USA - PPDS, provider of Philips Professional Displays has announced a global alliance with Shure to deliver an advanced range of full room audio visual solutions.

Announced during a live launch event on Philips booth at InfoComm 2025 in Orlando, this collaboration sees PPDS enter into a global alliance with Shure, combining the power of Philips Professional Displays with Shure’s premium audio systems.

This development sees PPDS enter a global alliance with Shure, who provides integrated, easy-to-deploy IntelliMix Room Kits for Microsoft Teams Rooms, bringing audio visual together for total solutions in conferencing and collaboration in corporate, government, and educational environments.

Speaking at the official signing, Ron Cottaar, director of global marketing at PPDS, said: “Our collaboration with Shure further extends our commitment t

Canada - Brompton Technology has announced that Theatrixx Technologies, a Montreal-based manufacturer and distributor of professional audiovisual equipment, has joined its Panel Manufacturer Partner Programme as a blue partner. This milestone marks a new chapter in a growing relationship between the two companies, rooted in a shared commitment to innovation, reliability, and excellence in professional audiovisual solutions.

Theatrixx Technologies designs and manufactures high-performance AV solutions tailored for live events, broadcast, XR, systems integration, touring, and the preforming arts.

Among its key innovations is the Nomad LED range, featuring the proprietary TPEP (Titanium Polymer Edge Protection) technology, along with an upcoming permanent install series. Theatrixx is also recognised for its award-winning signal converters, besp

UK - The ABTT Theatre Show came alive at Alexandra Palace in London with the annual ABTT Awards hosted by the Association of British Theatre Technicians. This event showcases the contributions people in the industry have been making to theatre and live events.

Ted Moore, director at sponsor TAIT said of the Awards: “TAIT are really proud to be here once again to sponsor the ABTT Awards, which I truly believe are 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 highly sought after People Awards included the ABTT Technician of the Year, the ABTT Award for Emerging Excellence and the ABTT Cmyru Nick Bache Technician of the Year Award which all recognise the achievements of individuals both starting out and well-established in their backstage careers

Germany - Sennheiser has announced a new cloud-based platform designed to empower AV and IT teams with secure, flexible, and scalable device control across a wide range of environments. The solution is set to transform the way teams configure, monitor, and manage Sennheiser devices - from small meeting rooms to high-impact spaces, says the company. The platform will officially launch in early 2026

Built with remote oversight and flexibility in mind, the platform centralises control in a future-ready, intuitive interface - simplifying workflows and enabling efficient device management across multiple locations. Created for IT and AV managers and system integrators, the platform streamlines device management across enterprise, education, and corporate settings. Whether managing large-scale installations or optimizing remote operations, the solution will keep t

USA - Elation has announced that Luxsonix Group has been appointed as its new manufacturer’s representative firm for Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, effective 1 June 2025. The partnership also includes representation of Obsidian Control Systems and Magmatic atmospheric effects products.

Based in Franklin, Tennessee, Luxsonix is a newly launched firm founded by Lee Carpenter, a respected industry veteran and former partner at independent rep firm Vision2 Marketing. With decades of experience on the manufacturer, representative, and touring sides of the entertainment technology industry, Carpenter brings a deep understanding of the market and a well-established network throughout the region.

Over the past decade, Carpenter played a pivotal role in growing Vision2 Marketing into the largest independent rep firm for professional audio, vi

UK - Midwich has announced the launch of Live, a new division created to serve the needs of the live events industry through specialist distribution and trade rental services in the UK&I. Backed by the legacy, expertise, and energy of Sound Technology and PSCo, Live is designed to help partners ‘deliver extraordinary live events’.

Under the Live banner sit two independent specialist businesses – each focused on delivering excellence in their own area:

Live Technology – the distribution arm, formerly Sound Technology, providing market-leading brands in audio, lighting, video, and control to the live events community, supported by expert pre- and post-sales teams.

PSCo and Dry Hire Lighting – the trade rental arm, continuing to deliver exceptional service and specialist rental solutions through trusted teams and existing account s

UAE - Powersoft is expanding its distributor network with the appointment of Dubai-based AVAIL Distribution as its newest distributor for Central Asia and the Caucasus. The strategic partnership marks a significant expansion of AVAIL’s portfolio and will solidify Powersoft’s footprint in the region, delivering its audio solutions for touring and installed audio across Central Asia and Caucasus.

