Rigging / Staging

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03 July 2025

Europe - The Liftket Group has welcomed John van Look as the new global technical trainer for its Chainmaster and Moveket brands. With decades of international experience in event rigging and extensive technical expertise, van Look will be responsible for designing and delivering technical training and workshop concepts for customers and partners worldwide.

John van Look is a certified master of event technology (stage/studio) and a certified expert for event rigging (SQ Q2 Level 3). His career has taken him from working on global tours for stars such as Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake to major productions like the Eurovision Song Contest and the MDLBeast Soundstorm Festival.

“With John van Look, we are not only gaining an outstanding professional with global recognition, but also a strong communicator who knows how to translate c

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02 July 2025

Germany - Adam Hall Group has announced the release of Defender Maintenance Spray, a specially developed maintenance spray for the professional care of cable protectors and other rubber components in the event, industrial and infrastructure sectors. The silicone spray protects against ageing, prevents material wear caused by environmental influences and facilitates maintenance.

The composition of the Maintenance Spray is tailored to typical stresses in the daily operation of cable protectors, such as moisture, UV radiation, dust and temperature changes. It is very simple to apply: spray on, leave to take effect for a short time, done. This way, the spray keeps the mechanics of the hinges and catches running smoothly and makes it much easier to open and close the lids.

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26 June 2025

UK - London’s Trafalgar Square was transformed into the capital’s brightest basketball stage as the inaugural Jr NBA 3v3 Finals were held under the gaze of Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery, and featured 10 city secondary schools in an electrifying final. 

The tournament was held on Friday 6 June and operated by London Marathon Events (LME) in collaboration between the NBA and LME, designed to get more children across the capital playing basketball for boys, girls and wheelchair competitions.

The team at Henley Theatre Services (HTS) were appointed to construct the three separate NBA courts in the middle of Trafalgar Square for this prestigious one-day event, working in partnership with PopUpArena.

Three truss structures were erected to formulate the temporary courts, which consisted of two 18m x 15m courts built from 10m tall P

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23 June 2025

Europe - Stageco was chosen as a key technical provider by French production company Teckoff for a run of major shows at the Stade de France in Paris this April.

Notably, the 26 April performance by Marseille-born rapper Jul smashed the venue’s attendance record with his audience totalling 97,816 – this eclipsed the previous record set in 2022 by Indochine, another of Stageco’s clients.

Working closely with Lies Rombouts, Stageco France project manager Thierry Nataf liaised with the chart-topper’s show designers Gwen Gauthier, Paul Chapet and Cédric Babin, Stageco’s R&D technicians Jan Claes and Bart Bleys, and structural engineer Daan Van Cauteren, to ensure that the delivery of the production was second to none.

Rehearsals took place in Aix en Provence – close to the Stageco France warehouse – for a full week from 12 Apri

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23 June 2025

USA - InterAmerica Stage has announced the appointments of Nicolas Champion as VP of business development, Tom Casazza as business development manager, and Jason Osterman as senior project manager.

IA Stage COO Pete Borchetta comments: “Over the past number of months, you may have heard the news as we’ve been holding off on this announcement because we’ve been assembling an all-star lineup – and now, the moment has arrived. IA Stage proudly welcomes three of the industry’s finest: Nicolas Champion, Tom Casazza, and Jason Osterman. Each of them brings a wealth of experience, strategic vision, and a track record of excellence in sales and project management.

“Nicolas Champion’s expertise in driving business growth, coupled with his deep understanding of client needs, makes him an invaluable leader in shaping IA Stage’s future. Tom Casaz

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20 June 2025

Austria - SRS Group has added Signal to its growing family of distributors. “With their well-established presence in the Austrian market, we look forward to expanding our reach and building a strong, productive partnership in the years ahead,” says SRS.

“After numerous discussions, in-person meetings, and company visits, the decision to move forward with Signal Sound & Light Distribution came naturally. Their impressive portfolio of globally recognised partner brands caught our interest – but what truly sealed the deal was the exceptional dedication and flexibility demonstrated by their team throughout the entire process.”

