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07 January 2025

USA - On New Year’s Day, LD Systems celebrated 50 years in business and took a significant step towards securing its future by becoming a part of the Clair Global Group through acquisition.

“This partnership honours LD Systems’ rich legacy while providing the resources and shared vision to ensure its continued growth and success for the future,” says a statement.

LD Systems, based in Houston, Texas, with additional offices in San Antonio and Austin, is a provider of audio, video, and lighting production services and installed solutions serving the US market and beyond.

“We were impressed with LD’s caring culture, long-term client relationships, and their commitment to quality, and that standard of unwavering service and excellence will continue with us,” said Clair Global CEO, Troy Clair. “The shared vision is exciting as we c

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07 January 2025

Norway - Netherlands-based manufacturer ELC Lighting has announced the appointment of Ghost Light as the exclusive distributor for the Green-GO ethernet-based comms systems in Norway.

Specialising in the live entertainment industry, Ghost Light provides services and solutions for clients in theatre, live music, rental and broadcast. Founder Johan Holmen entered the production industry in 2017 with experience solutions provider Bright Norway. Here he developed his interest in technical solutions, providing training for MA Lighting and support for various leading solutions including the Green-GO range.

Following Bright Group’s acquisition by NEP (parent company of Creative Technology), Holmen founded Ghost Light in January 2023. Maintaining the link with Green-GO, he continued to provide support for its users and, later in the year, was asked to be p

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07 January 2025

Denmark - SL Production in Skive is a new lighting and sound rental company – founded in 2020 by Jesper Poulsen and his business partner, Kasper Holm Nielsen – who joined forces and merged their respective companies into one entity to offer quality production values for all types of events.

Before starting SL Productions, Poulsen ran his own company operating as a mobile DJ and LJ spinning tunes and utilising his skills mainly for tractor pulling events – a booming phenom in Denmark – and the numerous town festivals that are popular across the country.

As soon as the new company was formed, they purchased some Robe moving lights – six MegaPointes and eight LEDBeam 150s.

“We knew that if we wanted to grow the company and be taken seriously, we needed to offer lighting and visuals, so in addition to excellent audio, we also believed

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07 January 2025

India - Goa’s Spectrum Audio Solutions has commissioned a further round of investments. The move aims to bolster the company’s audio, lighting, and trussing inventories to meet the evolving demands of high-profile live events.

Known for delivering unparalleled technical reinforcement for some of the most prestigious events in the region, the company continues to cement its reputation as a trusted partner for world-class productions. And Maria Rodrigues – the dynamic 23-year-old director of Spectrum Audio Solutions – has been instrumental in shaping the company’s success with her visionary leadership that has driven the company’s innovative approach, and her hands-on involvement in operations that has solidified its reputation for excellence.

She credits this success to the company’s unwavering commitment to quality, as she comments: “

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07 January 2025

Festival Finances - Glastonbury Festival has reported that profits more than doubled last year, as it faces criticism for being too "corporate". The festival brought in £5.9m in pre-tax profits for the year to March 2024 – up from £2.9m the year before. During the same period, the event also donated £5.2m to charitable organisations including Oxfam, Greenpeace and WaterAid.

A spokesperson for the festival said "successful, dry Glastonburys in both 2023 and 2024" had helped to "rebuild the event's vital financial reserves". The spokesperson said it also allowed them to "continue to support good causes and charities". Like many festivals, Glastonbury saw record losses during the pandemic, with the event called off in 2020 and 2021, "costing the festival millions", said the spokesperson.

In The Courts - A cyber hacker has pleaded g

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06 January 2025

UAE - Netherlands-based manufacturer ELC Lighting has announced the appointment of Sonic Evolution FZC as the new exclusive distributor for both its brands, ELC and Green-GO, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Based in Sharjah, Sonic Evolution FZC is now set to provide both of ELC Lighting’s award-winning product ranges – the ELC range of DMX-over-IP lighting control products and the Green-GO family of digital wireless intercom solutions – to its customer base throughout the UAE.

A distributor of specialist technologies for the professional production industry, Sonic Evolution was set up just last year by India-born Dr. Rajesh Khade (an actual medical doctor, as well as a drummer and live sound engineer) and his partner Arnold Coelho (an audio and mechanical engineer) to provide targeted technical solutions to entertainment production professio

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06 January 2025

Poland - Australian manufacturer LSC Control Systems has welcomed Prolight, a well-known provider of professional lighting equipment and services, as its new exclusive distributor for Poland.

