UK - The buzz around the aisles and stands of PLASA London 2014 has created an incredible atmosphere for visitors and exhibitors alike. The entertainment technology industry is full of brilliant characters, giving the industry its special personality. While the social side of the show has flourished, so has business, as exhibitors continue to launch new products and make important connections.

Green Hippo has chosen PLASA London 2014 for the launch of the Hippotizer v4. The company has taken the award-winning features of the Hippotizer v3, such as UberPan, Cross-Fade on Layer, Presets and Region Mapper success, and added new hardware and an array of key software features that will make the user experience better than ever before.

Raycom is exhibiting at PLASA London for the first time, using the show as a platform for moving into the live market. The company has built up an ex

UK - The Technical Theatre Awards, which celebrate the achievements of people working behind the scenes, have announced their winners at a well-attended ceremony during PLASA London 2014 hosted by Kasper Holten.

Now in their second year, the Technical Theatre Awards (TTAs) were established to give due credit to the often unsung heroes and heroines that work backstage to make the theatre magic happen.

The winners are:

The Douglas Turnbull Award for Outstanding Achievement in Stage Management (Supported by Opera Holland Park)

Sharon Hobden

The Philips Entertainment Award for Outstanding Achievement in Lighting

Richard Rhys Thomas

The PRG Award for Outstanding Achievement in Production Management

Paul Hennessy

The Triple E Award for Outstanding Achievement in Flys & Rigging

Karl Meier

The Rigging Team Award for Outstanding Achievement

UK - Max Narula, a student at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, has won this year's Michael Northen Bursary (MNB), picking up a £500 cash award at a special presentation at PLASA London.

The Bursary is awarded annually to a student or recent graduate who has demonstrated strong, imaginative and creative lighting designs. It is organised by the Association of Lighting Designers, a professional body representing lighting designers in the live performance industry.

Northen was both a former Chairman and President of the ALD and the first credited lighting designer in the UK.

Each year an award of £500 is presented to a young lighting designer who has shown excellence in the field of lighting design. The project must be a performance-based lighting design in or out of the college environment. Two runner-up prizes of £250 each are also presented: an ETC sponsor

UK - Robe Lighting enjoyed its biggest, busiest and best PLASA show to date over four days at London's ExCeL Centre and also won its fourth PLASA Innovation Award for its new Bright Multi-Functional Luminaire (BMFL) high powered signature product.

"PLASA 2014 was awesome in every way!" declared the Czech moving light manufacturer's CEO Josef Valchar.

"We welcomed an incredible number of visitors on the booth every day, we met a wide selection of innovative lighting and visual designers all showing a keen interest in our products, we saw representatives from most of the leading UK rental companies ... and winning the Innovation Award was the icing on the cake! We could not have asked for a better show - it absolutely rocked!"

As well as all of the above ... PLASA 2014 was special for Robe in many other ways.

The 1000sq.m Robe Arena was the biggest physic

UK - The final day of PLASA London 2014 followed an evening of celebration and reflection, as the PLASA Awards for Innovation and Sustainability took centre stage. The winners were revealed during a special ceremony, held in the grand surroundings of Robe World - the lighting manufacturer's huge stand.

Industry/exhibitor reaction to the show was positive. Richard 'Fez' Ferriday, brand development manager at Cadac observed: "We have a constant stream of serous visitors who have been really knocked out by the new features in the new version 2.3 operating software for the CDC eight. Surprisingly we have had a lot of theatre people on the booth."

Mercedes Stevao-Boase, marketing and PR at Green Hippo said: "AC Technologies has a great stand space. It's been really busy, lots of overseas visitors from Asia to Eastern Europe."

Karl Christmas, sales & marketing

UK - The PLASA Awards for Innovation (sponsored by Lighting&Sound International) were presented on Tuesday 7 October, revealing the most ground-breaking products of PLASA London 2014. It was a night of celebration and remembrance, as the prestigious Gottelier Award was awarded posthumously to Clay Paky founder, Pasquale 'Paky' Quadri, who recently passed away.

Clay Paky's Chief Operational Officer, Pio Nahum, graciously accepted the Gottelier Award on behalf of his friend and colleague. The other nominees - Richard Belliveau, David Cunningham and Dr Christian Heil - withdrew from the running following the sad news. The lighting industry has lost a great character and a true pioneer.