Matthias Reinthaler, general manager at Signal, shares his perspective on the new collaboration: “As the Austrian Robe distributor, Signal has a global network within the industry. Some of these partners are already

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20 June 2025

UK - 50 Cent and Charlie XCX headlined Parklife on a Serious Stages 25m TZ roof, with a new Big Top stage added to the festival for 2025.

Serious answered the promoter's request to increase the capacity of Parklife’s main Valley Stage and supplied the platform for the new Big Top Stage, continuing a long history of supplying stages and buildings to Manchester’s premier dance festival.

Parklife’s event production partners, Engine No 4, have constantly refreshed the site and infrastructure since the festival moved to Heaton Park in 2012. For 2025, they entrusted Serious Stages to support their delivery of a new main stage to accommodate larger headline productions and for an expanded audience.

Production manager Tommy Sheals-Barrett, Engine No 4, says: “We needed to increase capacity in the Valley area for our stand-alone Friday show, w

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20 June 2025

UK - The Art-Deco Grade II listed Queens Hotel has been an impressive presence on Leeds’ City Square since its construction in 1937. Designed by W.H. Hamlyn and faced with white Portland Stone, it is a striking landmark which over the years has hosted many notable guests. Royals, world leaders, and international film stars have all experienced the comforts of The Queens.

At the end of last year, The Queens was the focus of an art installation which saw LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) collaborate with Barcelona-based creative studio Onionlab on To Leeds With Love, a visual spectacular which used the elegant architecture of the Hotel as a canvas for multiple projections themed around The Twelve Days of Christmas.

The ambitious and innovative project, which embraced state-of-the-art technology and world-class design, r

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19 June 2025

Europe - TAF has released its new TC35 heavy-duty truss line, which takes versatility and strength to the max for hanging LED screens.

Hanging points can be placed anywhere along the entire length of its new, central ‘C’ profile tube for flexibility in positioning LED screens for live events. With a 20% increase in loading capacity, compared to TAF’s TT35 truss, the new line offers impressive strength and an even higher level of safety.

The line features 290 x 290mm heavy-duty square truss, Quicklock connectors with connection kit included, 0.5m - 3m lengths available, up to 746kg/m distributed load capacity, and up to 2085kg point load capacity. Powder coat colour finish is available on request.

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18 June 2025

Middle East - SRS Group is proud to announce that the company is coming to the Middle East, having partnered with NMK Electronics.

SRS Group’s first meeting with NMK was during the SLS Show in Saudi Arabia last year, where they expressed a strong interest in representing the brand.

“After careful consideration, we decided to proceed with NMK,” said Samuel Sloboda, CEO of SRS Group. “What really stood out to us was their professionalism, proactive approach, and deep understanding of the Middle Eastern market. Their energy, strategic mindset, and commitment to growth convinced us that they are the right partner to represent us in the region.

“Furthermore, their portfolio is an ideal match for all three of our divisions [Rigging, Power and Lighting], and we are certain that this collaboration will prove to be the right decision f

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18 June 2025

Europe - HOF is launching the new NEO Truss conical connectors onto the market. Key features include faster assembly and disassembly thanks to the simple click system of the clamp. The annoying hammering of the truss pins and, in the worst case, wedging of the truss pins in the truss and connector is completely eliminated, as truss pins are no longer required with the NEO Truss connector.

Further, the NEO Truss connectors can remain in the truss during transportation. On site, only the NEO Truss clamp needs to be placed around the connector.

By eliminating the truss pins, the noisy hammering together of the trusses is completely eliminated. This means that the trusses can be set up directly on site at noise-sensitive venues such as conference rooms, hotels or city centres, and also at night.

Thanks to the clamp and the elimination of truss pi

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17 June 2025

UK - The PLASA Awards for Innovation are back for 2025, and entries are officially open.  

Celebrating the most forward-thinking technology across lighting, audio, AV, staging, rigging and beyond, the awards recognise products that bring something genuinely new to the table, whether it’s a technical step forward, a sustainability breakthrough, or a clever commercial edge. 

Run in partnership with LSi, the awards are independently judged by a panel of experts who know what real innovation looks like. All shortlisted ent

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17 June 2025

UK - London’s National Theatre has reaffirmed its commitment to technical excellence and safety with additional investment in EXE Technology chain hoists, further strengthening its position as one of the most advanced and innovative theatrical institutions in the world.

