Rigging / Staging

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16 May 2025

UK - The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has outlined ways industry can raise awareness and find solutions to the skills gap - the primary focus of Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) 2025 on 12 June.

GLAD, upheld by the theme Lifting Careers, Building Futures, is dedicated to tackling the growing skills shortages across the lifting industry and promoting practical tools to attract new talent. The day is a launchpad to inspire the next generation to explore careers in lifting.

LEEA will exclusively reveal the findings of its State of the Lifting Industry survey on GLAD. However, it has urged members and other stakeholders to create their own campaign contributions that can be submitted in advance and promoted via LEEA platforms on the day. LEEA wants to hear directly from the lifting industry about what they’re alre

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13 May 2025

Europe - TAFtool 5.0 is TAF’s latest version of its advanced software that allows you to build 3D structures in a virtual environment with TAF products and with real-world dimensions - all on your own computer.

Try out your new ideas. Create bespoke or custom projects. Enjoy standard/profile/top views of your structure, rotate the camera angle, zoom in, zoom out. Save your progress for later. When done, export to PDF with a list of all products and dimensions for requesting an accurate price quote from TAF.

TAFtool 5.0 comes with many improvements that includes a more polished interface, refined icons, a larger library of TAF products and support structures, weight added to 3D elements, bug fixes, and much more.

A new feature allows you to upload what TAF products you currently have in stock and use them to build your virtual structure. The

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12 May 2025

UK – Area Four is returning to the Royal Armouries on 13-24 May. Stands R-D18 & R-D19 will feature the latest from the Area Four Industries brands including Milos, Litec, Prolyte, Xstage and the full range of EXE Technology chain hoists.

There's also the opportunity to get hands-on with Exe Load Cells where Matt Millward, head of automation will be available to discuss your requirements and show you more around the global interest in our new wireless load monitoring solutions from EXE Technology.

With increased demand following ISE and Prolight + Sound, learn more about the global interest in EXE Flexa sensors. Offered in four load cell management platforms, EXE Cell wired LC-Pro & LC-NLP and EXE Flexa wireless Real-Time and Dynamic. There will also be a wide selection of EXE hoists on demo.

A4I UK's head of automation, Matt Millwar

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09 May 2025

UK - Sixty82 has announced the opening of its new UK office at Production Park in Wakefield - the dynamic hub for live events, touring, and production industries.

Having successfully served the UK market for years via distribution, Sixty82 is now taking the next step in its growth by establishing a full presence in the country to further enhance the already strong product support, improve lead-times and listen even more closely to its UK customers.

The UK office will be led by managing director Tom Richter, who brings a wealth of experience from his time as UK head of integration at TAIT. Working alongside him is technical director Johnny Marshall, a well-known and highly respected figure in the trussing and staging industry.

“Sixty82 has always believed in being where our customers are,” said Tom Richter. “With our new office and exten

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08 May 2025

UK - There’s no denying that event production is evolving, and the demand for high-quality, seamlessly integrated technical equipment has never been greater. As events have grown larger, more immersive, and increasingly complex, the role of technical suppliers has shifted. Gone are the days of simply delivering functional equipment; today, every piece of kit must meet rigorous performance standards while blending seamlessly into its surroundings.

At DCLX, the goal is to create an environment where technology enhances rather than distracts, allowing audiences to engage fully with the event’s creative vision. From cables to weights, lighting fixtures to truss systems, every element we supply is carefully considered to ensure the highest level of quality and reliability.

“Truss plays a foundational role in event production, providing the structura

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08 May 2025

UK - IPS, supplier of staging and structures, technical production, and equipment hire to the events industry, is excited to return to PLASA Focus Leeds 2025, bringing a bold new lineup of IP-rated lighting and showcasing some of the most exciting developments in technical equipment hire.

As one of the industry's most trusted suppliers, IPS is set to raise the bar at Stand N-B05, where the team will be ready to inform with their latest innovations and investments.

This year’s spotlight is firmly focused on outdoor-ready, IP rated lighting, responding to the growing demand for versatile, weather-resistant fixtures. Making its debut in the IPS hire fleet is the highly anticipated Martin MAC Viper XIP, a cutting-edge luminaire that combines the power and precision of the classic Viper series with robust IP65 protection.

