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Australia - Slovakian stage controllers production company SRS Group has appointed its new exclusive distributor for Australia and New Zealand - Showtools International.
Being an established player on Australian market, Showtools is already distributing a number of top industry brands. The two companies have collaborated on the design of touring and installation distros customised for Australasian market, which will help strengthen the presence of Slovakian firm in the region. Showtools will be representing SRS Power and Lighting sections.

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UK - The programme details have been announced for the Theatres Trust’s Conference 21: Making Theatre Sustainable.
Scheduled for 4 November at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, the programme features a line-up of speakers including Lisa Burger (National Theatre), Lucy Davies (Royal Court Theatre), Andy Hayles (Charcoalblue), Dave Moutry (HOME/MAST), Melly Still, Alison Tickell (Julie’s Bicycle) and Steve Tompkins (Haworth Tompkins).
Lockdown discussions have led to the creation of the Theatre Green Book, an industry-wide collaboration that builds on existing guidance and draws on input from across the sector to form a shared standard for environmentally responsible theatre.
Conference 21: Making Theatre Sustainable will launch the Buildings volume of the Theatre Green Book and continue the industry-wide dialogue and sharing of
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Longlist Revealed - Bradford, Stirling, County Durham and Wrexham are among the places in the running for the title of the UK's City of Culture 2025. The longlist, unveiled by new culture secretary Nadine Dorries, also includes Cornwall, Southampton, Derby and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon.
The winning city, which will succeed Coventry, will be announced in spring next year. For the first time, each listee will receive £40,000 worth of investment. They will all work with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to finalise their bids before the shortlist is announced early next year.
"Winning the UK City of Culture competition has a hugely positive impact on an area, driving investment, creating jobs, and highlighting that culture is for everyone, regardless of their background," said Ms Dorries. "This year's focus is on levelling up access t

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USA - Lighting rental production company Main Light has added the Prolights EclProfile FS to its rental inventory.
Throughout the pandemic, Main Light took the opportunity to rebalance their inventory by selling off older equipment and buying new technology.
High on Main Light's list of must-have fixtures was a high-output, full-colour LED ellipsoidal. Working with their A.C. Lighting sales representative, Brian Dowd the team at Main Light took a close look at the Prolights EclProfile FS.
"We were looking to invest in a high-quality, workhorse LED ellipsoidal," comments Mike Gaynor, operations manager for Main Light. "We service a wide range of clients, from the professional theatre, corporate AV, worship, touring, and broadcast markets."
The ability of the EclProfile FS to provide warm tungsten and crisp daylight whites along with soft, subtle pastels an

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USA - Xytech is hosting a four-day webinar series from 26-29 October showcasing the upgrades to its resource and asset management solution MediaPulse 10.
“Until we can once again meet in person, these webinar series are essential communication tools to the community. This begins a conversation where we inform customers of the advances of the product and help us to understand where our platform needs to be in the future,” comments Greg Dolan, Xytech’s CCO.
“With the version 10 update, MediaPulse provides every user with exactly the functionality they need, when they need it, on the device of their choosing, creating a reliable solution able to operate anywhere. Something the pandemic has made crucial.”
To register for any of the MediaPulse 10 Webinar Series, visit:

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Liechtenstein - In a major reorganisation of its global operations the Neutrik Group has restructured as a multi-brand company with an extended portfolio of products. A major global player in the interconnectivity segment, the group now develops, designs, manufactures and globally distributes electrical and electronic interconnect products and systems under the Neutrik, Rean and Contrik brands.
The reorganisation has been undertaken over several months and has significantly expanded and further diversified the group’s product offering across a breadth of technologies and applications; including both within and beyond the entertainment and broadcast production sectors the company has traditionally dominated. Further expansion is being undertaken across AV, lighting, Ethernet, fibre optic and power applications globally throughout healthcare and wider industrial sectors, whe

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USA - From Halloween through Christmas and Hannukah, you can add holiday decorations to your home and support your colleagues who are seriously ill or injured as well as the BTS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention initiative. These ornaments have been generously made and donated to Behind the Scenes by Mike and Sue Wood, so every penny goes directly to helping your colleagues in need.
Individual acrylic inserts are now available for the portable mini LED ghostlight so you can celebrate the holidays in style. Choose from the ighostlight, the pumpkin ghostlight for Halloween, the autumnal Cornucopia ghostlight for Thanksgiving, the Hanukkah menorah ghostlight, or the Christmas tree ghostlight. Purchase your first unit with the base and remote control and then stock up on inserts so you can complement the season.
There is also have an array of ghostlight and industry-t

