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03 September 2024

UK - The winners of the 2024 PLASA Awards for Innovation were announced last night at PLASA Show, currently running at Olympia London. The awards, run in association with LSi, are respected industry-wide for celebrating future-focussed technology that improves safety, efficiency and performance through new methods and materials.

44 products were entered this year, with the judges ultimately awarding eight products. And, for the first time in a number of years, the judges were delighted to also award the sustainability award. This year’s judging team comprised 13 independent technical specialists from a wide array of backgrounds, chaired once again by chartered engineer and LSi columnist, James Eade.

The winning products and judges’ comments are listed below:
Glensound for GTM Mobile  
The judges felt that this f

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03 September 2024

Singapore - LEA Professional has announced the appointment of Jon Han as business development manager for the APAC region.

Han brings over 18 years of experience in Pro AV solution sales to LEA. Throughout his career, he has enhanced sales through strategic strategies and brand-building for numerous companies. To effectively represent the company in the APAC region, Han will collaborate closely with Generation AV, LEA’s authorised sales partner.

“I’m thrilled to join the LEA team. It’s always a pleasure to represent a company with outstanding technology and company values,” said Han. “I’m ready to hit the ground running and work closely with the whole team at LEA and Generation AV to bring LEA to more APAC customers.”

“Our goal is to bring only the best technology to our customers, and the addition of Jon to the LEA team wil

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29 August 2024

UK - ETC Ltd has announced the newest addition to its growing sales force with Joe McDonald joining as field project coordinator for the UK and Ireland. In his new role, Joe will be managing sales projects and building customer and end user relationships across the country. He will support regional sales manager Jeremy Roberts and associate regional sales manager Matt Cowles in working with ETC’s dealers, distributors, and customers.

McDonald previously worked as assistant head of lighting at Curve Theatre in Leicester where he gained in-depth knowledge and insight on ETC’s equipment and how best to use the products to meet the needs of the shows. Over a number of years his experience led him to work as a production electrician for the theatre’s own shows such as A Chorus Line (UK tour) and Evita. McDonald has also worked on musical p

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28 August 2024

Europe - Riku Kauppinen, director of business development for MA Lighting, died on 16 August. He was 52 and had been battling cancer. MA Lighting paid tribute:

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Riku Mikael Kauppinen, who died peacefully on Friday, 16 August 2024, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with cancer. Riku was surrounded by his family and friends at the time of his passing.

Riku was a highly respected and beloved figure in the lighting industry, known for his innovative approach, technical expertise, and unwavering passion for his work. Riku held a Master of Arts in Theatre and Drama with a specialisation in Lighting Design from the Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki. His education and early experiences shaped him into a leader who was not only skilled but deeply connected to the art a

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23 August 2024

USA - Following its strategic US collaboration with Wisycom, DPA Microphones is expanding its team with the addition of several wireless systems professionals to facilitate the growth trajectory of these pro audio companies.

Included among its latest appointments are industry veterans Adinaldo ‘Adi’ Neves as director of business development, wireless, and Marcos Nieves as area sales manager, D.C. Metro. Geoff Baynard also joins the team as business development manager, wireless.

“As a renowned leader in the professional audio industry, we are thrilled to welcome Adi, Marcos and Geoff to our team to help expand our wireless systems business,” says Christopher Spahr, vice-president, sales and marketing, DPA Microphones and Wisycom USA.

“This trio of professionals bring decades of sales, support and business development experience that

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23 August 2024

Europe - Kyle Evans has joined Robe’s creative team, which is led by Nathan Wan. Evans will be working as junior lighting and media programmer alongside Wan and the current team of Jordan Tinniswood and Andy Webb. He will generally be assisting wherever needed, including console configuration, programming, creating Capture previsualisation models, and many other tasks including as in-house AI wrangler.

Evans will also be working worldwide with Robe’s Theatre Workshop as a systems tech, as well as sharing support duties at Robe HQ’s showroom in the Czech Republic.

