ETC CUE: Introduction!
Create. Understand. Experience.
ETC’s inaugural end-user event began today located alongside the beautiful Lake Monona in Madison, WI at the Monona Terrace.
Day 1 was full of pre-conference console training sessions, from the novice to the expert. Others chose to participate in a factory tour, and the day will close with a welcoming reception.
Stay tuned for photos, announcements, and details from sessions I’m attending over the next few days.
New iPhone App – ETC Cue Session App
Are you heading to Wisconsin this weekend for ETC’s Cue Sessions? Before you head out the door, make sure to download ETC’s latest iPhone app, ETC CUE.
Here is more about the app:
The CUE App is designed to provide information to the attendees of ETC’s first ever end user conference: CUE. This app contains listings of all sessions and events including: detailed descriptions, session times, locations, and instructor bios. Also included in the app are maps to help you get around downtown Madison. Keep in touch with all the other attendees using the social media section! There is also a survey section that allows you to send feedback to ETC about the sessions. Enjoy the CUE App and we hope to see you in Madison!
The App is a FREE download the the iTunes App Store.
Barbizon NY To Hold LED Open House June 14th
On Tuesday, June 14th, 2011, my alma mater, Barbizon Lighting Company will be holding an LED open house in their New York Office for the Film and Video people of the Big Apple. Barbizon is bringing in over 35 lighting manufacturers to show off their latest LED products for the broadcast, film and video world. Barbizon is offering demo’s on camera testing and manufacturers reps to answer questions and learn more about their products.
When: Tuesday, June 14th 2011 from 9:30am to 4pm
Where: Barbizon Electric, 456 West 55th St (between 9th & 10th ave)
For more information, contact Barbizon Electric at benysales@barbizon.com.
ACT Lighting to Host NJ Open House June 14 – 16
The gents at ACT Lighting sent me a invite to their Clay Paky open house that they are having at their New Jersey office next week. While I would love to go, I will be knee deep in InfoComm in Orlando. If you are in the New York City metro area, put the ACT Lighting Open House on your schedule. Here is more information from the email.
Please join us June 14-16 at our facility in Hackensack, NJ.
On display will be the Clay Paky range of automated fixtures, featuring the award-winning SHARPY and the innovative new Shotlight Wash. Also on hand will be our full product range including the grandMA2, as well as MDG’s theONE multi-function atmospheric machine and A&O/alpha one’s xenon fixtures.
The event is open to all. Come anytime or RSVP for a specific appointment.
Where: A.C.T Lighting, 122 John Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, (201) 996-0884
When: Tuesday, June 14, 12:00pm-7:00pm, Wednesday, June 15, 10:00am-4:00pm and Thursday, June 16, 10:00am-4:00pm
Cocktails and refreshments will be served Tuesday from 4:00pm-7:00pm.
4Wall New York Vendor Showcase
On Thursday, May 12th, 4Wall Lighting New York held their annual Vendor Showcase in their New Jersey warehouse. This is my second vendor showcase that 4Wall Lighting has invited me to and it was just like the DC Open House… Excellent! 4Wall turned part of their massive New Jersey warehouse in to a mini trade show, minus all of the fancy trade show decorations, carpeting and drapery. Instead, they wheeled out road cases from the rental department, one for each manufacture that will be exhibiting and place a sheet of plywood over it and a table cloth, done. We are lighting people, we are use to being in shops and backstage, we don’t need the glitz and glamor, just show us the lights! 4Wall understands this and gives us attendees what we want, time to look, play, ask questions and grab a burger and beer. It is that KISS philosophy that I love.
The New York Vendor Showcase was well attended. Al Ridella, VP of Business Development in the New York office guesstimated about 150 to 175 people came to the showcase between 3pm and 7pm with a couple of stranglers hanging on past 7pm to make sure they hit all the exhibitors… including me. Jim Cannon, VP of Rental Operations for New York and his crew were busy manning the grills as well as still prepping rentals all during the showcase. I have to hand it to Jim, he grills a bad ass burger!
It was great to see familiar faces, like the smiling face of JC More from City Theatrical, and Mr. Chad Rosco Tiller. It was also wonderful to meet many new people from around the industry. It always happens, you talk or email with someone for months and months and then finally you get to meet them in person at an event like this. Had that happen just a couple of times on Thursday.
What about new products! 4Wall invited over 45 manufacturers to exhibit at their showcase and boy did they turn out. The list is pretty extensive! Rather then listing everyone AGAIN, check out the list on 4Wall’s event page. Looking back over the list, I don’t remember seeing a couple of manufacturers there like my good friends at SeaChanger, Mr. Field Template himself, Steve Shelly or the guys from Wybron. I expected to see the Wybron truck there as Martin Professional had there truck. I am sure everyone is off working and keeping pretty busy. We’ll catch them soon some where I am sure.
