UK - Event Power Ltd, one of Ireland’s leading electrical hire companies supplying temporary power to major sports, festivals and state-run events, has invested in Data Strategy’s QC-Check workstation so that in the company’s busy warehouse, safety is an integrated part of the daily process.
With its power and cable inventory in constant demand, the company required a system to facilitate control of the stringent record-keeping associated with certified testing of distro and cable, as well as one that offered on-demand reporting.
Taking the advice of global temporary power specialists, Aggreko, who currently rely on more than ten QC-Check workstations to inspect the integrity of their power distribution units and cables in use at high-profile international events such as the recent Commonwealth Games, Event Power invested in a QC-Check workstation which included a CAB-4 cable test unit to test the integrity of single and three-phase cables, as well as a Power-Check add-on system to inspect power distribution boxes.
Custom-built by SES Entertainment Services Ltd, Event Power’s new QC-Check 2-bay workstation, bestows simplicity and speed of testing to the company’s warehouse processes. Anne Foley confirms: “Now we have the peace of mind that when we go to use our stock, all industry regulations have been adhered to, as we have the records to show it’s all certified and ready for use.
”Importantly for the busy warehouse, the new QC-Check was swiftly transitioned into the rental workflow. Anne agrees: “Once we received the initia

UK - A player within the global AV industry over a number of years, Greg Jeffreys has announced the decision to separate his consulting practice from the core manufacturing and distribution business, Visual Displays Ltd (VDL).
Greg Jeffreys Consulting Ltd (GJC) will therefore now function as a stand-alone business. And while VDL will continue to specialise in high specification displays, Jeffreys will build on a career that has seen him fulfil a number of volunteer leadership roles within the world of AV, rising to become the first non-American president of AVIXA (known then as InfoComm). Having either led or co-written various AVIXA displays-related standards, he is coming to the end of three years’ leadership of the Association’s standards body.
GJC will separate these consulting specialisms away from his other interests and at the same time meet the increasing post-pandemic demand for consultancy in the design and configuration of hybrid meeting and teaching spaces. He will lead a team of associates - specialists in a comprehensive spread of technology-enhanced workspace disciplines - now known generically as the Teams Room market.
“I’m excited to be continuing my consultancy assignments in this new way,” states Jeffreys. Commenting on current trends, he says, “There has been an ‘all roads lead to Rome’ feeling about the direction of travel with the issues that users and clients currently want to discuss. COVID accelerated the move to hybrid working and teaching with eye-popping velocity, forcing rushed specification decisions a

UK - Audio-Technica has announced a new distribution agreement with Massachusetts-based RF Venue, which will see the company represent the wireless essentials brand across EMEA from 31 January 2023.
Offering a wide variety of wireless mic and IEM antenna, combiner and band-pass filter products, RF Venue is relied on for everything from HOW and fixed installations to touring and other event applications, with a reputation built on more than 10 000 projects since its inception in 2011.
Alexandra Bischof, Audio-Technica marketing manager EMEA commercial audio said, “We’re delighted to be representing RF Venue throughout EMEA – the company’s portfolio allows us to offer customers an increasing range of wireless solutions alongside our own systems. Their track record of delivering excellent value, efficient problem-solving technology is a great fit for Audio-Technica and we look forward to introducing the brand to our customers across these territories in the coming year.”
RF Venue president Chris Regan commented, “We are excited to grow our relationship with Audio-Technica Europe and to make RF Venue products available to support Audio-Technica wireless systems in the EMEA market. RF Venue wireless Essentials have a proven track record as excellent companion products to Audio-Technica wireless systems.”
Both Audio-Technica and RF Venue will be exhibiting at ISE 2023 in Barcelona (Audio-Technica located at booth 3P450, RF Venue at booth CS604).