His first live events experience was at Coleg Cambria’s Yale site where he studied backstage theatre production, after which he went to university at The Academy of Live Technology in Production Park, Wakefield, studying live event production and specialising in lighting design and p

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21 August 2024

South Africa - Stage Audio Works has expanded its sales team with the appointment of Gary Furman. Furman brings over two decades of expertise in the distribution of products to the pro AV and events markets, in addition to recent experience in the systems integration sector.

Stage Audio Works general manager, Gustav Barnard, comments, “We’re confident that Gary is going to be a great fit for us. His extensive industry knowledge and established network of contacts make him an asset to the company, and his solution-oriented approach to business aligns with our own. I’m sure he’ll hit the ground running.”

Furman adds, “I am excited to reconnect with old acquaintances and forge new relationships in an industry that I have come to love. Joining Stage Audio Works after a three-year hiatus from distribution feels like coming home.”

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19 August 2024

UK - The broad skillset developed by Alfie King, during his time in the pro audio industry, will stand him in good stead for the diverse role he will now be undertaking in his new position at RCF UK.

Joining a small team, and reporting to head of RCF UK, Dean Davoile, his duties will vary from behind-the-scenes admin, accounts and marketing, to front-line sales and customer support in the south of England.

Alfie King has already enjoyed a long career in music and production. Starting out playing guitar and harmonica in local bands around Aylesbury in his teens he soon graduated to helping out behind the sound desk at a local arts centre. He has worked previously at Leisuretec Distribution and Amber Sound.

Welcoming Alfie to the company, Dean Davoile said, “Alfie will be a great addition to the team and I look forward to introducing him to o

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08 August 2024

UK - Tronios, the UK distributor for beamZ lighting fixtures, has formed a new sales team comprising three experienced industry professionals, each covering distinct regions. They include Damon Crisp (southeast UK), who has an impressive 38 years of sound and light experience in the industry. Crisp is well-equipped to understand and address the unique needs of customers in the southeast of the UK. “His deep knowledge and dedication to customer satisfaction make him an invaluable asset to our team,” says Tronios UK.

Also joining, Ryan Hussey (southwest UK and Ireland) has 20 years of sound and light experience and will serve the southwest UK and Ireland market. “His extensive industry background and commitment to building strong relationships will ensure that our customers receive the best possible support and service,” says Tronios.

Last but

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08 August 2024

France - Robe Lighting France announces that Jean-Marc Farré has joined its team as the regional manager for the vast southern area of France, encompassing Bordeaux in the east to Lyon in the west and everything south of that.

This appointment follows recent internal restructuring related to Robe s.r.o.’s acquisition of UK-based lighting console manufacturer, Avolites, in autumn 2023, resulting in new responsibilities taken on by Terry Di Isernia, who becomes the general all-markets manager for Avolites in France.

Jean-Marc Farré is known for his excellent technical skills, making him ideal for coordinating product and client demonstrations as well as for discussing the specific requirements of concert halls, theatres, opera houses and other venues.

His expertise is the result of many years of experience as a technical director, general d

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05 August 2024

UK - Sports executive Sandy Case, formerly CEO of iSportConnect, has joined the Creative Technology Group (CT) as SVP of sport. Case will spearhead the company’s global sports business, connecting CT's live events experts and solutions with clients across the world. Prior to joining, Case served as the CEO of iSportConnect.

“We have a great sports business that goes back to the very start of the company. Our plan is now to build on what has been achieved and for this to become a truly global market sector for us,” said Graham Andrews, global president for NEP Live Events and CEO of Creative Technology Group.

“I am excited about Sandy joining our business and I know his experience in the world of sports will be very complementary to the skills we already have in our team. I am looking forward to working with him to develop this important part

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30 July 2024

UK - Rik Kirby has been appointed to the newly-created role of commercial manager for TiMax, and Out Board motor control brands, recently acquired by Focusrite Plc.

Originally from the UK where he worked in international sales management for BSS Audio and Turbosound, Kirby moved to the United States and Renkus-Heinz in California over 20 years ago, before starting his own pro-audio distribution company, Allied ProTech.

