General

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14 March 2016

Speaking at a meeting for PLASA Members held during the PLASA Show, John Simpson, PLASA Governing Body chairman and chairman of the White Light Group of companies, said, "Without doubt our major issue this year has been that of diminishing profit, which has led to a critical cash-flow problem for the organisation.

"We have taken action in implementing cost-cutting measures across many parts of PLASA, including reduction in staff, putting the Eastbourne office up for sale and a substantial restructure of the organisation. We have overcome the immediate cash flow problems for 2015, but will be limited in services we can provide during

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14 March 2016

Although it is still being developed, STAR said the code could include prohibiting the listing of speculative tickets by sellers, details of a resale agent's policies and procedures if an event were cancelled or postponed, and the creation of a "trusted environment where customers feel confident in listing tickets".

STAR already operates a code of practice for the primary ticket market, with the proposed code for the secondary market aiming to provide "similarly high stand

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14 March 2016

ProPlex's EZ-LAN makes managing today's complex show networking easier and accessible for everyone. These simple to operate yet powerful managed Gigabit Ethernet switches distribute up to four discrete networks - e.g. lighting, audio, content, server, console, communications, etc. - quickly, effortlessly, and simultaneously. Users untrained in the complexities of managed networking can easily isolate networks and access and change VLAN assignments with one button.

"Managed Ethernet switches are very complicated to use," explains TMB product specialist, Ashley Simper. "The ability to distribute up to four discrete networks with a single button makes life easi

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14 March 2016

The report represents the first ever comprehensive analysis of sales data for theatres outside London. It found that 2014 was a stronger year than 2013, with a higher proportion of tickets sold and more cash value achieved.

Musical theatre accounted for £153m (38%) of total box office in 2013 and £162 million (39%) in 2014, signalling the genre's continued popularity across the

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14 March 2016

In previous years, DiGiCo has chosen to support some amazing causes and some now sadly departed individuals, with the audio industry coming together as one for what is an always-memorable night. This year, DiGiCo chose to support UK events charity Behind the Scenes.

"We have been supporters of Behind the Scenes UK since its inception two years ago, through its various charity events like the golf days and the recent karting day at Sandown Park, as well as lobbying the industry for support," says DiGiCo's MD James Gordon. "This year, it was a natural

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14 March 2016

SGM Lighting, owned since February 2012 by entrepreneur Peter Johansen, currently employs 85 people in Aarhus, according to Danish television station TV2, and the majority of the staff have now been sent home while the company's situation is clarified.

TV2 reported that the company's legal representative, Christian Jul Madsen, has said that several interested parties have submitted offers to buy the entire company.

Originally an Italian lighting brand, SGM was acquired by Italian pro audio manufacturer RCF in April 2009. In November 2010, at a press event in central London, RCF president Arturo Vicari introduced Peter Johansen as the new head of R&D for SGM. Johansen was already well-known in the professional lighting industry as the founder of Marti

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14 March 2016

The 156 new artists signed by Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Music was 26 more than in 2013, and just 12 fewer than the recent peak in 2009 of 164 new deals. Geoff Taylor, chief executive of the BPI and Brit Awards, said, "It's no fluke that 2014 was such an outstanding year for British music. Alongside the artists themselves, the passion and commitment labels show in unearthing, nurturing and developing the next wave of talent is one of the main reasons our music is the envy of the world right now."<

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14 March 2016

Durham Marenghi has been appointed by CC2016 as lighting designer for the Rio 2016 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Supporting Durham will be Brazilian associate LD Joyce Hammond, UK programmer Andy Voller, TV lighting director Nick Collier, lighting team manager Jennie Marenghi, followspot coordinator Chris Henry and some of Brazil's finest programmers, spot operators and technicians.

