Training

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14 April 2025

UK - Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has offered his support for Production Futures’ forthcoming On Tour event at the city’s AO Arena.

The free-of-charge event which takes place on 28 April is set to attract a wide range of young people from across the North West of England, and promotes employability, transferable skills, diversity, free training, networking, and paid work opportunities to newcomers across the live event and broadcast production industry.

This will be Production Futures’ second visit to the AO Arena following last year’s successful event which was attended by a host of world-leading manufacturers, supply and production companies, venues and distributors.

Andy Burnham, who also visited last year’s event, comments: “Greater Manchester has a proud history of creativity and innovation in live events an

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11 April 2025

UK - PLASA Focus Leeds returns to the Royal Armouries from 13-14 May 2025, with its highly anticipated seminar programme now live. Designed to reflect the current needs and future ambitions of the live entertainment technology sector, this year’s programme will explore critical topics across audio, sustainability, emerging professionals, and artificial intelligence.

Across the two-day show, visitors will gain insight from technical pioneers, creative leaders, and forward-thinking organisations. All sessions are free to attend and take place on Level 1 of the Royal Armouries on a first come, first served basis.

Audio innovation in focus 

The 2025 programme brings a strong emphasis on professional audio, with highlights including an exclusive audience with FOH sound engineer Robb Allan, whose work spans from Radiohead to Mas

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10 April 2025

UK - In a joint venture, Backup Tech, The Back Lounge and UK Live Event Freelancers Forum, are launching a series of three Financial Literacy workshops and resources around being financially informed for freelancers working in the live entertainment industry.

Presented on Zoom and hosted by The Back Lounge’s Suzi Green and Paul Jones from UK Live Event Freelancers Forum, along with invited guest speakers on specific topics, the three, one-hour workshops, each of which will be standalone, will work synergistically to inform those working for themselves as sole traders or small businesses.

The series aims to provide practical advice balanced with an exploration of the culture shift needed to plan effectively for long-term security and will include a Q&A at the end of each session. They will cover topics including paying tax in the most e

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04 April 2025

UK - The Power of Events, the not-for-profit organisation launched in 2023 to provide better understanding, respect and value for the UK Events Industry, has announced the expansion of its UK Schools Engagement Programme with the launch of the North West Hub, its largest region yet, spanning Liverpool, Cheshire and Manchester.

This initiative will connect thousands of young people with the dynamic world of events, providing insights, inspiration, and career pathways into the industry.

With ambassador registration now live on the Schools Engagement Programme portal (schools.thepowerofevents.org), industry professionals in the region are invited to sign up and support the next generation of talent by volunteering as little as an hour to the initiative. The first wave of school engagements will begin in early May across the region, with the ambitious go

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01 April 2025

UK - Microphone manufacturer Sontronics and Abbey Road Institute have announced the new Sontronics Scholarship, designed to support and inspire the next generation of music producers and sound engineers.

This collaboration will offer one aspiring candidate an opportunity to study at Abbey Road Institute London on the one-year Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering, with Sontronics funding their full tuition.

The Institute, launched by Abbey Road and Universal Music in 2015, has become synonymous with excellence in music production education.

The Sontronics Scholarship is more than just financial support. It offers an aspiring creator the chance to study at one of the most respected audio schools in the world. The scholarship includes a bespoke package of Sontronics microphones and accessories, providing the recipient with

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28 March 2025

USA - WSDG has announced the foundation of the Nancy Flannery Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship – named for the long-serving partner/CFO of the firm who passed away in 2023 – is offered through the AES Educational Foundation and was created to provide opportunities to women pursuing graduate-level studies in architectural acoustics.

The scholarship is available solely to AES-member students. The AES Educational Foundation is currently accepting applications through May 15. For more information, visit: https://www.aeseducationalfoundation.org/scholarships

“Nancy was the lynchpin of WSDG for many years – an incredible organiser and powerful spirit who saw us transform from a small, local operation into the global force for architectur

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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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20 March 2025

UK - Poole’s Lighthouse staged its first Work Experience Day last weekend as 15 Year 10 pupils from local schools got a taste of life at one of the country’s largest multi-venue arts centres.

As well as hearing about the different jobs that make Lighthouse work, the young people were able to learn about how the different performance spaces are used and how sound and lighting function in them.

“I just wanted to thank you for the amazing opportunity today, I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said one young person.

“I also wanted to thank you for the sugar-free sweets and chocolate, it was really touching to feel my needs considered and I'm very grateful. I definitely learned a lot today and enjoyed learning from the best.”

The Work Experience Day was organised in response to the unprecedented number of requests Light

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20 March 2025

UK - Optimal Audio has introduced a new advanced level online course in its Optimal Audio Academy, ringing the bell for installers to earn the highest stage of certification. The Optimal Audio Academy’s doors are always open for installers to obtain any of the three level certification modules available from anywhere in the world at the most convenient time.