Returning to the UK, Kirby assumes the global development of sales and promotion channels for both TiMax Spatial and Out Board motor control, building upon the thriving business of both brands to further develop new opportunities for growth across all territories and sectors.

“I first encountered the TiMax products over 20 years ago at an AES event where we were respectively presenting,” explains Kirby. “I was really draw

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30 July 2024

UK - Avolites has announced the return of an Avolites original employee - Rebbecca Cadd - as one of its Titan trainers and training co-ordinator for the UK.

Rebbecca initially worked for Avolites some years ago and has since worked for other lighting console brands in the UK.

Avolites’ MD Paul Wong says, “Rebbecca’s extensive relationships with UK users and companies, as well as her knowledge of Avolites, makes her ideal to ensure that Avolites can satisfy the increasing demand for our training.”

Rebbecca comments, “I’m delighted to be re-joining the Avolites family, particularly at a time when there is such a programme of positive change and investment. The product roadmap excites me as I can see where this is all heading and I’m looking forward to being on this re-invigored journey.”

Sales director Ron Carrington add

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25 July 2024

UK - Focusrite Group has announced that Phil Dudderidge OBE has been made an honorary doctor in a graduation ceremony at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU). A longstanding and valued supporter of BNU’s School of Creative and Digital Industries, Dudderidge accepted the accolade at Wycombe Swan theatre, before delivering a speech to the graduating class in attendance.

Dudderidge has enjoyed a distinguished career, having started out as Led Zeppelin’s touring sound engineer in 1970, before setting up RSD Systems in a partnership of three in 1971, building bespoke PA systems with custom-built mixing consoles. This evolved into Soundcraft Electronics which was sold to Harman International in 1988.

He acquired the assets of Focusrite in 1989 and rebuilt the business as Focusrite Audio Engineering. In 2014, Focusrite Plc was formed to take the group p

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24 July 2024

UK - Void Acoustics has announced the appointment of Andy Rigler as head of sales. With over 40 years of experience, Andy brings his wealth of knowledge and passion for audio to the role, covering a range of careers in the music industry.

Andy has held senior sales roles at industry-leading companies and joins Void Acoustics following his previous role as project development head, EMEA, at Clair Global.

Prior to that, Andy was the divisional head UK/IRL at Bose Professional, where he worked on several high-profile projects, including new audio systems for The O2 Arena, Ascot Racecourse and Aston Villa F.C.

Reflecting on his new role, Andy commented: “I’m delighted to join the Void team, and I look forward to helping the company reach its next stage of growth. Void’s speakers are showstopping, and it’s the combination of product aesthe

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23 July 2024

UK - Ben Stephen has joined the Lamp & Pencil team as head of projects & engagement.  Ben will oversee the upcoming expansion of the projects team as well as leading the customer facing aspects of the other facets of the business including training, sales & hire. 

Ben reinforces the existing team's wide range of skills, knowledge and experience and will expand Lamp & Pencil's existing work as an industry supporter through participation in many committees and other activities.

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10 July 2024

Italy - Powersoft has announced the expansion of its global team with the appointment of two new business development managers and three new solution engineers.

With over 20 years of industry experience, Jonathan Wu, newly appointed business development manager for China, possesses a deep understanding of the pro-audio market. He aims to enhance user experience and product knowledge for Chinese clients, as well as continue to raise Powersoft’s brand awareness in China.

Jinfu Chen, business development manager for the Southeast Asian market, will focus on Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines and Vietnam ensuring growth objectives by creating direct relationships with key integrators and consultants and utilising regular meetings and training sessions within the distribution network. Chen has an extensive background in the industry, having previously

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09 July 2024

UK - PLASA and LSi are calling for nominations for this year’s Gottelier Award. Named after the late lighting designer and innovator Tony Gottelier, the revered award recognises the invaluable contributions of the people behind the products.

Launched in 2007, the Gottelier Award aims to recognise product developers who have made a significant and sustained contribution to the advancement of entertainment, presentation, or installation technology over many years.

