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03 June 2025

Europe - MDG has announced the appointment of menzi ebz as its new, exclusive distributor for Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The appointment takes place with immediate effect.

menzi ebz is a company with a long pedigree, its origins stretching back to 1943 with the founding of Walter Eichenberger Theatre Lighting, and the creation in 1999 of MBelectronics by Marco Menzi, later to become Menzi Eventtechnik. The merger of these two companies in 2010 saw the advent of menzi ebz ag under the management of Marco Menzi and Andreas Stahl. Since 2024, menzi ebz ag has made the strategic step to focus exclusively on the sale of lighting, lighting control systems and rigging across the theatre, television event technology service provider and scenic architecture markets.

“This reorientation is a big step for the company and a good time to modernise,” says

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03 June 2025

USA - AVlex has been named as the exclusive distributor for Amadeus Acoustics in the US. The agreement will see AVlex present Amadeus’ software-based audio solutions for multi-channel and multi-room applications to multi-use spaces, schools, churches and performing arts centres across the US.

“We needed a partner that understands the benefits, applications and basic technical aspects of our solutions,” explains Amadeus Acoustics CEO, Fabio Kaiser. “Also, somebody who can act on a national, state or regional level at the same time. And finally, somebody who is willing to go on a journey with us, as active acoustics and immersive sound solutions for venues and smaller spaces are still emerging.

“We believe with AVlex we found a partner for the US that fulfil these criteria who we could build a long-term relationship with.”

For the A

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03 June 2025

Canada - Professional audio streaming experts, Bluesound Professional, is a launch partner of OpenAV Cloud, the new global initiative to bring open, cloud-connected, cross-platform control and interoperability to the AV industry. This new initiative is a collaborative effort among multiple manufacturers to host their public APIs in the cloud, enabling seamless cross-product integration.

Founding members BrightSign, Legrand AV, Panasonic, Shure, Sony and Xyte, along with a host of other leading AV manufacturers and technology providers, have come together for the first time to host their APIs in a unified environment, signifying an exciting development within the industry. The initiative aims to address two of the AV industry’s greatest challenges: proprietary control systems and siloed cloud environments that make integration more difficult.

OpenAV

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03 June 2025

Czech Republic - Ton Production, a fast-growing rental and production company based in Prague, has expanded its audio inventory with a new Outline sound system. The setup includes 16 Mantas 28 line-array modules, eight DBS 18-2 subwoofers, and Outline’s GTA Series power amplifiers, supplied by Outline’s Czech distributor, LightNeq s.r.o.

Founded in 2018, Ton Production provides full technical services for concerts, festivals, conferences, and a variety of public and private events. With its growing portfolio, the company was seeking a versatile, high-performance system capable of handling everything from intimate events to open-air festivals.

“When looking for a new system for our rental company, we discovered Outline, represented in the Czech Republic by LightNeq,” says Tomáš Čeřovský, owner and technical production lead at Ton Producti

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03 June 2025

USA - PPDS will be showcasing the latest evolutions in sustainable screen technology and design, including new Philips dvLED and digital signage reveals, plus a new global partnership announcement.

PPDS will also be paying tribute to Martijn van der Woude, VP global business development and marketing of PPDS, who sadly passed away in April. This special event is set to take place on Wednesday 11 June at 3pm on the Philips booth, with full details being confirmed shortly.

Ron Cottaar, director of global marketing at PPDS, commented: “Since the sad passing of Martijn, InfoComm 2025 will be the first time we have the opportunity to come together as a global team and industry. Martijn was a deeply regarded personality at InfoComm, whether speaking at industry keynotes, chatting with customers, or being interviewed by the press.

“With so many

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03 June 2025

Future-proofing - Virtual avatars as stand-ins for performers is one technological innovation to feature among proposals at a Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre online event. A panel entitled Future-proofing For The Next Generation, featuring director Suba Das, Theatre Royal Wakefield boss Katie Town and Diverse City joint artistic director Claire Hodgson, discussed suggestions that AI could help the industry make strides forward in terms of accessibility and cost-cutting.

Panellists also vouched for the use of AI to help theatres achieve "the easy stuff" more efficiently, from administrative tasks to ice cream and drinks sales during performances. Town and Hodgson both welcomed the idea of digitised ‘avatar’ performers who they suggested could alleviate problems of cast absences, save money for subsidised theatres and appear "on-demand" f

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02 June 2025

UK - PLASA Focus Leeds 2025 returned to the Royal Armouries on 13-14 May, drawing a vibrant cross-section of the live entertainment technology sector for two buzzing days of connection, innovation and learning.