Founded in 1996, Prolight has built a leading position in the Polish market and is now looking forward to providing its customers with access to LSC’s innovative range of power and data management products, all of which are designed and manufactured in Melbourne, Australia.

As well as representing a portfolio of leading brands in the fields of lighting, multimedia, and stage technology, Prolight provides services including maintenance, installation and training.

Kacper Rzeczkowski of Prolight believes the LSC range brings important synergies to its offering. He says: “Since its acquisition by Robe Lighting, awareness of LSC in Poland has significantl

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06 January 2025

India - As it marks 33 years in the live event sector, rental solutions company Mowzz Entertainment has made significant investments in new technology, with L-Acoustics’ K Series loudspeakers and the first Celto Acoustique IsoRay system in India.

"From its inception, Mowzz has only partnered with globally reputed brands for its inventory – be it loudspeakers to backline and anything in between. We’ve consistently set the benchmark for quality and performance in everything that we’ve done over the past 33 years; and this year proved to be the perfect time for Mowzz to leap into a new era of performance excellence,” states Zakir Alladin, founder-director of Hyderabad-based Mowzz Entertainment.

Prakash Savio, partner and head of technical production at Mowzz Entertainment adds: “A strong commitment to superlative performance and reliability,

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20 December 2024

France - Capping off a year of marking the company’s 40th anniversary, L-Acoustics has announced another significant milestone with the addition of its 1,000th team member. Kevin Gouriou joins the company as a prototypist in R&D, marking a milestone that showcases four decades of growth from the company’s European roots to its current position as a global leader in professional audio.

This milestone comes during a remarkable period of growth for L-Acoustics, which has seen a 40% increase in its workforce over the past two years. With global hubs in Paris, Los Angeles, London and Singapore, the company has strategically expanded to support its worldwide network of partners and clients while maintaining its commitment to innovation, with 20% of its workforce dedicated to design and R&D.

"For 40 years, L-Acoustics has been driven by a spirit

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20 December 2024

UK - To mark the company’s 100th year, Celestion has been honoured by Vox Amplification with the presentations of a special limited-edition Hand-Wired VOX AC30HW60 Amplifier. 

The special VOX AC30 was originally created for Vox’s 60th anniversary, and the particular unit features a congratulatory plaque to Celestion, presented by Vox’s managing director Ian Doggett to Andy Farrow, Celestion’s global director of sales.

Since the late 1950s, Vox and Celestion have worked in collaboration to mark some key moments in the history of guitar tone. Most notably, the pairing of the Vox AC30 and Celestion Blue, creating a unique sound that was used by the likes of The Shadows, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

The partnership dates back to 1959, when Vox started using a modern variant of the original Rola G12 radiogram speaker in their AC15

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19 December 2024

APAC - Powersoft is expanding its reach in Asia with the appointment of new distribution partners in three key territories. Qorsys AV Technologies is now the official distributor for Powersoft in the Philippines, while Universal Procurement Systems (UPS) will represent the Italian brand in both Singapore and Vietnam.

The new partnerships mark a significant step in Powersoft’s ongoing expansion in the APAC region and bring its audio solutions closer to local integrators and end users.

Universal Procurement Systems, headquartered in Singapore, has built a reputation for its professionalism and strategic approach to pro audio distribution in south-east Asia. Christian Liebenberg, senior consultant at UPS, comments: “Powersoft has always focused on developing technologically advanced solutions beyond amplifiers. Their work on projects like Sphere in

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18 December 2024

UK - At the Annual Lighting Lunch held on Monday 16 December, the Association for Lighting Production and Design (the ALPD) awarded four new fellowships to Peter Hunter, Steve Huttly, Nick Peel and Alan Luxford.

Introducing the new fellows, chair of the ALPD, Johanna Town, said: “This year our ALPD fellowships go to four very dedicated lighting individuals, who have spent a lifetime’s career in our amazing industry.”

Peter Hunter: After training at LAMDA Hunter spent a season at Chichester, before moving to the Redgrave Theatre, Farnham, where he rose to become chief electrician. In 1980 he moved to Salisbury Playhouse as lighting designer and chief electrician. Now retired, he continues to be generous with his time, knowledge and support of the next generation.

