France - Organisers of the Paris-based trade show JTSE have announced that the exhibition will take place next week as planned, despite the recent terror attacks on the city.

A statement reads: "We want to express our affection to all the families of victims. The International Show JTSE 2015 will take place as planned in Paris on 24 and 25 November 2015 in the Dock Pullman. As Organisers of the show we trust our visitors and our exhibitors for the best running of this event. We are all together!"

(LSi Online)

Germany - Gerriets GmbH has announced the appointment of Andreas Bickel as executive manager of technical projects and a newly formed position as director of research and development.

Prior to joining the management team at Gerriets Gmbh, Bickel held the position of senior manager of Stage Engineering at Bosch Rexroth AG. During his tenure at Bosch Rexroth, Bickel focused his efforts on stage technology engineering as well as developing standardizations within the group. He also was head of stage engineering and a project manager at Bruger + Fisher GmbH & Co. KG and served in various technical capacities at The Bavarian State Opera and Bavarian Radio in Munich earlier in his career.

Founded in 1946, Gerriets has developed into a specialized company offering products and services to the stage and event markets.

(Jim Evans)

UK / France - The terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday left deep scars across the city and will have a significant impact on British events' outlook, and budgets, too.

Home Secretary Theresa May confirmed that security is to be 'intensified' at events in major cities and the England vs France friendly at Wembley was a first example, armed police bringing reassurance to a telling show of unity in the face of extremism.

David Boswell, managing director of TSG Policing, suggests the solution for the greater event model should be multi-agency, so costs can be contained while all parties play to their strengths.

"The Paris incidents showed a horrific disregard for human life and the values we as a nation stand for," Boswell says. "Letting the public know they are safe at events is the priority now, highlighting the fact that these are not soft targets for terrori

UK - Celebrating UNESCO's International Year of Light, a new festival of light and sound art - Enlighten Manchester - is set to bring a programme of world premieres, award-winning installations and international artists to the city.

From 10-12 December contemporary artists will transform the public spaces inside Manchester Central Library and The Bridgewater Hall, offering visitors an immersive, cultural celebration amidst the festive hustle and bustle.

Visitors' imaginations will be sparked by birds soaring across piano strings to create musical scores; a chandelier of sparkling earrings and a cutting edge sound and light installation that is felt not seen. With more than 15 installations, performances and talks confirmed - many of them free - the festival will be a vibrant hot bed of light, sound and literature, say the organisers.

Confirmed artists include award-wi

Secondary Ticketing - The music industry has called for action over secondary ticketing sites. Rock band Coldplay and managers of acts including Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Blur and Radiohead signed an open letter to the government calling for action over secondary ticketing sites.

Published in The Times, the letter said fans are being "ripped-off by touts who anonymously exploit fair ticket prices via online ticket marketplaces". It urges the government to put "the public's interests before the touts". A government consultation on the resale of tickets closed last Friday. "As artist managers, we deplore the increasing industrial-scale abuse and insider exploitation of tickets for music, arts and sports events by ticket touts," the letter says. "The consequence in many cases is that fans will attend fewer shows, meaning that the profits made

Secondary Ticketing - The music industry has called for action over secondary ticketing sites. Rock band Coldplay and managers of acts including Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Blur and Radiohead signed an open letter to the government calling for action over secondary ticketing sites.

Published in The Times, the letter said fans are being "ripped-off by touts who anonymously exploit fair ticket prices via online ticket marketplaces". It urges the government to put "the public's interests before the touts". A government consultation on the resale of tickets closed last Friday. "As artist managers, we deplore the increasing industrial-scale abuse and insider exploitation of tickets for music, arts and sports events by ticket touts," the letter says. "The consequence in many cases is that fans will attend fewer shows, meaning that the profits mad

UK - UK festival industry group Powerful Thinking launched an incisive environmental impact report, 'The Show Must Go On', detailing a cross-industry response to the global environmental challenge, with a vision for change, on November 26th, 2015.