This year’s show welcomed 2,852 professionals, an increase on the 2024 show. The quality of attendees continues to thrive, with 687 directors, owners, or chairs representing 16% of the audience. Significantly, when combining senior roles and those in sales, procurement and specification, nearly 40% of the professionals on site held final decision-making responsibility, underscoring the event’s commercial impact.

A broad spectrum of industry roles was represented, including sound and lighting engineers, technicians, production and tour managers, lighting designers, venue and operations staff, as well as consultants, buyers, lecturers, conte

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02 June 2025

UK - Sound Devices has announced the acquisition of US-based in-ear monitoring developer and manufacturer, JH Audio. The deal brings together the two audio technology brands under the Audiotonix group portfolio, focused on ‘delivering pristine audio to artists and performers, on stage, on location, and in the studio’.

With over 48 years’ experience in live sound combined with more than 30 years of designing and building in-ear monitors (IEMs), engineer and JH Audio founder, Jerry Harvey, is synonymous with custom fit IEM moulds for many of the most demanding ears and artists in live touring.

Matt Anderson, Sound Devices CEO, comments: “We couldn’t be more excited about bringing the JH Audio team into the Sound Devices fold. The timing is perfect as we continue to build on our Astral RF range of solutions that are rightly being recognised as

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02 June 2025

UK - Adlib has been awarded the service and support contract for the Barbican’s theatrical lighting system infrastructure.

The Barbican Theatre and The Pit studio theatre are major venues in the Barbican Centre, the largest performing arts centre in Europe. The Barbican Theatre was purpose-built to host large-scale theatrical performances and has a 1,156-seat auditorium for drama and dance, while The Pit is a smaller scale, fully flexible, black-box studio space dedicated to experimental live performance.

The Barbican Theatre has one of the largest stages in London, equipped with a fly tower and advanced rigging for complex staging and scenery changes. It is renowned among professionals for its technical sophistication and infrastructure, making it suitable for bold and innovative productions.

The technical systems are integral to the opera

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02 June 2025

UK - Prolight Concepts (UK) has announced the addition of two prestigious brands, Allen & Heath and Instagrid, to its extensive product inventory. Effective immediately, both brands are readily available from Prolight's UK warehouse, ensuring swift delivery and enhanced service for clients nationwide.

Allen & Heath has been delivering premium-quality mixing consoles and audio technology since 1969. Trusted by professionals in live sound, studio recording, broadcast, and installations, Allen & Heath products combine innovative design with exceptional audio quality, making them the go-to choice for sound engineers, musicians, and producers alike.

Instagrid, an innovative German technology company, is transforming the portable power industry with its groundbreaking, eco-friendly battery systems. Offering clean, quiet, and reliable electricit

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30 May 2025

UK - Backup Tech, the charity supporting those working behind the scenes in the entertainment technology industry, has announced the latest additions to its ambassador lineup. Under the guidance of Backup trustee Koy Neminathan, who oversees the ambassador programme, the organisation has welcomed Suzi Green and Gemma Fletcher into its growing roster of representatives.

As Backup ambassadors, Suzi and Gemma will champion the charity's mission throughout the entertainment industry, spreading awareness of the charity’s work, helping create and support wellbeing related initiatives that tie in with Backup’s remit, as well as recruiting corporate partners and supporting individual fundraising efforts. Their roles include representing Backup at industry events, meetings, and the popular annual Backup Village Fete. Here they share their personal connec

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30 May 2025

UK - Follow-Me is inviting lighting industry professionals and venue owners to its inaugural open day at its new meeting and demo space at Underbelly Boulevard Soho. Scheduled for 17 June from 11:00 to 15:00, this special event will offer hands-on demonstrations of Follow-Me's performer tracking solutions, supported by SLX.

The open day takes place at Follow-Me's newly established demonstration facility within Underbelly Boulevard Soho, situated in London's bustling Soho district. This venue provides industry professionals with direct access to Follow-Me's remote follow-spot and performer tracking technology in a real-world environment.

