ESTA and USITT Launch the New World Rigging SymposiumESTA and USITT announce the New World Rigging Symposium, taking place March 13 - 14, 2018 in conjunction with the USITT Conference and Stage Expo 2018 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The Symposium will provide a unique opportunity for riggers and those interested in the live entertainment rigging industry to network, discuss current issues and new technologies, and help shape the future of the industry. In ten sessions over two days, participants will be given a wide range of opportunities to further their technical knowledge, keep up to date with codes and standards, and learn what it's like to work as a rigger in other segments of the entertainment industry. Attendees will also hear from experts in related fields such as structural engineering and risk management. The Symposium will carry ETCP education renewal credits for re-certification. The New World Rigging Symposium will include multiple opportunities for attendees to network over morning coffee, breaks, lunch, and evening cocktails. The final session on day two will offer an opportunity for USITT conference attendees interested in careers in rigging to meet and talk with professional riggers, followed by the USITT opening night party. Symposium attendees will receive free show floor passes to the USITT Stage Expo opening on March 15th as well as a discount on the conference registration. Bill Sapsis and Eddie Raymond are working with ESTA to help identify topics and panelists over the next few months and will moderate the New World Rigging Symposium. Both bring a wealth of industry knowledge, experience, and contacts to the job. Sapsis serves as the chair of ESTA's Technical Standards Program Rigging Working Group and as co-chair of the ETCP Rigging Subject Matter Experts. He has produced three North American Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conferences. Raymond is the Vice President of IATSE Local 16 (retired) in San Francisco where he headed their acclaimed training program for many years. He is still actively involved in the industry conducting rigging inspections and providing OSHA entertainment safety training around the country. Raymond served as the president of ESTA for six years and as a co-chair of the ETCP Rigging Subject Matter Experts. Please email riggingsymposium@esta.org to be notified when registration opens or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities. 
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