The Show Must Go On was introduced at the 'Sustainable Strategies' panel at the UK Festival Conference in London's Roundhouse, which focused on how festivals can minimise their carbon impact. It is subsequently being presented to the UN Convention on Climate Change, Paris, Nov 30th to December 11th 2015, where 196 countries will meet to sign a new climate change agreement.

The report's authors hope that by presenting a concise overview and proposed roadmap for reduced carbon impact at festivals in-line with international targets and that the UK festival industry sector can lead by example in achieving impact reduction targets by 20

UK - A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) has announced the appointment of industry figure, Karen Fairlie to the newly created role of business development manager for Scotland.

Karen brings a wealth of local market knowledge and experience to the position, having forged strong relationships with customers and suppliers in Scotland over the past 20 years whilst working in sales management and various support roles.

A well-known figure in the Scottish theatre market, Karen has overseen the supply of leading entertainment technology systems to designers, specifiers, venues, rental and production companies. She has also worked on high-profile projects in the film & TV and public services markets.

Karen is based in the field, with support from AC-ET's Leeds office, and will work alongside the company's sales, marketing and purchasing departments to develop and implement th

UK - Rock Solid Technologies, one of the leading manufacturers of peripheral devices for Show Critical Equipment, now uses FIBERFOX EBC1502 connectors for its redundant fibreglass network switch "RockLink".

Jens Hillenkötter, CEO of Rock Solid Technologies comments: "With FIBERFOX we gained a new partner, who brings decades of experience in the field of fibreglass technology, is established in the market and who fully complies with our high expectations. Therefore, it was a logical decision for us to offer another RockLink version, which also withstands extreme conditions in the area of fibreglass."

The future collaboration is also viewed positively by Günter Bergmann, CEO of FIBERFOX: "We are delighted about the partnership with ROCK SOLID Technologies, a world-renown manufacturer of highly reliable equipment. That it was possible to convince Rock

UK - The second edition of PLASA Focus Glasgow 2016 held at the SECC will see 50% more exhibitors than the inaugural show in 2014. With new exhibitors recently announced including Bose, Hawthorn, Adlib and UK Rigging, PLASA Focus Glasgow promises to deliver innovative solutions to the Scottish market.

Visitor highlights include the chance to discover new and exciting products from over 60 brands in professional audio, AV, lighting, staging and rigging not to mention two days of free seminars and live demos. Industry leaders exhibiting at the show will include both manufacturers and distributors including big names such as Robe, RCF, Chauvet, Elation, Avolites, ETC, TMB and many more.

The recent announcement from VisitScotland shows intent to grow the events market in Scotland. The investment in a new ten-year 'collaborative strategy' to develop Scotland's 3.5 billion events

Eagles Return - US rock band Eagles of Death Metal appeared on stage in Paris, less than a month after deadly attacks during their performance in the French capital. The band took to the stage to perform at the end of a U2 concert at the AccorHotels Arena. "They were robbed of their stage three weeks ago and we would like to offer them ours tonight," said singer Bono. Ninety of the 130 people who died in the 13 November attacks were killed at the concert at the Bataclan venue. Bono embraced Eagles of Death Metal singer Jesse Hughes ahead of an emotional joint rendition of Patti Smith's People Have The Power.

School of Rock - Broadway musical School of Rock, written by Downton Abbey's Julian Fellowes with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, has opened to mixed reviews. The show, which was a hit 2003 film starring Jack Black, is about a wannabe rock star

USA - BSR E1.57, Recommendations to prevent falls on or off movable parade floats, movable stages, and similar moving platforms, has been published for public review at http://tsp.plasa.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php.

It offers recommendations for steps to be taken to prevent falls by anyone (e.g., performers, technicians, politicians) on parade floats, movable stages, and similar moving platforms. Fall protection is needed, but this protection needs to be provided in a way that preserves the artistic intent of the moving float or platform. This document is being written to provide guidance on how to accomplish these two aims.

The draft standard is available now through 1 February 2016. On 2 February the review is over, and the links to the draft standard will disappear from the website.