Last year’s winner was Howard Eaton whose self-named company, Howard Eaton Lighting Ltd, is known for delivering bespoke solutions to countless theatrical productions around the world – from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s flying car, to the crashing chandelier in the Phantom of the Opera, to the flying Olympic rings at London 2012.

After his win, Eaton said: “It is quite somethin

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25 June 2024

UK - We are sad to announce the death of Mick McManus, who has died at the age of 73. Although he left the sound and lighting industry many years ago, Mick was among the founding fathers of what became known as the disco industry, during his time as a director of pyro and effects giants, Le Maitre.

Jerry Gilbert writes, “An outrageous, larger than life character Mick generally kept the first generation of disco troops upbeat with his non-stop volley of jokes.

Like so many, Mick started as a DJ with Roger Squire’s agency, where he was booked out as ‘Barry Martin’ to avoid confusion with the popular wrestler of the same name. He first came into contact with sound and light manufacturers during his time at Wing Disco Centre in Bromley, the popular retailer.

He also ran Croydon-based Tulip Music with his colleague and lifelong fr

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18 June 2024

Europe - Ayrton has announced the appointment of Briony Berning as its new design, training and business development engineer as part of the continuing expansion of its international team. The appointment takes place with immediate effect.

Berning’s multi-faceted role will be to formalise Ayrton’s product training on fixtures, key technologies and developments to the markets and its global network of distributors. Alongside this she will develop the theatre markets on a global scale, paying close attention to the specific needs of these sectors and the relevance of Ayrton products within them. Finally, she will maintain a close relationship with her specialism, the theatre market, to keep abreast of developing trends and technologies and ensure Ayrton product development continues to answer these needs.

UK-born yet spending her formative years in

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10 June 2024

USA - TAF USA has welcomed Carter Klute to its team as its new sales representative. Carter is responsible for contacting new customers in the United States and Central/South America, as well as providing timely and knowledgeable service to existing TAF USA customers.

Originally from the Midwest, Carter has now made New Smyrna Beach, Florida, his home and base for his activities with TAF USA.

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07 June 2024

USA - The Void Acoustics team returns to InfoComm 2024 in Las Vegas next week, where the company’s sound systems can be seen at booth C9507 in the Central Hall. Matt Young, Void’s sales manager for North America, supported by the company’s leadership team, will be on hand.

Based in Denver, Matt joined Void Acoustics last year and has spent the past twelve months spearheading its expansion across North America.

With 26 years of experience in the pro audio industry across the premium home audio, commercial and luxury residential sectors, Matt earned his stripes working for household names like Yamaha, Sonos and Bose.

Reflecting on his time at Void Acoustics, Matt said: “Void isn’t your standard speaker brand – every product is an art piece that people want to see, hear and talk about. The fact that Void combines the latest technolog

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06 June 2024

UK - We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dave Blencowe, founder of dB Production Services and director of Showbitz. Dave passed away unexpectedly on the evening of 10 May. The following tribute comes from his colleagues at Showbitz.

Dave's life was quite compartmentalised with little overlap between his various roles and work. We have pulled this together from friends and family and tried to weave the strands together - any inaccuracies are ours!

Gordon David Blencowe was born in 1960 in Oxfordshire. The family often holidayed in Norfolk visiting the North Norfolk railway and Dave and his father would take holidays visiting the narrow-gauge railways in North Wales. He had a soft spot for the Talyllyn Railway which came about from these childhood holidays as did his lifelong love of Heritage and model railways. He always referred to himself as

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04 June 2024

UK - TiMax has welcomed Dan Roncoroni to the leadership team in the newly created role of product manager for TiMax.

For over 10 years, Dan has established his presence as a freelance AV consultant specialising in multi-channel, object-based audio design. As product manager for TiMax, Dan will help expand the presence of TiMax across the broad spectrum of performance, presentation and experiential markets.

The new role of product manager progresses the work evolved by TiMax directors Robin Whittaker and Dave Haydon, respectively product director and commercial director, following the move of TiMax into the Focusrite Group late last year. 

Dan said, “I’m looking forward to working with a set of products that has had such an impact on what I do. I’ve worked with every spatial audio product on the market, but TiMax has been my go-to solut