World - Industry professionals looking to make use of any downtime caused by the coronavirus disruption across the events industry can now access various web workshops and seminars for free. Lighting professionals can look to the Avoliteswebsite for upcoming online tutorials, webinars and support on the company’s Titan and Ai platforms. Ambersphere has added ‘free for freelancers’ grandMA2 user training and network introduction classes, details of which can be found at training@ambersphere.co.uk. The grandMA2 user course will be 24-26 March and the grandMA2 Network course will be the 27 March. Meanwhile, ETC has made its Learning
UK - PLASA has announced the cancellation of its popular PLASA Focus Leeds tradeshow, which was scheduled to take place on 12-13 May 2020 at the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds. The Association said in a statement: "Following the concerning developments of the Covid-19 outbreak over the past week, PLASA has come to the disappointing yet inevitable decision that we must cancel PLASA Focus Leeds. This decision was made in order to ensure the health and safety of both our exhibitors and visitors, as without all of your continued support, the show wouldn’t be the success it is today. "We regret that we cannot now share the incredible programme we had planned, as well as two sold-out show floors full of industry figureheads. However, we are pleased to announce that PLASA Focus Leeds will return next year, taking place from 11-12 May 2021, bringing with it the usual vibran
Europe The latest major events cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak include Glastonbury Festival and the Eurovision Song Contest. In the UK, Brighton’s annual arts festival will not take place for the first time in 53 years, while organisers of major festivals such as Reading, the Isle of Wight and Cropredy are monitoring the situation closely. Taylor Swift, Sir Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar were due to appear, alongside Diana Ross and Dua Lipa at Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary gathering at Worthy Farm in Somerset in June. "We're so sorry the decision to cancel has been made," a statement said. "It was not through choice." Just six days ago, organiser Emily Eavis said she had "fingers firmly crossed" the event would go ahead. But after the government advised people to avoid mass gatherings on Monday, cancellation became increasingly likely. Fans who h
UK - A petition has been launched urging the UK government to offer economic assistance to the events industry during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Instigated by Matt Rakowski of DBpixelhouse, the petition’s aim is: “For the UK government to provide economic assistance to businesses and staff employed in the events industry, who are suffering unforeseen financial challenges that could have a profound effect on hundreds of thousands of people employed in the sector.” To-date, the petition has been signed over 131,000 times – surpassing the 100,000-signature threshold required for the issue to be considered for debate in parliament. Rakowski comments: “The response has been phenomenal so far, we’re at just over 131,000 – whic
World - Huntly Christie, CEO of Christie Lites, has released the following statement in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic: “Like every other company in our business, Christie Lites is not immune and at the end of last week I enacted some difficult measures to counter the effects of the ‘shock-stop’ the industry has endured as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Sadly, this included laying off approximately 200 staff globally. This has definitely been the most difficult situation I have experienced in the company’s 35yr history. We’ve worked extremely hard to build and assemble a great global team and it was a really painful process to see some of our people lose their jobs.” He continues: “As such, I feel it is important to speak about this publicly and this past week have taken several interviews with mainstream media outlets in North America. I have given an
UK - ISCEx 2020 (Coombe Abbey Hotel, 17-18 March) is to take place as scheduled this week, with certain modifications to the event schedule and social programme. “Following the government’s recent announcement, we have made some updates to our coronavirus (Covid-19) statement in relation to ISCEx 2020 and the additional steps we are taking, which is published on our website,” says show organiser ISCE. “As a further measure, and in consultation with the catering team at Coombe Abbey, we have amended the networking dinner arrangements to allow for guests to enjoy a fine meal with drinks with an option to either stay at the dining tables or return to a more private area if they prefer. We will also be changing the usual self-serve buffet to serving a selection of individual hot food bowls for the lunch during the exhibition. “As we write, there are currently mo
