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03 July 2025

Europe - The Liftket Group has welcomed John van Look as the new global technical trainer for its Chainmaster and Moveket brands. With decades of international experience in event rigging and extensive technical expertise, van Look will be responsible for designing and delivering technical training and workshop concepts for customers and partners worldwide.

John van Look is a certified master of event technology (stage/studio) and a certified expert for event rigging (SQ Q2 Level 3). His career has taken him from working on global tours for stars such as Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake to major productions like the Eurovision Song Contest and the MDLBeast Soundstorm Festival.

“With John van Look, we are not only gaining an outstanding professional with global recognition, but also a strong communicator who knows how to translate c

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01 July 2025

UAE - Event crewing specialist Showforce has promoted several of its key team members in the Middle East as it looks to strengthen and expand its account management and operations departments.

Recognising and rewarding the contribution of long-standing team members Ann Dacumos, Ricky Holland, Diana Lucena, Haroon Nasir, Izceah Palmes and Amir Tufail, it puts the company in good stead as its business continues to grow throughout the GCC region.

Ann Dacumos steps up to head of account management – Middle East with direct reports Diana Lucena and Izceah Palmes both promoted to senior account handlers. Ann manages many of Showforce’s tier one clients on a day-to-day basis, including Coca Cola Arena, Dubai Opera, Creative Technology and PRG. In addition to maintaining strong client relationships, she works closely with the operations team to ensure th

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24 June 2025

USA - Bose Professional has announced the appointment of Joe Falcão as chief financial officer. Falcão brings more than 20 years of international financial leadership to the role, having previously guided high-performing teams across the retail, e-commerce, telecom, and healthcare industries from offices around the world.

Previously, Falcão has provided financial leadership for global brands including Dunkin and Cabot Corporation and managed teams at Invensys, iBasis, Thrasio and Orva, among others. Falcão has a proven track record of driving operational excellence across offices in Brazil, Belgium and Malaysia and leading organisations based in the UK, India, China, the Netherlands and Japan.

“Joe’s leadership in scaling complex global operations will be instrumental at this point in Bose Professional’s expansion,” said John Maier, CEO o

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24 June 2025

UK - Eat to the Beat, the specialist production, artist and crew catering division of Global Infusion Group, has expanded its operations team with four new team members and announced several senior promotions as it responds to a surge in demand and sets its sights on further international growth, with a focus on the USA.

With 2025 set to be a record-breaking year, the company has seen significant growth across touring, sporting and corporate events, prompting a strategic boost to its operational capacity to support new and existing clients around the world.

Kim Joyce and Olivia Morris, both long-standing team members, have been promoted to events director roles. Lacey Hogg and Lizzie Fryer have also stepped up to become senior account managers, as part of a broader focus on recognising and nurturing in-house talent.

Mary Shelley-Smith, Eat to

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23 June 2025

USA - InterAmerica Stage has announced the appointments of Nicolas Champion as VP of business development, Tom Casazza as business development manager, and Jason Osterman as senior project manager.

IA Stage COO Pete Borchetta comments: “Over the past number of months, you may have heard the news as we’ve been holding off on this announcement because we’ve been assembling an all-star lineup – and now, the moment has arrived. IA Stage proudly welcomes three of the industry’s finest: Nicolas Champion, Tom Casazza, and Jason Osterman. Each of them brings a wealth of experience, strategic vision, and a track record of excellence in sales and project management.

“Nicolas Champion’s expertise in driving business growth, coupled with his deep understanding of client needs, makes him an invaluable leader in shaping IA Stage’s future. Tom Casaz

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20 June 2025

UK - Stage Electrics Group has announced changes within its senior executive team. Andy Preece, group finance director, will retire from his executive role effective 31 July 2025, the end of the group’s financial year, and will assume a new position as a non-executive director.

Dave Coull, group CEO of Stage Electrics, said: “Andy’s breadth of experience and expertise have not only benefited the organisation financially and strategically but have also helped shape and develop our company culture over the past four years. As he moves into his new role as non-executive director, I’m confident the group will continue to benefit from his insight, non-executive oversight, and unwavering commitment to our continued growth and success.”

