LightingEurope has poured their members’ collective expertise into a new revised version 3 of their guidelines on the EU Ecodesign and Energy Labelling rules for light sources.

This new revised version addresses the changes introduced by the Omnibus Amendment published on 26 February 2021 (e.g. SVM, heating lamps, energy label transition period from 1st July). They have also updated the text in some sections to reflect their understanding about how to interpret and apply certain requirements.

The new rules apply latest on 1^st September 2021, and some changes have already taken effect. The LightingEurope guidelines contain the experience our members and staff have gained while discussing these new rules since 2015, when they were first being drafted, both with regulators and among companies within their working groups. They are LightingEurope’s contribution to support all companies to understand and apply the new and complex rules, and to help all authorities enforce them.

Pictograms for replaceable light source & replaceable control gear are also available. The LightingEurope pictograms are free for any company to use, in order to comply with the information obligations on the replaceability of light sources and separate control gears – Find out more.

The guidelines are free to view and download for our member companies & public authorities. They are also free for members of a LightingEurope member National Lighting Association – Find out more.

Companies that are not members of a lighting association can purchase the LightingEurope Guidelines package – Find our more.

For further information on this topic, please contact Ourania Georgoutsakou, Secretary General at ourania.georgoutsakou@lightingeurope.org.

Solutions, thought leadership and networking will bring the industry together safely and productively 

Integrated Systems Events releases more details about its #ISELive&Online programme, which will run throughout June.

Highlighting the future of AV and innovative solutions, ISE Digital and ISE Live elements will integrate to bring the industry together in a safe and richly rewarding way. Whether joining online or in-person at a regional event, attendees can expect inspiring content from innovation leaders, meaningful networking opportunities and the latest technologies from LANG, Panasonic, AVI-SPL, Control4, Barco, Biamp, NEC, Sharp, Shure plus many more.

ISE Digital – The Future of AV

ISE Digital is a two-day festival of content powered by CISCO technology. The platform will provide an intuitive, digital tv-style menu of content that will engage, entertain, and inform. With a comprehensive programme of live and on-demand content, ISE Digital will be launched to run concurrently with the Barcelona event on 1-2 June and will be available on demand in the weeks that follow, reactivated with live updates from the Munich, Amsterdam and London events. Registration for any of the four regional events provides access to this content from launch; online-only registration is also available.

Exploring ‘The Future of AV’, ISE Digital will highlight business growth and opportunities, while showcasing solutions, in the context of the industry emerging from the confines of the pandemic. ISE Digital will feature daily thought-leadership and market intelligence curated by TNW, AVIXA, CEDIA and ISE partners, with insights on how the latest technologies can futureproof business in 2022 and beyond.

Mike Blackman, Integrated Systems Events Managing Director explained: “We are proud to be partnering with CISCO on ISE Digital. Working with the industry in this way, we will be providing significant opportunities for teams and individuals to meet their customers, for people to experience product innovations, and of course, for networking.”

Live content from the Main Stage, and focused Tech Tracks with insight from key technology sectors, aim to inspire and spark lively conversations with an opportunity for attendees to interact, share ideas and ask questions. Topic areas covered include Digital Signage, Live Events & Audio, Workspace Evolution, Digital Learning, Smart Building and XR in Today’s Reality.

Mike Blackman added: “Whether it’s a global case study, expert presentation, roundtable, CEO interview or product demo, visitors to ISE Digital will learn about the latest innovations in a new and fascinating manner. We are excited to share this with the AV industry.”

Digital attendees can access interviews, panel discussions, brand stories, product news, demos and more – either live or on demand. ISE Digital will offer exclusive presentations from some of the world’s leading technology and service suppliers, and the capability to link up with them directly through the platform. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with speakers, sponsors, and other participants, join a roundtable and more.

ISE Live – Regional Events

The four live ISE events get under way at the Fira de Barcelona on 1-2 June. Visitors can expect a rich programme of content, quality business networking and leading brand exhibitors.