Simple to navigate, the Optimal Audio Academy complements the ethos of the brand so that system integrators and installers learn how to best maximise the portfolio and most importantly, WebApp. One of the benefits of the online Optimal Audio Academy is that installers are taken through standard installation scenarios so that everything flows as expected for a swift and trouble-free installation. The courses also prompt those extra ideas – the ‘nice to haves’ that customers might not realise will

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18 March 2025

Next Generation - A major entertainment centre is fundraising to invest £20m into a new academy to develop the next generation of musicians. The Glasshouse in Gateshead is aiming to support young musicians throughout their education and help them build a career in music. Over the next two years, the academy will open four ‘music learning hot spots’ in Middlesbrough, Carlisle, Sunderland and Kendal.

The organisation said the scheme had been designed to ensure young musicians could take their next step in developing their talent, whether that be picking up an instrument for the first time or pursuing a career.

Glasshouse CEO Abigail Pogson said the centre, previously called The Sage, had worked for the last 20 years to be a place people of all ages could make and experience music. She said: "The Glasshouse Academy builds on this f

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17 March 2025

UK - Adlib returned to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall stage earlier this month for the largest annual music industry careers event for young people in the North of England. The team engaged with attendees to discuss career paths and showcase the inspiring roles available in the live events industry.

Over 700 people attended the 2025 Liverpool Philharmonic Music Industry Careers Fest, which was delivered in partnership with Universal Music, Spotify, UK Music, PLASA, LIPA, Revere Arts, and LIMF Academy.

Adlib has a long-standing tradition of supporting the next generation of talent through regular open days at Adlib HQ, as well as providing work experience, apprenticeship opportunities, and participation in Early Careers events.

Lisa Mitchell, training and development, Adlib comments: "We’ve been delighted to support the Liverpool Phil

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17 March 2025

UK - Rise AV, an organisation dedicated to promoting gender diversity and professional development in the AV, live, and residential technology sectors, has announced the launch of its inaugural UK Mentoring Programme Agenda. Starting in May, the six-month initiative is designed to empower women by providing invaluable support to those with up to six years of experience, as well as those at the start of their career journey.

The Rise AV Mentoring Programme is made possible through the essential support of leading industry organisations that share the programme’s commitment to empowering women and upskilling the workforce to safeguard the future of the AV sector. Thanks to the generosity of Rise AV’s industry partners and the dedication of its esteemed mentors, participation in the programme is free of charge.

Rise AV extends its thanks to headline

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06 March 2025

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians has announced the launch of its one-day Automation Foundation CPD Course and ABTT Silver Award for Theatre Automation Technicians, adding to its already diverse training programme.

The new one-day ABTT Automation Foundation CPD is an entry-level course designed and created to introduce attendees to this sector of the industry, giving them an understanding of the key components and applications for automation within theatre and live events, as well as an understanding of how automation teams operate.

This continuous professional development (CPD) course gives the candidate something to show future employers or training providers, demonstrating that they have invested time and know the rudimentary basics of automation.

It will also enable attendees to progress on to the ABTT Silver Award for T

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06 March 2025

South Africa - DWR Distribution hosted the much-anticipated annual International Rigging Course from 27 January to 1 February, presented by Ruud de Deugd, founder of T&E Support. As the only training programme of its kind in the country, the course drew delegates from across South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Zambia, and Mauritius, ranging from novices to experienced professionals.

Ruud, renowned for leading these training sessions globally, provided insights into the rigging industry. Over six days, participants covered vital topics such as safety protocols, maintenance practices, lifting materials, force calculations, and load tables. Attendees were expected to have a solid understanding of mathematics, as the training blended practical skills with technical theory.

“It feels like the family is back together,” Ruud shared upon his return to Sout

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27 February 2025

UK - Production Futures has announced that its next On Tour event will take place at the AO Arena, Manchester on Monday 28 April. The venue is one of the largest of its kind in the UK, and will host a Production Futures event for the second time, following the success of last year’s arena debut.

Set to attract a wide range of young people from across North-West England and beyond, this free-of-charge event will promote employability, transferable skills, diversity, free training, networking, and will present paid work opportunities to newcomers across the live event and broadcast production industry.

Manufacturers, supply and production companies, venues and distributors will have representatives present at the event to provide advice, information and insights, and discuss specific job and training opportunities. Production Futures also wo

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19 February 2025

China - Audinate Group and Beijing Film Academy (BFA) have announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate Dante Certified Training into the curriculum of BFA’s Sound School department.

As part of the agreement, the two organisations established a Dante Certified Training Centre at the BFA campus to expand education of IP-based audio and video systems and applications. Through the Dante Training Centre, the Chinese film industry will offer a comprehensive series of training opportunities for Dante AVoIP technology and cloud-based applications to expand students’ knowledge and prepare them for future career opportunities.

The BFA is the largest film academy in Asia and China’s premiere educational film production academy. Founded in 1950, BFA developed a multilevel, multidisciplinary cultivation system that embraces th

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17 February 2025

Spain - Production Futures enjoyed a successful debut at ISE, where it was part of the Fast Forward Friday takeover of the Live Events Stage. Providing an inspiring focus for young people on networking, training, and career growth in the live event technology and broadcast sectors, the Production Futures takeover promoted a day of learning, targeted at helping to develop the skills and confidence to meet career challenges head-on.

