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14 March 2016

With the UK Government investing in creating opportunities for British businesses to participate and thrive in emerging markets and with the ABTT growing at home, 2015 saw the organisation participating in new initiatives abroad, developing prospects for both individual and corporate members to visit new markets and to share best practice with fellow practitioners round the globe.

In the new Winter edition of Sightline, the Association's journal of theatre technology and design, received free by the ABTT membership, a number of these ventures are recorded.

Michael Anderson, chairman of the ABTT safety committee, writes about his visit to th

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14 March 2016

Leading the 2016 High End Systems sales team is general manager Chris Ferrante, joined by HES veterans Jeff Pelzl (APAC/Oceania regional sales manager), Sean Hoey (Eastern US regional sales manager), Bobby Hale (director of fixed installations) and sales administration manager Betsy Childers.

Rounding out the new sales force are Paul Hancock (Central US regional sales manager), Noel Garcia (Latin America regional sales manager), Ruediger Haeming (Western US regional sales manager) and Scott Kinnebrew (Eastern US technical sales manager) and Shayla Johnson (inside sales)

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14 March 2016

Denis joined Unusual in 2000 from Tomcat, as operations manager, taking on the role of general manager in 2014. Based at the company's Northamptonshire headquarters in the UK, he has overseen the company's expansion, including the opening of a new 1200sqm facility in Autumn 2015.

Denis said, "The decision to take the job in Dubai was not an easy one; the work Unusual Rigging does in the UK is inspiring and it's been my pleasure to work for a company that is held in such high regard across the industry. From production managers to museum curators, eve

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14 March 2016

Fans filled the small north London chapel as Bowie's best-known tunes, played by an organ, echoed around the hall. A huge screen showed images of the star in his many guises, before the part gig, part remembrance service kicked off with a rousing mass sing-along of Starman. Maggie Ronson, sister of late Bowie guitarist and collaborator Mick Ronson, was joined by The Featherz to sing Ziggy Stardust, paying tribute to Bowie's "massive influence".

Black January - A month of depressing n

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14 March 2016

Eric Janssen, Intellitix chief revenue officer, operating from the company's global head office chaired the three-day meeting, with a full day of product overview and software updates imparted by the company's chief product officer, Barna Jardany. Attending were representatives from the UK, Czech Republic, Scandinavia, France, Belgium, Hungary, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, with colleagues from Canada and Brazil.

Adding to operations manager Carl AH Martin's experience working across the European live events and venues sectors in the UK are Gavin Barnard, director of partnerships (UK Intellitix) and Gareth Deakin, director of business development (UK Intellitix). Gavin's eight years combined digital a

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14 March 2016

VER is already consolidating its rapidly growing, industry-recognized lighting division at DPS's former location. The new VER Light Lab is being expanded to create the most significant facility in Southern California, enabling clients to design, test, and prep systems in real time, supported by the VER engineering team, enabling even more creative solutions and a streamlined programming and design process.

VER will invest further to enhance the alr

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14 March 2016

To help resolve the long-time industry problems of loosened screw terminals, damaged housings and ineffective cable strain reliefs, Lex Products has developed the new EverGrip Moulded CEE Extension, the first-ever over-moulded CEE cable extension.

The Evergrip Moulded CEE extensions feature a UV stabilized mould material to prevent degradation of housing when used outdoors, ergonomic hand grip to provide a firm gripping surface for easy connector mating and un-mating and integrated tie loop hole for ease of storage or rigging.

Available in single phase 16 amp and single/three phase 32 Amp PCE plugs and sockets with Titanex HO7 cable, the extensions are offered under a three year limited warranty. Personalised company logos moulded into t

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14 March 2016

With special thanks to alumnus and renowned lighting designer Richard Pilbrow for his generosity, the Richard Pilbrow Scholarship will support a young lighting designer at the School as they undertake the training necessary to embark upon their professional career.

