Article provided by ESTA
ESTA and USITT announce the second New World Rigging Symposium, taking place March 19-20, 2019, in conjunction with the USITT Conference and Stage Expo 2019 in Louisville, KY. Building on the enormous success of this year’s inaugural symposium, the 2019 event will once again provide an 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.
Attendees at the 2018 symposium were impressed with the knowledge and passion of the presenters and their fellow attendees, which made for an educational and inspirational event. The mix of professional riggers, engineers, health and safety professionals, venue managers, educators, and manufacturers ensured stimulating and sometimes spirited interactions in the sessions as well as the networking events. One attendee commented, “Sitting in the room and hearing the talk, discussion, and questions — priceless.”
In multiple sessions over two days, participants will be given a range of opportunities to further their technical knowledge, keep up to date with codes and standards, increase their understanding of structural issues, and learn about the challenges of working as a rigger in all segments of the entertainment industry. “The quality of speakers was top notch, as were the moderators,” enthused a 2018 attendee. Another said, “The symposium was outstanding because of the strong engagement of a knowledgeable audience.”
Jim Digby, Founder and Chairman of the Event Safety Alliance and a veteran of the live music and event production industry will be delivering the Keynote Address. Jim is a tour and production manager by trade involved with some of the industry’s largest artists over the past three decades, including his work as Director of Touring and Production for Linkin Park. He is a vocal advocate for the advancement and application of safety controls, diversity and education within the live event sector to empower the workforce with greater proficiencies.
The New World Rigging Symposium includes opportunities for attendees to network over morning coffee, breaks, lunch, and evening cocktails. Symposium attendees will receive free show floor passes to USITT19 opening on March 21 as well as a discount on the Conference registration. The Symposium will carry ETCP education renewal credits for re-certification.
Registration for the Symposium is $375, which includes lunches, a reception, and a USITT Stage Expo floor pass. Register for both the Symposium and the full USITT Conference for just $675. Please email riggingsymposium@esta.org to be notified when registration opens.
Sponsorship of the Symposium conveys your message to a highly targeted audience of top riggers, engineers, and safety professionals, and demonstrates your support for bringing the rigging community together. Returning sponsors include: Platinum — Stage Rigging; Silver — Kish Rigging; Bronze — H&H Specialties, Sapsis Rigging. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are still available.
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