John Offord, the founder and first editor of Lighting&Sound International magazine and a well-known figure to many in the live entertainment technology industry, has passed away after a short illness. John’s career spanned a time of rapid transformation in professional stage lighting, sound reinforcement, staging and effects. Over a 40-year period, he was a key player in developing the news and informational structure which supported the entertainment technology industry’s growing behind-the-scenes community of technicians, manufacturers and suppliers, and which lasts to this day. John was born in 1942 in Lewisham, London, the eldest of four siblings, and was destined to…
Author: James Robertson
UK dsp and amplifier technology manufacturing partners XTA and MC² have appointed Modern Solutions Plus as their exclusive distributor for Thailand. Modern Solutions Plus distributes a number of leading global brands in Thailand as well as being a successful designer and integrator of audio systems across the country. Commenting on behalf of XTA/MC² Richard Fleming looks forward to establishing a productive relationship with Modern Solutions Plus: “Modern Solutions Plus is a long-established, highly-regarded company with an excellent understanding of this rapidly expanding market. Its expert team combine a detailed knowledge of the products they distribute with vast experience of advising…
Building on the success of YES Tech MT transparent series, YES TECH is launching the MT II, an upgraded version that is stronger, more stable, and highly versatile. Transparent screens often face a trade-off between lightweight aesthetics and structural durability. The MT II is upgraded with a magnesium-alloy frame, and it can be hung up to 20m, which significantly enhances structural strength and improves resistance to wind and impact. Additionally, its optimised waterproofing reduces the risk of water ingress, enhancing both operational safety and the longevity of the display in outdoor environments. The MT II can easily switch between transparent…
The Live Events Stage is back for 2026 with TPi curating talks and panels from Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5 February 2026, and Production Futures taking over the stage on Friday 6 February. Located at the end of Hall 6, the stage will once again offer a behind-the-scenes look at some of the world’s most incredible live events, featuring the people who bring them to life. Supported by headline sponsor MA Lighting and Ross Video, who are sponsoring Wednesday’s panel, the stage will host four days of panels and interviews with visionaries from across the entertainment sphere. From audio engineers…
At Integrated Systems Europe 2026, 3-6 February in Barcelona, Adam Hall Integrated Systems will be showcasing a wide range of new solutions and products from the areas of commercial audio, lighting and control. The next major update of the LD Systems QUESTRA design and management platform to version 1.4 will take centre stage. In addition, AV system integrators, specialist planners and installation technology service providers can look forward to audio and video extensions to the TICA and TIVA series as well as a new DSP audio matrix that has been specially developed for installation projects and is fully integrated into…
Amadeus Acoustics will launch Amadeus Immersive Sound Next Generation at ISE 2026. Developed in response to increasingly complex venue architectures and rising creative expectations, the Immersive Performance module, ART::IP moves immersive sound beyond single-zone concepts into a truly scalable, multi-zone, three-dimensional spatial platform. This makes ART::IP the most advanced immersive sound tool available on the market today. While previous immersive solutions delivered compelling spatialisation in standard room layouts, ART::IP is engineered for real-world complexity: multiple audience zones, varied loudspeaker functions, optimised algorithms for acoustically challenging areas such as under balconies, and hybrid stage–surround systems. Shaped by real-world user feedback from…
HOF has permanently reduced the prices of the MLT TWO and MLT THREE. The Design, materials, load ratings, and functionality continue to meet HOF’s standards. Rotating steel forks, flexible curving options, and the well-thought-out system logic trusted by professionals remain integral components of the series. So nothing changes in terms of the product. “The MLT is our benchmark – technically and functionally,” said Dennis Klostermann, Co-CEO of HOF. “With the new pricing structure, we are making a deliberate strategic decision: we are expanding the applicability of the original without compromising quality, safety, or performance by even a millimetre.” www.h-of.de
Rise AV has announced the launch of its 2026 Mentoring Programme in the UK, expanding for the first time to APAC. Both programmes will run concurrently from May 2026, providing six months of structured mentorship and professional development for women at all career stages. Thanks to the generous support of our industry sponsors, participation in this programme is completely free of charge. Following the huge success of the 2025 UK programme and significant demand from professionals across the Asia Pacific, Rise AV is expanding the initiative into the region for 2026, beginning in Singapore and Hong Kong. The UK and…
