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18 June 2024

UK - Robe UK enjoyed a busy, successful, and positive ABTT (Association of British Theatre Technicians) expo, staged at Alexandra Palace in London, where the company presented two dynamic exhibition areas – a stand upstairs in the main hall, together with a large demo area located downstairs in the venue’s Palace Suite.

Robe also delivered four presentations that were integral to the ABTT’s extended 2024 seminar and discussion programme, which touched on topics related to sustainability and creative lighting.

The main Robe booth occupied a prime position in the main exhibition hall and featured some of Robe’s newest lighting technologies designed for theatre, performance, TV, and broadcast scenarios, together with selected Anolis, Avolites and Artistic Licence products. Atmosphere and haze specialist MDG, which is distributed in the UK by Rob

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18 June 2024

Sponsorship - Barclays has suspended its sponsorship of all music festivals staged by promoter Live Nation in 2024, including Download, Latitude and the Isle of Wight. The move comes after several acts pulled out of the events in protest at the bank's investment links to arms companies that trade with Israel. Artists including country singer CMAT, metal band Ithaca and comedian Joanne McNally all withdrew from planned slots this summer.

A spokesperson for Live Nation said: "Following discussion with artists, we have agreed with Barclays that they will step back from sponsorship of our festivals." The bank signed a five-year sponsorship deal with Live Nation in 2023. It is understood that the suspension does not apply to the full term of the contract. The development comes after more than 100 artists boycotted Brighton's Great Escape Festival in May over the

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14 June 2024

UK - The highly regarded PLASA Awards for Innovation are now open for entries, ready to celebrate the best new products across pro lighting, AV, audio, staging and rigging.

Organised in association with LSi, PLASA’s market-leading magazine, the awards celebrate innovative products from across the live entertainment technology industry that demonstrate a new style of thinking, improve technical practice or safety, introduce new materials or techniques, or offer a new commercial advantage.

Each successfully entered product will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts who have the authority to present up to eight awards of equal standing, one of which can be upgraded to a Gold Award for an outstanding new product. Last year, Brompton Technology scooped Gold for their Tessera G1, with Coda Audio, Funktion-One, Robe Lighting, Aste

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14 June 2024

USA/Europe - Absen announced at InfoComm 2024 that systems integrator Kinly has been named as the first European-based company to be awarded Absen global platinum partner status.

Kinly’s global product board (GPB), led by Jean-Paul Lemmens, conducted an extensive review of all LED manufacturers in the AV market based on performance, value to customers and sustainability.

“The team unanimously decided that Absen was its partner of choice owing to its quality products, global presence and competitive pricing. In addition, Absen’s commitment to prioritising ecofriendly, low energy consumption LED solutions aligns perfectly with our commitment to create a more sustainable future through innovative AV solutions”, said Lemmens.

Under the agreement, Kinly will be the first to access and integrate the latest advancements in LED display techno

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14 June 2024

Belgium - Since its establishment in 1965 as the city theatre of Ghent, NTGent has maintained a prominent role in the Flemish theatre scene. The venue delivers high-quality productions that are both artistically challenging and socially relevant, utilising lighting solutions from ETC.

Operating across two distinct realms, NTGent (also known as Nederlands Toneel Gent) crafts original theatre pieces and hosts external performances at its venues. For their original creations, which frequently tour internationally, NTGent prioritises a versatile lighting setup capable of adapting to diverse venues worldwide. Conversely, visiting performances rely on more traditional equipment, albeit with a preference for cutting-edge technology.

During a recent interview, Dennis Diels, head of lighting at NTGent, shared insights into the theatre's operations and its dec

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13 June 2024

USA - LynTec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chauvet has announced the acquisition of Juice Goose, a company that manufactures and distributes electric power distribution, conditioning, and control equipment.

“LynTec couldn't be more excited about the reputation and deep customer relationships Juice Goose brings, with solid products that perfectly complement our existing lineup,” said Mark Bishop, president of LynTec. “Now, regardless of how big or small the installation, we have the power solution for the job, whether that’s four circuits for a conference room or 500 circuits for an arena.”