Nathan Athay, the company’s current finance manager, will be promoted to the role of group finance director an

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18 June 2025

UK - Celebrating three decades of partnership between The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) and Sennheiser, the global audio specialist continues its commitment to nurturing emerging talent through the Sennheiser Student Scholarship programme.

This long-standing collaboration provides students with access to world-class audio expertise and industry resources, and Josh Dooley, a BA (Hons) Sound Technology student whose remarkable journey demonstrates extraordinary resilience and passion for audio engineering, has been selected as the 2025 scholarship recipient. His inspiring story of overcoming significant personal obstacles to pursue his musical ambitions captivated the judging panel, featuring Tim Sherratt, strategy manager at Sennheiser, and acclaimed theatre sound designer, Ben Harrison.

Growing up in a disadvantaged area of

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17 June 2025

UK - LSi is sad to report the passing of Dave Keighley on 9 June 2025. Until May 2024, Keighley had served as Chairman of the PSA (Production Services Association) before ill health led to his retirement. Prior to that, he enjoyed a long career in lighting, design and production, touring with many leading artists and leading several big-name companies, including of Light and Sound Design (LSD), Syncrolite LLC, SGM Lighting and PRG Europe, where he was managing director from 1998 to 2008.

A statement from the PSA reads: “Dave was instrumental, together with other well-known industry names, in forming the PSA in the late ‘80s. Over many decades, Dave continued to promote, support and advocate for the association’s work, representing those who work in live event production.”

It continues: “Dave was an inspiration to many, he was a visionary, a

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16 June 2025

UK - Pharos Architectural Controls has announced John Jarrard as the new regional sales manager for the Middle East.

His appointment is part of a long-term growth strategy within the sales operation, designed to strengthen regional engagement and create new development opportunities for team members.

Jarrard brings over a decade of experience in architectural lighting controls, having led European and Middle East sales at ENTTEC and Advatek Lighting, where he developed key customer relationships and was responsible for commercial strategy.

On his new role, Jarrard said: “It’s a career highlight for me to be joining the Pharos team. I’m looking forward to the new challenges this role will bring, while being able to leverage the skills and relationships I have from my previous sales positions. I’m looking forward to championing the Phar

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12 June 2025

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

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11 June 2025

UK - AbsenLive, a sub-category brand of LED manufacturer Absen, has announced the appointment of Murray Scott to its growing UK team and in the process bolster its rental services and solutions for the events, virtual production, and broadcasting sectors.

Murray joins as business development manager for the UK and Ireland. He brings with him a wealth of experience in sales and purchasing, having dedicated 30 years to both FMCG and independent businesses. His most recent experience involves working with transparent LED for the retail and rental LED market, making him an asset to Absen and its innovative growth plans.

"I’m eager to embark on this new chapter in the world of rental and staging LED," says Murray. “I was drawn to Absen by its outstanding product range and the exceptional support provided by the teams in the UK, Europe, and China. I lo

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11 June 2025

USA - Antari Lighting and Effects USA has announced the appointment of Ana Jaramillo as East Coast regional sales manager. With over 25 years of experience in the professional lighting and effects industry, including 23 years at Chauvet and additional time at Vestax and The DJ Store, Jaramillo brings considerable knowledge and strong industry relationships to the Antari USA team.

Based in South Florida, Jaramillo will oversee East Coast sales efforts for Antari’s full line of atmospheric effect products and serve as a dedicated lighting specialist for the U.S. distribution of the Event Lighting brand. With a solid background in lighting, atmospherics, and DJ effects, she is eager to apply her expertise and passion to support dealers and end users across the region.

“I am so excited and happy to join Ray and his team here at Antari USA,” said Ja

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06 June 2025

UK - Solstice AV has announced the latest addition to its leadership team, with the appointment of Louise Abbey as the company’s new marketing director.

Louise brings more than 20 years of B2B marketing knowledge and experience to the company, having held senior positions across vendor, distributor, and reseller organisations operating in the fast-paced ICT sector. Louise will lead the company’s marketing strategy, working as a key advisor to the board and collaborating with Solstice’s vendor and reseller partners to unlock new opportunities and drive mutual profitability.