Germany - Prolight+Sound will not be held in 2020. A statement from Messe Frankfurt, the show’s organisers reads: “On 12 March, the Hessian Ministry for Social Affairs and Integration issued general decrees prohibiting large-scale events expected to attract more than 1,000 visitors. At the present time, it cannot be assumed that the current situation will have changed by the time the postponed event was to have been held. Therefore, Messe Frankfurt has decided to cancel the event.” The event was originally scheduled to take place 31 March - 3 April but was postponed to May due to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Detlef Braun, a member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt, comments: “We did everything we could to hold Prolight+Sound 2020 as soon as possible after the original dates and would like to extend our thanks to the response and support from n
Europe - ACME Lighting and Highlite International are the latest companies to announce that they will no longer be exhibiting at the postponed Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt this May, due to the health risks posed by Coronavirus (COVID-19). “At this moment, the entire entertainment industry is experiencing huge challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the response to the virus,” says Marco Galli, EMEA sales director at ACME Lighting. “We take the health of our staff and customers very seriously. Well-being and containment of COVID-19 is our duty and priority, and therefore, regretfully, we are forced to cancel plans to participate in Prolight+Sound 2020.” Meanwhile, a statement from Highlite reads: “We have decided not to participate in Prolight+Sound 2020. The new dates after the postponement of the fair do not fit within our plans and vision of the industr
USA - InfoComm’s organisers have issued a statement revealing that, at present, the show is ‘proceeding as planned, June 13-19, 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.’ The statement, posted on the show’s website, continues: “The show management of InfoComm and the executive staff of AVIXA are continuing to monitor the evolving situation around the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on a day-by-day basis, and our thoughts continue to be with those affected across the world.” Stay up-to-date with the very latest on InfoComm's status regarding coronavirus via this page on the show’s website.
USA - US-based trade show USITT has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The event was was due to celebrate its 60th anniversary edition this 1-4 April. A statement from the shows organisers reads: “The USITT Board of Directors, in an unanimous vote, has cancelled the 2020 Annual Conference & Stage Expo scheduled for April 1-4 in Houston.” USITT executive director David Grindle said in a video message posted on the show’s website: “I have to let you know that we have cancelled this year’s annual Conference and Stage Expo. This is a very, very difficult decision. At USITT we talk a lot about safety and health and making sure our workplaces are safe spaces. Today, we had to make the hard decision to ensure the safety and health of our members.” He conti
France - The first sponsors of Showlight Quadrennial (Fontainebleau, France – 22-25 May 2021) have been announced by its organisers. Joining Headline sponsor Robert Juliat, the 100-year old, family-run, French manufacturer of lighting equipment are: Platinum sponsor, Ayrton; Gold sponsors, Eyetidy, Robe and SFL Group; Silver sponsors, ABTT, ACT Lighting and White Light, and Bronze sponsor, PRG. Media Partner for Showlight 2021 is LSI, with generous support from LSA and PLASA. “We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors, partners and supporters, but this list is just the beginning,” says Showlight. "It is a little-known fact, but Showlight is organised entirely by volunteers and would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. We are currently looking for more sponsors to make Showlight 2021 a success, so why not get involved? There are many ways to become a
Germany - Following the announcement of Prolight+Sound 2020’s postponement until late May, MDG has moved its planned anniversary celebrations to next year. MDG president and CEO Martin Michaud comments: “We are sorry to announce that, in view of the current situation regarding the coronavirus, (Covid-19), we have taken the decision to postpone MDG’s 40th anniversary celebration at the Union Halle in Frankfurt. “We have given this careful consideration and strongly believe that the safety and security of our MDG Family comes first. Seeing the increasing measures being taken on an international scale to contain its spread, we feel a social responsibility to play our part in reducing the chances of transmission, and feel it is a prudent move to postpone the gathering. “We are, of course, very disappointed but have no doubt this is the right decision for ev