Outlining the programme, Blackman explained: “The ISE live events will allow our industry to reconnect with the AV community in four of Europe’s leading AV hubs. Each local event will provide two full days of networking in a safe, relaxed environment – perfect for catching up with contacts and colleagues. Each event will provide the opportunity to build a new set of ‘high worth’ connections including leading installers, integrators, and end users.”

The live events schedule is as follows:

• ISE @ Barcelona 1-2 June, Fira de Barcelona, Gran Vía
• ISE @ Munich 7-8 June, MAC Forum, Munich
• ISE @ Amsterdam 15-16 June, RAI Amsterdam
• ISE @ London 23-24 June, Evolution, London

Each event will bring together some of the world’s leading technology and solutions providers, all keen to demonstrate their latest innovations.

“I believe this approach reflects what we’ve heard, a strong desire for prudent and safe face-to-face gatherings that can reinforce business connections and initiate growth.  We are honoured to be in a position to offer these to our community,” added David Labuskes, CEO, AVIXA.

“The success of ISE has been built on broad industry support and that is the reason why we have taken these decisions.  We look forward to a debut show where our community can all be together again,” commented Giles Sutton, joint CEO of CEDIA.

Registration is quick and simple –

https://www.iseurope.org/register.php?actioncode=LIVEAPR1

To be part of the future of AV, contact your regional sales agent (find their details at https://www.iseurope.org/contact-us/) and discover what ISE Live & Online can do for you.

The international event industry stands united. This is the message that Messe Frankfurt, together with numerous associations and organisations, aims to send out at the first Prolight + Sound BIZLounge on 13th April 2021. The digital streaming format offers opportunities to exchange views on burning issues such as a possible industry restart, sustainable events, challenges in education and the effects of Brexit. During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to pose their questions to the speakers and panellists. The full-day programme will be held entirely in English – registration is free at www.prolight-sound.com/bizlounge.

 “Despite the cancellation of Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt due to corona, it is our ambition to create a space for discussions, to set impulses and to communicate approaches to solutions. The overwhelming support from the industry makes us very proud. With the BIZLounge, we are giving the starting signal for the road to Prolight + Sound 2022 and would like to contribute our part for a promising future of the event economy”, says Mira Wölfel, Director Prolight + Sound.

The programme starts at 10 a.m. CEST with a discussion round on perspectives and possible scenarios for an economically viable restart of event operations. Representatives of the associations and institutions organised in the “Forum Event Industry”, BDKV, BVVS, EVVC, i.s.d.v., as well as from the US-based association NAMM and the Dutch crowd management agency Phase 01, will be present. “Even if we cannot meet in person in Frankfurt, the joint exchange is extremely important for the entire industry. We are looking forward to bringing in the venues’ perspective, from small community centres to large arenas,” says Timo Feuerbach, Managing Director of the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC).

This will be followed (11 a.m.) by a presentation and discussion on the consequences of the UK’s exit from the EU with the participation of the VPLT and the international associations PLASA and PEARLE. “Post Brexit, we sense a high level of uncertainty for the industry, particularly regarding the movement of goods and people. The impact on costs and time will severely affect how we operate in the future, making the whole process much more cumbersome. We appreciate Prolight + Sound BIZLounge as an opportunity to provide a look at what topics are up front for our business and what companies need to consider”, says Peter Heath, Managing Director, PLASA

Another key topic at Prolight + Sound is sustainability in the event industry. At 12 p.m., representatives of the EVVC as well as RAI Amsterdam and the European Music Council will shed light on the question of what the trend towards green events will have in the future. At 1 p.m., the theatre technology societies from Germany and Austria will give an overview of the consequences of the new Ecodesign Directive on the use of light sources in theatres and venues. „Sustainability is a desirable goal, as all of us want to contribute to a liveable planet for the next generations. While the strict regulations contribute to reduce the carbon footprint, they also need to respect socio-economic requirements. We will address this complex topic at Prolight + Sound BIZLounge – which milestones were achieved recently and what are the upcoming topics”, says Christian Allabauer, head of the lighting department, OETHG.