Spain - 22 live event and AV professionals are ready to cycle up to 390km from Valencia to ISE in Barcelona this weekend. Together as the BikeFest team, they are raising vital funds for industry charities Backup Tech, Music Support and Stagehand.
Organised by #WeMakeEvents, PLASA and AFIAL, BikeFest Spain is in its second year. Last year’s debut saw a team of 10 head toward the empty Fira de Barcelona exhibition centre, where ISE should have been taking place, poignantly showcasing the impacted live events sector.
However, this year’s BikeFest will head towards a thriving trade event – but not before taking in the stunning Mediterranean coastline. 18 members of the team cycle the entire route over three days, with the remaining four joining for the final 95km on the last day. The team represents the span of the live sector, including companies such as Bishopsound, Creative Technologies, Earpro (part of Midwich Group), Equipson, FLUX Events, Stage One, Total Solutions Group, d&b Group and Wonderworks.
The money raised by the team has already surpassed an incredible £20,000, with donations still rolling in. Furthermore, BikeFest Spain 2023 is supported by sponsorship from Ayrton, d&b Solutions, Ear Pro, Fantek, ISE, SOJC, AVIXA and Total Solutions Group.
Peter Heath, MD of PLASA and member of #WeMakeEvents steering group, says: “The team and I are geared up for another BikeFest in Spain, and it’s great to welcome many more members this year. BikeFest Spain really has become an important date in the diary for many of us. No

UK - Martin Audio has announced its partnership with the recently-formed 22live pro-audio service provider.
In so doing it reunites the company with hire director, Paul Timmins - part of an experienced team that also includes MD Spencer Beard and commercial director, Alex Penn. They are joined by technical director, Simon Gladstone, operations director, Stefan Phillips and finance director, Ian Bidmead.
Driven by Timmins, who has enjoyed a long relationship with Martin Audio, the company has confirmed a large investment in Martin Audio’s advanced control and array technology. This enabled them to make an immediate impact in 2022, supporting the Sigur Rós global tour with the manufacturer’s Wavefront Precision system and Torus scaled for arenas, and the Australian Pink Floyd Show UK, with Wavefront Precision and Torus scaled for theatres up to small arenas. Both bands have enjoyed a long relationship with Paul Timmins, which looks set to continue under the new production company.
One of the first key considerations when 22live set out its stall early last year was which loudspeaker company to forge a relationship with. Setting out the reasons for backing Martin Audio as their front-line brand, Timmins was aware that a long historic relationship with a brand is not necessarily justification for future investment. “There is always a lot at stake when it comes to selecting a partner brand,” he says. “For us, we needed to get our hands on a product that gave us more of a USP, and was supplied by a manufacturer that complemented our own ethos.

Europe - Lang AG, one of Europe’s leading visual presentation technology dry-hire businesses has announced a major investment in Panasonic’s new RQ25K Series, for 100 units of the 3-Chip DLP projectors with up to 20,000lm brightness and 4K resolution.
“This significant investment, and extension of our more than 30-year relationship with Panasonic, will help our customers meet today’s industry challenges,” said Tobias Lang, CEO at Lang AG. “The Panasonic RQ25K Projector Series delivers next generation visual technology that wows the crowds with the latest and greatest image quality, streamlines workflows to enable fast and effective set-up and control and delivers unrivalled reliability.”
Lang AG chose the new Series, available in December, because it offers a number of important advantages to its rental users. The RQ25K is 40% smaller and 35% lighter than its RQ22K predecessor, making it easier to transport and stack for Rental and Staging companies and more convenient to position for fixed installations. The Series simplifies everything from installation to operation with time-saving workflow streamlining features. Integration into wider systems is also fast and simple with the first Panasonic projector to be Intel Smart Display Module (Intel SDM)-ready.
“From the moment Panasonic introduced its first 20,000lm projectors back in 2012 it has defined the sector,” added Tobias Lang. “We immediately saw the benefits of the new RQ25K Series for our customers. With the SDM slot it sets new benchmarks in terms of configurability and co