Steve Huttly: Huttly started his career i

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18 December 2024

Saudi Arabia - Renkus-Heinz has announced a distribution partnership with Hasoub, a premier regional distributor specialising in Extra Low Voltage (ELV) systems and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions, based in Jeddah.

This collaboration marks a pivotal step in Renkus-Heinz’s expansion in the Middle East, where the demand for professional AV integration solutions is rapidly growing.

“MEA is one of the most promising yet challenging regions when it comes to delivering best-in-class professional solutions,” says Karan Kathuria, director of sales and development for Asia at Renkus-Heinz. “Renkus-Heinz is committed to offering the best customer experiences in the region via its advanced engineered solutions.

“With recent shifts in customer expectations, both pre- and post-sales, we wanted to restructure our go-to-ma

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17 December 2024

Europe - The Showlight Student Sponsorship deadline is approaching. Applications close on Friday 31 January 2025. The scheme is open to students and recent graduates of lighting for the performing arts, events, broadcast, film and architecture.

Successful applicants enjoy free-of-charge entry to Showlight 2025, with access to the full Programme of Papers, admission to the exhibition of major lighting equipment manufacturers, networking opportunities during the daily breaks and lunch, as well as a place at one of the Company Dinners on the Tuesday evening and the Conference Dinner on Wednesday evening. Around 30 places are available but spaces are filling up fast.

Former Showlight student participant and presenter of Sweeney Todd – A Site Specific Experience, Amy Mae Smith, comments: “Showlight is an inspiring few days where you

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17 December 2024

USA - Southwest Value Partners, AEG, and L-Acoustics have announced that L-Acoustics is the latest entertainment industry leader to open office space at Nashville Yards. Expected to launch in the summer of 2025, it will become the company’s major operations and creative hub for the Americas, joining its global hubs in Paris, Los Angeles, London, and Singapore.

“The opening of our Americas headquarters in Nashville, the Music City, marks a significant milestone for L-Acoustics globally and reinforces our commitment to serving our partners throughout North America from a central location, said Laurent Vaissié, co-CEO of L-Acoustics.

"Being part of this dynamic creative hub perfectly aligns with our ambition to connect people through the best-shared sound experience, building a vibrant community with the most creative artists and entertainment prof

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17 December 2024

UK - Polar has announced the launch of Polar Leasing, which will allow its customers the freedom to finance any product or service Polar provides. The scheme will enable Polar customers to better align their investments with their goals, or allow them to offer their own customers the flexibility to finance purchases.

Polar Leasing allows customers to use assets without upfront purchase over a lease duration customised to align with their working capital needs. During an agreed term a customer makes fixed payments classified as operational expenses, which are 100% tax deductible. The customer can settle the lease at any time or at the end of the leasing period will pay a nominal fee to take ownership. This flexible arrangement also allows customers to upgrade equipment during the lease period, ensuring that they have access to the most up-to-date technology.<

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17 December 2024

UK - Staged at the conclusion of its recent On Tour event at Production Park in Wakefield, this year’s Production Futures Breakthrough Talent Awards proved to be a major success. The awards recognise and mark the achievements of young talent within the production industries, with a mission to inspire the next generation.

Designed in cooperation with awards sponsors, the 2024 edition once again based its ‘prizes’ around ‘opportunity and access’ in contrast to the customary ‘glass trophy’ recognition. Winners received either mentoring sessions with judges and sponsors, all of whom are leading industry professionals, training sessions, or travel bursaries to visit next year’s ISE.

21 categories were covered by the awards, including six for outstanding achievement, reflecting the wide diversity of opportunity within the

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17 December 2024

Ticket Tax - Glasgow councillors have backed the introduction of a new £1 levy on tickets for ‘mega-gigs’ in the city – with the proceeds used to support small music venues. The levy would apply to the 14,300-capacity OVO Hydro which regularly hosts major artists, potentially raising hundreds of thousands of pounds each year. A motion was passed with cross-party support at a meeting of the full council, and the authority will now look in more detail at how to implement it.

