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PLASA International Rigging Conference
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"Unusual are delighted to be supporting the first ever PLASA International Rigging Conference. It will be the perfect opportunity for practitioners in the event and entertainment rigging industry to come together, under one roof, and debate a number of key issues - some controversial - which will help to shape the future of our industry. I would urge everyone connected with temporary installations, event and live show rigging operations to consider this an important industry forum that is worthy of everyone's patronage."
Alan Jacobi, LVO, Managing Director, Unusual Rigging
The PLASA International Rigging Conference
The PLASA International Rigging Conference is the first event of its kind, providing a unique specialist forum that will bring together rigging companies, riggers, venue operators, tour and event production managers from around the globe, focussing specifically on rigging and working at height for temporary installations.
As the entertainment technology industry is going through a process of standardisation, there is a need for the international community to come together and discuss key issues, share knowledge and dispel myths. The expertise on offer at this conference will allow you to do that, with presentations from top industry individuals from the global rigging community.
With a balanced programme of presentations, panel discussions, Q&A sessions and live demonstrations, the 2-day conference is designed to give you clarity on a wide range of current issues and will allow you the opportunity to air your questions and concerns with industry experts and your peers from around the globe.
We look forward to welcoming you to the PLASA International Rigging Conference on 13 and 14 September 2010.
Confirmed Speakers
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Ilan Bahar
Eilon Engineering, Ron StageMaster, Product ManagerIlan has been the Ron StageMaster Product Manager at Eilon Engineering Weighing Systems from the beginning of this project five years ago. He is a certified Industrial & Business Engineer having 20 years of experience in IT, logistics and project management. Read More
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Roger Barrett
Star Events Group, Group Development DirectorRoger has been involved with the design of structural rigging systems for over 30 years, including turning ground support technology into the very popular VerTech™ stage roof system. Recently he has designed and installed Read More
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Cristiano Giavedoni
CM Entertainment Technology, Business Development Manager, Europe and Middle EastCrisitiano Giavedoni has more than two decades of experience in the industry, starting as a light technician and subsequently moving through the ranks of general management and product management. Read More
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Greg Gowans
Managing Director, Stage One AustraliaGreg is Managing Director of Stage One Australia, which was established in 2008 to provide technical and engineering support to Stage One projects across Australasia. He has extensive experience as a Chief Technician and Production Manager as well as in the implementation of automation control systems across the entertainment and event industries.
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Nicky Greet
PLASA, Head of Skills and DevelopmentNicky Greet is the Head of Skills and Development at PLASA - the main trade body for the events, entertainment and installation industries. She is responsible for leading PLASA's strategy to extend skills and qualifications across the sector and was central to the development of the National Rigging Certificate (NRC).
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Marc Hendriks
Prolyte, Technical DirectorMarc Hendriks was educated as a civil engineer and has been working at Prolyte since 1993. His role as technical director means he is responsible for all R&D and training activities. He is the Chairman of the European CWA 15920-2 "truss standard", is a member of the German working group that re-wrote the SR-1.0 and SR-2.0 code of practices and is a member of the Dutch-eventsafety-standardistion group.
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Chris Higgs
Total Solutions GroupChris started working in the industry in 1973 and has provided rigging and special effects for most sectors of the industry. Chris has written two books on rigging and won the 'Art of Rigging' in 2003 and was joint winner of the 'John Peel Unsung Hero' award the following year.
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Alan Jacobi, LVO
Unusual Rigging, Managing DirectorAlan Jacobi LVO began his career at The Oxford Playhouse, later joining the lighting department of the National Theatre. In 1983, after working as a freelance electrician and gaining an extensive knowledge of event production, he formed Unusual Rigging Ltd where he has remained the Managing Director ever since.
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John Jones
LTM - Lift Turn Move Ltd, Managing DirectorJohn has been involved in providing lifting solutions for Production, Theatres and Permanent Venues for over 30 years. He worked in the early days of chain hoist use in the production industry in the late 1970s. John is a great believer in user training to improve competence throughout the industry, and he helped pioneer hoist training programmes in the early 1980s. Read More
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Mark Priestley
Unusual Rigging, Capital Projects DepartmentA varied career 'putting on shows' in one way or another whether it be productions or new theatre buildings as user, designer and latterly contractor. 19 years at the National Theatre as automation operator, head flyman and latterly systems engineer running a team of operators and maintainers rigging and service shows in the Olivier Theatre. Read More
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Conrad Schwarz
Independent Safety Advice to the Entertainment IndustryConrad Schwarz's career within the Theatre & Music Industry began over thirty years ago. He works as an independent Health & Safety Consultant and his experience within the Music & Theatre environment enables him to offer practical, achievable and industry specific advice to improve operational efficiency and ensure compliance with UK & European legislation.