Germany - Prolight+Sound 2020 has been postponed due to coronavirus (Covid-19) concerns, Messe Frankfurt has announced. The annual entertainment technology tradeshow was initially scheduled for 31 March - 3 April, but organisers have now said it will take place on 26-29 May. Musikmesse, the music industry show that runs alongside Prolight+Sound, has also been postponed, with new dates yet to be released. Messe Frankfurt said in a statement: "The ongoing spread of Covid-19 in Europe called for a reassessment of the situation in close cooperation with the public-health authorities in Frankfurt who require that steps be taken to prevent event participants from high-risk regions coming to Frankfurt and visiting the fair when ill. "Given that these participants could also be infected by Covid-19, it is necessary to conduct a health check to prevent the infection spr
Security Measures - A new law proposed by the UK government will require venues to put measures in place to protect the public from a terrorist attack. Security minister James Brokenshire has announced plans for the new Protect Duty, following a manifesto commitment to improve the security of public spaces. The new law, which is to be consulted on this spring, would require owners and operators of venues and public spaces to consider the risk of a terrorist attack and take “reasonable measures” to protect the public from such an incident. Venues can include concert halls, stadiums and conference centres. Measures could include increasing physical security, staff training and incident response plans in case of an attack. According to the Home Office, the Protect Duty “reflects lessons learned following the terrorist attacks in 2017, as well as more recent attacks”. Br
UK - Hundreds of television buyers from across the globe headed to ACC Liverpool on 9-11 February for BBC Studios Showcase 2020 international television market. For the 14th year running, creative technical event production company Hawthorn supported the distributor to showcase its premium programmes, delivering two evening events. The events previewed some of the BBC’s top programmes including Doctor Who, A Perfect Planet and The Watch. Led by the BBC Studios team, Hawthorn’s head of creative technical Peter Harding helped to produce and deliver a production design for the two evenings. This year’s format saw a considerable shake-up with the construction of a curve-fronted 1000sqm 5m-high platform over a section of the arena’s tiered seating and floor. Hawthorn worked with specialists Acorn Event Structures and Steeldeck to create the stru
Czech Republic - The 2020 edition of Rigger’s Voice turned its ear to voices from the north of Europe, as experienced riggers and production professionals from Scandinavia travelled to Area Four Industries headquarters in Roudnice nad Labem for this annual conference. Arriving from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark, attendees took part in high-level rigging and support structure discussions that were led by Area Four Industries technical director Norbert Tripp from 11-12 February. Many questions were asked, various rigging, truss and support structure discussions held, and even truss stress tests conducted during the two jam packed days. Participants were also treated to a grand tour of the Milos factory. Ideas and recommendations from these experienced professionals, for helping steer future product development by Area Four Industries brands, were also provided d
Zimbabwe - This year’s edition of the annual Worship Experience 2020 gathering at the aptly named Rainbow Towers in Harare was ‘an ecstatic, full throttled celebration of hope’. This was evident in the musical segment of the event, which was organised by Kayse Connect, to showcase new talent, with a special emphasis on Zimbabwe’s abundance of emerging women artists. Adding to the occasion was a bright, bold, and fast-moving five-universe lightshow designed by Blessing Bero and programmed by Tatenda Gaylord Rushwaya of Events Evolution that featured Maverick and Rogue fixtures from Chauvet Professional. Relying on the intense output of the Maverick MK2 Spot, Rogue R2 Beam, and Rogue R1 Beam, Bero and Rushwaya sent multi-coloured and white aerial effects in every direction, symbolically raising the visual voice of the stage in concert with the uplifting music. Th
UK - Martin Audio will unveil new products and demo its most recent offerings during a series of open days to be held at its High Wycombe HQ in March. Over three days and five sessions spanning 17-19 March, much interest will be focused on the new Adorn on-wall and ceiling speaker range, which was formally launched at the recent ISE 2020 show in Amsterdam. During the course of the presentations, delegates will have the opportunity to sample all four of Martin Audio’s new Wavefront Precision Series, namely the WPM, WPS, WPC and WPL, offering comparative listening across all four arrays. There will also be a wide range of subwoofers on show, including the new cardioid SXC118, as well as the new BlacklineX Powered portable series. Finally, all the CDD-LIVE will be on demo, offering visitors the chance to experience the company’s proprietary Coaxial Differ
