USA - D-Tools has announced the release of the newest release of its System Integrator software, SI 5.5. SP2. D-Tools System Integrator is currently used by over 3,000 companies to streamline the design, estimation, and documentation processes associated with the installation and integration of low voltage systems.

SP2 contains over 20 new usability features and enhancements, fixes numerous bugs, and introduces new support for Canadian Quick Book 2010 users.

Existing users will experience increased productivity through new drag-and-drop data management tools as well as improved application performance, says the company. New support for AutoCAD 2011 and QuickBooks 2010 will mean integrators can use SI5.5 to stay connected with the most current technologies. A new suite of integrated support and documentation features will help integrators take full advantage of the benefits of

USA - Nominations open 1 May 2010 for the third annual ESTA Rock Our World Awards, which recognise groundbreaking achievement by ESTA Members in new products, product applications, or projects. These awards were created to acknowledge the genius of both the creator of technology and the designer or integrator who applies the technology in a real world environment.

Contestants for the 2009 awards showcased a wide variety of new products and product applications from the simplest problem solver to complex uses of technology that extended the boundaries of the entertainment technology field. Project nominations showcased everything from the lighting of the Grand Mosque to the staging of the Democratic National Convention and highlighted the collaborative nature of our industry.

Nominations may be made by anyone in the industry, but an ESTA member must be involved as the de

UAE - Abu Dhabi hosted the first ever Ultimate Fighting Championship in the Middle East and the first in the open air - in front of 11,000 fans, a highly charged atmosphere and beneath a monster steel roof structure specially designed and built for the occasion by Al Laith Events Services.

Al Laith Events Services effectively delivered the entire stadium infrastructure - including all the seating grandstands - that was built to stage the event, juxtaposed with the futuristic backdrop of the new Ferrari World indoor theme park on Yas Island.

The production company was Flash Events. The roof design was developed by Serious Stages' chief designer, Dragan Kuzmanov. Jo Marshall project managed for Al Laith, the site manager for Flash Events was Malcolm McInnes and Flash's production manager was Lee Charteris.

Says Jo Marshall, "This was a very demanding event for us, and it

USA - J. R. Clancy has announced the appointment of Jim Crooks as the company's vice president, sales. He starts in his new Syracuse-based position on 10 May.

Crooks brings more than three decades of industry experience to J. R. Clancy. For the last 17 years, he has worked for a single group of entertainment lighting, dimming and energy management companies. In 1993, he joined Portland-based Entertainment Technology (ET) as their western regional manager and vice president, marketing. ET was acquired by Stamford based ROSCO Laboratories and later sold to a conglomerate called Genlyte. In 2007, Genlyte was acquired by Philips. Within the Philips Lighting group, Crooks has held several positions with Lightolier, Entertainment Technology, Vari-lite and other Philips-owned brands.

"Jim is a well-known figure in the entertainment technology industry, and we are fortunate to br

Thailand - A large Milos ground support system was utilised by Thailand based audio designers and manufacturers, P. Audio, for the high profile launch of the new Red Ant restaurant, a popular new eatery located near Bangkok's busy Suvarnabhumi airport.

The large 20 x 35m (internal stage size) structure was built from Milos's MR3 roofing product which was specially purchased by P. Audio for this occasion.

The total height of the completed structure was 15m, giving an impressive 12.5m of headroom, and a weight loading capacity of 17 tonnes for the hanging of lighting, sound and video production equipment. A full programme of entertainment took place on the stage to celebrate the opening night of Red Ant for the enjoyment of an invited audience.

All four sides of the structure can be covered by flame-proof side nets if desired, and the intention is that P. Audio will in the fut

UK - PLASA Events confirms that PLASA Focus: Leeds 2010 has broken all records over the two days at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. Visitor attendance topped 1800 - an increase of nearly 30% on last year's launch event. Thirty-three first-time exhibitors at PLASA Focus meant the show was brimming with key industry players, bringing the total to over 130 exhibitors, with both halls sold out weeks in advance of the show.

