As recorded in its Memorandum of Association, the ABTT was founded to achieve "the advancement of public education in the technical subjects connected with the theatre and theatrical presentation and the promotion for the benefit of the public of good theatre design and technical presentation of theatrical works".
Both ITEAC 2014 and the ABTT Theatre Show at London's Old Truman Brewery on the following two days (11-12 June), fulfil this objective through the exchange of ideas and information amongst those concerned with the accommodation and creation of theatre in any part of the world.
However, no organisation would be able to pursue its objectives so effectively without the commercial support of many generous companies.
Stage Technologies' long-standing support of the quadrennial conference series and in particular ITEAC 2014 as Platinum Sponsor, is acknowledged as having been fundamental in enabling the ABTT to establish ITEAC and present the fourth edition this year.
The backing of the three Gold Sponsors: Ambassador Theatre Group, a world leading live-theatre group with a total of 40 venues in Britain and on Broadway; J&C Joel, also a world leading company manufacturing flame retardant fabrics and flooring for the entertainment and live events industries; and, Unusual Rigging, experts in the supply of rigging and technical solutions for the entertainment, sports, exhibition, film and TV presentation industries, are together major complementary contributors.
The Silver group of sponsors is led by the Dubai office of Stage Electrics, a specialist installer, systems integrator, reseller, and hire company offering a wide range of theatrical equipment and services, alongside ETC, manufactures of lighting control systems, dimming, luminaires, and accessories for theatre, film and television studios, and architectural spaces.
Joining them are: SBS Bühnentechnik active all over the world in the field of theatre stage engineering development & manufacturing, and installing complete theatre machinery as well as individual assemblies; Theatre Projects Consultants, specialists in the design, planning, and operation of new and renovated live performance spaces around the world; Waagner-Biro one of the world's largest suppliers of stage equipment; and, TAIT, who design and build live equipment - the only organisation to specialise in staging, scenic design, LED integration, show control and automated rigging.
However, it is the collaborative provision of the Bronze Sponsors who underpin the event: Theatreplan, Triple E, White Light, British Harlequin, Charcoalblue, Centre Stage Engineering, Clay Paky, Gala Systems, Serapid, Multistage International, Philips Entertainment, Auerbach Pollock Friedlander, GDS, Hawthorn, Anne Minors Performance Consultants, AECOM and RHWL Arts Team, alongside UKTI.
Without the combined support and vision of all the sponsors ITEAC would not be possible and the ABTT acknowledges and thanks them all.
(Jim Evans)