(Jim Evans)

USA - The Behind the Scenes Happy Hour, hosted by PLASA, took place on Thursday, 22 October, from 6pm-8pm at the Westgate Las Vegas. Over 400 guests attended the event, and were able to network, relax and let loose before the start of LDI. Due to the generosity of the sponsors and attendees, PLASA was able to donate over $18,000 to the Behind the Scenes charity.

Event co-chair Steven Way of ALPS commented, "We were very pleased with the success of this event in achieving its two primary goals, creating a comfortable networking experience for our industry professionals and supporting Behind the Scenes. We look forward seeing everyone at next year's Happy Hour event prior to LDI."

A big thank you goes out to all of the sponsors of the Behind the Scenes Happy Hour: Executive: Altman Lighting; Platinum: 4Wall Entertainment, IATSE, Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc., Ultratec

USA - A group of broadcast and media industry suppliers including Grass Valley, Imagine Communications, Lawo and Snell Advanced Media have collaborated to form the Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS).

This new, independent trade association's mandate is to bring IP solutions to market that offer complete interoperability, are based on open standards, and integrate seamlessly into media workflow environments to foster industry innovation and efficiency. The group's efforts will be focused on promoting the adoption, standardization, development and refinement of open protocols for media over IP, with an initial emphasis on VSF TR-03 and TR-04, SMPTE 2022-6 and AES67.

As broadcasters and other media companies look to use IP workflows to speed and streamline the movement and management of increasingly complex content and adapt their businesses to better compete with other con

Sounds of the City - The city that spawned The Beatles has been recognised as a City of Music by the United Nations. Liverpool earned the accolade due to music's "place in the heart of the city's life", following a bid by Liverpool City Council. Unesco noted especially a commitment to a "clearly defined" music, education and skills strategy for young people. It is the second city in the UK to be given the Unesco honour, which Glasgow received in 2008. A further 10 global destinations have also been given the title, including Kingston in Jamaica, the home of reggae. The City of Music award is part of Unesco's Creative Cities Network, which was created in 2004 to promote "cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development."

Billy Leaves London - Billy Elliot the Musical<

UAE - The Spendlove Group has announced the launch of Force Logistics, a UAE based company specialising in event logistics and freight forwarding.

The business will offer a complete suite of flexible freight forwarding services including airfreight, sea freight, land transport, removals and project cargo for fairs and events. The newly launched company has already secured contracts with theme parks, set construction companies and global brands.

The new business will be spearheaded by Anthony Miles, who brings more than 17 years' of event logistical experience to his role as managing director of the start-up. He has lead onsite logistic management services for international fairs and events worldwide including the 2012 London Olympic Games, Arabian Travel Market, CEBIT and Paperworld.

Commenting on the launch, Ian Spendlove, chief executive and founder of the Spendlove Gro

USA - As Production Resource Group LLC, (PRG) continues to grow globally PRG has continued to extend its senior leadership team. As previously announced, Scott Hansen, who had previously served as both chief financial officer and chief of asset strategy will focus on the asset side of PRG's business. Today, PRG is announcing the appointment of Ryan Schroeter as its chief financial officer.

As CFO, Schroeter will oversee all of the company's financial affairs and work closely with Scott Hansen and the other members of PRG's senior leadership team directing the company's strategic growth and assisting in the Company's capital market transactions.

Prior to joining PRG, Schroeter was vice president corporate finance at Intrepid Aviation, a commercial aircraft leasing company, where he was instrumental in the company's growth and debt origination activities. Previously he held th

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians has bestowed its top honour, the ABTT Fellowship, on three outstanding industry individuals, whom the ABTT's Council of Management wish to recognise as having rendered signal service to the technical aspects of the art of the theatre.

David Blyth has been involved in theatre management, in both the commercial and subsidised sectors, for over 35 years.

Between 1983-87 he gained experience with two major West End theatre owners - Maybox Group and Stoll Moss Theatres - before joining Croydon's Fairfield Halls management team as head of operations for the next five years.