Spain - Adam Hall has announced the creation of Adam Hall Integrated Systems – a new business vertical dedicated to serving the installed AVL market sector.
With its own product team headed up by Gabriel Alonso Calvillo, Adam Hall Integrated Systems will act as a resource for AVL professionals – be they consultants, integrators and even end users – to find and specify the products they need for their projects. All Adam Hall installation-friendly products are brought under one roof and application experts are on hand to offers expert advice and support at every stage of the project, from tendering to system design through to training and commissioning.
“We have been working on the development of our integrated systems portfolio for a few years now; and with the new solutions we are presenting at ISE, I am proud to claim that we can offer a comprehensive product range to cover most commercial audio applications,” says Calvillo. “It therefore makes complete sense to create a proper home for our installation range with its own distinct identity that will be both more visible and accessible for our customers and the world at large.”
According to Adam Hall CEO Alexander Pietschmann, the timing is perfect for such a move. “From humble beginnings in 1975, we have grown to be one of the top three audio and lighting manufacturers in Europe as well as a highly successful international distributor,” he says. “We have an extremely strong heritage in live event technology which was where it all started for us. However, we have in fact been dev

India - PXL Media, a specialist in large format LED screen rentals, recently forayed into the professional touring audio domain by adding Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision (WPL) line array to its inventory. In so doing, they have become India’s first WPL users.
A production house known across South India for its prowess in LED screens, PXL Media launched SXL - a division centred around providing exceptional touring audio systems to audiences. “Together with VXL (Video) and LXL (Lights) we can provide a complete solution to our customers,” says Pratheesh Michael, CEO, PXL Media. This purchase also helps Pixel Media make its mark as a significant player in the touring industry in Kerala, one of the fastest growing events and touring markets in India. “We will quickly expand into all of South India soon,” promises Pratheesh.
“PXL Media believes in investing in top-level gear to match international standards. Martin Audio’s reputation in the market is exemplary. We are proud to be associated as their first WPL users. We wanted to invest in a system that delivers top-notch performance, is rider friendly, ensures efficiency and functionality, while being flexible and scalable,” says Sachin Babu, sound engineer, PXL Media. “Martin Audio was perfect for this.”
The system inventory for Pixel Media includes the WPL 3-way bi-amp, two 12” large format line-array elements, with the dual 18” horn-loaded SXH 218 subwoofers. The system is powered by two racks consisting of Martin Audio’s iKON iK42 amplifiers, network switches, signal an

Spain - In just two weeks’ time, Creative Technology EME’s CEO, Dave Crump, will once again be donning his Lycra, with other fellow industry personnel and setting off on BikeFest.
Covering almost 400km along the Mediterranean coastline, Dave and around 20 industry peers, will take on this impressive ride raising vital funds for industry charities, Backup Tech, Music Support, and Stagehand.
Starting in Valencia on 27 January, the team will cycle 140km on day one to Peñiscola, followed by 130km on day two to Tarragona, and a final 95km on day three to Barcelona, finishing at Barcelona Fira on 29 January to mark the start of ISE 2023.
“As those who know me know, I’m an occasional cyclist, and a huge supporter or Backup and the work done by ‘We Make Events’ during and since the pandemic. This will be a tough but amazing journey,” he says, “but I am someone who needs a challenge to encourage me to work off the Christmas pounds and doing it for such a worthy cause is a massive bonus.”
ISE is always a big event for Creative Technology and in 2023 the company’s rapidly growing Systems Integration division will be exhibiting for the first time. You can meet the global CT Systems Integration team at Stand 5G225.
“Creative Technology is well-known for its spectacular productions in the world of live events, but even though our work in the systems integration market has been happening for some time now, and is equally impressive, so far it has been much less visible to the market,” Dave concludes. “If you are coming to ISE

India - Light Craft & Sound, a leading lighting supplier for the film and TV industry, has recently purchased one hundred Prolights EclPanel TWC, 10 EclPanel TWCXL and 10 combined Astra Wash19Pix and 37Pix moving lights to their rental fleet.
Light Craft is a multidisciplinary creative studio based in Mumbai that works with leading channels in India like Start TV, Sony, Zee TV, Viacom, and many others, and leading Bollywood productions like Dharma Production, Yash Raj Films, and others.
Mr. Arjun Singh, managing director of Light Craft & Sound, explained his decision to invest in Prolights: “We were impressed with the colour calibration and its colour precision across the entire range of soft lights.” Singh added: “These are great key-selling points of Prolights' fixtures. Their colour and light output are similar to other leading manufacturers of soft lights.”
Mr. Arjun was also impressed with a few software features: “We liked the built-in effects in particular and the fact that you can tweak their parameters. The colour mixing system and the built-in colour gels are also incredibly useful to the Indian market.”
The fixtures were supplied by Lotus Cine, the company's newly appointed distributor in the region.