A lengthy list of new products were on show, many representing their first UK appearance following international launches, including 15 new products by Martin Professional; the SADiE 6 LiVE system; the UK debut of RCF's VSA 2050 Digital Steerable Column; Audio-Technica's updated 2000, 3000, 4000 & 5000 wireless systems; Clay Paky's first LED screen product - the Mirage LED curtain display; Trantec's Channel 38-ready S6 wireless system; GDS's latest additions

UK - Showsec has been selected as the new venue security supplier at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).

Mark Logan says, "We are delighted to be appointed as the AECC's ongoing security partner. The venue indicated they were looking for improvements in their customer service and security delivery. Showsec's Scottish team proved to the venue's management that they could achieve the consistency and customer based approach synonymous with the company's operating ethos."

AECC managing director, Brian Horsburgh comments, "As one of Scotland's leading event venues our decision to appoint Showsec as our security provider will ensure the AECC continues to offer our clients the highest standards of customer service, security and safety."

Since opening the company's Edinburgh office in 2009 Showsec has supplied a range of events and venues and ha

UK - Jamie Oliver is launching his own specialist events catering company, Jamie Oliver's Fabulous Feasts, this month.

Blended with Glen Chadwick's 20 years' of event catering and logistical expertise, Fabulous Feasts will make the Jamie Oliver experience accessible to all types of events throughout the UK and Ireland. "I've been cooking for large events since I was a kid, and ever since then I've been really keen to take the event catering model to another level," says Oliver. "Twenty five years on, I'm now lucky enough to have the best team behind me, the most fantastic food suppliers, and loads of really exciting ideas.

"Our only focus is to make sure that our food lifts an occasion or an event, whether it's a big family wedding or a work party or a corporate event - we want to help make it as memorable as it can be for all the right reasons. We'll have

UK - Billed as the first ever panel discussion to address the issue of working at height and sustainability, the Access Industry Forum (AIF) representing the nine principal trade associations and federations involved in working at height, has brought together a panel of experts in the inaugural AIF Knowledge Base at this year's Safety & Health Expo in Birmingham next week. These include representatives from UKCG (UK Contractors Group) and the Construction Products Association. They will discuss the topic: Work at height - sustaining the future.

The panel of experts will examine and discuss the initiatives currently in place, review what other areas of industry are already doing and identify specific areas for future attention and development. The debate therefore promises to be both stimulating and informative.

Jane Thornback is sustainability policy advisor at the Cons

South Africa - For the third year running, Gearhouse South Africa supplied full technical production, site infrastructure and a series of solutions to stage the 2010 Mighty Man Conference, at Greytown outside Durban.

Gearhouse was again working for The Shalom Trust, and in close collaboration with its technical co-ordinator, Nik Fairclough of Northwind Recording who also mixed the FOH sound.

Gearhouse's project manager was Eyal Yehezkely. He oversaw a crew of 28, spanning multiple technical disciplines - audio, AV and screens, power, lighting and staging. The project management included internal and on site logistics, surveying and GPS mapping of the site, detailed layouts, design of the crowd seating, positioning of delay towers and structures and producing comprehensive site plans.

The primary technical challenge - with an expected audience of up to 400,000 - was to

UK - Completely revised and updated, the Ladder Association's new 40-page Code of Practice contains much information for ladders users and employers alike. Timed to coincide with the launch of the association's Don't be a ladder lightweight campaign promoting training, the code covers everything from the Work at Height Regulations and managing risk, to ladder selection, safe use and inspection.

Intended to encourage safety and best practice amongst the UK's estimated 2m ladder users, the code contains a foreword from HSE welcoming the Ladder Association's contribution to helping minimise and avoid falls from height.

Complete with a risk assessment template covering planning, setting up the job, carrying out the task and inspecting and maintaining ladders, the code offers easy-to-follow, practical advice in five distinct sections.

Whilst the document may be used as a s

UK - Following the popularity of last year's course, AC-ET's Rigging division is hosting another training school on 7-8 June. This year's event is being held in conjunction with trussing, staging and support solutions manufacturer, Litestructures, at their Wakefield premises.

Eric Porter, experienced independent rigger, trainer, assessor and committee member for the PLASA National Rigging Certificate, is leading the training school again alongside staff from AC-ET and Litestructures.

