Bookings Up as PLASA Rigging Conference Announces More Sessions

Bookings for PLASA Rigging Conference, running at ExCeL London, are up by fifty percent compared to this time last year, providing a clear indication that the new, one-day format is proving popular with the rigging community. The news comes as the conference announces two important additions to its program -- Matthias Müller's "Raising Your Game" and "The Piece Rather than the Rigging" presented by Alan Bartlett.

"Raising Your Game" will consider the role of the chain hoist as the industry's workhorse and address questions that are often overlooked when making an appropriate choice for a given task. Hoists are an integral part of almost every show or event, which makes these decisions more relevant than ever. The session's presenter, Matthias Müller, will look at why specification should be an informed and holistic choice, rather than simply being based on price or availability.

Müller studied at the Technical University of Dresden, graduating in 1990 as a mechanical engineer. Initially working in the field of heavy duty crane design, Matthias became a project leader and site manager for a major constructor in the power generating business. He started working for Hoffmann Fördertechnik GmbH, the manufacturer of LIFTKET electric chain hoists in 2002. In 2004, Matthias became the technical manager of Hoffmann Fördertechnik and is now responsible for the development of new products, quality assurance programs, and the research and development department.

During "The Piece Rather than the Rigging," Alan Bartlett will discuss the integrity of the scenic items riggers are often asked to lift. It is a subject that is often glossed over, as structural design and shape are ignored, while safety considerations focus on the weight and the size of a piece of scenery. The session will discuss subjects ranging from the provision of appropriate flying points on scenery to the merits of various materials used in the construction of flown scenic elements or props.

Bartlett acts as chief designer and manager of the 50-strong scenery design and construction departments at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). Leaving university in 1978, he joined The Crucible and gained a broad grounding in regional rep, touring ballet, and opera, before his first workshop manager position in 1982. Immediately prior to joining the RSC in 1991, Bartlett was responsible for the redevelopment at Birmingham Repertory Theatre and is involved in the ongoing development of the RSC's theatres in Stratford. As well as being responsible for set design and engineering at the RSC, Bartlett has designed temporary auditoria for the 740-seat Roundhouse and 1,040-seat replica of the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre in the Park Avenue Armory, New York.

These latest additions join a PLASA Rigging Conference 2014 program that is brimming with expertise. Earlier announcements revealed that Total Solutions' Chris Higgs will curate the program, which includes a keynote speech from Bill Sapsis, a discussion about the revised CDM Regulations from Michael Anderson, and an update on the International Code of Practice for Entertainment Rigging (ICoPER) from Lori Rubinstein.

Running alongside PLASA London 2014 at ExCeL, the PLASA Rigging Conference, now in its fifth year, is an important annual meeting for the rigging industry, typically attracting over 150 delegates, from more than 20 different countries. That includes practitioners, managers, engineers, safety professionals, and policy makers who are keen to exchange information, challenge thinking, and inspire new research. It is unique as the only event to focus specifically on rigging for the entertainment industry.

A special early bird booking rate of £150 plus VAT is available until Monday, September 15. The delegate rate includes refreshments throughout the day, lunch, and networking drinks at the close of the conference. For more information and to book your place, visit the URL below.