France - Sony has joined forces with Plateau Virtuel (virtual production studio, subsidiary of the Novelty-Magnum-Dushow Group) and Studios de France (the leading set provider for broadcasting in France) to create the first virtual studio with a 90m² Sony Crystal LED B-series screen (18m wide x 5m high) in Seine Saint Denis, north of Paris, France.
This project will deliver ‘unrivalled image quality for producers and cinematographers alike, as Sony Crystal LED display technology is combined with the VENICE camera capture technology’.
"Our virtual production offering offers a unique image quality. We are delighted to open, with Plateau Virtuel and Studios de France, the first studio in Europe that will host creators and productions using Crystal LED technology on a wall of exceptional dimensions,” commented Fabien Pisano, sales director, media solutions, Sony Europe.
The facility is set in a 700m2 set in the Studios de Lendit near Paris. Its curved screen, measuring 18m wide and 5m high, is composed of 450 "assortments" each including a combination of eight LED modules.
Sony's Crystal LED technology allows for a very high contrast ratio, a very thin pitch (1.5mm vs. 2.6mm the current market standard) even with a curved screen, and the best reproduction of details and movements.
"It's a screen that took 15 days to assemble, working with the Sony teams. Most studio screens are placed on the ground, for us it was important to have a suspended structure in order to be able to slide floors underneath, be they LED or other kind of f

South Africa - DWR Distribution has been appointed the official South African distributor for zactrack automated ‘following system’ designed for open-air events, theatre stages and studios. The system was put through its paces by lighting designer Denis Hutchinson on Sinbad the Sailor, a festive pantomime held at the Teatro, Montecasino.
The system allows any number of performers to be tracked and registered in a 3D computer model using Ultra Wide Band (UWB) radio tracking to locate the position of actors and objects on stage.
Stephan Saremba, managing director at zactrack, comments, "We welcome DWR Distribution to the family of worldwide zactrack distributors. Their professional sales, support and training team, matched with an extensive product portfolio make them an ideal partner to bring the magic of automated tracking to customers in South Africa. We look forward to working together on a growing number for exciting automated tracking applications.”
DWR Distribution’s Duncan Riley adds, “With the industry on its feet after the pandemic and an audience thrilled to be back at shows again, we were finally ready to launch,” said Duncan. “The DWR team, including Jaques Pretorius and Motlotlo Makhobotloane (Mac) tested zactrack SMART in our demo room and were delighted at its functionality and ease of use. We then reached out to lighting designer, Denis Hutchinson, who incorporated the system in Sinbad the Sailor, the first pantomime to be hosted in the Teatro at Montecasino in Fourways, Johannesburg.”
Denis Hutchi

UK - Production Futures is an initiative created to provide opportunities for young people to learn, train, network, and develop real careers in production across every area of the live event, music, touring, theatre, TV, broadcast and film industries
As part of its continuing programme of On Tour live events, Production Futures will visit Nottingham’s Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies on 23 January, in company with industry experts and brand partners including manufacturers Sennheiser, Avolites, ChamSys, Chauvet Professional, Shure, Nexo, disguise, Brompton Technology, TAIT, Roe Visual, Riedel Communications, and Vectorworks, as well as a number of leading supply and production companies.
Part of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), Confetti has two campuses, one in Nottingham and a new one in East London, scheduled to open this September. Production Futures On Tour will visit the Nottingham campus, based in the heart of the city’s award winning Creative Quarter. Confetti has specialist hubs dedicated to digital, media, film, TV, music and live events, and offers further education from age 16, as well as higher education degree courses.
Reflecting the importance it attaches to providing students with access to careers in the creative industries, Confetti will release all its students from timetabled activities to enable their attendance. The event will also be open to all young people from Nottingham and its surrounding areas who wish to explore careers in production.
The event will be staged across the Confetti campus with activi