Not only for long-standing industry experts does the current crisis raise many questions. Particularly newcomers who are currently studying or in training often look towards the future with uncertainty. How are educational institutions responding to these challenges? The VPLT will be examining this question together with representatives from renowned universities at 2 pm. “Without excellent professionals, contemporary events are inconceivable. Even if hardly any large events can take place at present, all skills must be imparted to the professionals of tomorrow – this forces universities and training companies to rethink. I am looking forward to a valuable exchange on this topic at the Prolight + Sound BIZLounge,” says Randell Greenlee, Head of Politics & International, VPLT.

A festive highlight of the event will be the presentation of two renowned industry awards from 3 p.m.. This year’s “Sinus – Systems Integration Award” honours the “Osram – World of Light” in Munich. The winning project of the “Opus – German Stage Award” is the production of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigoletto” at the Seebühne Bregenz. Director Philipp Stölzel himself will give a short speech on the project during the event. At the end of the Prolight + Sound BIZLounge, participants will hear important information about funding programmes in the theatre industry in a speech by Sanela Kolb (DTHG).

All details about the topics and speakers are accessible at www.prolight-sound.com/bizlounge.

The next Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt will open from 26th to 29th April 2022. Further information at www.prolight-sound.com.

Key to the success of a lighting console, besides the quality of the product itself, are customer service, support and training, according to the corporate philosophy of ChamSys.

This belief is wholeheartedly shared by Interlite AB, which is a big reason why the company is proud to become the exclusive Swedish distributor of ChamSys products, including the award-winning MagicQ and QuickQ series.

“We are big believers in product training and demonstrations, “said  Tobias Johansson, a 20-year industry veteran and brand manager of ChamSys for Interlite AB. “The commitment ChamSys has to service fits perfectly with our own philosophy.”

Beyond this compatibility, Interlite AB is most excited about the ChamSys line of products. “ChamSys products excel from the mid to the top range of the console market,” said Johansson. “Their powerful and user-friendly features have earned them a great reputation.”

For its part, ChamSys enthusiastically welcomes Interlite AB to its distribution network. “Interest in our MagicQ and QuickQ consoles has been expanding rapidly in Sweden,” said Aziz Adilkhodjaev, International Sales and Business Development manager for ChamSys. “Having a company with the core values of Interlite AB represent us in that market will ensure that we are able to maintain the highest standards of service in Sweden as our business there grows. Great possibilities lay ahead in Sweden and we’re all very excited.”

Above: PYTCH Studios by Emanuel Mayorga.

Creative and technical event production design and delivery specialist Pytch – based in Bristol, UK – has invested in 72 new Astera Titan Tubes – adding to their existing 32 Astera AX3 LightDrops.

The LightDrops were originally purchased for creating funky and original table centres for events, gala dinners, etc., and Pytch have produced some custom covers that refract and treat the AX3 light in different ways.

Pytch is known for its imagination, flair, and innovative approach to event presentation, and very recently for expanding its office space with the purchase and installation of the fuselage of a real Boeing 727 airliner! This comes with its own character, colourful history, gloriously kitsch interior … and is now anchored safely to a stack of containers in the back yard, serving as a unique space in its own right impressing Pytch guests and clients.

Recently Pytch ran a PytchLab session – an experimental event where different ideas and concepts can be tried and tested for effectivity and practicality – using the AX3s and the Titan Tubes to illuminate the underside of the plane numerous striking ways.

However, the Titan Tubes were specifically an investment for the three virtual studios that Pytch has been running since the start of the pandemic, which have steadily been getting busier, utilised for a range of corporate presentations, meetings and business events plus livestreams concerts, fashion shows and other broadcasts.

