative lighting fixtures and products, consistently developing cutting-edge solutions that quickly gain popularity in the industry. As Martin’s product manager for creative LED, lighting and control, Verlinden leads teams in the development of exciting new technologies. Whether working on a lighting fixture or a software platform, he is dedicated to delivering solutions that benefit both customers and the company’s bottom line. Products benefitting from his input include: the Martin Mac Aura family, the Mac One family, the VDO Sceptron and the P3 System Controller.
All those eligible to vote will receive an email containing instructions on how to cast their vote. Voting is open until 11.59pm (UK time) on Monday 26 August. Find out more about the PLASA Awards here.