Drawing on the colour-rendering prowess of his CHAUVET Professional Maverick and Rogue fixtures, which were supplied by Josh Peikert and his team at Hoopty Lights, LD Braxtin Pieper is transforming the stage for Shane Smith and the Saints Ugly Christmas Sweater Tour, with a palette that combines, blues, purples and oranges. Not all of his bold looks feature traditional holiday colour combos, but each plays well off the set’s seasonal scenic elements. “I believe in a lot of multi-colour palettes,” said Pieper. “For example, our combination of desaturated magenta on one side of the stage and CTB on the other,…
Following its UK launch in January 2025, Rise AV has announced its expansion into the Asia Pacific with the formation of its first overseas council and mentoring programme. The Rise AV Mentoring programme, beginning in Singapore and Hong Kong provides six months of structured mentorship and professional development for women at all career stages. Applications are now open for female mentees and industry-leading mentors of all genders. Thanks to the generous support of industry sponsors, including QSC and ROE Visual, participation in this programme is free. To ensure Rise AV’s initiatives in APAC reflect the region’s unique professional and cultural…
In a statement, the Prolight + Sound team have announced the discontinuation of the trade show in Frankfurt. The team recently announced that due to insufficient demand, they would be moving Prolight + Sound to take part within Light + Building 2026. They have now announced that Prolight + Sound will no longer take place in Frankfurt. Read the full Statement below: “Over the past few weeks, we have held many conversations and conducted an in-depth review of how we can shape the future of Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt. Unfortunately, it has become clear that there is insufficient demand…
Bristol is planning to establish a clean power hub for its summer programme that guarantees renewable energy for music festivals, high attendance cultural events, & film and television productions. A new pilot partnership between West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Bristol City Council, the ACT 1.5 project, development support from Grid Faeries x Ecotricity, and multiple clean power providers will see a new temporary mobile power hub established within the city, that can be utilised by a selection of music and cultural events and ongoing tv and film shoots. This pioneering leap builds on the world record breaking low emissions…
Polygon Live, a 360-degree immersive audio company that produces unique listening solutions to live music experiences, held its first UK event this spring, calling on Britannia Row Productions in London before replicating the level of service in North America with LD Systems in the build-up to Bonnaroo Music & Art Festival. Since 2017, Polygon Live has been working closely with L-Acoustics and a team of spatial audio engineers, and when a 3-day event, Polygon Live LDN, was conceived for the Italian Terraces at London’s Crystal Palace Park, Britannia Row Productions became the organisation’s ideal audio rental partner. “I’ve always been…
INFiLED has unveiled its newest showroom in Chicago, Illinois, further expanding the company’s presence across the USA. Joining its existing LA Experience Centre, the new Chicago Experience Centre features the most innovative and state-of-the-art LED displays for both fixed installation and rental/staging applications, offering customers the chance to experience the technology firsthand. Products on show include INFiLED’s fixed mounted WV, WP and WT series and a variety of hanging rental solutions powered by Green Hippo, along with its all-in-one corporate solution, OrionLED series, showcased in its meeting spaces. Whether designing immersive retail spaces, building high-impact xR stages or enhancing transportation…
Clearwing has joined Clair Global. This move brings together two well-respected companies with a shared commitment to exceptional service, deep expertise, and people-first cultures. Founded in 1976, Clearwing has earned its excellent reputation by delivering high-impact audio, lighting, video, and rigging solutions for live events and permanent installations. With locations in Milwaukee, WI and Phoenix, AZ, the company takes a solutions-driven approach and is backed by a team known for its professionalism, creativity, and consistent results. Clearwing is currently providing lighting for Gracie Abrams’ The Secret of Us tour and recently delivered audio for the electronic music duo, ODESZA. In…
IPS (Impact Production Services) has added 400 by 1000mm and 100 by 320mm Martin Sceptron XB fixtures to its hire inventory, alongside a complete suite of rigging, power, and control infrastructure. This significant investment makes IPS the largest UK rental house currently holding the Sceptron XB, the latest evolution in Martin’s acclaimed LED video fixture line. The Sceptron XB units have already been deployed on high profile projects, including the Fantastic Four film premiere at the BFI IMAX in London, and are expected to see strong demand across live music, broadcast, corporate events, and outdoor activations. Following consistent year round…