Luke Edwards, designer relations liaison UK at Follow-Me, will lead the day's activities, offering personalised demonstrations, Q&A opportunities, and technical consultations. Visitors can explore Follow-Me's comp

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29 May 2025

Hungary - Lightware Visual Engineering emphasised its status as a European-based technology company to clients and colleagues at its recent seminars. With all product design and manufacturing carried out at its headquarters in Budapest, Hungary, the message was clear: ‘Lightware is well-positioned to face the current global challenges with confidence and ensure its customers continue to benefit from an efficient service and cutting-edge technology’.

As supply chains face increasing uncertainty, Lightware’s commitment to local, European manufacturing offers a reliable and future-ready alternative for partners across the continent and around the world.

Although manufacturing is centralised in Budapest, Lightware operates across a total of 18 offices worldwide, supporting customers in the EMEA, APAC and Americas regions. This combination of Europe

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29 May 2025

Germany - The Digital Signage Summit (DSS) Europe concluded with a record of almost 500 delegates following three days of strategic insight and technologies at the Hilton Munich Airport, Germany. Organised by invidis in a joint venture with Integrated Systems Events (ISE), DSS Europe took place from 21-23 May, bringing together innovators and thought leaders to debut its new three-day format.

Florian Rotberg, conference chair and managing director of invidis consulting, reflected: “Over the past three days, DSS Europe 2025 has not only set a new benchmark for innovation and collaboration but has also highlighted the pressing challenges and future opportunities that our industry must address.

“From groundbreaking advancements in digital signage to meaningful conversations about sustainability and user engagement, this year’s summit has truly red

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28 May 2025

USA - The Mid-Atlantic region has recently become something of an enclave for Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision line array series - and in particular WPC.

A flurry of recent sales in the Mid-Atlantic has helped weave a powerful network of users, giving each access to lucrative cross-rental opportunities when large event support is required.

This was highlighted by Martin Audio USA’s Northeast regional sales manager, Martha Callaghan. She reports that Kennedy Event Services recently bolstered their existing WPM inventory by upscaling to 16 WPC, supported by 12 SX218 subwoofers in the tri-state New York Metro region. 

Midway Productions also added 16 WPC to their 32-strong WPM fleet, as well as investing deeper in iKon amplifiers. They are based in Christiansburg, VA, servicing the many large higher education systems in the region, such a

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27 May 2025

UK - Sterling Event Group has announced a major expansion in facilities, a strengthened specialist team, investment in the latest production technologies, and a new brand identity.

With an impressive 25-year track record of delivering high-end production for corporate, private, public sector and live entertainment events, Sterling is now scaling its capabilities to support national and international growth. The company has built deep-rooted relationships with clients across the North of England and has consistently delivered strong growth year on year.

Sterling’s move to a new 102,000sq.ft warehouse at Manchester’s ICON Business Park more than doubles its existing capacity. The site will house a comprehensive inventory of professional-grade production technology, which is meticulously serviced and maintained by Sterling’s in-house team, for dep

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27 May 2025

India - Obsidian Control Systems recently delivered a three-day training in India supported by VMT, the brand’s official Indian distribution partner. Spearheaded by Obsidian’s business development director Koy Neminathan and lighting designer Giancarlo Vannetti, the training series attracted over 100 lighting professionals eager to get hands-on with the NX1, NX2, and NX4 consoles.

Designed to empower and elevate, the sessions offered deep insights into Obsidian’s advanced architecture and functionality. “Watching participants gain confidence with the NX1, NX2, and NX4 through hands-on experience was truly rewarding. The passion for lighting control in India is inspiring, and we’re excited to see how these professionals take their skills forward,” noted Giancarlo Vannetti.

Neminathan echoed this sentiment: “It was incredible to see the e

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27 May 2025

Spain - INFiLED has announced the launch of its INFiLED Certified Engineer (ICE) training programme – a comprehensive initiative aimed at equipping technical professionals in the EMEA region with the hands-on skills and knowledge needed to install, configure and maintain LED systems with confidence.

The ICE training course is designed for engineers, technicians and support professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of INFiLED’s LED technologies and develop the practical competencies required to deliver the highest standards of service. The course covers both theoretical knowledge and real-world application, providing a full overview of INFiLED's LED ecosystem.

Key topics covered in the training include the basics of LED display systems and INFiLED’s product range, system set-up, calibration and configuration, troubleshooting and fault-

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27 May 2025

UK - The Profile Awards 2025 Television nominations have been released by the STLD and are now published on the TPA web page.