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Jim Tinsley
Stage One, Technical DirectorJim has over 25 years experience providing staging, stage engineering and control systems, and in that time has delivered a significant number of high profile public events and theatrical productions. Renowned as a solutions innovator Jim has led the development of theatrical flying systems Read More
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Murray Torrible
Precision Broking, Managing DirectorMurray Torrible is the Managing Director of Precision Broking Ltd and specialises in high risk liability and property insurance. He has been working with the Production Services Industry sector for the past 15 years arranging specialist insurance facilities. Read More
Bill Sapsis
Sapsis RiggingBill Sapsis has been involved in the entertainment business for over 35 years. In 1981 he started Sapsis Rigging, Inc. and developed it into a recognized leader in the design and installation of stage equipment. Bill is a USITT Fellow, a member of the ETCP Certification Council and the chairman of ESTA's Rigging Working Group.
Panellists
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Mark Armstrong
National Rigging Certificate AssessorWorldwide rigging since 1984. Director of Star Rigging then Star Events Group Ltd. Now freelance. Co-founder of Safe Working Ltd, a Rigging Training Provider. National Rigging Certificate Assessor.
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Rinus Bakker
Rhino Rigs, Consultant & TrainerRinus ('Rhino') started in 1970, doing lighting & sound in a rock venue. An inherited interest in structural strength made him swing to rigging in the early 80s, since which has become his core business, in every possible aspect. Since 1994 he has participated in rigging & safety standardisation committees in Holland and abroad. Read More
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Nick Barnfield
Showquip, Technical DirectorNick Barnfield is a qualified engineer with extensive experience in staging, rigging & temporary structures. Read More
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Ron Bonner
PLASA, Technical Resources ManagerRon Bonner - PLASA's Technical Resources Manager and Health and Safety Adviser to the PLASA membership. Chartered member of Institute of Safety and Health (IOSH) and member of the Institute of International Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM).
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Harry Box
UK RiggingHaving served his time as a draughtsman, Harry began life in the industry doing the lighting for his own band in 1978. He then started a lighting and rigging company in 1980, but was always more passionate about the rigging side. Eventually, he launched UK Rigging providing rigging services, installation and training. Read More
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Neil Darracott
Delstar Engineering Ltd, Head of Mechanical Engineering DesignNeil is a Chartered Engineer with wide experience in entertainment technology, including senior roles in leading rigging and trussing companies. He has been involved in standards development for industry-specific lifting equipment and is a member of the IStructE's advisory group on temporary structures. Read More
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Robin Elias
Unusual Rigging, Technical DirectorRobin Elias started his rigging career nearly 100 years ago, on the road with Rock&Roll bands including; the Rolling Stones, Genesis, Pink Flloyd, Lynard Skynard and other artists, such as Frank Sinatra and Bob Dylan. At the age of 40, seeking the quieter life, he sold his rigging company to then friendly rivals, Unusual Rigging. Read More
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Shawn Nolan
Reed Rigging, Engineering Division ManagerShawn Nolan has over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, starting in commercial theatre production and, since 1997, as a Licensed Professional Engineer. He has extensive experience in the design of aluminum truss, permanent rigging systems installations and, analysis of existing venue structures. Read More
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Hans van der Moolen
4D Hoist Consult BV, Managing DirectorAfter a long standing International career with chain hoist manufacturer Verlinde (Stagemaker), spanning over three decades, Hans established 4D Hoist Consult in September 2009. His consultancy provides expertise, advice, solutions and project supervision all related to customized adaptations of chain hoist and control concepts for TV studio's, convention centres, venues, sports arenas, theatres etc.
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Ted Moore
Stage Technologies, Director of rental servicesTed has a long career in technical theatre that begun when he enrolled on the ABTT theatre electrician's course after leaving school. After graduating he spent many successful years with the Albery group of theatres, becoming their chief electrician, followed by a global tour with the English Shakespeare Company Read More
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Matthias Müller
Hoffmann Fördertechnik GmbH, Engineering ManagerMechanical engineer with the company Hoffmann Fördertechnik since 2002. Experience in crane design and construction since 1990. Professional authorized expert of the German Berufsgenossenschaft for design of hoists and overhead cranes BG-Z -1924. Member of the F.E.M work group for hoists.
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Mark Surtees
Outback Rigging, Managing DirectorManaging Director of Outback Rigging Ltd since starting the company in 1993. Outback is responsible for Rigging Management in a number of significant UK venues. Currently chair of the PLASA National Rigging Advisory Group which has managed the development of the PLASA National Rigging Certificate over the last few years.
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Steve Tuck
Blackout-ltd, ChairmanHas a 36 year background in rigging. His early experience was gained with ex-Disney riggers in North America. Blackout has achieved international recognition in corporate and event rigging.
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Dave Weatherhead
KinesysDave's 15 years of industry experience includes working for an industry leading rigging company, operating automated shows as a freelancer and since 2002 co-founding and running Kinesys, a manufacturer and provider of automation products and solutions.
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Steve Williams
Nippy IndustriesSteven 'Nippy' Williams has over 24 years experience in the Rigging industry and is Managing Director of Nippy Industries Ltd. He is part of the NRAG and sits on several HSE Committees in rigging related areas.
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Q Willis
The O2, Head of TechnicalQ Willis, Head of Technical at The O2, oversees the provision of event technical services across the site at The O2. Q was responsible for the implementation of the rigging contract with Summit Steel and a safe system of working, prior to the opening of the building in 2007. Read More