Juice Goose was founded in 1983 and was one of the first companies to provide power conditioning products specifically for the audio industry. Since, the company has developed and maintained a reputation as a reliable supplier of electric power management

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13 June 2024

USA - At this year’s InfoComm, Brompton Technology is unveiling three new members to its panel manufacturer partner programme.

Following the announcement of ROE Visual as the founding member and diamond partner, Brompton has now extended the programme to include gold and blue partnership levels. INFiLED and Absen join as gold partners, while Pixreal becomes a blue partner.

“Brompton launched the scheme earlier this year to help us forge long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with LED panel manufacturers we are working with extensively. It is great to be able to welcome INFiLED, Absen and Pixreal into the programme,” says Richard Mead, CEO of Brompton Technology. “These partnerships reinforce our mission to deliver LED video processing compatible with any high-quality LED panels, backed by our industry-renowned 24/7 technical support.

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13 June 2024

Belgium - Arto Company is a rental and full technical production, based in Wavre, the French-speaking region of Belgium and working across the concert touring, festival, live event, and corporate sectors.

Their first Robe purchase was in 2019, and since then the inventory has expanded dramatically with the latest purchases being 16 x iFortes, 48 x LEDBeam 350s and 18 x Tetra2s, which join over 100 other Robe fixtures in the house, including 24 x Esprites, 48 x LEDBeam 150s, 18 x T1 Profiles and two RoboSpot systems.

“We started observing that Robe was a clear market leader, and the products were increasingly appearing on artist riders,” explained Arto’s lighting team manager Alain Meys, “and so that constant demand for the products made us take notice and realise that we needed to invest in what people were requesting.”

He and the l

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13 June 2024

UK - Following the successful launch of its PF Talks podcast from Strawberry Studios in Manchester, Production Futures has expanded the format to include in-person interviews from a new facility at the FIX8Group HQ, also in Manchester.

Whilst retaining the former studio for conducting and broadcasting remote interviews, the new larger set can accommodate multiple visitors for live and recorded chat, adding significantly to the breadth of content offered to young people and newcomers to the production industries. PF Talks is a series of interviews with inspirational professionals around the world who work across the whole spectrum of the entertainment production industry, particularly those committed to making a real difference to newcomers by ‘paying it forward’.

Hannah Eakins of Production Futures comments: “PF TALKS is a popular feature of al

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12 June 2024

UK - The inaugural Profile Awards were held on Thursday 6 June at the Alexandra Palace Theatre. The event was attended by some 200 guests, of which half were reportedly lighting designers or members of their teams.

Created and coordinated by Durham and Jennie Marenghi in association with the ABTT, the ALPD and the STLD; The Profile Awards recognise lighting design excellence in theatre and television in the UK. Headline sponsor for the 2024 event was Ayrton.

The Theatre Awards were judged by UK theatre critics and were not open to nominations whereas the Television Awards were judged by broadcast professionals and could be nominated by anyone.

Winners of the Theatre Awards are as follows . . .

Outstanding Achievement in Theatre sponsored by Chauvet Professional: Simon Wilkinson for Ragnarok,

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12 June 2024

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians’ Annual Awards took place on Wednesday evening, 5 June, after the first day of the ABTT Theatre Show 2024 at Alexandra Palace, London

The evening started with drinks served outside the Londesborough Room before attendees took their positions, filling all the seats leaving standing room only, to celebrate those people and products making a difference to the industry.

Ted Moore, director of Rental Services, said of the Awards: “TAIT are really proud to be here once again to sponsor the ABTT Awards, which I truly believe is one of 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 highly sought after Awards for Lighting Product, Sound Product, Engineering Product, ‘Widget’ and Stan

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11 June 2024

USA - DPA Microphones and Wisycom have announced a strategic alliance in the United States. “Building on a history of close collaboration, with successful initiatives in marketing and product technology, both companies are dedicated to delivering high-end microphone and wireless solutions to audio professionals,” says a statement.

The partnership marks a significant step forward in aligning the strengths of the two brands while preserving their distinct identities. Consolidating operations under one roof at DPA Microphones’ existing corporate headquarters in Longmont, Colorado, enables the companies to efficiently leverage shared resources. The structure currently in place at the DPA facility allows Wisycom to benefit from an expanded service department, augmented customer support team and enhanced logistics infrastructure.