One of the neatest things on display was TMB’s latest product form Schinick Schnack Systems out of Germany. TMB is now distributing the Schnick Schnack LED panels in the US market. The panels are pretty neat, at least from the 6″ demo model at their table. You can create a low res video display with a diffuse acrylic panel in front of it for 60’s style mood panels and trippy effects. There is a wide range of panels and options available. To learn more about the panels, visit their website at www.schnickschnacksystems.com. You will have to contact TMB or your local TMB dealer for pricing as it is a POA system.
Some of the other neat things seen at the Vendor Showcase was the New Impression Spot One LED Profile Moving Head available from GLP Lighting. Robe Lighting was on hand with their new ROBIN 600 LEDWash moving head and the ROBIN MMX Spot Moving Head. The Blank Tank company was showing off their full line up of 4″ cube LED wash fixtures. They are gearing up to release a couple of new products such as a variable white wash fixture and another “option” that I cannot mention yet… just know that I want one!
Overall, I had a blast at the 4Wall New York Vendor Showcase. A huge thanks to 4Wall Lighting for inviting me up to the party… I mean showcase! ;) Learned a lot, got to meet new and old friends and had some great food. It’s funny, four hours seems like a long time for an event, but it always happens, it is over so quick and I never get around to everyone! Still, great times!
4Wall posted a bunch of photos to their Facebook page already. I didn’t get a chance to snap to many photos, but I did see 4Wall guys running around snapping pictures every where and doing interviews with exhibitors through out the day. Keep a look out for more photos and videos from 4Wall… Who know, you might see me in one!
Thanks for having me up, see you in LA? ;)
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4Wall New York Vendor Showcase May 12th
This Thursday. 4Wall New York will be holding their annual Vendor Show case is their New York location in Moonachie, New Jersey. It takes place on Thursday, May 12th from 3pm to 7pm. As with all of 4Wall’s Vendor Showcases, it will feature the latest products from around the industry with more then 45 manufacturers showing off their products.
4Wall is providing food and drinks as well as a great opportunity to meet industry professionals and peers. The New York office is under 10 miles outside of Manhattan. For directions to the office, visit 4Wall’s website. The office is located at 2 Empire Blvd., Moonachie, NY 07074.
See you there!
Plugfest 2011 Announced – July 22-24 in Westlake Texas
The next PLASA Control Protocols Plugfest will take place July 22—24 at the DFW Marriott Solana in Westlake, Texas. The event brings colleagues and competitors together to further the industry by testing the limits of control protocols and working out the bugs they encounter. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Plugfest began in January 2009 as part of the ESTA (now PLASA) Technical Standards Program by members of various Control Protocols Task Groups represent a variety of manufacturers. Twice a year, when they are all in the same place at the same time, they bring controllers, lights, analyzers, and various other tools and devices, and connect them all through a network to look for and resolve problems. People attend from all around the world in an effort to improve their products.
Plugfest was originally created to support the Remote Device Management protocol (ANSI E1.20 RDM) but now it has expanded to cover all CPWG protocols, including the popular ANSI E1.31 Streaming DMX over ACN protocol. As the scope has grown, so has attendance, and consequently, the space. It began in a small suite but this year Plugfest moved into a large suite with room to grow. Coffee, bagels, and scones serve to fuel the event.
Although the schedule runs until 10pm, the group can often be found working into the early morning hours. Most of the members of the E1.20 and E1.31 task groups, who wrote the standards, are there and they are happy to provide their expertise. They will answer your questions and tell you about protocols. Take advantage of their knowledge and experience. Drop in and experience Plugfest.
For more information or if you are interested in participating, contact Scott Blair at s.blair@ieee.org or sblair@rdmprotocol.org to register.
#USITT2011 Stage Expo Hasn’t Even STARTED and I Have So Much to Share!
Today was jam packed with sessions, sessions and more sessions. I was part of the panel for two sessions today and I had a BLAST! The best part is, I have audio! While I would love to share it as soon as possible, I just don’t have the capabilities to do it while in Charlotte, so we’ll just have to wait till the show is over, sorry.
The first session I was on the panel for was There’s a Lighting App for That/Mobile Lighting Tools. Just like it sounds, we talked about mobile apps! The panel was lead by Scott Parker from StageSeminars.com, joined by app developer Eric Cornwell from West Side Systems, legendary lighting designer, Richard Pilbrow, and me! We had a great discussion about why and how apps are developed. How Mr. Pilbrow uses his iPad and various apps to aid him in designing and then me rounding out most of the other lighting apps and some other useful tips, tricks and ideas on how to manage not only your design process, but your life as well.