Hannah Eakins of Production Futures saw the organisation’s first appearance at ISE as a very important milestone in taking its message to a global audience:

“Throughout the day, we invited special guests from all corners of the industry to give the ISE audience an insight into the world of training and work opportunities within live event and broadcast production, whilst simultaneously raising the profile of ne

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03 February 2025

Spain - L-Acoustics will host special Masters of Sound Experience interview and discussion sessions in Hall 8.0, demo room B4 on 4,5 and 6 February 5. These sessions will give guests the opportunity to delve into the creative process of today’s most forward-thinking sound designers: Tony Award-winning Cody Spencer (sound designer for Here Lies Love, The Outsiders, Romeo + Juliet 2024, JOB), Xandy Whitesell (sound engineer for Bon Iver, Nathaniel Rateliff, Gregory Alan Isakov) and Stephen Hughes (sound design and sound engineer for BBC Proms).

L-Acoustics will maintain a significant presence at ISE 2025, with displays in the Professional Audio hall (Hall 7, booth 7G150), and Residential hall (Hall 2, booth #2F150), where it will present its comprehensive range of professional and architectural audio solutions.

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27 January 2025

UK - Through pioneering a new entry-level qualification, Poole’s Lighthouse is highlighting offstage roles to young people interested in exploring careers in theatre and live events.

Working with the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) Lighthouse will host a pilot of the new Copper Award, created to recognise the achievements of initial entrants in the industry by engaging them in introductory training into backstage jobs.

The pilot is being run as part of the Young Technicians course at Lighthouse from next month and is already underway at the Southbank Centre in London as part of its Technical Academy.

“Lighthouse is proud to partner with ABTT and the Southbank Centre to pioneer the new Copper Award and to help nurture the UK's next generation of theatre technicians,” says chief executive Elspeth McBain.

“We wa

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24 January 2025

UK - Production Futures’ final On Tour event of 2024 took place at Production Park in Wakefield during November and proved to be another success. Young people from across the North of England were able to connect with representatives of its industry partners to explore paid opportunities and free training, as well as taking advantage of workshops, presentations and discussions.

In keeping with the Production Futures ethos, a team of apprentices from global production specialists PRG, designed the systems and installed all the technical requirements for the event’s focal point, the Talks Stage. With 38 locations in 29 countries across six continents, PRG specialises in lighting, audio, video, rigging, automation, digital services, camera, broadcast, and design for events of every size and scale, from concept to execution. The company is strongly

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23 January 2025

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) has announced the launch of the third edition of its annual proactive conference day, the ABTT Make A Difference Conference, which is committed to finding solutions to current industry issues. The 2025 conference will be held on Friday 28 March 2025 at Rose Bruford College in Sidcup.

The theme for this year’s discussion is Rethinking backstage technical teaching and apprenticeships with and for Industry.

The conference is designed to be more than simply talking. There is no passive sitting and listening at the conference and if you attend, you are to committing to taking action by sharing your thoughts and views. You will spend the day developing ideas and strategies to achieve solutions for the issues discussed.

Following the success of the 2023 conference, which covered t

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10 January 2025

Spain - Production Futures has announced that its team will be present at this year’s ISE in Barcelona, where it will take over the Live Events Stage on Friday 7 February for a focus on inspiration, networking, training, and career growth in live event technology and broadcast.

The organisation exists to create opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop careers in production across every area of the live event, music, touring, theatre, TV, broadcast and film industries, and this will be its first venture outside the UK.

Part of ISE’s Fast Forward Friday initiative, the takeover is targeted towards production newcomers in the first five years of their careers, and aims to promote a day of learning that will help develop the skills and confidence to meet career challenges head-on.

Mike Blackman, managing di

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17 December 2024

Europe - The Showlight Student Sponsorship deadline is approaching. Applications close on Friday 31 January 2025. The scheme is open to students and recent graduates of lighting for the performing arts, events, broadcast, film and architecture.

Successful applicants enjoy free-of-charge entry to Showlight 2025, with access to the full Programme of Papers, admission to the exhibition of major lighting equipment manufacturers, networking opportunities during the daily breaks and lunch, as well as a place at one of the Company Dinners on the Tuesday evening and the Conference Dinner on Wednesday evening. Around 30 places are available but spaces are filling up fast.

Former Showlight student participant and presenter of Sweeney Todd – A Site Specific Experience, Amy Mae Smith, comments: “Showlight is an inspiring few days where you

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17 December 2024

UK - Staged at the conclusion of its recent On Tour event at Production Park in Wakefield, this year’s Production Futures Breakthrough Talent Awards proved to be a major success. The awards recognise and mark the achievements of young talent within the production industries, with a mission to inspire the next generation.

Designed in cooperation with awards sponsors, the 2024 edition once again based its ‘prizes’ around ‘opportunity and access’ in contrast to the customary ‘glass trophy’ recognition. Winners received either mentoring sessions with judges and sponsors, all of whom are leading industry professionals, training sessions, or travel bursaries to visit next year’s ISE.

21 categories were covered by the awards, including six for outstanding achievement, reflecting the wide diversity of opportunity within the