Sales and support ef

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11 June 2024

Vietnam - EM Acoustics has announced a new addition to its international sales and support network with the appointment of Danmon Asia as exclusive distributor for Vietnam.

The agreement covers EM Acoustics’ entire product portfolio which includes point source loudspeakers, line arrays, subwoofers, stage monitors and related electronics.

“Danmon Asia is renowned for its long experience and proven expertise in delivering high quality products and services across the entire media production and presentation sector,” comments Greg Clarke, brand manager at EM Acoustics. “We look forward to working with Bjarne and his colleagues in promoting our full spectrum of products and services to potential customers and system integrators throughout Vietnam.”  

“EM Acoustics products are globally recognised for pristine sound quality, robust c

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11 June 2024

On The Campaign Trail - Academics and campaigners have warned that a Conservative Party election pledge to close "rip-off" degrees could damage the creative sector and access to the arts. Their concerns follow Rishi Sunak’s recent pledge that the Conservatives would scrap university degrees deemed to equip graduates with "poor" job prospects if his party was re-elected on 4 July.

The Conservative Party said that closing the "worst-performing" degrees could save more than £900 million by 2030, with the money set to fund 100,000 apprenticeships per year instead.  Although the government has not said which courses are threatened, campaigners and university lecturers have expressed concern that Sunak’s commitment would further damage arts education and, as a result, weaken the arts sector as a whole and make it "the sole preserve of the privileged".

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10 June 2024

Europe - Fulcrum Acoustic has announced the addition of CBK Group as exclusive distribution partner for the Nordics, covering Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. CBK will distribute the full catalogue of Fulcrum Acoustic and Fulcrum Immersive products across their territories.

Val Gilbert, director of business development for export at Fulcrum Acoustic, comments, “CBK is a fantastic partner for Fulcrum Acoustic in the Nordics. Our ambitions to develop a solutions-based business in the region are perfectly aligned, and the team at CBK have hit the ground running managing opportunities across their territories. The in-house skillset is exactly what we are looking for, and I look forward to expanding our reach in the region.”

Per Øystein Berglund, product manager audio at CBK Group, adds, “Fulcrum Acoustic is a fantastic addition to CBK Group

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07 June 2024

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) and British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) has announced the launch of a resource dedicated to fostering good physical health for backstage practitioners in the theatre sector.

The initiative champions healthy practices for backstage workers in the theatre and live production sector, where over 70% of the workforce identify as freelance workers. The two organisations, which have been collaborating since 2018, launched an infographic at the ABTT Theatre Show in London on 6 June.

Drawing on the ABTT’s deep understanding of the sector and BAPAM’s clinical expertise in health and wellbeing, the infographic uses the mnemonic S.T.A.G.E. C.R.E.W. Each letter highlights key actions workers can take to maintain physical health and well-being and minimise the risk of injury or chr

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07 June 2024

Germany - PRG EMEA is adding to its extensive lighting technology line-up with investment in the new ORON H2, becoming one of the first customers worldwide to have the IP65 hybrid moving head with phosphor-laser engine in its portfolio.

"The ORON H2 is a laser moving head with unique lighting options," says Udo Willburger, CEO of PRG AG. "While working in close cooperation with Cameo, we were able to use our specialist market view to support the engineers throughout the various development stages and fully test the ORON H2 during extensive visits to the Adam Hall Group’s Experience Centre. Here we also had the opportunity to discuss all the details with lighting designers and product specialists from Cameo.

“With its IP65 rating, this moving head not only offers flexible deployment, but also reduces our operational costs. For us, the ORON H2 is a

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06 June 2024

Poland - DirectOut has announced that Commercial Audio is now its exclusive distributor in Poland.

“We are delighted to welcome Commercial Audio as our new distribution partner in Poland,” says Jan Ehrlich, managing director of DirectOut. “Their extensive industry knowledge and commitment to the highest quality and excellent customer service makes them the perfect partner for DirectOut. Together we want to offer our Polish customers the best audio solutions.”