USA - Illuminate Production Services (IPS) has recently opened an East Coast facility in Ft. Pierce, Florida, to better serve clients nationwide. The family-owned company, which first opened its doors in Sacramento in 2006, is one of the live event industry’s premiere full-service production companies. The new facility, which is stocked with production quality audio, video, lighting, and staging equipment, includes many of Elation Professional's most sought-after products.
General manager for IPS East is Michael Betancourt, a Florida native who is proud to lead the new 8100 sq. ft. facility. “By choosing Fort Pierce, it allows us to be central and support the many production companies throughout the state and east coast. I am excited about the opportunity and have a lot of ideas to further the successful growth of IPS.”
Betancourt brings over 30 years of audio, video, and lighting sales, design, installation, and live event production experience to the team. He has previously operated a successful audio and lighting production company in Florida and worked at Elation Professional, where he served as showroom manager and worked with R&D on several successful lighting products. He was also involved in design of the award-winning lighting and video system at Rumba Room Live, an upscale Latin-themed nightclub and concert venue in Anaheim, California.
According to president of IPS Rick Franke, "Having a facility on the east coast allows us to tap into new markets and customer bases. It also allows us to better serve our customers by offering f

Europe - In the next phase of Power Logistics’ ambitious plans for expansion, the temporary power specialist has appointed a European director to lead its newly opened office in Maastricht, Netherlands.
Experienced international sales and marketing professional, Patrick Elissen, will be spearheading the company’s EMEA operation from the centrally located office. Situated in close proximity to both the German and Belgian borders, the new office is just a short hop from many major European cities.
The news follows the company’s announcement in November that it had established a permanent base in Cork, Ireland, and is part of an ongoing programme of growth that will see Power Logistics build on its market-leading reputation for driving innovative, sustainable solutions forward across the globe.
Commenting on his appointment, Power Logistics’ European director, Patrick Elissen, stated: “Power Logistics’ reputation in the provision of temporary event power is beyond impressive for a business of its size. Its commitment and market-leading approach to driving forward sustainable solutions is very exciting and something that I believe there is a real need for both within mainland Europe and the wider worldwide market.”
“The prospect of implementing energy management solutions and integrating technology that positively impact on an event’s carbon footprint whilst focussing on cost efficiencies will be an attractive proposition for organisers, promoters and production companies.”
Power Logistics’ founder and director, Pete W

UK - A new audio rental company - 22live – has launched, with the announcement that key industry professionals Spencer Beard and Alex Penn have joined the management team.
22live is the UK’s newest pro-audio service provider, initially focused on providing hire services to the touring production market. Founded in early 2022 by Paul Timmins, with the initial business name derived purely from the year the company was established, 22live quickly became the favoured choice of name for its simplicity, availability and focus as a brand. Paul Timmins comments: “22 just works. It can fit on anything and it’s snappy. We’re really pleased with the brand we are creating and it looks great on all the kit.”
In mid-2022 Stefan Phillips and Simon Gladstone joined the company as directors, to establish operations, based in the Midlands. Timmins explains: “When establishing a new business like 22live, I needed the right people. I had conversations with Stefan and Simon as they too were starting out on new paths. Fortunately for me they were keen to join, bringing all the knowledge and experience we need to deliver the services of 22live. Working with Stefan and Simon meant that the Midlands was the obvious choice for our operational base.”
From this point the audio rental company started to take shape. Operations director Stefan Phillips explains: “There was much for us to decide quickly - where to operate from, what kit to use, how to sort packaging and infrastructure, and what management software to use. We also

USA - Bandit Lites recently held its Annual General Meeting, a gathering of all the team members across the country for an assessment of the year prior and announcements of future endeavours. Bandit chair Michael T. Strickland addressed the team, sharing insights on Bandit’s successes in 2022 and his goals for 2023, including new updated facilities, equipment and support.
“As we enter our 55th year Bandit continues to lead the way in the industry,” said Strickland. “Bandit is now well into fifth generation Bandits, and the younger people are taking the reins in many areas. We have introduced a brand new all aluminium meat rack storage solution that has revolutionized fixture storage and transport and the reaction has been amazing.
“We are also rolling out the first 100 Tyler Ladder Towers, which is another industry changing solution. A single unit is both a floor tower and a ladder, with the base serving as storage and transport. No more do you need expensive, custom dollies. The cross bars are moveable, and the units fit any fixture or combination. This is a game changer. The Ladder Tower also holds the fixtures in the correct plane.
“Bandit took delivery on the first 100 VL 3600 fixtures for use on a tour with Carrie Underwood. Bandit also bought a large quantity of Clay Paky Xytlos and Mini Xytlos, as well as the exciting new Volero Wave and TMB Flare Razr units. A host of new Grand MA 3 consoles are also now on board.”
Milestone awards were also handed out, with multiple Bandits celebrating decades at the company. Justin Wil