Every year, PLASA recognises products that demonstrate progress, through attributes like a new style of thinking, an improvement in technical practice, new technology, materials or technique

UK - Suzanne Wynne of ShowTex has raised over £2000 so far for Macmillan Cancer Support by having her 43cm long hair shorn down to just 6mm on the final day of the PLASA Show. And the hair itself has not gone to waste - it was donated to The Little Princess Trust, which provides real hair wigs for both boys and girls across the UK and Ireland who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.

Suzanne told LSiOnline: "Prior to the event I was quite overwhelmed to receive so many messages of support . . . doing this had clearly made people think, and some had even decided to do their own fund-raising, which is great. I also met one of the Macmillan ladies, Stephanie, who had been through cancer twice, and the way she faced it and embraced it was quite inspirational - I was in awe. I had bought a wig before-hand, but once I'd spoken to her and listened to what she'd

UK - The recipient of this year's Gottelier Award, given during the 2014 PLASA Awards ceremony, was founder and managing director of Clay Paky, Pasquale 'Paky' Quadri. The Award, which recognises members of the industry who have made significant and sustained contributions to the advancement of event, entertainment or installation technology, was given posthumously as very sadly Paky passed away on September 6th.

Following his death and as a testament to the huge respect 'Paky' had garnered over the years, the remaining Gottelier Award nominees, Richard Belliveau, David Cunningham and Dr Christian Heil, unanimously agreed to withdraw from the running.

Coming from humble origins the young entrepreneur Pasquale Quadri grew up in an extremely creative environment. The son of a magician he was raised in a small provincial Italian town. 'Paky' established Clay Paky in 1976 and in j

UK - AED Rent UK and AED Distribution who designed their 110sq.m sized stand around a shared lounge area for networking, report a positive experience at PLASA London 2014. "PLASA was a good show where we were able to spend quality time with many LD's, Operators, integrators and rental companies from across the UK," comments David March, managing director at AED Distribution UK.

"It was another key opportunity to communicate and explain the strong solutions that AED can offer to AV Professionals, going from Rent and Distribution, through Lease, Second Hand, Store and even the AED Studios. As Master Distributor for respected brands, we were able to discuss how we provide training and product support to truly underpin our customers so they can concentrate on their key strengths."

HOG Factor, which was organised and hosted for the first time by AED Distribution

UK - SEDA, the South Eastern Discotheque Association, marked its 40th anniversary at the weekend with a gala dinner at The Britannia, Chatham. So far as is known, SEDA is the oldest DJ organisation in the world. During its four decades it has worked to educate and improve the industry and the public, and has worked with national and local government bodies and trade and industry associations, organising seminars, exhibitions and technical events.

SEDA's Honorary President, Theo Loyla, told LSiOnline: "SEDA was involved with the formation of the British Association of Discotheque Equipment Manufacturers [BADEM - the forerunner to PLASA] following the demise of Ben Cree's DJ Magazine and National Association and associated Discotheque equipment exhibition. I remember SEDA organising the meeting at the Ski Club of Great Britain in Eaton Square, with the help of folks from Opti

UK - leading supplier of Hybrid Power Generators (HPGs) for the events sector, Firefly reports that its Cygnus HPG has saved over 1m litres of diesel since its launch in April 2013.

With increasing requirements from event organisers to power events with a more sustainable, environmentally friendly approach, Firefly creates the appropriate renewable energy solution for any event, whilst significantly reducing fuel costs.

As an experienced and trusted supplier of affordable sustainable power, Firefly has been powering festivals and live events since 2007. Firefly provide turnkey low emission temporary power, technical and creative services. Working with festival organisers, from conception to implementation; Firefly provides power that doesn't cost the earth.

Andy Mead, director comments: "The 2014 summer season has been the company's best yet, as more and more events are

UK - Dick Tee, managing director of EnTEEtainment Ltd, has tendered his resignation as Pyramid and Other stage production & area manager. After 18 years at the helm of Glastonbury Festival production, the veteran award winning production manager cites 'irreconcilable issues' and he and his staff will cease their association with the festival with immediate effect.

Says a statement from EnTEEtainment: "In the past two years since Festival Republic ended its involvement with the festival there have been a series of management restructures and operational changes at Glastonbury, which Dick feels leave his team unable to fulfil their role professionally."

Dick states: "I am extremely sad and disappointed that my concerns regarding the way certain elements of the festival are now being structured and managed are not being adequately considered and dealt with, and as

UK - The industry stepped up at PLASA 2014 to care for its own by supporting Behind the Scenes UK, the new charity that will provide financial assistance to entertainment technology professionals in need due to serious illness or injury.