Pavel Shemiakin, business development director at AVAIL Distribution comments, “Powersoft’s innovative solutions and diverse product range for both installed and live sound applications are a valuable addition to our pro-AV portfolio. System integrators will appreciate the high efficiency, broad model lineup and seamless integration options with modern control and cloud-based systems, whilst rental companies will benefit from outstanding audio performance, pow

UK - The second Profile Awards ceremony was held at the Alexandra Palace Theatre on 5 June 2025. Created and are coordinated by Durham and Jennie Marenghi in association with the ALPD, the ABTT and the STLD, the awards recognise lighting design excellence in theatre and TV in the UK.

The event was attended by 250 people and of those 150 were lighting designers or members of their lighting teams. The headline sponsor was Ayrton, with Ambersphere Solutions sponsoring the drinks reception, entry sponsors included ER Productions, Encore, Limelite and Sunbelt Rental Film and TV who also supplied the goody bags. The lighting for the event was kindly supplied by HS-Hire, the lasers by ER Productions and the lectern gifted by Encore.

In order of the presentations on the night, the Student Virtual Lighting Design Award sponsored by AC Entertainment Technologi

Germany - The Adam Hall Group has announced its strategic partnership with Powersoft. With immediate effect, the German manufacturer of event technology will be utilising the amplification and processing technology of the Italian pro audio manufacturer in selected LD Systems amplifiers. The partnership starts with the new ADA series 4-channel DSP touring amplifiers with Dante integration.

The LD Systems ADA series, comprising the ADA 8 K4 and ADA 12 K4 models, offers maximum power, precise sound and highest reliability for professional touring and installation applications. For the first time ever, these touring amplifiers seamlessly marry LD Systems’ renowned sonic accuracy with Powersoft’s energy-efficient Class-D topology, advanced DSP and network control. Thanks to its two Dante ports and ArmoníaPlus integration, the ADA series can be seamlessly int

UK - 22live has now been confirmed as a Yamaha Rivage dealer to cover the full range of PM consoles, DSP engines and stage racks.

22live has also announced their first Yamaha Rivage training day which will be hosted at their Redditch HQ on 14 August 2025. Booking is via info@22live.com.

22live was appointed as a Yamaha Pro-Audio dealer in early 2023 announcing its arrival alongside the launch of the DM7 series consoles. Yamaha DM has gone on to be a key product for the company’s resale and rental activities becoming a staple to 22live and its client base.

Following this success 22live also made a further commitment to Yamaha in 2024, through an initial investment in the Yamaha Rivage PM5, DSP-RX engine and RPIO stage rack.

Post delivery of the first system 22live has enjoyed a busy schedule for the package with it being utilised for

   

On Broadway - UK-originated productions and creatives received 13 prizes at this year’s Tony Awards. Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which premiered in London in December 2023, was this year’s biggest winner at a ceremony held in New York’s Radio City Music Hall. It won awards including best sound design and a special award for its illusions and technical effects team, with Miriam Buether taking home the prize for best scenic design of a play for the show.

Sunset Boulevard, directed by Jamie Lloyd, picked up three prizes, including best revival of a musical and a best actress gong for Nicole Scherzinger, while performer Jak Malone took home best featured actor in a musical for Operation Mincemeat.

SOLT and UK Theatre co-chief executive, Claire Walker said: "This year’s Tony Awards have been a brilliant showc

UK - PLASA Show 2025 is now open for free registrations. This September, the UK's market-leading trade event for live entertainment technology will set the stage for breakthrough products, big ideas, and invaluable industry connections. Celebrate entertainment technology and the people behind it at PLASA Show, returning to its home at Olympia, London from 7–9 September 2025.

Drawing 7,500+ professionals from across the global industry, the show offers unrivalled access to 250+ leading brands, an expert-led seminar programme, and hands-on experiences with next-generation technology.