Based at Solstice AV’s Gloucestershire headquarters, Louise’s appointment follows recent milestones for Solstice AV, including the recent appointment of Chris Ball as chief finance & operating officer, plus UK distribution partnerships with LED display leader LianTron

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06 June 2025

The Netherlands – PPDS has announced the appointment of AV/IT specialist Marco van der Knaap as its new global product manager of Philips LED displays.

With a 25-year career dedicated almost exclusively to LED, Marco will support the team in navigating the marketplace, continuing to position the expanding Philips direct view LED displays range in line with PPDS’ global strategy and growth ambitions. He is based in Amsterdam and reports to Jeroen Brants, global product director for LED at PPDS.

Marco comments: “I am thrilled to join PPDS and to take on the responsibility of growing the Philips LED business. With Philips' strong brand presence and the support of an exceptional team, I see tremendous potential to deliver ever more innovative solutions that exceed customer expectations worldwide. PPDS shares an unparalleled commitment to bringing i

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04 June 2025

USA - A very well-known figure in the entertainment lighting industry, Brad Schiller has joined GLP to lead the new Lighting Technology Engagement Team, based out of the company’s Americas headquarters in Los Angeles, California.

In a decades-spanning career, Schiller has been at the forefront of many lighting innovations that have made their way into the mainstream from his work with manufacturers, while also being the author of multiple industry articles and books, including The Automated Lighting Programmer’s Handbook and Living the Lighting Life. He has also been a featured speaker, most recently at the Showlight Quadrennial in Dijon, France.

Speaking of the new hire, GLP director Mark Ravenhill says: “I couldn’t be happier that Brad has decided to join GLP. He is an industry legend with a stature, reputation an

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30 May 2025

UK - Backup Tech, the charity supporting those working behind the scenes in the entertainment technology industry, has announced the latest additions to its ambassador lineup. Under the guidance of Backup trustee Koy Neminathan, who oversees the ambassador programme, the organisation has welcomed Suzi Green and Gemma Fletcher into its growing roster of representatives.

As Backup ambassadors, Suzi and Gemma will champion the charity's mission throughout the entertainment industry, spreading awareness of the charity’s work, helping create and support wellbeing related initiatives that tie in with Backup’s remit, as well as recruiting corporate partners and supporting individual fundraising efforts. Their roles include representing Backup at industry events, meetings, and the popular annual Backup Village Fete. Here they share their personal connec

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30 May 2025

USA - The lighting design community is mourning the loss of Paul Marantz, co-founder of Fisher Marantz Stone, who has passed away. A lighting visionary, he helped to transform the perception of lighting design as a profession.

Alongside Jules Fisher, Marantz co-founded the company that would become Fisher Marantz Stone in 1971, creating a legacy of creativity and genius that continues to inspire to this day.

Paula Martinez-Nobles, president, Fisher Marantz Stone said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Marantz. Paul and Jules founded the company that would become FMS in 1971, creating a legacy of creativity and genius that continues to brighten our lives and the world around us. Thank you, Paul, for your wit and wisdom. We honour your life and legacy.”

Initially working in theatre lighting, Marantz held a strong inter

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29 May 2025

Canada - Denis Richard, who unexpectedly died on 29 March 2025, was a pioneer in the Canadian music touring and production industry. During his nearly 50-year career, he made a significant and lasting impact on the growth of the entertainment lighting production and rental industry in Canada. In that time, he toured with and managed lighting and production services for live artists and supported multiple popular TV productions. Christie Lites has paid tribute:

“For the last 30 years, Denis was a key account handler for Christie Lites’ Toronto office. His professional life exemplified his exacting high standards. Denis led by example, always demanding as much from himself as he did of others. He loved and was fascinated by people. His curiosity about what drove others meant Denis got to know those he worked with and what they wanted swiftly. Many of the l

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28 May 2025

USA - Harman Professional Solutions has announced the appointment of Sebastien Laffoux as director of lighting sales for North America. In this role, Laffoux will drive strategic growth and lead the sales organisation for Harman’s portfolio of professional lighting solutions, with a focus on expanding market share across the live entertainment, install, and architectural sectors.