He joined The Ambassadors Theatre in Woking as general manager in 1992 and became head of operations for all ATG theatres in 1997.

In 2000, he joined the board of ATG as operations and building development director and in March 2011 he became an e

Eagles Return - Eagles Of Death Metal have announced the dates for their postponed European tour - including a return to Paris. The American rock band was performing at the city's Bataclan venue when it was attacked by gunmen on 13 November during coordinated terror attacks. The band will perform at the Olympia Theatre in Paris on 16 February.

Announcing the new tour dates, the band said: "Unfortunately, the Bataclan Theatre will not be open again in time for the band's return on this tour." The tour, rescheduled due to the massacre, has been renamed Nos Amis (Our Friends). Fans who were at the Bataclan on the tragic night will be given free tickets.

Power Struggle - Madonna has issued a rebuke after the power was cut during her encore at Glasgow's Hydro venue. The singer left the stage at the end of her Rebel Heart tour concert on Sunday. When she returned

UK - The team at LSiOnline is taking a break for the Christmas holidays and will be back with more industry news on 4 January 2016.

From all of us at PLASA Media, a thank you to all our readers around the world for your support through 2015, and we wish you all a very happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

See you in 2016!

Best wishes from Lee, Claire, Andrew, Greg, Sheila & Sonja . . .

UK - Dubai-based event production specialist Maestra has announced the launch of a new independently owned London venture, which will be headed by Justin Hammond, well known in the event industry for his energetic style of management.

Maestra London has a new office and warehouse premises at the high-profile riverside Royal Arsenal development and has made an initial half a million pound investment in new technology, which has included the purchase of premium brand audio and video equipment.

A full-time staff of 10, plus Justin makes the company immediately operational from 4 January 2016, with further equipment and personnel to be announced in the New Year.

Combined with the resources of the Dubai office - headed by Thomas Clements - this will establish Maestra as an international creative production resource based in two vibrant international cities, with a reach that f

Theatre Funding - Arts leaders have warned that cuts to local funding will be the biggest issue facing the theatre industry in 2016. This comes after the government announced a total reduction to local authority grants of £6.1 billion, which will be implemented between now and 2019/20. David Brownlee, director of theatre consultancy firm BON Culture, said pressures on council funding would mean the difficulties faced by regional theatre move "from a drama to a crisis". He added that mid and small-scale venues would be most at risk, especially those run directly by local authorities.

It Was 25 Years Ago - On Christmas Day 1990, Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau (in collaboration with CERN) communicated between a web browser and a webserver for the first time - thus the world's first website went live.

Honours List - The music world is repre

UK - The full programme for London's first Lumiere light festival has been revealed, a "brand new event that is set to transform the city's streets and buildings across four evenings this month".

Developed by creative producers Artichoke and supported by the Mayor of London, Lumiere London runs from 14-17 January 2016, 6.30-10.30pm. Free to attend, the festival will re-imagine London's urban landscape and architecture in 30 artworks across four main areas: King's Cross; Mayfair and Grosvenor Square; Piccadilly, Regent Street, Leicester Square and St James's; and Trafalgar Square and Westminster.

With founding support from Atom Bank, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Heart of London Business Alliance, London & Partners and King's Cross, plus additional support from a host of partners and sponsors, including Westminster City Council, Lumiere London will "transform parts

UK - Following a year of changes, PLASA is looking forward to a fresh new approach for 2016. With the de-merger from PLASA North America enabling the Association to re-focus its resources and push forward with plans to re-engage with its members, PLASA is now set to introduce a series of initiatives based on the constructive feedback gained from the industry.

Despite its difficulties, 2015 saw many positives for PLASA. At PLASA Media, Lighting&Sound International celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2015, having been confirmed by research completed by Fusion Insight & Strategy as the market leading magazine and by far the number one choice of readers in the marketplace. LSi also welcomed a new media sales team: commercial manager Andrew Organ and business development manager Greg Morley have quickly settled into their roles, and 2016 is shaping up to be LSi's most successf

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