Headline sponsored by Robe, PLASA Show 2025 features an expanded show floor filled with world-class manufacturers, distributors and service providers. Attendees can explore the latest tools and technologies for lighting, audio, AV, staging and rigging – all under one r

UK - IPS (Impact Production Services) has announced the launch of its new website (www.ips.co.uk), marking the next major step in its ongoing work to enhance customer experience and improve operational efficiency. The launch follows the recent opening of IPS’s new warehouse in Milton Keynes, a major physical upgrade now mirrored by this significant digital development.

The new website represents a substantial improvement on the long serving platform that supported IPS through many years of growth. As user needs have evolved and the scale of operations expanded, the redesign was driven by the goal of creating a modern, intuitive, and transparent digital experience that better reflects IPS’s service-led approach.

Built with functionality and accessibility at its core, the refreshed site features a fully mobile responsive interface, enhanced ai powe

Thailand - AtlasIED has announced the opening of new offices in Thailand. This move represents a significant step in the company’s global expansion efforts. The new location enhances AtlasIED’s presence in the APAC region, allowing the company to provide innovative solutions and dedicated, on-the-ground support to customers worldwide.

Located strategically in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, the new office will function as a regional hub for customer engagement, operations, and sales. This setup will enable AtlasIED to effectively meet the needs of its expanding client base throughout Asia and beyond.

"The launch of our Thailand office serves as a launchpad for opportunities that expand not just our geography but also our influence and impact, positioning us to drive innovation and customer engagement as we continue to write the next chapter of our

Greece - Over two days, hosted by the Megaron – Athens Concert Hall, leaders of European live performance organisations came together in the Greek capital where the 69th Pearle* Conference discussed urgent challenges and opportunities for the sector.

Recent data from the Eurobarometer shows that 88% of Europeans believe artistic freedom matters and while three out of four citizens trust that artists can freely express themselves, cultural organisations increasingly report growing pressure, self-censorship and fragile autonomy.

A panel on freedom of artistic expression in a polarised world, brought together distinguished academics, lawyers and cultural practitioners to unravel the mechanisms behind polarisation, threats of censorship, and ways to safeguard artistic autonomy and freedom of creation.

Participants also explored avenues for stre

Hungary - Lightware is reaffirming its commitment to education through continued investment in its various professional development initiatives. More than a corporate strategy, this commitment reflects Lightware’s core values that knowledge should be freely available to empower the next generation of AV professionals.

“At Lightware, we believe in sharing knowledge, not gatekeeping it,” says Gergely Vida, CEO of Lightware. “Education is central to our mission.”

The company’s learning ecosystem is built to meet professionals where they are, whether in a classroom, a meeting room or from behind a screen. Lightware Academy, the e-learning platform which launched in Q4 of 2023, has attracted over 9,000 users worldwide since it went live. During this time, these users have collectively completed more than 18,000 courses, a testament to the popu

Germany - Void Acoustics has announced NEEC Audio Deutschland as an additional new distributor and partner to its existing partner Event Integrator in Germany.

As a subsidiary of existing Spanish Void distributor NEEC Iberia, NEEC Audio Deutschland has the same pro AV market focus as its parent brand. Target German markets include hospitality, hotels, restaurants, retail and corporate.

NEEC Audio Deutschland distributes a range of audio solutions including Void products, serving a network of over 150 integrators in the German AV market with Pro AV products and solutions.

Void’s specialist product offering for smaller venues and hospitality spaces has seen sizeable demand recently, including the compact Cyclone range of speakers and the Indigo series. NEEC De will offer these products as well as the extended Void range for system integration

India - Linea Research has announced the appointment of Vardhaman Megatech Pvt. (VMT) as its exclusive distribution partner for India, extending the global reach of the UK-based manufacturer of advanced amplifiers, DSP platforms, and networked audio solutions. 

The exclusive distribution partnership is effective immediately and VMT took the opportunity of the recent Palm Expo in Mumbai, India, to showcase Linea Research.

Martin Hildred, sales and marketing director for Linea Research, confirmed the appointment. “VMT is a well-respected and established distributor operating throughout India with strengths in all the markets Linea Research operates in, including both touring and installation.