Keeping the same format as last year, the comprehensive two-day training programme is adopting an established course that has been attended by industry people from all over Europe. Content is aimed at professionals wanting to acquire specific know-how and expertise to use in their day-to-day roles. It is equally suitable for people in other industry roles who wish to understand this sector in more

USA - The crane carries a universal message of peace, so it's only fitting that the more than 100,000 visitors who attended this year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival were greeted by a giant representation of the elegant bird. Spanning its wings 150' and standing a towering 45' high, the white aluminium origami-style crane was one of the festival's main attractions - right up there with headliners Jay-Z, Muse, Gorillaz and Thom Yorke - at an event known for its visual art as much as its eclectic music.

Created by Crimson Collective, a group of Los Angeles-based artists, architects and designers, the sculpture was inspired by the Japanese art of origami and the legend that anyone who folds 1,000 origami cranes will be granted any wish they desire. But the huge creature, called Ascension, was intended to be more than iconic symbolism or eye candy. It was designed

UAE - Mention chandeliers and most people think of the traditional branched lighting fixture, usually circular and very ornate. That perception is about to change, thanks to a 38.5m long lighting installation that snakes through the atrium of new offices built by Hitmi Property Development on The Corniche in Doha, Qatar. Not only is it the world's largest chandelier, it is also claims to be the largest interactive LED light sculpture.

Consisting of 2,300 individually hand ground optical crystals, each shrouded on both sides by high quality pieces of concave glass and covered with a reflective coating, Reflective Flow uses some 55,000 LEDs which are controlled by a bespoke control system. During the day, Reflective Flow is an organic art sculpture, constantly changing with its surroundings, but it is at night that it really comes alive. When light is introduced behi

UK - Stage One conjured up three magical sets recently when they were asked by Phil McCandlish of production consultancy, Open Other End, to produce identical sets for Butlins' Billy's Magic Abracadabra show - part of their entertainment package for the coming year at their Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness Resorts.

The brief from set designer and Butlins' creative director, Phil Peacock, was for a series of lightweight, durable set elements, of the highest possible quality, able to take the strain of repeated installation and dismantling to fit in with Butlins' busy entertainment schedule.

"We worked very closely with our client from the design stage right through to manufacture to ensure that the finished products would match their aspirations," said Phil Green, senior project manager. "This was achieved, utilising our interpretation team's traditiona

Czech Republic - Milos has launched a new internet portal and webstore for its xStages range of staging and decking products.

The concept is designed to strengthen B2C sales and for specific market targeting, opening up new avenues of communication and purchasing convenience. "The internet is one of the strongest and most far reaching sales mediums available" says Milos' sales manager, Ji?í Br?ža, "It is a natural progression for our business to harness the facilities of global access to help our existing distributors, their clients and all potential new ones with their purchasing decisions and actions ."

The site - www.xstages.com - is quick, easy and logical to navigate, and will offer Milos's complete decking product portfolio including barriers and other accessories, says the company.

A series of special flash videos are available on xStages.com to

UK - Lift Turn Move has qualified for full membership of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA). LEEA is a technical association involved in the design, manufacture, hire, repair, refurbishment, test, examination and use of lifting equipment. Applicants are subject to technical audits before full membership is granted and then to a continuing assessment programme.

The approval process involved full technical audits carried out by LEEA officers which led to some minor changes to processes to ensure best practice. Certified LEEA training for all staff was also carried out. All LTM workshop staff are now fully certified by an independent body to carry out hoist and lifting equipment assembly, inspection and maintenance.

LTM's John Jones reports, "We are upskilling to allow work on more complex projects. All LTM engineers are now LEEA certified with Team Cards whi

UK - Summit Steel played a key role in the action and excitement for the UK movie premiere of The Back-Up Plan, which took place at the Vue Cinema, Leicester Square, London.

The film sees Jennifer Lopez's return to the big screen in this romantic comedy co-starring Alex O'Loughlin.

Summit was asked by production company Premier PR to 'float' a double sided screen 4m in the air outside the cinema on the north east corner of Leicester Square. This allowed the crowds of fans waiting outside, gathered on both sides of the road, to clearly see all the red carpet action as celebrities and beautiful people rocked up for the screening.