UK - Chauvet Professional entered the holiday season with a full head of steam, anchoring shows for headliners at major arenas throughout the country. Now with the turning of the calendar page, the UK team is embarking on another tour, not in support of a musical artists, but to give lighting professionals a first-hand look at some of the company’s new IP65-rated products.
Beginning on Tuesday, 24 January at The Place in London, the Chauvet Professional road show will be stopping at eight different cities throughout the UK to spread the news about products like the Ovation Rêve E-3 IP outdoor ready full spectrum white and multi-colour-mixing ellipsoidal, and the new arena-grade line of Maverick Storm fixtures.
The road shows will also feature a first-time UK look at the new fixtures in the Rogue Outcast series of high-powered moving heads including The Rogue Outcast 2 Beam, Rogue Outcast 2 Hybrid and Rogue Outcast 3 Spot. Other stops on the tour include Edinburgh, Manchester, Wakefield, Bristol, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Peterborough, and Nottingham.
By holding these events in actual production spaces, rather than rented hotel halls, the Chauvet Professional team believes they will be better able to showcase the impressive performance features on their latest offerings. For example, the silent operation, full spectrum colours and tuneable whites of the Ovation Rêve E-3 IP will be demonstrated at dock10 TV studio in Manchester Media City. Other venues include Bristol’s Loco Klub and Peterborough’s 2,000-capacity New Theatre.
In addition t

UK – A new company, Electric Airshows, has been launched to provide drone light shows to the UK’s outdoor events market.
Two well-known faces in the event production industry, Chris Crockford and Ian Lomas, have combined their considerable expertise and event experience to offer this new, professional service.
After months spent in research, pilot training and regulatory approvals, the pair are now operating an initial fleet of drones purchased from Chinese manufacturer and drone show specialist, DAMODA Intelligent Control Technology.
The quad-copter drones, using accurate GPS RTK (Real Time Kinematics) positioning technology have already flown several successful displays, including a series of events for Alton Towers. The drones, which each carry a removable, all-in-one 10W RGBW LED and rechargeable battery pack, and can fly and maintain position in winds of up to 8m/s (17mph).
Crockford and Lomas met over 30 years ago at Meteorlites, and although they ventured down different paths they remained in contact.
Crockford’s varied career has included extensive work in entertainment technology, including a spell with Avolites, where he consulted on the Pearl, Sapphire and Diamond series consoles and developed their eDMX wireless system.
Having gained a PhD in Geospatial Rendering Systems and an MBA – not to mention an instrument rated pilot’s licence – Crockford took his ultra-high-tech skills to the world of Formula One, spending three years as Business Development Director with McLaren Racing.
Lomas has long been a

UK - Following a rigorous assessment, technical solutions specialist White Light (WL) is now a certified B Corporation (B Corp), joining a socially and environmentally conscious movement of 1000 UK-based and over 6000 companies worldwide. This news comes just a few months after WL gained ISO14001 accreditation - the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS).
B Corp was conceived in 2006 by B Lab - the non-profit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet. As such, the certification process comprehensively evaluates a business’s sustainability practices. Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. WL’s commitment to operating its business as a force for good was rewarded with an Overall B Impact Score of 88.8. While 80 qualifies for certification, the median score for ordinary businesses completing assessment is currently 50.9.
At the heart of B Corp’s ethos is a Theory of Change, guiding a mission to transform the economic system into a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative global economy.
WL’s managing director, Bryan Raven comments: “Having first been introduced to B Corp whilst undertaking the ISO14001 accreditation process, we soon realised that we wouldn't have to change any of our behaviours or policies to qualify - we would just have to formalise them. B Corp’s mission aligns perfectly with our own, to work as one to grow a profitable