Durham commented to LSi: "Having worked on Ceremonies in Turin, Beijing and Sochi, the contract to light the Olympic Ceremonies in Rio is a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy the amazing culture, people and weather - the Brazilians know how to PARTY! Exp

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14 March 2016

"To maintain SGM as the absolute leader of intelligent LED light, further investments were needed. After a period of disagreement between shareholders about the future capital structure, the board of directors had no other option than to apply for a proceeding aiming to restructure the company. On 9 November at 18:00, SGM was completely re-established with its new shareholder and capital. The management ascertains that SGM will continue as before without any changes - and stronger than ever."

The company says that all elements of its business remain unchanged, and that the entire team, the worldwide distributor network and all warranty commitments remain identical to before

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14 March 2016

To effectively guide PRG's global asset strategy, the company has announced that Scott Hansen will be transitioning from his current role as chief financial officer into the role as chief asset officer. Since joining PRG in May 1997, Hansen has held a number of key executive positions at PRG and his work throughout his career at the company has kept him involved in both its financial and operational management.

In his new and expanded role as CAO, Hansen will be responsible for the global annual capital expenditure plan, and the development and implementation of strategic asset initiatives. Hansen has for some time been involved with the asset management of PRG, so this move helps to clarify an

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14 March 2016

Some are reaffirmations of existing standards, some are withdrawals of existing standards, and some (the BSRs) are drafts of new standards. Comments are due before the end of the day on the date shown.

ANSI E1.3 - 2001 (R201x), Entertainment Technology - Lighting Control Systems - 0 to 10V Analog Control Specification. The standard describes a method of controlling current-sink devices and equipment by means of an analogue control voltage in the nominal range from zero to 10 volts positive, with the control signal current sourced from the controller. It is primarily intended for theatrical lighting controllers and controlled devices (e.g., dimmers), but any device could use this control method. The working group propos

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14 March 2016

The event kicks off with a networking lunch followed by an address by Richard Parry, who has been involved in export promotion for over 20 years in a variety of roles. Parry will inform attendees about UKTI and outline what they are doing currently to help UK businesses. This will be followed by Matt Lloyd of GDS and Chris Murphy of Velta talking about their experiences using UKTI services and the benefits exporting has brought to them.

There will be plenty of time to ask questions, share knowledge and, hopef

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14 March 2016

Immediately following the attacks, Nathalie's father Patrick told French media that although he knew she had been working at the venue, he had been unable to locate her. It later transpired that Nathalie had died of gunshot wounds. "It seems that my daughter is dead," he later told French media.

Nathalie, who was nick-named 'Natalight', had worked at the venue since November 2011. A Facebook page has been set up f

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14 March 2016

Spending Cuts - UK Theatre president Rachel Tackley has warned the industry to expect "pretty hideous" cuts in the government's upcoming spending review. She also voiced fears that, because the effect of cuts are not felt immediately, the general pub

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14 March 2016

A statement reads: "We want to express our affection to all the families of victims. The International Show JTSE 2015 will take place as planned in Paris on 24 and 25 November 2015 in the Dock Pullman. As Organisers of the show we trust our visitors and our exhibitors for the best running of this event. We are all together!"

(LSi Online)

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14 March 2016

Prior to joining the management team at Gerriets Gmbh, Bickel held the position of senior manager of Stage Engineering at Bosch Rexroth AG. During his tenure at Bosch Rexroth, Bickel focused his efforts on stage technology engineering as well as developing standardizations within the group. He also was head of stage engineering and a project manager at Bruger + Fisher GmbH & Co. KG and served in various technical capacities at The Bavarian State Opera and Bavarian Radio in Munich earlier in his career.

Founded in 1946, Gerriets has developed into a specialized company offering products and services to the stage and event markets.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

Home Secretary Theresa May confirmed that security is to be 'intensified' at events in major cities and the England vs France friendly at Wembley was a first example, armed police bringing reassurance to a telling show of unity in the face of extremism.

David Boswell, managing director of TSG Policing, suggests the solution for the greater event model should be multi-agency, so costs can be contained while all parties play to their strengths.