Fundraising kicked off on Sunday evening at the Knights of Illumination Awards Ceremony when Clay Paky's commercial director Pio Nahum presented a cheque to lighting designer Rick Fisher for Behind the Scenes UK. Pio explained to the large gathering that one of the last things approved by the late Pasquale Quadri was this generous contribution to the new charity.

On Monday afternoon, ETC's Fred Foster presented the cheque from the proceeds of the iRFR app which continues to provide an incredible income for the charity on both sides of the Atlantic. Tuesday saw Rosco's Mark Engel present a cheque for the proceeds from the sale of Roscolux Light

UK - PLASA London 2014 welcomed visitors and exhibitors to ExCeL, London for the second consecutive year on 5-8 October and impressed with a ground-breaking show floor, an inspiring education programme and a host of important announcements. While exhibitors revealed their latest product innovations, the organisers uncovered plans for the future of the show.

Speaking at the PLASA Awards for Innovation and Sustainability 2014, held on the penultimate day of the show, PLASA's CEO Matthew Griffiths revealed some of the changes for 2015, which will redevelop the scope and delivery of the event. Under the leadership of Christopher Toulmin, PLASA's Director of the Events Division, the show is being remodelled to become a PLASA Member-focused event: developments will include moving from four days to three days, introducing a new floor plan concept, expanding the education offering and i

UK - Pearce Hire continues its long-standing support of the Showman's Show by confirming their presence at the exhibition on 22-23 October. Pearce Hire has regularly participated at the Showman's Show because it offers an important platform for promoting their expertise in the provision of services for the outdoor and special events market.

Pearce Hire offers over 30 years knowledge providing power, lighting, audio, staging, project consultancy and production services to the outdoor and indoor event, festival, entertainment and corporate event industries. The Showman's Show at Newbury Showground happens at a convenient lull at the end of the busiest summer season on record for Pearce Hire. It is an important platform for the promotion of the full range of services offered by Pearce Hire, and a chance for the team to network with current clients and discuss plans for the next 12

Belgium / USA - ArKaos PRO will take a very active part in LDI 2014 (17-23 November) at the Las Vegas Exhibition Center where ArKaos software and hardware will be shown on the booth of its exclusive US distributor, A.C. Lighting, Inc. (Booth 2358). ArKaos PRO will also present four half-day training courses on the use of its MediaMaster software as part of the LDInstitute professional training programme.

LDI 2014 will mark the first US showing of ArKaos' new MediaMaster 4.1, the latest, ever-more powerful version of ArKaos PRO's media server software. MediaMaster 4.1 delivers a plethora of new features including new aspect ratio and cropping tools, new hue, saturation and lightness tools, layer-based volume control and a redesigned interface.

Also making its LDI debut is LEDMaster, the new all-in-one solution that delivers LEDshow control in three easy steps. Just map, program

UK - Entertainment Workshops' Operations Manager, Paul Byrne, took to the TheatreStage at PLASA London 2014 (ExCel, London - October 5-8th, 2014) to demonstrate to the gathered audiences how simple it can be to enhance the lives of young people whilst also supporting the future of the industry.

Byrne introduced Entertainment Workshops - a unique alternative education facility that provides an opportunity for young people to access hidden skills through hands on learning - while showcasing some of its students who benefit greatly from the practical, work-based experience that EW provides, paving a pathway to a career in the entertainment technology industry.

Student Louie Coleman, summed up what the facility meant for him, "EW is a great experience and if you get the chance I'd definitely say grab it with both hands because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity and they ha

USA - Free registration is open now for PLASA Focus: Orlando 2015. This will be the second PLASA Focus event to take place in the Sunshine State, happening on Tuesday, 17 February and Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel.

Companies already signed up to exhibit at the show include; Columbus McKinnon, Group One, A.C.T. Lighting, CHAUVET Professional, ETC, Lycian Stage Lighting, Candela Controls, Stage Equipment & Lighting, PixelFLEX, USHIO, TMB, Elation Professional, GLP, Creative Stage Lighting, Barbizon, Bulbtronics, 0EnergyLIGHTING, Harrington Hoist, MainStage Theatrical Supply, Techni-Lux, The Light Source, Ultratec Special Effects, Wenger and JR Clancy, Aeson Event Technologies, Apollo Design Technology and AVID Labs. With many other applications currently being processed, companies interested in exhibiting are advised to move quickly to secure their spots.