The National has purchased additional 350kg and 500kg EXE Rise D8+ chain hoists to complement their extensive EXE hoist inventory as part of their ongoing upgrade and refurbishment programme, which has been taking place across the venue over the last few years. The new hoists are fitted with a custom hook attachment for ease and compatibility with the grids across the venues, matching their existing EXE hoist inventory as a vital technical pre-requisite for the theatre.

The EXE Rise D8+ chain hoists, renowned for their precision, durability and safety are now an integral part of the

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17 June 2025

UK - The latest addition to Doughty’s industry-standard Quick Trigger clamp range, the Lightweight Quick Trigger joins the Baby Quick Trigger, Twenty Clamp, Slimline Quick Trigger and Titan in the growing portfolio.

The Lightweight Quick Trigger is 5mm narrower than the Standard Slimline providing more opportunities to rig between truss cords, while maintaining the customary stability familiar to users of the T58301.

Machined from 6082 T6 aluminium, and 316 stainless steel, the Lightweight Quick Trigger is designed from the outset as a rugged all-weather clamp capable of prolonged use in outdoor environments.

Developed and manufactured in Doughty’s UK factory, the IP58650 Lightweight Quick Trigger is finished as standard in Satin Black powder coat and supplied with an M10 A4 Stainless Steel fixing kit.

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16 June 2025

UK - On 4 June, the Association of British Theatre Technicians hosted its Annual Awards after a busy first day of the ABTT Theatre Show at Alexandra Palace, London. This event is a cornerstone of the ABTT, dedicated to honouring outstanding contributions to the theatre and live events sector and recognises the achievements of those who are shaping the future of the industry.

Ted Moore, director at sponsors TAIT, said of the Awards: “TAIT is really proud to be here once again to sponsor the ABTT Awards, which I truly believe are the best award presentations anywhere in our industry. We wish all the nominees good luck and give congratulations to whoever the winners may be.”

The five Product Awards recognise the achievements of products which are substantially new to the market during the last 12 months and are available now for purchase, immediate

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09 June 2025

UK - PLASA Show 2025 is now open for free registrations. This September, the UK's market-leading trade event for live entertainment technology will set the stage for breakthrough products, big ideas, and invaluable industry connections. Celebrate entertainment technology and the people behind it at PLASA Show, returning to its home at Olympia, London from 7–9 September 2025.

Drawing 7,500+ professionals from across the global industry, the show offers unrivalled access to 250+ leading brands, an expert-led seminar programme, and hands-on experiences with next-generation technology.

Headline sponsored by Robe, PLASA Show 2025 features an expanded show floor filled with world-class manufacturers, distributors and service providers. Attendees can explore the latest tools and technologies for lighting, audio, AV, staging and rigging – all under one r

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09 June 2025

UK - IPS (Impact Production Services) has announced the launch of its new website (www.ips.co.uk), marking the next major step in its ongoing work to enhance customer experience and improve operational efficiency. The launch follows the recent opening of IPS’s new warehouse in Milton Keynes, a major physical upgrade now mirrored by this significant digital development.

The new website represents a substantial improvement on the long serving platform that supported IPS through many years of growth. As user needs have evolved and the scale of operations expanded, the redesign was driven by the goal of creating a modern, intuitive, and transparent digital experience that better reflects IPS’s service-led approach.

Built with functionality and accessibility at its core, the refreshed site features a fully mobile responsive interface, enhanced ai powe

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09 June 2025

USA - Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, part of the Nemetschek Group, has announced the availability of its AI Assistant (Preview), an innovative new tool designed to give users instant and accurate answers to their Vectorworks-related questions.

As a preview feature in the release of Vectorworks 2025 Update 5, the AI Assistant (Preview) marks the first phase of integrating AI learning technology into Vectorworks software, with the long-term goal of providing more intelligent, personalised, and time-saving solutions to designers.