“With teams and satellite offices across the country, linked closely to its head office in Mumbai, VMT can quickly provide Linea Research cu

UK - Events Apprenticeships (EA), a not-for-profit organisation advocating for accessible career pathways in the events sector, has announced a strategic partnership with apprenticeship search platform Apprentago.

The collaboration is designed to streamline access to apprenticeships in the events and production industries, provide support to employers and learners, and drive visibility of apprenticeships as a valuable route into the sector. EA will feature a dedicated section on eventsapprenticeships.org, highlighting the partnership and linking directly to Apprentago’s searchable apprenticeship listings. Apprentago will, in turn, display EA’s logo and backlink, helping visitors access both organisations’ resources and opportunities.

Promoting apprenticeship acc

UK - Audiovisual solutions specialist Delta Live has renewed its partnership with the Roundhouse in Camden to be its exclusive audio solutions supplier. The new agreement will see Delta Live implement significant updates to the venue’s audio systems to include new flown PA side-fills, plus updated PA ground fills and new mixing desks.

The company specialises in sound design, broadcast, events, and communications solutions across a range of industries from live concerts to corporate events, and has worked on productions for London Fashion Week, the recent VE Day celebrations in London, and has a two-decade partnership with the BBC Proms.

Its relationship with the Roundhouse goes back to 2019, when it won the tender to become the venue’s official audio supplier. “Up to that point they had rolling contracts with their previous suppliers,

France - Showlight 2025 made a triumphant return in May, revived and rejuvenated after an eight-year break, visiting the historic city of Dijon - appropriately for Showlight, one of France’s centres of art and gastronomy.

Hailed as the largest and most international Showlight to date, Showlight 2025 marked a welcome, and long-overdue, chance to converge once again and dedicate three whole days to talking about light.

“I sensed an enormous feeling of joy and relief that Showlight was not just back, but had if anything moved on. I am sure it was the most international Showlight I have experienced!” Bernie Davis, papers committee and technical manager.

The event exhibited a greater international presence with participants coming from all over the world, not just Europe but as far afield as America, Brazil and Aus

Europe - MDG has announced the appointment of menzi ebz as its new, exclusive distributor for Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The appointment takes place with immediate effect.

menzi ebz is a company with a long pedigree, its origins stretching back to 1943 with the founding of Walter Eichenberger Theatre Lighting, and the creation in 1999 of MBelectronics by Marco Menzi, later to become Menzi Eventtechnik. The merger of these two companies in 2010 saw the advent of menzi ebz ag under the management of Marco Menzi and Andreas Stahl. Since 2024, menzi ebz ag has made the strategic step to focus exclusively on the sale of lighting, lighting control systems and rigging across the theatre, television event technology service provider and scenic architecture markets.

“This reorientation is a big step for the company and a good time to modernise,” says

USA - AVlex has been named as the exclusive distributor for Amadeus Acoustics in the US. The agreement will see AVlex present Amadeus’ software-based audio solutions for multi-channel and multi-room applications to multi-use spaces, schools, churches and performing arts centres across the US.

“We needed a partner that understands the benefits, applications and basic technical aspects of our solutions,” explains Amadeus Acoustics CEO, Fabio Kaiser. “Also, somebody who can act on a national, state or regional level at the same time. And finally, somebody who is willing to go on a journey with us, as active acoustics and immersive sound solutions for venues and smaller spaces are still emerging.

“We believe with AVlex we found a partner for the US that fulfil these criteria who we could build a long-term relationship with.”

For the A

Canada - Professional audio streaming experts, Bluesound Professional, is a launch partner of OpenAV Cloud, the new global initiative to bring open, cloud-connected, cross-platform control and interoperability to the AV industry. This new initiative is a collaborative effort among multiple manufacturers to host their public APIs in the cloud, enabling seamless cross-product integration.

Founding members BrightSign, Legrand AV, Panasonic, Shure, Sony and Xyte, along with a host of other leading AV manufacturers and technology providers, have come together for the first time to host their APIs in a unified environment, signifying an exciting development within the industry. The initiative aims to address two of the AV industry’s greatest challenges: proprietary control systems and siloed cloud environments that make integration more difficult.

OpenAV

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