Joining the lineup are

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07 May 2025

Switzerland - Doughty Engineering Ltd has announced Menzi EBZ as its new distributor in Switzerland. Menzi EBZ was formed in 2010 after the merger of Menzi Eventtechnik and EBZ Eichberger, and focuses on the distribution of lighting control systems and rigging for event technology service providers, theatres, television, and scenic architecture. 

“We always aim to have the best brands in every product segment, and we’re proud to and excited to add Doughty Engineering as an industry defining name in rigging equipment to our portfolio,” says Andreas Stahl, COO of Menzi ebz ag.

Julian Chiverton, CEO of Doughty Engineering Ltd said of the partnership: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Menzi EBZ into our network of distributors. With their extensive product portfolio and industry expertise, we feel this to be a perfect match.”

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06 May 2025

USA - With decades of rigging expertise, KDH Precision ensures both successful performances and the safety of all involved. Since 2017, the company has provided rigging services for Metallica and collaborated with numerous A-list acts and major events. Founded by Chad Koehler, one of the industry’s most experienced and recognised rigging specialists, KDH Precision continues to set the standard for excellence in rigging and safety.

KDH Precision has worked closely with artists such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, The Rolling Stones, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, and most recently, Chris Stapleton and Zach Bryan.

"With the ever-growing complexity of production spaces, ensuring the safety of fans, staff, and talent has become an escalating concern. The use of advanced technology, coupled with the increasing size, weight, and dynamics of shows, as we

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06 May 2025

UK - Pearce Hire, the award-winning provider of innovative and sustainable technical solutions to the events industry has confirmed its return to PLASA 2025. As the company prepares for a busy season, the timing of this year’s show coincides with a significant period of investment in new equipment, aimed at strengthening its core departments and enhancing production capabilities across the board.

Exhibiting at stand R-A05, Pearce Hire invites visitors to learn more about its latest acquisitions. These investments are designed to support a wide range of event types, from festivals and exhibitions to corporate and live productions, with improved solutions across audio, lighting, power distribution and staging. With a continued focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, the new additions are tailored to meet the growing demand for high performing and envi

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06 May 2025

UK - Area Four Industries Direct UK, provider of structural solutions and trussing systems for the entertainment, events, and motorsport industries, has announced the appointment of Alistair J. Frary as its new director of motorsport.

With over two decades of experience in motorsport engineering and live event infrastructure, Alistair brings a combination of technical expertise, operational leadership, and industry insight to the role. His appointment marks a significant step in Area Four Industries Direct UK’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence within the motorsport sector.

Alistair J. Frary has a distinguished track record working across premier motorsport series, including Formula 1, WEC, and touring cars, where he has led the delivery of bespoke structures, paddock solutions, and event infrastructure. In his new role, he will overs

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29 April 2025

UK - For the first time, PLASA Focus Leeds has launched an official mobile app, now available to download on both Apple and Android devices. Introduced following the success of the PLASA Show London app in 2024, which saw strong uptake among visitors, the new app is designed to maximise engagement and efficiency at the 2025 show.

Taking place at the Royal Armouries, Leeds on 13–14 May 2025, the event will once again welcome thousands of professionals working across live events, AV, lighting, audio, rigging, staging and more. The PLASA Focus Leeds app serves as a comprehensive, digital companion for navigating the show, enabling you to:

 - Access and print visitor badges directly from the app

 - Browse a full exhibitor and product list in advance

 - View the detailed seminar and workshop schedule

 - Use the inter

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29 April 2025

UK - Unusual Rigging is undertaking a pioneering sustainability initiative that aims to embed environmental and social sustainability across its operations and supply chain. With ambitions that extend beyond internal improvements, the project is designed to identify key areas for action aligned with recognised industry frameworks.

To deliver this work, Unusual is working with Hope Solutions, a leading sustainability consultancy operating at the intersection of climate science and live events. Known for their work with clients including Coldplay, Netflix and Live Nation, Hope Solutions brings deep expertise in carbon measurement, stakeholder engagement, and long-term sustainability planning.