The initial 24 x Titan Tubes went into the first studio and were such a success that it was decided to replicate the look in the other two spaces so all were identical, explained Pytch’s head of lighting, Dan Giddings.

Above: PYTCHLabs Session by Laurie Kaye.

Initially they looked at the AX1, Astera’s original ‘pixel tube’ “I wanted a specific neon looking tube but something that was classy, elegant and that stood out from the slew of options on the market” stated Dan.

They did their research and comparisons, and Astera came out the winner!

Individual pixel control was a big thing as it adds to the versatility of the product and therefore be used for a wider range of applications.

Wireless operation and battery power are also a great asset inherent in and Astera product in terms of flexibility, and this will be invaluable once live events start to ramp up as events re-start post-pandemic, says Dan, however in the studios, they are all run wired.

“So, it’s handy to have the option of both” he confirmed, adding that the Titan Tubes are fantastic for creating band backdrops rigged on stands or for attaching to trussing towers for those wanting a rawer and more industrial feel.

Recently Dan designed lighting for a multiple artist recording session at Pytch for a collection of exciting cutting-edge musical talent – vocalist Ruth Royall, the Paper Dragon collective, d ‘n’ b producers Grafix and Toronto Is Broken, dubstep bassmaster Axel Boy and fluid d ‘n’ b impresario Somatic – all for the Our Space record label.

The goal was to record the footage for music videos and other promotional collateral and also to release full length streamed sets online in the future.

The session offered a great opportunity for Dan to use the Titan Tubes in some interesting and inventive ways and maximise their pixel mapping capabilities. He rigged the fixtures at ground level and at various hights around the studio for a strong and distinctive signature look that would work for all artists.

We are in a time of considerable debate regarding street lighting and public safety. Many councils are questioning decisions made to dim street lighting or switch them off for part of the night; a practice known as ‘adaptive lighting’.

The Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) urges those with responsibility for street lighting to refer to Professional Lighting Guide 08: Guidance on the Application of Adaptive Lighting within the Public Realm (PLG08) which was published in 2016. This document describes a process for assessing the needs of road users during the night and suggests reductions in the amount of light can be justified as vehicular and pedestrian traffic decreases after the morning and evening peaks. What PLG08 does is guide the lighting professional through stages of data gathering, data processing consultation and analysis in order to ascertain whether lighting can be reduced or even switched off for part of the night.

PLG08 is current; its processes and recommendations suggest the decision for lighting reduction or switch off should be kept under regular review, to ensure the data and feedback used still justifies the actions taken. For many, energy and carbon reduction were drivers during the decision-making process. The replacement of old street lighting with dark-sky friendly LED will reduce energy consumption for most by around 60%. This reduction could offset a reversion from part night to all night lighting.

A lighting professional, using PLG08 and other guidance including ILP GN01 Guidance For the reduction of obtrusive light (2020) will be able to review the decision-making process and offer advice on the options available.

PLG08 is available as a digital version free of charge to all members of the Institution and can also be bought from: https://theilp.org.uk/publication/plg08-guidance-on-the-application-of-adaptive-lighting-within-the-public-realm/

Guidance Note 01 is available free at: https://theilp.org.uk/publication/guidance-note-1-for-the-reduction-of-obtrusive-light-2020/

• Autumn Fair will return in-person on 5^th – 8^th September 2021
• New for 2021, fashion show Moda will co-locate with Autumn Fair
• Industry leading brands set to appear on the exhibitor line-up

After over a year away from in-person events, Hyve Group are delighted to announce that Autumn Fair will return to the NEC Birmingham from 5^th – 8^th September 2021. Following their Refuelling Retail manifesto, Autumn Fair will be designed to reinvigorate the industry, providing the essential networking and product inspiration that we have all missed during this time apart.