The second session that I was on the panel for was Marketing in the Digital World and Social Media for the Lighting Professional. The panel included Andrea Bilkey, Jim Hutchison from JimOnLight and myself. The three of us discussed how important it is to be social both in the real world and online and offered some guidelines to help prepare yourself for that undertaking. And yes, I was live tweeting the session a little bit.
The final session I got to for the day was the Lighting Commission Meeting. The lighting commission is the group of people that organizes the lighting sessions for the conference. It’s at this meeting where anyone, I mean ANYONE can put forth and idea for future sessions. If you have a great idea for a session at USITT that deals with lighting, they want to talk to you! I have been apart of three sessions in the past two years and I have had a BLAST sharing my thoughts with everyone. I encourage you to do the same. Headed over to the Lighting Commission page and get in contact with someone and tell them about your great idea.
Finally, the day wrapped up with some dinner, a few choice beverages and the USITT 2011 tweetup at Strike Bowling. I didn’t get a chance to take to many photos today as I was running around all over the convention center. But in true iSquint fashion, I’ll have plenty of photos to share tomorrow!
Fill Up Your Dance Card at #USITT2011
Most people that are attending USITT in Charlotte, NC this week will be traveling either today or tomorrow. Travel time is the best time to catch up on some reading or that pesky paperwork that always seems to fall behind. I don’t know about you, but I have an hour and a half flight that I am going to try and get three hours worth of work done!
Why the push to get things done? Because it is USITT!!! Once you land in Charlotte, you will be pulled in so many different directions, lunch here, dinner there.. all the sudden it’s 2am and the bar is closing. Not the best time to get work done, it’s bed time.
To help pull you in different directions, here are a couple of sessions and events that I’ll be attending.
Wednesday, March 9th at 9:30am – There’s a Lighting App for That/ Mobile Lighting Tools: I’ll be on the panel with Eric Cornwell, Scott Parker and Richard Pilbrow talking about apps, apps and more apps that make our lives easier in the lighting industry.
Wednesday, March 9th at 3:30pm – Marketing in the Digital World & Social Media for the Lighting Professional: I’ll be joining Jim Hutchison from Jimonlight to talk about how to put your best foot forward online and joining the conversation.
Wednesday, March 9th at 4:15pm – Lighting Commission Meeting and Refreshments: This is where ideas and new sessions come up. Have an idea for a lighting session at next years USITT? Come and share!
Wednesday, March 9th at 7:30pm – The official USITT 2011 Tweetup at Strike Charlotte. Bowl over your friends and meet tweeters from around the industry. www.strikecitycharlotte.com.
Thursday, March 10th at 11am – The Stage Expo
Thursday, March 10th at 8pm – The #2amt Tweetup, TBD. Stay tuned.
Friday, March 11th at 11am – The Stage Expo
Friday, March 11th at TBD – Field trip to the Charlotte Apple Store to see and possibly pick up the new iPad2.
Saturday, March 12th at 9:30am – The Stage Expo
I’m sure I am missing a couple of things, but you can always find something to do at any moment during the conference. You can watch twitter and the hash tag #USITT2011 to find something going on. If you haven’t done it yet, make sure to download the USITT mobile app for your iOS device!
Everyone have a safe trip to Charlotte and see you around town!
#USITT2011 Is THIS WEEK… Are You Ready?
It’s March already? Time is just flying by! As I un-pack, clean, write and re-pack for USITT this today, I wanted to check in and see if everyone else is ready for the week. Have you made a list yet? You really should. It is the worst to get to the conference and realize you forgot something.
First things first… cloths, pretty important thing. Dress not only for the weather, but also to show off your self. Remember, we are selling ourselves here. Extra cloths never hurt.
Resume and business cards. If you are a student or a job seeker at the conference, more is never a bad idea. I might suggest budgeting about 200 or so resumes and 500 business cards. Again, it sucks to run out in the middle of the conference, so more the better. It is ALWAYS a good idea to have the digital files on a jump drive that you can take to a FedEx Kinkos to have printed in Charlotte if you run out.
The other thing I always want to point out is general behavior and representing yourself or company at the show. The thing I want to mention is common sense, USE IT. You should also read Steve Shelley’s ” write up on what to expect at industry events. Mr. Shelley has been doing it for a long time and has some great advice. You may have already seen this before, but read it again, I always do before a big event.
When I started attending industry events, one of my former bosses gave me the greatest pieces of advice. Whether you are representing a company or yourself, while you are at an industry event, you are “on” 24/7. No matter if you are on the trade show floor or at the bar at the end of the day, put your best foot forward and let everyone see your best side.