The project is being led internally by managing director Tom Harper - who holds a Masters in the Circular Economy MBA - and supported by facilities and resource m

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24 April 2025

UK - IPS (Impact Production Services), specialist supplier in the delivery of staging and structures, technical production, and equipment hire to the events industry has announced that its new, purpose-built warehouse in Milton Keynes is now officially open.

This opening marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth journey and represents the realisation of a vision first announced in February. The new facility, located just a mile from the existing site, is now fully operational and already playing a key role in supporting IPS’s expanding operations across the UK and beyond.

“Opening this new facility has been long awaited, and we’re absolutely thrilled to see the warehouse up and running,” said James Mason, founder of IPS. “This is a major investment in the future of IPS, and as we prepare for the summer, we’re excit

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24 April 2025

UK - The Human League’s Generations arena tour kicked off its UK leg in December 2024. By the band’s third show they’d already elicited a five-star review from the Guardian, who described the show as “An evening of immaculate electro pop, delivered with grace, precision, and elation”.

Behind the scenes, seasoned production manager Sarah Hollis was at the helm. Hollis has been production managing tours since the late 90s and has worked with The Human League since their 2008, Steel City tour. “I was also the stage manager on that tour,” she explained, “which was a mixture of arenas, theatres and a couple of academies (and not in the order you’d like!) so let’s say it kept me on my toes, and I’ve been working with the band ever since.”

Emmy Award winning designer, Rob Sinclair, was asked by the band’s

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23 April 2025

South Africa - After six years off the calendar, Mediatech Africa is back. The original and largest trade show for AV, broadcast, and live event tech on the continent returns from 3 - 5 June 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec) – and it's bringing the industry back together to mark 25 years since the first show in 2001.

Mediatech Africa has been a cornerstone of the continent’s AV and broadcast industry since day one. More than just an expo, it’s a space for the industry to connect, share ideas, and stay in step with the latest tech. Its legacy is built on collaboration, community, and innovation – drawing top brands, global suppliers, and the passionate people who keep the industry moving forward.

Simon Robinson, co-owner of Mediatech, recalls: “Our first show was in 2001 at the Sandton Convention Centre. It was small, focused mos

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22 April 2025

USA/Europe - Clair Global is expanding its global footprint by welcoming the Ampco Flashlight Group to the team. This partnership strengthens Clair's European presence and “enhances both companies' ability to deliver seamless, high-calibre experiences worldwide”.

Ampco Flashlight Group with its sister companies have been an established name in professional audio, lighting, rigging and motion for decades. The team delivers high-profile projects in live entertainment, theatre, broadcast, and events – both in the Netherlands and internationally. That focus remains unchanged. Clients will continue to work with the same people, receive the same level of service, and rely on the same name – now with the added strength of expanded access to key resources, technology, and expertise in more locations worldwide.

"This feels like a very natural step," s

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09 April 2025

UK - Unusual Rigging returned to the Royal Albert Hall for the 2025 Olivier Awards on Sunday 6 April, bringing its expertise and large-scale technical capability to one of British theatre’s biggest nights. No stranger to either the venue or the event, Unusual was tasked with delivering the full scope of rigging and draughting requirements for this year’s spectacular ceremony – supporting an ambitious production with sustainable, reusable rigging infrastructure.

“We were brought on to handle all the rigging and draughting requirements for the show,” said Luke MacBride, design engineer at Unusual Rigging. “Our scope included the design and installation of a mother truss to support lighting equipment, scenery, and the automated presentation screen. We also supplied trussing for drapery, including a custom-fabricated curved truss for the red drape, a

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08 April 2025

International - The latest issue of LSi is out now, and can be read online for free here.

Inside our new April issue, Cat Strom catches up with the crew behind Kylie’s Tension tour at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, finding a screen-heavy production that blends nostalgia with modern flair.

Also this month, Rob Halliday explores the new Sadler’s Wells East dance theatre in Stratford. Plus, Phil Ward visits London jazz club Ronnie Scott’s to hear its new sound system; Rachel Terzian charts the evolution of Slovakia’s SRS Group; and Claire Beeson meets the visionaries behind Clean Bandit’s recent London Palladium show.

We also explore the new sound and lighting

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07 April 2025

The Netherlands - PSRIG has announced the launch of PSRIG B.V., its new sales branch near Amsterdam.