Bringing an even more exciting proposition to the halls of the NEC Birmingham, Autumn Fair will be co-located with Hyve Group’s fashion trade show Moda. Situated alongside Jewellery & Watch and Fashion (JWF), Moda’s co-location will provide even more crossover buying and selling opportunities, creating a definitive fashion destination within the UK home, gift and lifestyle trade show.

Working in line with Hyve Group’s Safe and Secure guidelines, Autumn Fair will provide a space for Covid-safe trading, networking, inspiration and more, as the retail industry gets back up and running.

Autumn Fair promises to provide a compelling line-up of exhibitors. Already signed up are such names as TY UK, Big Metal, Joe Davies, The Art File, The English Soap Company, Kidicraft, Dcuk, Kikkerland, Ashleigh & Burwood, East of India, Paper Salad, Rush Design, D&J Glassware, Sifcon, Bomb Cosmetics, Coach House, Hill Interiors, Pacific Lifestyle, Ultimate Products, Rex International, Richard Lang & Son, Korbond Group, Price’s Patent Candles and many more.

New exhibitors on the line up include: Willsow, Chalk UK, Bachmann Europe, Peony & Pine, Emotional Rescue Scream Pretty, Brands Ltd, Emily Victoria Candles and Rainbow Design.

Plus, joining the JWF line-up are exciting names such as: Lido Pearls, Nephele Bags, Paradise Jewellery, Reeves & Reeves, Midhaven and Amber Hall Jewellery.

Julie Driscoll, Managing Director for Hyve’s UK Retail & Fashion portfolio commented, “We are delighted to finally be returning to the thing we do best; market-leading events facilitating trade, collaboration and creativity. We’re working hard to make our in-person shows safe and secure and we can’t wait to welcome our community back to the NEC Birmingham after such a long time apart.’’

Autumn Fair exhibitor Steve Cox, Sales Director at Keel Toys said, “Over the last few years some people have talked about trade shows not being as important as they once were. During the last week or so, I have looked at our order book and how it has grown since the beginning of January and compared it to other years. The answer is simple; trade shows are crucial, as they are the springboard to the beginning of the year for the order book and many other reasons… Keel Toys are booked for Autumn Fair in September and I for one am really looking forward to getting back to trade shows.”

Autumn Fair’s return has been welcomed by leading industry association BIRA; Commercial Director, Jeff Moody said, “Bira are delighted to be at Autumn Fair, as our independent retailers are so eager to see new product ranges and reconnect with suppliers and fellow retailers. It’s been such a long time since the industry has been able to meet together and Autumn Fair will be a much-awaited opportunity for the industry to reunite.”

It is with great anticipation that Hyve Group prepares for the return of Autumn Fair. Refuelling the retail industry is the show’s top priority moving forward, with community and collaboration at its heart.

Autumn Fair will return to the NEC Birmingham on 5^th – 8^th September 2021. Visitors and exhibitors can visit the Autumn Fair website to find out how to register their interest or apply for a stand.

The Electrical Safety Roundtable’s first ever Virtual Conference, taking place on Wednesday 12^th May between 09.30-16.00, will be Shining a Spotlight on the Initiatives Impacting Electrical Safety in Homes and Workplaces.

This free to attend online conference, sponsored by Megger and NAPIT, will share key electrical industry updates from a range of influential speakers addressing the steps being taken within the industry and by the Government to enhance the awareness of electrical safety for users, installers and the public.

The conference will start at 09.30 with a focus on Competence and Enforcement with Clive Betts MP, Chair of the Housing Communities and Local Government Select Committee, discussing “The potential impact of the Building Safety Bill on Electrical Safety and Competence”, following the committees pre-legislative scrutiny of the Building Safety Bill. Following which, David Cowburn, Chief Operating Officer at NAPIT, will be outlining the industry initiatives that are set to impact electrical safety over the coming months.