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Australia - Audio Visual Events (AVE) is a live, hybrid and virtual event production services specialist based in Sydney, Australia, working across all industry sectors including corporate, commercial and entertainment.
Since 2019, and throughout the pandemic period, the company has invested steadily in Astera’s range of battery powered wireless controlled LED lighting products.
In the last three months alone, this has included the purchase of 80 x Astera AX5 TriplePARs and 16 x Hyperion Tubes, which – together with the 100+ Astera AX1 Pixel Tubes and AX3 LiteDrops already in stock – have been delivered by Astera’s Australian distributor, ULA Group.
In 2020, work gradually started picking up after the initial few months of the pandemic when the event industry worldwide came to a halt. AVE also used this time to focus on being innovative and expanding it

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UK - Specialist architectural lighting and dynamic control solutions provider Studiotech is participating in this year’s Design Crawl Manchester. Created as a collaboration between a group of interior experts, Design Crawl is a showroom-led design event, specially developed to ‘inspire and excite the design community’.
Taking place over three days, between 19 and 21 October, Design Crawl brings together a number of brands, who will welcome guests to their showrooms to see their latest products, host learning sessions and networking events, and run workshops. Design Crawl also features a Basecamp; a central location where several events will take place over the course of the three days.
Studiotech will be primarily showcasing the controls systems it offers through its product portfolio. As well as demonstrating the capabilities of the solutions, Studiotech will

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UK - Independent record label Defected Records has occupied a significant space in the UK music industry for more than 20 years.
Defected’s vision sees the brand set its sights on becoming an influential broadcasting and media hub.
Integral to this ambition has been the full renovation of Defected’s East London HQ, which is set on two levels, and houses offices for the majority of its workforce. Fully renovated in 2020 by design agency Brinkworth, the centre also has a basement floor with events facilities, as well as a recording studio.
Defected’s basement hub will host a weekly programme that brings together artists, fans, creatives and entrepreneurs. The hub has been equipped throughout with a comprehensive, zoned sound system from audio partner Pioneer Pro Audio.
Integrator Cosmic Electronics was chosen to carry out the audio system installation,

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Spain/UK - PLASA has reached an agreement with Spain’s AFIAL to strengthen their partnership and deliver more benefits to members.
The new relationship will allow the two trade associations to expand their joint activities, which in the past year have included collaborations for the #WeMakeEvents campaign. Described as “the most important national AV association on the Spanish scene”, AFIAL represents manufacturers and importers of sound, lighting and AV technology in Spain and owns the Madrid-based AFIAL exhibition.
A joint statement says: “This collaboration was born from a solid and necessary union during the pandemic, that has evolved allowing the associations to continue to work intensely to support their members and the sector. This agreement will bring benefits for the members of AFIAL and PLASA.”
PLASA MD Peter Heath, director Nicky Greet and bo

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Passport Control - A consultation into the use of vaccine passports at venues in England has been launched by the government, which could come into force if Covid cases overwhelm the NHS this winter. It raises the possibility of vaccine-only certification being introduced for venues such as theatres, in the event that the government’s ’Plan B’ for autumn and winter is needed.
The Department of Health and Social Care is asking members of the public, and particularly event organisers and venue operators, for their views on vaccine certification. It asks whether the current list of settings in which it could be required – which does not currently include theatres – is too narrow, and if so, what additional venues should be in scope of certification.
If the NHS comes under unsustainable pressure due to Covid-19 cases, the government has prepared a Plan B for Engl

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USA - The Event Safety Alliance has announced the initial agenda for its 2021 Event Safety Summit - a hybrid in-person and virtual three-day event that will take place 1-3 December 2021 on the campus of Rock Lititz in Lititz, Pennsylvania, sponsored by Take1 Insurance and Intact Specialty Insurance.
Registration to attend the 2021 Event Safety Summit, either in-person or virtually, can be found at //eventsafetysummit.com.
“This year’s agenda really does reflect the times we live in and the complex challenges that confront everyone involved in the production and staging of live events,” says Event Safety Alliance president Jim Digby. “From traditional safety concerns to the health and weather threats that have become part of the modern event industry, this year’s agenda is goi