Laffoux brings more than 15 years of senior leadership experience in the professional lighting and entertainment technology space. Prior to joining Harman, he served as vice president of sales at ARRI, where he oversaw B2B and SMB sales operations across North and South America.

“Sebastien brings a high degree of business acumen to the Martin sales team, as well as a deep understanding of consultative selling techniques and how to grow the sales pipeline,” said Mike Sc

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22 May 2025

UK - Martin Audio has strengthened its technical resource with the appointment of Ben Todd as senior applications specialist. The role will also encompass opportunities to intersect with sister brands such as Optimal Audio and TiMax, as the wider Focusrite Group Audio Reproduction division gains further ground with coordinated solutions becoming increasingly prevalent in the installation sector.

He arrives following an extensive career with Harman Pro, where he was senior application engineer for EMEA, followed by a brief period at Holoplot. Prior to that Todd was with UK distributor Sound Technology for nine years – the last six of which he spent leading their technical team.

The skills learnt in complex technical integration will stand him in good stead for his new role, as Martin Audio strives to push further into the integration market with its

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21 May 2025

UK - Solstice AV has announced the appointment of Chris Ball as its new chief financial officer (CFO) and chief operating officer (COO).

Based in Solstice AV’s Diss and Tewkesbury offices, Chris joins the company’s board of directors, reporting to chairman Tony Hunt. His key responsibilities will include reviewing and overseeing the company’s financial planning, risk management, and operational performance.

His appointment follows recent news announcements from Solstice AV to mark its UK distribution partnerships with LED and interactive displays providers LianTronics and i3CONNECT, delivering even greater choice and value to UK resellers.

Commenting on his new role, Chris Ball said: "I am honoured to join Solstice AV at such an exciting time in the company’s journey. Solstice AV has built a strong reputation for innovation and excell

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20 May 2025

UK - Media control solutions specialist Hive is expanding its team with five new roles as it continues to scale. Rory Jervis joins as sales director to drive commercial growth, while Nigel Sadler has been promoted to chief pollinator, a newly created role focused on strengthening partnerships and amplifying Hive’s vision.

Further reinforcing Hive’s expansion, Ciaran Abrams has been appointed as lead developer, Danielle Hastings joins as customer service executive and Alex Couzins steps in as marketing specialist.

In his new role as chief pollinator, Nigel Sadler will lead Hive’s mission to democratise the media engine market, making complex video technology more accessible. With a passion for storytelling and deep industry expertise, Nigel will focus on forging strong partnerships and expanding Hive’s influence.

As sales director, Ror

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16 May 2025

UK - Spotlight Sound, a fast-growing national AV and event production company based in Essex, has announced the appointment of Ed Guest as its new AV service engineer. With over 15 years of experience across theatre, live events, and AV installation, Ed brings considerable technical expertise to the expanding Spotlight Sound team.

Spotlight Sound specialises in audio-visual installations, event production, and equipment hire across the UK, with clients ranging from local authorities and schools to national venues and entertainment providers. As the company continues to grow, Ed’s addition is set to strengthen its technical offering and drive further excellence in project delivery.

Ed's journey in AV began in school theatres, eventually leading him to a BTEC in technical theatre and a BA in Lighting Design at Rose Bruford College. He has worked in s

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15 May 2025

UK - Architectural LED lighting brand Anolis – a Robe business – has appointed Eloise Reed as its international specification manager.

Eloise is based in the UK and will be travelling extensively both nationally and internationally in her role for the Czech Republic-based manufacturer, which will include streamlining the design support and tender processes for clients and boosting the Anolis profile within the architectural lighting community, and as an essential element of the wider ‘Robe Group’ of premium brands.

Australian-born Eloise’s journey into the lighting industry started at WAAPA (Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts) in Perth, a well-known melting pot for creativity and independent thinking, where she graduated with a Performing Arts degree equivalent, majoring in lighting.

Simultaneously, Eloise was also working