“The Netherlands will play an important role in our company’s future growth. This new branch enables us to serve a highly strategic economic and geographic area while establishing a vital hub for more efficient logistics. We’re excited to bring our well-proven mechanical solutions and industry know-how closer to our customers, reinforcing our commitment to delivering top-tier service and hands-on technical expertise to help our clients achieve their ambitious goals,” says Aart Gigengack, CEO and co-founder of PSRIG.

Under the leadership of managing director Marc Lubberts, the Amsterdam adjacent office will serve as a central hub for local client activities. In addition to office and warehouse spaces, the company is developing a dedicated showr

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07 April 2025

Europe - TMB has announced the addition of Nick Berenok to the TMB customer development team for the European, Middle Eastern, and African (EMEA) region.

Based in Nice, France, Berenok brings over 20 years of experience in entertainment technology, international sales, and software development. He has held key roles at Ayrton and Light Converse, where he successfully combined technical expertise with strategic business development across global markets. Fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, and conversational in French, Berenok is known for building strong relationships across global markets. His appointment marks a strategic expansion of TMB’s reach and commitment to delivering trusted support and innovative solutions throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

“I'm really excited to be joining TMB. TMB has been the backbone of Rock &am

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02 April 2025

Europe - Plusfortyfive ApS is a new venture launched by the Generator Group in Denmark whose businesses and brands also include event and show technical production specialist VIGSØ.eu, and automation solutions manufacturer Motor Stage Automation.

The Danish-headquartered operation is headed by Kenneth Jakobsen – who brings 20 years of industry experience – and will be distributing and supporting several premium brands throughout the Scandinavian region.

The company hits the ground running with two German brands onboard, GLP (German Lighting Products) and HOF whose portfolio includes quality trussing, stage and rigging products.

Jakobsen and his team will grow the business organically through establishing a series of additional regional offices and partnerships. This will start in Norway and Sweden in addition to Denmark, with more announ

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28 March 2025

UK - Broadweigh has launched the Wireless Handheld Display Standard (BW-HK-S), a new tool for riggers and technicians working in the high-pressure world of live production. Fully compatible with Broadweigh’s trusted wireless ecosystem, the BW-HK-S delivers instant, on-the-ground access to real-time load and environmental data - keeping crews connected to what matters most, when it matters most.

Designed with the challenges of arenas, festivals, and theatres in mind, the device can receive live data from up to 12 wireless load cells or anemometers at once. Housed in a rugged IP67-rated enclosure with a high-grip finish, it’s ready for the toughest working conditions - whether you’re crawling through a grid in a dark theatre or working FOH at a stadium show.

Tom Lilly, product manager at Broadweigh, said: “The BW-HK-S enhances our system by giv

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27 March 2025

South Africa - For Namibian-based technical supply company, dB Audio, the past two decades have been all about training, growth, and getting even better at what they do.

Over the years, dB Audio has sent over 15 teams to DWR Distribution in South Africa for International Rigging and Basic Rigging courses, the most recent training having taken place earlier this year and presented by Ruud de Deugd of T&E Support. This is over and above attending workshops like Absen Certified Engineer training, roadshows, and open days that keep their crew sharp and ready to tackle anything.

Founded in 2004 by David Benade and Manu Jacobs, the company has always been about staying ahead of the game. “I can still remember the old days in 2004 like it was yesterday,” says Manu. “Back then I was excited, it was all about analogue gear, and suddenly there was di

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25 March 2025

Germany - On 19 and 20 March 2025, LEaT X 25 turned the Ofenwerk Nuremberg into a central meeting place for the event technology industry. With over 1,000 participants, over 100 brands and a mix of networking and inspiration, the event was a complete success, say the organisers.

“The response to LEaT X 25 was overwhelming. The combination of an exclusive setting, a targeted trade audience and first-class exhibitors struck a chord with the industry,” says John Weltersbach, head of event operations at LEaT and new to the team since the beginning of the year.

The 38 exhibitors at LEaT X 25 offered visitors an opportunity to exchange ideas directly with leading industry representatives, establish new business relationships and discuss current market developments. The informal atmosphere of the LEaT X formats makes it possible to establish valuable co