UK - Visitors to the Shure Distribution UK stand at PLASA London 2014 had the opportunity to learn more about Shure's QLX-D Digital Wireless system, which made its UK trade show debut at PLASA. Delivering exceptional wireless performance with transparent 24-bit digital audio, QLX-D features networked control and compatibility with Shure's intelligent rechargeable battery technology.

QLX-D Digital Wireless transmits accurate audio with extended, flat frequency response. The system's automatic channel scan and IR sync make finding and assigning an open frequency quick and easy. Suitable for live sound events as well as installations at public and corporate facilities, academic institutions, houses of worship, hotels, music venues, and more, QLX-D's solid RF performance enables users to confidently cover applications with diverse requirements.

"This system packs in a lot of

USA - Standards on the Stage will take place on Friday, 21 November, and Saturday, 22 November during LDI show floor hours and will feature educational and informational sessions on new standards, established standards, and draft standards from PLASA's Technical Standards Programme.

Look forward to hearing from industry experts like Doug Fleenor, Richard Nix, Peter Willis, Karl Ruling, Mike Wood and more as they share their experiences and knowledge of PLASA's Technical Standards.

Presentations will include such subjects as: a new project for makeup mirror lighting, a talk on why your lights might flicker using DMX512 and RDM, and a demonstration on the tip-test for boom and base assemblies. All attendees of Standards on the Stage will be entered to win a pair of tickets to Cirque du Soleil Zarkana on Sunday, 23 November at 7:00pm.

Standards on the Stage is open to all LDI a

UK - Award-winning audio technology company, Flare Audio, launched what they believe to be the world's first 'fully' open back headphones at PLASA 2014. The Reference R1, aimed at the pro audio and audiophile market, uses Flare's unique new approach to produce distortion free sound, even at full volume, enabling true transfer and transmission of source material. The Reference R1's are now available for pre-order.

Flare also showcased the new Flare X0A, a compact vertical point source array, together with the rest of the Flare Audio range of products, including flown X2A and X5A systems.

"PLASA was a fantastic show for us and generated a huge amount of interest around the R1s as well as our install and touring products," says Flare CEO, Davies Roberts. "Since the show, the Flare system has been installed at award-winning venue The Leadmill, and is currently being

UK - Data Strategy's Power-Check RCD test software has received an Honourable Mention at PLASA London's 2014 Innovation Awards. Described as a real and worthwhile safety contribution to the production rental industry, the software runs and logs precision tests by the Out Board PAT4 Test Processor's new RCD-T plug-in.

In the words of the PLASA Innovation Awards Judges Panel: "Power-Check is not a sexy product but it's one which ensures the safety of everything that is connected to mains power. Just like the crew who makes a show happen, it's easy to overlook the importance of these behind-the-scenes products. We at PLASA wish to recognize those who toil to ensure the safety of our work force."

Power-Check is an add-on for Data Strategy's market-leading QC-Check PAT & Cable Test automation and logging software. It generates and logs comprehensive safety tests for all e

USA - DJ/lighting designer, Arnoldo Offermann, in conjunction with American DJ, will be conducting a full day of training on ArKaos GrandVJ at the LDI show in the Las Vegas Convention Centre (17 - 23 November 2014).

Arnoldo will demonstrate video mapping and show how this real-time video mixer software allows the composition of up to eight layers of video on the fly. ArKaos Grand VJ presents a VJ solution for all DJs, VJs, musicians and content creators looking to add a video track to compositions during live performance. For more details and booking links visit: www.ldishow.com

The ArKaos range of video mixer software products has been created especially for VJs, DJs, clubs and musicians. ArKaos VJ-DJ software is compatible with Mac and PC and has been designed to combine state of the art real time video mixing technology with intuitive interfaces adapted for various user sit

USA - At the LDI 2014 tradeshow, 21-23 November, in the Las Vegas Convention Centre, ETC will feature a variety of new products and "a gravity defying design" on stands 2891 and 2991.

LDI 2014 will be the first time that ETC is demonstrating Vortek technology, which will become available internationally in the near future. In September, ETC acquired the Vortek rigging division of Daktronics, which expanded the ETC Rigging family of products to include a variety of custom engineered, heavy lift, high lift and high speed rigging solutions, such as orchestra shell, grand drape and scoreboard lifts, synchronised acoustic panels and motorised packaged hoists.

ETC's LDI 2014 stands will also include GDS luminaires for the first time. ETC is the North and South American distributor of GDS products, including award winning ArcSystem LED products, ArcLamp screw based replacem

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