Richard Pilbrow is both a graduate and an Honorary Fellow of Central, as well as an internationally renowned stage lighting designer, author, theatre design consultant and theatre, film and television producer. He is a pioneer of modern stage lighting in Britain, and his work has been seen in London, New York, Paris, Berlin, V

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14 March 2016

This year marks the 9th KOI Awards, which celebrates the creative talents of international lighting and digital content designers working in the UK in the sectors of TV, Theatre and Concert Touring and Events.

The 2016 edition will see the event moved from its usual date in early October to the 18th September to coincide with the PLASA London 2016 exhibition. The venue for the sparkling awards ceremony and dinner has also moved to join the PLASA show at its new location of Kensington Olympia.

Submissions are open for the Television and Concert Touring and Events categories and shows performed or broadcast between 1st August 2015 and 31st July 2016 in the UK are eligible. As with previous years the Theatre sectio

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14 March 2016

Helen Sprott, director of music at Arts Council England, says, "Arts Council England is pleased to be supporting I Like The Sound of That and their brilliant Independent Venue Week project for the second year running. It is vital that independent venues are recognised for the value they bring both to their local communities and the nati

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14 March 2016

A company statement said, "For more than 60 years, Mrs. Shure has served as an inspiration to all Shure Associates, past and present. She was a role model for Shure's Core Values and basic principles, created by her husband and company founder, Sidney N. Shure, that have guided the company.

"The welfare of Shure and its associates was her highest priority. Business integrity, respect, and fair treatment for all were her motivators. She provided a work environment that inspired creativity, fostered pride in making products of the highest quality, and encouraged all Shure associates to reach their personal potential."

Sandy LaMantia, Shure's Chief Executive Officer stated, "We have had the privilege

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14 March 2016

"We have a fantastic day planned based around a very competitive 18-hole team game. Bring your best shots for a day of fun, food, networking, competition and fund raising for the industry's charity. Once the golf is done, we roll into evening with a BBQ, raffles, prizes and the chance to catch up with friends and colleagues. Set in the beautiful surroundings of The Drift Golf Club, this is the only BTS golf day for 2016 so make sure you are registered with your tea

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14 March 2016

Drawing on the company's many years of experience supplying to this sector, the new division was formed to offer a comprehensive one-stop inventory of lighting and related equipment solutions for film, television, studio and location applications. A.C. Film & TV's range of key brands - many of them exclusive to AC-ET in the UK - have been selected for their class-leading performance and expertise in this market. The portfolio

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14 March 2016

Kevin Instance was a Gold and Silver firearms and public or-der commander. He oversaw policing at the likes of international cricket matches, Glastonbury Festival and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, as well as leading the UK police delegation for England football matches overseas.

In his role with TSG, Instance is tasked with assessing risk and making sure the right resources from the company are properly deployed at events.

David Boswell, managing director at TSG Policing, says, "Kevin's wealth of experience as a senior police officer, looking at event safety, assessing safety officers and stewards and raising standards, is an absolute fit with TSG. I'm delighted to have him on the team."

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

These awards are open to organisations of all types, sizes and sectors in the UK and internationally - both members of the British Safety Council and non-members - and are independently adjudicated. What's more is that these awards help promote the social, economic and business benefits of employers maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all.

Mike Robinson, chief executive of the British Safety Council, said, "Winning an International Safety Award enables organisations to share their achievement with their employees, clients, contractors, local community and

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14 March 2016

Sound Space Vision enhances the rapport between performers and audiences, combining excellent spatial and technical design by AMPC with superb acoustics from SSD. Popular with audiences and operators, their performance environments are held in high esteem by artists. The creative, dynamic team includes specialists in acoustics, lighting, sound, stage engineering and audio-visual design to provide a complete acoustics and theatre consultancy service that touches all the senses.