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Latvia - European, North and Latin American and Asian drone show specialists have joined efforts for the second year in a row to unveil the best practices of the growing industry and run the second International Drone Show Competition.
The goal is to bring together the best representatives, their shows, animations and business approaches to exchange knowledge about breakthrough sustainable technologies for outdoor light events. Each of six winners will receive a diploma, special prize, and educational and marketing support.
Participants need to submit their project videos to compete in one or more of six categories: Best drone show 3D animation, Best drone show up to 100 drones, Best drone show over 100 drones and up to 1000 drones, Best drone show over 1000 drones, B

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Germany - To cater for post-pandemic live events, Alex-SOUND has added JBL Professional VTX Series loudspeakers and Crown power amplifiers to their inventory.
Based in Berlin, Alex-SOUND is a one-stop shop for casual and professional events, providing audio-visual system rental, photography, DJ services, catering and more. With COVID restrictions lifting and live events making a comback, Alex-SOUND decided to invest in a cutting-edge audio system.
The company turned to Audio Pro, the Harman Professional Solutions distributor in Germany, to upgrade their inventory with JBL VTX A8 line array loudspeakers, VTX B18 subwoofers and Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD power amplifiers.
“Despite the pandemic, it made sense for us to invest in the JBL VTX A8,” said Stefan Mendelsohn, owner, Alex-SOUND. “The VTX A8 is an incredibly versatile, high-quality speaker. Not only does

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UK - #WeMakeEvents has launched a supporter scheme to bring more useful resources and services to campaign backers.
Members of #WeMakeEvents Supporters get free access to webinars hosted by the campaign and PLASA in the past - including on topics such a Brexit, HR, IP, and various technical sessions – as well as credit checks for UK-based companies. Other benefits include free entry passes to the PLASA Show and PLASA Focus Leeds and an invite to #WeMakeEvents’ Zoom calls.
“Launched at PLASA Show 2021 in London last month, #WeMakeEvents Supporters has already seen a large uptake, demonstrating the ongoing high level of engagement to protect and promote live events and entertainment,” says the campaign in a statement. “Supporters can opt in to be listed on the webpage to add strength to the global movement which continues to amplify the voice of the industry a

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World Music - Ed Sheeran, Lizzo and Billie Eilish were among stars to take part in a 24-hour gig to raise awareness of climate change, vaccine inequality and famine. Over 60 artists performed in The Global Citizen festival in cities including New York, London and Seoul. The event kicked off on Saturday in Paris, where Elton John performed in front of the Eiffel Tower. He took to the stage following a pre-recorded performance by the K-pop band BTS.
The show, believed to be one of the biggest-ever international charity events, was organised by Global Citizen - a charity working to end extreme poverty by 2030. Unlike most events of this nature, organisers were not aiming to raise cash, but to use participation as evidence for world leaders that people support bold action on the issues.
"Across six continents, artists will help rally citizens in demanding that governments,

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UK - The last footsteps of the 101-mile fundraising mission known as A Light Walk were taken on Friday (24 September) as the five-day odyssey from The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford upon Avon to the National Theatre on London’s South Bank drew to a halt. The team behind A Light Walk, which includes Chauvet’s Sam Bowden and ALPD Lumiere working group members, Charlotte Burton and Tamykha Patterson, were quick to point out, however, that although the walk is complete, the fundraising continues.
The epic hike was undertaken to highlight the vital work of, as well as raise money for the ALPD Lumiere Scheme and industry charity Backup.
Whilst Bowden was the only wayfarer along the planned physical route, others walked an equal distance remotely. Remote walkers were ei

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India - Harman is taking strict legal action against manufacturers and distributors involved in producing and selling of counterfeit JBL products in India.
During a recent raid, Harman’s investigation team along with law enforcement officers, seized stocks of ‘spurious’ JBL consumer products from two mobile and accessories wholesalers in the city of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Similar raids were conducted in the city of Kolkata, West Bengal, where the team confiscated counterfeit JBL Professional speakers and other brand accessories from manufacturing units.
Harman has taken appropriate criminal action against these offenders and says it intends to continue such investigations to curb the manufacturing and selling of counterfeit products across India.
“Over the last 75 years, JBL’s range of consumer and professional products have earned consumer trust a

