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 first notch, as
were the moderators,” enthused a 2018 attendee while 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 the USITT Stage Expo
opening on March 21st as well as a discount on the conference registration. The
Symposium will carry ETCP education renewal credits for re-certification.
Registration for the
Symposium, including lunches, reception and a USITT Stage Expo floor pass, is
$375. 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, The Light Source, Sapsis Rigging. A variety
of sponsorship opportunities are still available.