The Scottish Greens, who led the motion, said upcoming performances and events by Kylie Minogue, Sam Fender, Olly Murs, comedian Peter Kay, Strictly Come Dancing and WWE could alone raise £160,000. Campaigners including the Music Venue Trust, external have called for smaller venues across the UK to receive a contribution from the p

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16 December 2024

USA - Professional Wireless Systems (PWS) has been delivering RF support and solutions since 1994, and this year, the company celebrates its 30th anniversary. Based on the brand’s 30-year reputation and decades of experience in the industry, PWS has supported a range of high-profile broadcast and live event projects. PWS’ clients rely on the team for design and deployment services, helping to continuously deliver world-class events to their audiences.

PWS has offered services, event management and frequency coordination for various high-profile events over the years, such as every Super Bowl Halftime Show since 1997, award shows, music festivals, corporate events and major league sports.

In the 1980s and 1990s wireless microphone use experienced tremendous growth in the United States. At that time, the founder of PWS James Stoffo worked

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13 December 2024

UAE - Avolites announces a change in partnership in the Middle East, which will see the UK-based lighting and visual control manufacturer distributed and serviced by Robe Middle East as of 1 January 2025.

Service and support throughout all Middle Eastern countries will be managed via the considerable resources, experience and organisational infrastructure of Robe Middle East, headed by managing director Elie Battah and his talented team.

It will give Avolites investors, users, and customers in the area access to the Robe Middle East Technical Centre, which will become the hub for Avolites sales, tech support, repairs and returns plus an active schedule of Avolites training opportunities and initiatives currently being developed.

Avolites’ MD Paul Wong thanks Procom Middle East for their “incredible” work that has delivered and supported

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13 December 2024

UK - The £100k Funding Campaign for 2030 Outdoor Event Sector’s Climate Transition Plan has hit 75%. Wide support from across the sector has secured production of the Show Must Go On Sector Transition Plan, which will set ambitious climate plans for 2030 for the festival and live outdoor events industry.

Chris Johnson, Vision: 2025 chair, states: “The working group is delighted by the widespread support from an industry struggling against the economic backdrop in 2024. This is an acknowledgement that now is the time to show leadership and ambition in taking action, meeting the urgent challenge of climate breakdown, and coming together as an industry to chart a clear path.”

Vision:2025 is working with the AIF and other industry organisations to raise the final 25% to reach the £100k target. The remaining funds will underpin the promot

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13 December 2024

UK - After another year of ‘inspiring and groundbreaking entries’, the ABTT’s Stephen Joseph Committee faced a challenge in selecting the 2024 Award winner, which honours innovative and inclusive theatre excellence.

Named in tribute to leading post-war British theatre pioneer and founding ABTT member, the Stephen Joseph Award celebrates the bold ways in which theatre practitioners push boundaries in using theatre space and forging close, creative connections between performers and audiences.

After a lively and passionate discussion about the submissions, the judging panel reached a unanimous decision: the 2024 ABTT Stephen Joseph Award goes to Frozen Light, a Norwich-based company that is revolutionising multi-sensory theatre for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Presented at the ABTT Christmas Party, Bob Milli

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12 December 2024

UK - This year, at the ABTT Members' Christmas Party on Friday 6 December, the Association of British Theatre Technicians, with the support of ETC and LW Theatres, honoured four of its members by awarding them Honorary Membership and Fellowship for their extraordinary work.

ABTT co-chairs Mig Burgess and David Evans kicked off the afternoon at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, welcoming the crowd and sharing the exciting news that this year, more members than ever would be celebrated. The Awards began by announcing that there were “two exceptional individuals whose contributions to the Association have been nothing short of extraordinary. This prestigious recognition of Honorary Membership is reserved only for those who have truly excelled in advancing the ABTT’s charitable goals – and these two individuals have certainly done just that.”

The first

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12 December 2024

India - Headquartered in Mumbai, Neo Entertainment is one of India’s premier event production companies. With a promise to continually deploy the latest tech and expertise, they recently upgraded their front-line PA, investing in a Martin Audio WPC line array. They placed a significant order with territory distributors, Vardhaman Megatech Pvt Ltd (VMT), comprising 16 WPC tops and eight SXH subwoofers, along with iK42 amp racks and accessories.

Speaking of the purchase, Neo Entertainment director, Betson Carvalho said, “Choosing the Martin Audio WPC system has been a transformative step for Neo Entertainment. This powerful combination of components has revolutionised our sound capabilities, delivering clear, dynamic and impactful audio that truly elevates events. Martin Audio’s renowned precision and reliability provide us with the confidence to push th