Large Numbers Sign Up to ETC's CUE

ETC's first-of-its-kind end-user conference, CUE (Create, Understand, Experience), is attracting professionals from all lighting fields and parts of the world. So far, nine different countries will be represented at the event, with attendees hailing from the theatrical-, architectural-, worship-, concert-, freelance-, and industrial-lighting industries, among others. With such a diverse group of individuals, CUE promises spirited discussions about the state of lighting today.

One of the main intents of CUE is to give lighting professionals the chance to share their experiences and ideas. Terena Wilkens, a lighting and sound designer, technical director and adjunct faculty for the Anderson Theatre at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, says: "CUE sounded like a lot of fun and a chance to meet others in the industry that I may not always meet up with at other events. I want to hear other views on lighting design and meet others who do what I do." Andrea Bilkey, an associate professor at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, agrees: "Having an opportunity to learn from and share stories with fellow creative minds, as well as the folks who know ETC best, is a win-win situation."

ETC has always encouraged end users to share their thoughts on product development. CUE will give end users a platform to have a direct conversation with ETC about future technologies. "One reason I wish to attend CUE," says Mark Ayers, director of technical theatre at the North East School of the Arts in San Antonio, Texas, "is that I believe ETC is leading the way in classic theatre lighting with LED units, and I would like to see what direction they are heading." Dan Kendgia, IATSE Local 3 electrician, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, adds: "I've always been interested in the R&D side of ETC. At CUE, I am hoping to get the ability to question and discuss ETC R&D to help make a better product for end users."

The CUE event will also include training on the latest ETC equipment, so many end-users are signing up to improve their skills on the products they use every day. Kevin Bishop, a resident lighting designer at the Stafford Centre for the Performing Arts in Stafford, Texas, wants to expand his knowledge of the ETC Ion lighting control console: "I have flat fallen in love with the Ion, so the chance to learn and get even better was just too hard to pass up."

The sessions scheduled for CUE will also help attendees make decisions about future product purchases or updates in their lighting systems. "I am also the tech director at my church," explains Dave Hunsberger, audio technical assistant for the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake, Illinois. "I am in charge of our lighting and audio systems, as well as the volunteers who run them. I look forward to using the knowledge I gain at the CUE event to help me move our systems into the future."

CUE is expected to impact the lighting industry outside the conference, as well, as attendees implement and share the new knowledge they gain. "CUE looks like an excellent way to learn more about equipment from real people and be able to pass that on to my students. I thought it could provide me some insight on future ways to teach students," says Jody Tidwell, technical director for the theatre and dance department at the College of Wooster, Ohio.

End users are also signing up to attend CUE to get a glimpse of ETC's renowned factory. Town Square - the Edward Hopper-inspired atrium in the company headquarters - has garnered awards for its creative design. IATSE stagehand Kristi Ross-Clausen knows firsthand the reaction Town Square elicits: "I'm looking forward to seeing facial expressions as people walk into Town Square for the first time. It's beautiful."

The deadline to apply for CUE is approaching, and the final spaces at CUE are filling up fast. More information about CUE, which will be held July 25 to 27th, 2011, in Madison, Wisconsin, is available at ETC's website.