We are in an industry were everyone knows someone. The person you just meet might know someone else and start talking about you. Putting your best out there will make sure that conversation is a good one! I don’t mention this to scare you from having fun and being yourself, just use common sense. ;)
I look forward to seeing everyone in Charlotte later this week! This is going to be a great week. Make sure you are prepared and ready. Safe travels everyone!
Wybron’s Visuality 2011 Tour Continues On To The Pacific Northwest in March
Wybron’s brand new Mobile Light Lab is hitting the highways again. This time it is off to the Northwest in March to continue on with the Visuality 2011 Tour. More from the press release:
The Wybron Mobile Light Lab will first head to Fresno, Calif., where it will host events at Michael Garrison Associates and Live Light Inc. on March 14 and 15 respectively. It will then head to Musson Theatrical in Santa Clara, Calif., for a March 16 event and Holzmueller Productions in San Francisco, Calif., for a March 17 event. It will wrap up the week on March 18 in beautiful Sacramento, Calif., at Sacramento Theatrical.
The Mobile Light Lab will then head north to Oregon and Washington. Its first event of the second week will be hosted by Bud’s Lites, a Molalla, Ore., dealer that will hold a March 21 event at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Ore. Then it’s off to Portland, Ore., for a March 22 event at Stagecraft Portland, and Seattle, Wash., for a March 23 event at Hollywood Lights. The Mobile Light Lab will wrap up the month with a March 24 event in Olympia, Wash., at CCI Solutions and a March 25 event at Stagecraft Seattle in Seattle, Wash.
Each event will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind, upscale experience that combines hands-on Wybron product demonstrations, continuing education, refreshments, and opportunities to network with colleagues and ask questions of Wybron product experts. Visitors will be entered to win an iPod Touch — one of two Wybron will be giving out each month — and complimentary copies of all of Wybron’s iPhone apps.
Super Saturday 2011 – Super Awesome!
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Stage Seminar’s Stage Lighting Super Saturday in New York City. What a weekend! It was all about theatre. While Super Saturday was only one day, my wife and I decided to make a weekend of it and catch some shows and visit some of my favorite places in midtown. What a whorl wind tour. Like the on going joke on twitter #SleepIsForTheWeek or #IllSleepWhenImDead. With less then 48 hours in the city, you really only get a glimpse of what New York City has to offer. But the glimpse we got was awesome.
The entire trip centered around Super Saturday. I spent my most of my day there talking, learning and meeting new and exciting people. The day kicked off with Broadway lighting designer, Ken Billington giving the Keynote speak about how be began in the industry, what lighting means to him and all the different choices and areas of lighting there are. I have a special treat courtesy of Stage Seminars and Mr. Billington. Look out for the next iSquint Podcast!
The day progressed from there into the sessions with breaks every 3 or four sessions for the manufacturers showcase. It’s at these breaks the the attendees got a chance to get up on stage and talk with manufacturers about their products and what they have to offer. It also gave us attendees a chance to mingle, talk and express our love and tribulations of lighting. I got a chance to talk to a couple of readers of iSquint about some lighting desk. I love talking about control! I could have been there all day talking about control, but our time was limited on stage and with manufacturers so back to making rounds to the various tables.
I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the new products that were shown. I’ll be writing more about the new things coming in a bit. Then there are a couple of things that we still have to wait a couple of months to see. Lets just say, LEDs are getting better, brighter and more beautiful.
What about the sessions! The sessions were great and lead by some pretty intelligent people. I must say, I didn’t get a chance to see them all as during some of the sessions I was chasing down individuals for interviews. The sessions I did get a chance to see where wonderful. All of the sessions and the entire day of Super Saturday is geared towards those less informed about lighting and lighting design. I don’t want to say it is just for newbies or novice at all. Now I will not say I am an old dog or industry vet, though I do think it is safe to say I can turn a wrench with the best of them. I learned something new this past weekend. It sounds silly, but folding a plot rather then rolling it makes for easy transport. And here, all these years I have been rolling! So yes, even experienced professionals can learn something.
I had a wonderful time this weekend. Not just at Super Saturday, but spending time with my wife and taking her to not only her first Broadway musical, but her second as well! For the record, we saw Billy Elliot on Friday night and American Idiot on Saturday night… and yes, Billy Joe was in the cast and it was fantastic!
I have quite a few things to edit and get up on the site from the weekend so look for more coverage to come in the next couple of days. Thank you to Scott Parker and Sonny Sonnenfeld for inviting me to Super Saturday 2011! I had a blast and look forward to next year.