Anne Minors Performance Consultant

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14 March 2016

It is not the first time Trump has been criticised for appropriating pop songs. Lawyers for Aerosmith star Steven Tyler sent Trump's campaign a cease-and-desist letter last year, after the politician played the band's hit single Dream On at numerous rallies around the US.

Politicians using songs by musicians who do not support them has been a thorny issue for decades, since Bruce Springsteen castigated President Reagan for plann

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14 March 2016

Managing director Paul Barton has been working in the events industry since he was 15 in a wide variety of sectors ranging from events structures to production, site management and sponsorship across Europe, the UAE and Southern Africa. Paul's last industry post was with GL Events as site manager for London's 2012 Olympic Rowing and Canoeing events at Eton Dorney. Paul's career in education started in 2008 at the University of Exeter where he launched the first Events Management module in any Russell Group university, building it from 35 students to 350.

Associate dean, Paul Walters has 15 years' experience in Higher Education with a focus on the event

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14 March 2016

The three day course has been approved by SETA, SAQA, DOL, Eskom, Vodacom, Cell C, MTN, MSN, Huawei Technologies Africa, ZTE, Anglo Coal & Platinum and Exxaro. Delegates who pass this course will receive a certificate valid for three years.

Delegate requirements include: A certified copy of ID document; Valid Medical Certificate stating fitness for work at height (valid for at least 3 months from training date); Learners must be proficient in English Reading and writing, up to the level of Grade 10; Delegates are welcome to bring their own harnesses and rigging gear.

T

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14 March 2016

Consisting of over 20,000sq.ft, the new facility has warehouse space to provide ample storage to support the company's expanded inventory and growth for the future. There will also be dedicated prep & pre-production spaces for incoming crews to oversee and prepare larger shows prior to despatch to site, plus a dedicated space to allow clients to hold production meetings.

The new facility is set within a large secure compound with several loading bays and storage for multiple trucks. The expansion will also result in further growth of the Blinding Light team, with a number of new warehouse technicians coming on board to support the additional workload. The new site is well locate

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14 March 2016

The charges followed an electrical incident where a man suffered electrical burns during the fitting out of the Earl's Court Exhibition Centre in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games. Aggreko PLC had been appointed as the main contractor to provide a temporary electricity supply to the Exhibition Centre which was to host the Olympic volleyball tournament.

In order to carry out this work the company engaged a numb

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14 March 2016

"Jo has 25 years' industry experience and we welcome both her technical and management skills," said David Harwood of CTS. "We are looking to drive the company forward and face the challenges ahead and her dedication to supporting the education and amateur sector fits well with our company's position in the market."

In addition to her office based managerial role, Jo will continue to design projects and be actively involved with the installation aspect of the business. Jo said, "It is a very competitive market at the moment and we need to change with the times, I

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14 March 2016

Brown has more than 14 years' experience in the AV and technical industries, working with 360? production companies, mostly in the financial sector. He now brings his expertise to PRG XL Video, to help the Corporate team better serve multi-discipline event production agencies and their end clients.

He comments, "I'm delighted to join the team at PRG XL Video at such an exciting time in their history. With PRG and XL Video coming together, now is the ideal time for someone with my expertise to join them. I look forward to helping the team expand their technical knowledge into more 360? events."

On a day to day basis, Brown will report to Guy Vellacott, head of PRG XL Video's corporate events business.

Ric

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14 March 2016

The five successful projects are:

Battersea Arts Centre (BAC) in Wandsworth is awarded £5,000 to replace their temporary wheelchair ramp leading to the café / bar and first floor performance space with a new permanent ramp. This improves access to BAC and contributes to the major Haworth Tompkins-led BAC capital redevelopment and restoration project.

Bush Theatre in Hammersmith & Fulham is awarded £5,000 to repair the pitched roofs and dormer windows of their former Old Library building. These repairs help to maintain the condition of this locally listed theatre's façade.

The Cockpit in Camden is awarded £5,000 to repair their leaky