UK - Sennheiser Sound Academy training courses for the first half of 2020 are now available to book online. Run by Sennheiser’s Andrew Lillywhite and Joe Mahoney from the Customer Development & Application Engineer (CDAE) team, the courses are designed for RF techs, AV integrators and technicians, sound engineers, designers or consultants, live event professionals, equipment resellers and apprentices, who want to further their understanding of the specific area of each course. A wide variety of courses are now available, including Wireless Mics Monitoring Essentials, held at Sennheiser UK offices in Marlow as well as at Arnolfini in Bristol; RF Best Practice for Production and Touring course in London; Wireless Audio for AV Integrators, held in Marlow and London; Audio For Meeting Rooms & Conferencing, taking place in London and Sc
Europe - Adam Hall, Vari-Lite and Strand have pulled out of Prolight+Sound 2020 amid growing concerns over the coronavirus outbreak sweeping across Europe. The moves will put pressure on the organisers of the tradeshow, due to take place at Messe Frankfurt on 31 March - 3 April, to clarify whether the event will go ahead. The virus has recently spread to more European countries, causing disruptions to trade events on the continent, including the postponement of Messe Frankfurt's architecture and lighting show Light+Building until September. “Although we were looking forward to meeting our customers and presenting our newest innovations at the fair, we must do our part to help to contain the issue,” explains Sameer Sodhi, business leader at Vari-Lite and Strand at Signify. “The health, safety and well-being of our employees, customers and partners is and remains o
Italy - MIR Tech (formerly Music Inside Rimini), the annual live entertainment technology tradeshow, has been postponed. The Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), which organises the show, has taken the decision "in light of the critical international situation caused by the Covid-19 emergency". MIR Tech was due to take place 8-10 March at the Rimini Expo Centre. New dates will be announced following consultations with exhibitors and the wider sector. IEG has also moved to postpone its other March shows, including Enada Spring, the International Amusement and Gaming Show, the accompanying Rimini Amusement Show, and the spring edition of Abilmente Vicenza the Creative Idea Show.
France - PlugFest, the technical event for entertainment lighting interoperability organised by PLASA, is now underway in Lille. The annual three-day event welcomes manufacturers, developers and technicians from across the continent to test their products and learn about the latest protocols. For the third year running, PlugFest has sold out, with delegates from major lighting manufacturers such as Robert Juliat, Claypaky, Chauvet, Eaton, GLP, ETC, TMB, ChamSys and Highlite. The event’s expert hosts, Hamish Dumbreck (JESE Ltd), Peter Willis (Howard Eaton Lighting) and Wayne Howell (Artistic Licence) are set to host a series of break-out sessions covering RDM, DALI, RDMnet, Art-Net, sACN and LLRP, as well as recent ESTA TSC developments. Nicky Greet, PLASA’s membership, skills and technical director, comments: “We’re delighted to present another PlugFest
UK - Out Board and EM Acoustics have joined forces to present a combined series of demonstrations offering offer a unique opportunity to experience TiMax spatial mixing, immersive 3D effects animation and vocal localisation with live stage-tracking using TiMax SoundHub and TrackerD4 on a multichannel immersive EM Acoustics system. Mark your diaries for Tuesday 3rd-Thursday 5th March 2020 as this amiable event will take place at SARM Music Bank Studios. Out Board’s Dave Haydon and Robin Whittaker will be running sessions that cover: • TiMax SoundHub new HARDCore FPGA processing, PanSpace auto-calc spatial rendering and TimeLine showcontrol workflows. • TiMax TrackerD4 all new Precision Stagetracking for live performer vocal localisation and fx panning.
EM Acoustics will formally demonstrate the Reference Series R10 flagship point source louds
Germany Artistic Licence will be showing sunDial quad, winner of the 2019 PLASA Gold Award for Innovation, at both Light+building (8-13 March) and Prolight + Sound (31 March - 3 April) in Frankfurt. The product - a DMX/RDM/Xicato controlled trailing edge mains dimmer - offers ‘outstanding dimming performance and advanced safety features’. It works 'out of the box' with all dimmable replacement LED bulbs (also halogen and CFL). Performance is further optimized through the selection (via RDM) of one of four editable dimming curves on a per-channel basis. Also new for 2020, Commissioner dali is a hand-held, battery powered tool for commissioning, testing and configuring DALI installations. The bright, 40 character LCD is easy to read and provides a wealth of information. Commissioner dali has numerous intensity control functions including direct control over DT8 colo