Summit's team starred project manager Jay Call. He has worked on two previous events for Premier PR in Leicester Square, both which involved hanging a single sided LED screen in a similar floating fashion, with no visible lifting frame or suppo

UK - The ABTT show comes at the end of what has been an extremely busy year for Unusual, which has seen the company simultaneously supporting three major international installations, as well as smaller theatre projects and tours. The show will also see Unusual launching a new 'widget' which, like so many good ideas, is a simple answer to an industry-wide problem, says the company.

The widget - a neat and effective protector for use on tension wire grids - came about as a result of a major project to supply over 1750sq.m of tension wire grids to Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre. Due to open in January next year, the Centre will provide Stockholm with a congress hall with seating for up to 3000 for both local and international events, as well as offices and a 418 room hotel. The hall will be used for a wide range of events, including exhibitions and conferences as well as conc

UK - Summit Steel supplied a wide selection of its SmarTmast range to the Royal Windsor Horse Show, which were deployed around the main arena to provide an elegant solution for the flying of video displays and PA and lighting points.

Summit were working for equestrian event specialists and show producers Horse Power, and have supplied the show for the last five years, during which time its rigging requirements have steadily grown in scale.

This year, there were additional technical requirements, utilised for both the Horse Show and for the Windsor Tattoo, which was staged on four of the five evenings of the Horse Show.

Two 6 x 4m LED screens, each weighing approximately 1.2 tonnes were positioned at the ends of the arena - one straddling the warm up paddock entranceway, and the other at its opposite diagonal corner. These relayed competition and public information as well as

UK - Dirty Rigger is a completely new range of pro user gloves and accessories launched by Le Mark Group and on debut at the ABTT Theatre Show. The design team headed by Mark Gibbons has spent six months working with some of the UK's leading rigging and installation companies. Gloves were tested to destruction until a style and quality started to appear that showed the design consistency that riggers working within the entertainment industry needed.

Launched with an initial choice of three styles - Full Hand, Fingerless and Framer style (thumb and two finger exposed) with a bespoke range of industry accessories to follow.

(Jim Evans)

UK - With just over one week to go before the 2010 PLASA AGM & Members Lunch, the organisation is asking all its Business Members to make sure they cast their vote on the proposed merger with North American trade association, ESTA.

The PLASA AGM & Members Lunch, which takes place this year at Kings Place, London on Wednesday 2 June, is always an enjoyable event and an excellent networking opportunity for the Association's members. However, this year's meeting will mark a significant step for the organisation as Members are urged to vote in favour of the proposed merger with ESTA. ESTA's own members received ballot papers on 30 April, along with a strong recommendation to vote in favour of the merger.

There are still places left at the AGM so Members can register at the address below. Alternatively, if members are unable to attend the day itself, there is an opportunity to cast

UK - For the ninth year running Hawthorns have been contracted to supply Walk the Walk's MoonWalk and SunWalk power walk challenges in aid of breast cancer charities.

Hawthorn were also involved in Walk the Walk's new challenge this year, the Celebrity SunWalk in Southampton, created to celebrate the naming and launch of the new Celebrity Eclipse cruise ship.

For the two MoonWalks involving nearly 30,000 'MoonWalkers', Hawthorns provided lighting, sound, staging, rigging, power distribution and for the first year Video which was installed into De Boer's massive 'pink palace', a 150m x 60m Galaxy structure.

Three artics of lighting, sound, rigging, power distro, video and site services made their way to Hyde Park for the main structure and ancillary marquees, including six main generators and over 10 miles of cable to supply the marquees, 300 toilets and

UK - Showsec worked with BBC Radio 1 and newly appointed organisers Live Nation to deliver the Big Weekend in Bangor, North Wales. 40,000 visitors enjoyed the sunshine and artists including Rhianna, JLS, Paolo Nutini, Florence and the Machine, Cheryl Cole and many more.

John Probyn, chief operating officer says, "BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend is the first large outdoor music event of the summer season for 2010 and has set a high benchmark for others to aspire to. I believe the partnership between the BBC and Live Nation has worked very well in delivering an event that appealed very well to the Radio 1 audience. Bringing Showsec back into the production fold was a key element in achieving that, they have provided a robust security service that belied the experience and innovation within the company."

Having worked on Big Weekends with the BBC in previous years, Showsec wa

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