The afternoon session will be split into three, with the first section focusing on electrical safety within the Social Rented Sector, where Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive Officer at Electrical Safety First will be discussing their recent consultation: “Supporting the Social Rented Sector in improving electrical safety for tenants”. Joining this section will also be several professionals working within the social housing sector who will share their experiences on monitoring the safety of the electrical installations within socially rented properties.

Paul Meenan, C2C Asset Manager and ESR in the Workplace Chair, will provide an insight into electrical safety in the workplace based on his own experiences and showcasing the award-winning infographic, created by the Roundtable to raise awareness of safe isolation. 

Finally, Luke Spanton from MHCLG will provide an overview of the recent legislation affecting the electrical safety of privately rented dwellings and receive an update from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on their campaign to improve awareness amongst consumers on how to engage a competent and qualified electrician in Scotland. 

There will be the opportunity for attendees to submit questions to all the presenters, hosted by the Electrical Safety Roundtable Chairman Chris Bielby MBE. 

Commenting on the conference, Chris Bielby said: ‘This impressive line-up of contributors emphasises the importance of electrical safety in the UK and I am proud to be Chairing this event. I would urge anyone with an interest in electrical safety, and particularly professionals in this field, to attend to get a full and thorough picture of the current work ongoing within the industry to enhance electrical safety standards. It’s sure to be a very informative and interesting day. I’d like to thank our conference sponsors, Megger and NAPIT for enabling us to host this free to attend event so as many participants as possible can join us.’

To find out more and REGISTER for free now, click here.

You can also view the full event schedule for the day, click here.

Note:  The Electrical Safety Roundtable is an industry forum, dedicated to providing innovative research and policy solutions to government and industry, and expert, independent electrical and home safety guidance to consumers. It was founded in June 2012 in response to widespread concern over poor promotion of competent registered electricians and enforcement of the Building Regulations and is now a permanent organisation, governed by a dedicated Board of Directors with over 50 industry participants.

Gira, a full-range supplier for intelligent building design and management, is now taking provisional bookings in the run up to its planned re-opening of Gira by INTALITE UK.

As lockdown measures start to relax for the UK high street, Gira is able to confirm its flagship London showroom will be open for appointments, week commencing Monday 12th April.

Mark Booth, Managing Director at Gira UK says “We are delighted to welcome trade customers and members of the public to our Wimbledon showroom, initially on an appointment-only basis. As homeowners have a much greater appreciation of the uses of smart technology following a year of working from home, we are well-placed in the market to help them navigate the latest innovations and system solutions so they can enjoy a multi-purpose living environment, which responds to their every need.”

Gira by INTALITE UK is located in the heart of London and under a 5 minute walk from South Wimbledon Underground station. Convenient for the A24 to Surrey and Sussex with parking available, this high street showroom offers a display of intelligent lighting, heating, cooling and smart home solutions by Gira.

With experts on hand to guide retail and commercial customers through the new possibilities of an intuitive building, this beautifully designed, interactive showroom caters for system integrators, architects, property developers and homeowners. Created to serve both commercial and retail customers, the showroom combines interactive light boxes with conversation starting displays, so that consumers can get a better understanding of the features and benefits of intelligent homes: including climate, light and blind control alongside award-winning Gira Design Lines for switches and sockets.

Gira will do its utmost to accommodate your needs during the latest national lockdown measures, with the showroom and all Gira representatives following strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols:

• Full contact information will be required in accordance with Covid-19 guidance. This will provide traceability for contacts, if needed
• One-way system and limited visitors in the showroom
• On site hand-sanitizing stations, disposable masks and gloves provided
• Gloves must be worn in the showroom if touching products
• Masks have to be worn at all times and social distancing must be adhered to on entry

If you would like to make an appointment, please contact Gira UK as per below:

• Call 0203 9368090
• Email sales@gira.com
• Showroom: 146 Merton High St, South Wimbledon, London SW19 1AZ
• Online www.giraltd.co.uk and www.gira.com/uk-showroom