Available through the Help menu and the Vectorworks Home Screen, the built-in AI assistant is designed to give customers quick, context-aware answers to their questions, allowing them to stay focused on their creative work. Whether users need to learn new features or simply seek guidance, the AI Assistant

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05 June 2025

UK - Adlib has confirmed the completion of the supply and installation of the stage engineering systems for the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow, which is due to reopen in August 2025, with a full season programme launching in September 2025.

The Adlib team has been working in partnership with architectural practice Bennetts Associates, specialist technical design consultancy Theatreplan, and Kier Construction on the new building, which is set to be a vibrant hub at the heart of the Gorbals community.

This ambitious project is the first comprehensive redevelopment of the building since it began life as a working theatre in 1878. The goal has been to ensure that the Citizens Theatre is accessible to everyone, while retaining its distinct Victorian features.

The technical infrastructure has been designed to support more performances than ever before

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05 June 2025

UK - Chase and Status headed out on their ambitious live tour across some of the UK’s biggest arenas with a ROE video screen and MoveKet automation package from PRG UK.

After the release of 2024’s Backbone catapulted Chase and Status back into the cultural zeitgeist, the highly anticipated UK tour has seen the duo go from strength to strength. Bringing a high-energy rave to arenas this size requires something special for the production.

At the Co-op Live in Manchester, the clear centre piece of the stage is the unusual ‘Letterbox’ LED upstage screen, supported by MoveKet automation to reveal the band as the show kicks off and create dynamic movement throughout the set. ROE Vanish V8T panels were used to build the 27m wide x 4m deep structure, chosen for the strong colour depth, and the 50% transparency means the lighting can be integ

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04 June 2025

UK - Event production company SEL Live launched the 2025 festival season in style, returning with the 2025 edition of Land Beyond Festival, which descended onto Brighton’s beachfront from 2-4 May.

SEL Live, which rebranded from Sussex Events earlier this year, delivered full technical production, staging and structures for three stages at the popular south coast electronic dance music festival, which was themed around the Vacant Planet.

The team at SEL Live brought their expertise to the fore with show-stopping production design and execution. In a festival known for its immersive experiences and bold aesthetics, SEL Live ensured the 2025 edition set new standards, deploying their full inventory of A4I brands, including Milos, EXE Technology and Xstage, which powered their trusted structure and rigging solutions from Area Four Ind

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02 June 2025

UK - PLASA Focus Leeds 2025 returned to the Royal Armouries on 13-14 May, drawing a vibrant cross-section of the live entertainment technology sector for two buzzing days of connection, innovation and learning.

This year’s show welcomed 2,852 professionals, an increase on the 2024 show. The quality of attendees continues to thrive, with 687 directors, owners, or chairs representing 16% of the audience. Significantly, when combining senior roles and those in sales, procurement and specification, nearly 40% of the professionals on site held final decision-making responsibility, underscoring the event’s commercial impact.

A broad spectrum of industry roles was represented, including sound and lighting engineers, technicians, production and tour managers, lighting designers, venue and operations staff, as well as consultants, buyers, lecturers, conte

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30 May 2025

Europe - TAF has increased the quality, efficiency, and output of its truss manufacturing activities with the addition of a highly advanced laser cutting machine on its production line.

Aluminium tubes used in the construction of TAF’s highly regarded truss will now feature precisely curved and angled cuts that are not only carried out extremely quickly and efficiently but will also contribute to higher strength and stability.

Thanks to the increase in production output with TAF’s new laser cutting machine, TAF is able to further ensure the delivery of its Truss on Time promise.

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28 May 2025

UAE/Qatar - Disney’s The Magic Box, a spellbinding theatrical spectacle that brings classic Disney moments to life in a bold, arena-scale production, opened last month in Doha after a successful five-week run at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Behind the scenes of the UAE leg of this technically complex tour was Unusual Rigging & Engineering (URE).

With a need for fly bars, Kinesys automation, and high-capacity performer flying winches, the show is a theatrical production layered within an arena tour - demanding a rigging solution that blends theatre precision with touring efficiency.

“From the moment I joined Proactiv Entertainment, I’ve always enjoyed working with Unusual Rigging,” said Dani Marin, senior technical manager at Proactiv Entertainment, the company behind the Middle East tour. “They’re my go-to team