Commercial Audio has established itself as a reliable partner in the professional audio industry and already provides exclusive distribution services for well-known brands such as Amadeus Active Acoustics, Solid State Logic, ATC Loudspeakers, Bose Professional, Clear-Com, Marian Audio and Harrison Audio. The company is known for its expertise in the implementation of audio signal infrast

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06 June 2024

Portugal - 1 Sound has partnered with Bluemix Sistemas Audio Visuais for distribution in Portugal. Founded in 2015, by Jorge da Fonseca, who has been in the market for over 30 years, Bluemix is committed to developing, designing, and implementing personalised audio, video, and acoustic solutions to meet the independent needs of each client.

Leonardo D’Andrea, 1 Sound’s EMEA sales executive, recently visited Bluemix offering brand support and training for the 1 Sound catalogue.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to bring 1 Sound to Portugal, which we are sure will be a great success,” says Jorge da Fonseca. “These excellent products offer us the opportunity to provide an excellent experience to our customers. With a distinctive premium design and extraordinary sound, we look forward to continuing a strong partnership. We want to th

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06 June 2024

Portugal - Europalco has announced the achievement of ISO 20121 certification for sustainability performance across its corporate events.

The ISO 20121 standard, established by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO), is a global framework for improving sustainable event organisation practices. Its main objective is to help organisations elevate sustainability throughout the event management process.  

This certification highlights Europalco's focus on sustainability throughout its operations, which means adherence to strict criteria for sustainable event management. These standards prioritise the mitigation of environmental, social and economic impact, as well as ensuring the safety of events.

For the Portuguese provider, the certification reflects its commitment to several principles, such as a sustainable approach, brand

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06 June 2024

UK - BioPak has announced its collaboration with Live Nation UK, offering a deal for all traders and crew caterers at its UK festivals and outdoor concerts this summer.

The initiative is in line with Green Nation, Live Nation’s global sustainability arm, which sets out sustainability goals for all Live Nation-owned and operated venues, clubs, theatres, and festivals. Their primary targets are reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and phasing out the use of single-use plastics. As part of this ongoing commitment, all items used must be either reusable, renewable, certified compostable, or, if unavoidable, made from at least 30% recycled content.

The deal gives traders and crew caterers a discount on compliant, certified compostable foodservice packaging at any Live Nation UK or Festival Republic events between May and August 2024.

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05 June 2024

Singapore - L-Acoustics and global logistics provider Geodis have opened their new regional distribution centre in Singapore - the loudspeaker manufacturer’s first such centre in the Asia Pacific region.

“Our mission is to strengthen our ties with clients, creating a hub from which we can provide ideal support,” explains Tim Zhou, CEO APAC at L-Acoustics. “The new warehouse will enable elevated customer service and faster delivery for their important projects.”

All L-Acoustics solutions are manufactured in Europe and prior to the opening of the Singapore distribution centre, orders for customers in the Asia Pacific region were fulfilled from France. The new centre will allow the company to better support clients throughout the region, shortening delivery times and streamlining the supply chain.

L-Acoustics and Geodis have grown a gl

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04 June 2024

France - Showlight, the much-loved quadrennial networking event organised by and for lighting professionals, will return in May 2025 when it will visit the city of Dijon in France.

Highly regarded by the lighting industry, Showlight combines three days of eclectic talks with a great social programme, a sponsored student scheme and unique opportunities for manufacturers and lighting designers alike to network in a relaxed and non-pressured environment. Peripatetic by nature, the event moves from country to country for each edition.

With renowned French followspot manufacturer Robert Juliat as the headline sponsor of the 2025 event, Showlight will head to Le Parc des Expositions et Congrès de Dijon from 19-22 May 2025.

Located at the centre of France’s Burgundy region - the vineyards of which were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site a

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04 June 2024

Japan - K-array has announced a new distribution partnership with Audio Brains Co., in Japan.

Since its founding in 2007, Audio Brains has established a robust reputation for importing, selling, and maintaining audio and communication equipment. Recognized Audio Brains caters to a wide array of clients, including large music venues such as stadiums and halls, live music companies, audio firms, conference facilities, and educational institutions.

In celebration of this new partnership, a dedicated showroom featuring K-array’s products will be opened in Yoyogi, located in the vibrant Shinjuku area of Tokyo. This modern showroom will provide clients with the opportunity to experience K-array’s advanced audio solutions firsthand.

“We are excited to partner with Audio Brains, a company that shares our passion for superior audio technology an