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UK - #WeMakeEvents, the campaign to amplify the voice of the live events supply chain, has now raised over half a million British pounds through fundraising efforts over the last 18 months, supporting charities which have helped industry professionals through the pandemic.
The milestone was reached during PLASA Show 2021, where #WeMakeEvents hosted a dedicated hub to promote wellbeing and mental health throughout the live sector which featured several industry charities and initiatives and welcomed a steady stream of visitors.
80% of the funds raised have gone directly to Backup, the campaign's chosen industry which supports professionals throughout the technical entertainment industry in times of ill health or financial need. In turn, Backup funnels vital funds to Acting For Others, Music Support, Stage Hand and Make It Blue UK, each one providing specially designed se

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Turkey - ChamSys has appointed Modern Elektronik as its exclusive distributor in the Turkish market.
Modern Elektronik, which has overseen major installations, as well as theatre and touring projects throughout Turkey, will be responsible for selling and servicing ChamSys’ line of consoles in the country, including conducting hands-on training.
“Modern Elektronik is an excellent company with strong values that align with our own,” comments Aziz Adilkhodjaev, international sales and business development manager for ChamSys. “Modern Elektronik will be offering a variety of hands-on experiences with ChamSys products. I am looking forward to visiting their facility soon to work with them on master classes on the latest Stadium consoles like the MQ500M and MQ250M.”
Erkan Işıksel, Modern Elektronik’s managing director, adds: We are very excited. Chamsys w

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Punk Values - The "only known footage" of two Sex Pistols gigs which ignited Manchester's music scene and “spawned a generation of bands” has sold at auction for £15,000. Music fan Mark Roberts' Super 8mm films captured the punk band's shows at the city's Lesser Free Trade Hall in 1976. Future members of Buzzcocks, New Order, The Smiths and The Fall, and Anthony Wilson, who founded renowned label Factory Records, were at the shows. Auctioneer Paul Fairweather said the gigs were "huge for bands that spawned off the back off them", adding: "It was the birth of punk."
No Fear - Noel Gallagher has said Oasis had "no fear" about playing to 250,000 fans over two nights at Knebworth, adding if his old band were to do it again now, they would be "petrified". The songwriter was talking before the premiere of the Oasis Knebworth 1996 documentary, marking 25 years since Bri

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UK - The recruitment network for creatives and freelancers Curtain Call has re-launched an improved membership platform to help link up freelancers with employers - and PLASA members benefit from reduced subscription fees.
The network, which is free to join by freelancers, has a search and match algorithm that makes it easy for employers to find skilled available freelance technicians and creatives for project-based or long-term positions.
Businesses looking to recruit need to subscribe to search the database, with PLASA members able to get 15% off for 12 months by signing up through the Pioneers programme. For every PLASA member company that signs up, Curtain Call will donate £15 to #WeMakeEvents, and for every month of membership, the network will plant a tree. Ea

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UK - Yesterday morning, Chauvet’s Sam Bowden departed from Stratford Upon Avon to embark on day one of his 101-mile walk to the National Theatre on London’s Southbank. Staged over five days, the fundraising event will raise money for the ALPD’s 2021 Lumière scheme and industry charity Backup.
Members of the ALPD’s executive committee and other members of the Lumière scheme working group, including Lucy Carter, Charlotte Burton and Tamykha Patterson are completing the walk remotely, racking up the mileage around existing work commitments to raise funds for two great causes.
Charlotte Burton explains: “We have taken on this almighty test of endurance because we believe that the work achieved through the Lumière Scheme and by Backup is vital and worth the sore feet!”
Looking forward to a pint to refresh his legs at the end of day one, Sam Bowden added
  1. Main Light West celebrates successful opening
  2. Danley and Dynacord announce strategic alignment
  3. NAB Show 2021 is cancelled
  4. Martin Audio open days return
  5. Robe’s show goes on at PLASA 2021
  6. DiGiCo and KLANG complete UK roadshow
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