"The Paris incidents showed a horrific disregard for human life and the values we as a nation stand for," Boswell says. "Letting the public know they are safe at events is the priority now, highlighting the fact that these are not soft targets for terrori

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14 March 2016

From 10-12 December contemporary artists will transform the public spaces inside Manchester Central Library and The Bridgewater Hall, offering visitors an immersive, cultural celebration amidst the festive hustle and bustle.

Visitors' imaginations will be sparked by birds soaring across piano strings to create musical scores; a chandelier of sparkling earrings and a cutting edge sound and light installation that is felt not seen. With more than 15 installations, performances and talks confirmed - many of them free - the festival will be a vibrant hot bed of light, sound and literature, say the organisers.

Confirmed artists include award-wi

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14 March 2016

Published in The Times, the letter said fans are being "ripped-off by touts who anonymously exploit fair ticket prices via online ticket marketplaces". It urges the government to put "the public's interests before the touts". A government consultation on the resale of tickets closed last Friday. "As artist managers, we deplore the increasing industrial-scale abuse and insider exploitation of tickets for music, arts and sports events by ticket touts," the letter says. "The consequence in many cases is that fans will attend fewer shows, meaning that the profits made

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14 March 2016

Published in The Times, the letter said fans are being "ripped-off by touts who anonymously exploit fair ticket prices via online ticket marketplaces". It urges the government to put "the public's interests before the touts". A government consultation on the resale of tickets closed last Friday. "As artist managers, we deplore the increasing industrial-scale abuse and insider exploitation of tickets for music, arts and sports events by ticket touts," the letter says. "The consequence in many cases is that fans will attend fewer shows, meaning that the profits mad

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14 March 2016

The Show Must Go On was introduced at the 'Sustainable Strategies' panel at the UK Festival Conference in London's Roundhouse, which focused on how festivals can minimise their carbon impact. It is subsequently being presented to the UN Convention on Climate Change, Paris, Nov 30th to December 11th 2015, where 196 countries will meet to sign a new climate change agreement.

The report's authors hope that by presenting a concise overview and proposed roadmap for reduced carbon impact at festivals in-line with international targets and that the UK festival industry sector can lead by example in achieving impact reduction targets by 20

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14 March 2016

Karen brings a wealth of local market knowledge and experience to the position, having forged strong relationships with customers and suppliers in Scotland over the past 20 years whilst working in sales management and various support roles.

A well-known figure in the Scottish theatre market, Karen has overseen the supply of leading entertainment technology systems to designers, specifiers, venues, rental and production companies. She has also worked on high-profile projects in the film & TV and public services markets.

Karen is based in the field, with support from AC-ET's Leeds office, and will work alongside the company's sales, marketing and purchasing departments to develop and implement th

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14 March 2016

Jens Hillenkötter, CEO of Rock Solid Technologies comments: "With FIBERFOX we gained a new partner, who brings decades of experience in the field of fibreglass technology, is established in the market and who fully complies with our high expectations. Therefore, it was a logical decision for us to offer another RockLink version, which also withstands extreme conditions in the area of fibreglass."

The future collaboration is also viewed positively by Günter Bergmann, CEO of FIBERFOX: "We are delighted about the partnership with ROCK SOLID Technologies, a world-renown manufacturer of highly reliable equipment. That it was possible to convince Rock

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14 March 2016

Visitor highlights include the chance to discover new and exciting products from over 60 brands in professional audio, AV, lighting, staging and rigging not to mention two days of free seminars and live demos. Industry leaders exhibiting at the show will include both manufacturers and distributors including big names such as Robe, RCF, Chauvet, Elation, Avolites, ETC, TMB and many more.

The recent announcement from VisitScotland shows intent to grow the events market in Scotland. The investment in a new ten-year 'collaborative strategy' to develop Scotland's 3.5 billion events