ROSEMONT, IL — The Rental and Staging Network (RSN), a network of geographically-diverse rental and staging companies with complete event capabilities, held its first Leadership Symposium August 3-5, 2011. The event, which took place at the Westin O’Hare here, was themed, “Growing and Managing Your Business Better,” and the 60 attendees included leaders at RSN’s 16 member companies.
Read More »NEW YORK — The Rigging Working Group, part of PLASA’s Technical Standards Program, has announced that a revised version of ANSI E1.21 – 2006, Entertainment Technology — Temporary Ground-Supported Structures Used to Cover the Stage Areas and Support Equipment in the Production of Outdoor Entertainment Events, is available for public review. The existing standard covers only the portable stage roofs often used for outdoor events. The new draft version (BSR E1.21 – 201x) covers the design, manufacture, and use of all the portable structures used to support scenery, lighting, and sound equipment, as well as the stage roofs. Structures for the public, such as audience bleachers and food stands, continue to be outside the scope of the draft standard.
Read More »BETHESDA, MD — The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) recently published NECA-BICSI-607-2011, Standard for Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding Planning and Installation Methods for Commercial Buildings (ANSI). The new standard was jointly developed between NECA and Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI). NECA-BICSI 607 is the latest new publication in the National Electrical Installation Standards series published by NECA.
Read More »INDIANAPOLIS – IATSE Local 30 is administering a fund for the family of Nathan Byrd, the spotlight operator who died after falling with the rigging in the Aug. 13 stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair. Byrd, a single parent, is survived by two teens, age 13 and 15. The fund will assist with funeral expenses and other basic needs.
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AUSTIN, TX — Barco’s High End Systems (HES) has named Chris McMeen regional sales manager, Eastern U.S. and Canada. Prior to HES, McMeen was VP… Read More »High End Systems Names Chris McMeen Regional Sales Manager
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One of the biggest problems when visualizing is making the transition from the virtual stage to the real rig. Many things may or may not… Read More »Avoid Pre-Viz Disorientation
Read More »INDIANAPOLIS — A strong, isolated blast of wind that came in advance of a line of thunderstorms knocked down the main stage at the Indiana State Fair at 8:49 pm Aug. 13. The collapse killed four people on site. A fifth victim, Nathan Byrd, 51, died later that night. A spotlight operator who fell with the rigging, Byrd had been among the 45 people hospitalized, many with serious injuries. Although other crew members were seen falling with the rigging, no additional deaths were reported.
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