The TV section of The 2025 Profile Awards is judged by a panel consisting of theatre lighting designer Peter Small, TV lighting designer Martin Kempton, TV director Stephen Neil and chaired by STLD honorary secretary and lighting designer Stuart Gain. (https://profileawards.com/television-nominations-2025/)

The Profile Awards TV sponsors are:

@rosco_labs - TV Entertainment Series Award

@lightscontrolrigging - TV Entertainment One-Off Award

@chamsysltd - TV Drama Award

@elpelstree - TV Small studio Award

@cameo_light - TV Non Scripted Entertainment Award

@led_creative_limited - TV Continuing Drama Award

@

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27 May 2025

South Africa - When Dr Ismail Mahomed, writer, director, and former artistic director of the National Arts Festival, reached out for help after TX Theatre Productions in Tembisa had their console stolen just before their annual festival, DWR Distribution responded with a donation of a Signify Vari-Lite FLX S24 lighting console, a 24-fader surface designed to create beautiful looks fast and easily.

In the heart of Tembisa, TX Theatre Productions has been a hub for drama, music, and dance since 2008. Founded by Mxolisi Masilela and registered as an NPO in 2014, this multi-Naledi Award-winning company produces around 50 shows annually, regularly earns plays at festivals like the National Arts Festival, and supports local talent through awards, publications, and its Writers Lab.

Tembisa was established in 1957 during apartheid-era forced removals, reloca

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27 May 2025

Glastonbury Time - The 1975, Neil Young and US pop star Olivia Rodrigo will headline this year’s Glastonbury Festival which opens on Wednesday. Rod Stewart will also be performing on Sunday afternoon in the ‘legend slot’, 23 years after his last appearance at the festival.

Other notable acts on the line-up include Charli XCX, Wolf Alice, The Libertines, Wet Leg, Biffy Clyro, Franz Ferdinand and The Prodigy. There will also be debut Glastonbury performances by Alanis Morisette, Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams, Lola Young and Doechii.

Glastonbury is known for unpredictable weather so festival-goers are advised to pack for all conditions, including wellies, waterproof clothing and sun cream. There is also a list of prohibited items to ensure the safety and security of everyone on site. Banned items include - but are not limited to - fireworks,

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23 May 2025

Europe - GLP has appointed Paris-based MiD (Musique Industrie Développement) as its new French distributor – coinciding with the latest edition of the GLP-sponsored Showlight lighting networking show being held in Dijon this week.

With a dedicated GLP showroom hosted by Artbox located at the Parc de l'Évènement in Longjumeau (south of Paris), MiD operates throughout the country, carrying more than 36 AV brands in its catalogue. Historically strong in pro-audio, it is now starting to develop its lighting brands. MiD sales director Julien Seillier says GLP is central to this mission, in the event, concert touring and architectural segments.

He says that GLP recognised MiD’s flexibility, energy and above all a desire to develop the lighting market and propel this brand to the forefront: “I come from a rental background, having spent se

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23 May 2025

Brazil - Follow-Me has announced a strategic partnership with Newart Iluminação Ltda as its sales partner in Brazil. The collaboration marks a significant expansion of Follow-Me's presence in South America.

Newart Iluminação, established in 2001, has built a strong reputation as a trusted provider of advanced lighting solutions across Brazil. The company offers a comprehensive range of lighting products and services for entertainment, architectural, and commercial applications. With headquarters and workshop facilities in São Paulo, Newart brings over two decades of experience and deep market knowledge to this partnership.

Francisco Pinheiro, owner and managing director of Newart, comments: "We are always looking for innovative solutions to bring the latest lighting technology to our clients. Follow-Me really stood out as a game-changing system

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23 May 2025

South Africa - DWR Distribution’s Jaques Pretorius recently spent two busy days with third-year lighting students from the Department of Performing Arts at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), offering hands-on training on the grandMA3 lighting control platform.

Over the past year, TUT has invested in two grandMA3 onPC command wings – one for its Breytenbach Theatre and another for its practical teaching space – making this training especially timely.

Wandile Mgcodo, a long-standing lecturer at TUT and a passionate supporter of the next generation of creatives, helped organise the workshop. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing students grow in confidence, find their artistic voice, and master tools they’ll use in their careers,” he said.

The journey began when TUT decided to upgrade from their previous MA2 system, keep