MONTE CARLO – The Grimaldi Forum recently hosted the inaugural Monaco International Clubbing Show (MICS). Clay Paky played a key role, and Pio Nahum, commercial and marketing director, offered his perspective of changes within the club market, including a trend toward live music and stage lighting in club environments. "We're beginning to see significant changes in the industry again," Nahum said. "The trend for cozy little lounge bars, with smaller dance floors and atmospheric lighting, has begun to run its course. There is a real search for new, more spectacular formats again – something that will attract a new generation who missed out on the experience of clubbing in the 1980s and 1990s.
"Additionally we're seeing a trend towards staging live music in clubs – a response to the fact that the task of organizing stadium concerts has become harder and more expensive," Nahum added.
"In lighting terms, this has led to a move away from the exclusive use of architectural lighting. Owners are requesting professional stage lighting systems and even asking for some of the old motorized effects such as the vintage AstroDisco. We are certain that the dance floor is due for a big comeback."
Clay Paky, which had manufactured gear popular with clubs in the 1970s and 1980s such as the Golden Scan, AstroDisco and the AstroRaggi, received an award from MICS organizers recognizing its "important contribution to the development of the club industry." The company is targeting the market segment again with the Alpha series of professional moving heads, and, in particular, its Alpha Beam products.
Along with its role as an exhibitor at the three-day event, Clay Paky designed and supplied the lighting system for the temporary 2,000-square-meter MICS Club that was built in one of the exhibition halls. It served as a demo room by day and as an evening venue for MICS' DJ competitions and awards events.
For more information, please visit www.claypaky.it.
