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Success for Scotland’s Lighting Show

Scotland's Lighting Show 2004 has been hailed a major success by organisers, exhibitors and visitors alike. Taking place between 24th and 25th September, the event was held at Black Light’s Edinburgh headquarters. Although only in its second year, the show had grown considerably from the 2003 event.

A clear demonstration of how seriously the show is already being taken by the industry was the fact that, although just eight days after the end of London's PLASA trade show, a range of heavyweight industry suppliers had made the journey north to exhibit their products and services.

"Even we were surprised at how the show has taken off in just its second year," said Black Light managing director and show organiser Gavin Stewart. "It was a fantastically successful event and the feedback from all round has been extremely positive. Scotland and the north of England are hotbeds of the performing arts, from theatre and live music to military tattoos and interactive museums. So it's great to be able to provide a focal point for the production technology which serves such a diverse and productive market."

Unlike the biggest trade shows, where the sheer number of exhibitors and noise levels can make long conversations difficult for visitors, Scotland's Lighting Show is deliberately set up to allow both visitors and exhibitors the time to converse at length, in a relaxed and informal environment.

As well as showing a wide range of equipment, most of the exhibitors were also providing practical demonstrations. Le Maitre provided regular pyrotechnic accompaniment, and their Steve Ramos said: "It is essential for us to see as many end users as possible. Scotland's Lighting Show gives me an opportunity to do exactly that. With Black Light being Scotland's leading lighting company, it means we are guaranteed a good number of visitors of excellent quality to boot. It is great to sit with the people at the sharp end of the industry, to learn what we can do to help our product become friendlier to use. And I should not forget the great food, drink and hospitality!"

Keith Rogers of Zero 88 Lighting added: “We were delighted to exhibit at Scotland’s Lighting Show again this year. Black Light continue their commitment to showcase our products and this was reflected in the quality and number of people who attended. The day provided a great opportunity to talk to users of our products and get their feedback in a friendly and social atmosphere. We were also able to take the opportunity to demonstrate the brand new Frog 2 console, unveiled at PLASA the previous week.”

Another satisfied exhibitor was Tim Davies of Airstar UK, who commented: “We met a broad range of potential new customers who were genuinely interested in our products, the majority of whom had an application in mind for them. The Scottish market is all too easy to ignore when you have London on your doorstep - this is a mistake as there are plenty of opportunities for lighting throughout the year. The show was well organised, we were made very welcome and I look forward to next year’s show.”

Not to be outdone by the other exhibitors, Black Light itself announced its recently-gained NICEIC accreditation and was promoting its installation and hire services. The company was also showing off its recently overhauled corporate image, which demonstrates that black light is very much about colour!

The show attracted a wide range of theatre professionals and amateurs, who came from as far afield as Inverness and Kent. “The show is a great idea,” said Norman Young of the Kings Theatre, Glasgow. “Scottish-based customers normally have to go to shows like PLASA to see new equipment and its great to have a trade show in our own area. And Black Light themselves are innovaters; they're prepared to really push the boat out.”

Scotland's Lighting Show 2005 will take place on 23rd-24th September next year, with plans already in hand for it to develop further from this year's success. "Most of this year's exhibitors have confirmed that they'll be at next year's show, which is guaranteed to be bigger again," adds Gavin Stewart. "There were a number of companies who wanted to exhibit this year, but who contacted us at very short notice. Unfortunately it was simply too late and there was no space left to accommodate them, so we'll be making sure they don't miss out again!"

As well as the show itself, Black Light hosted an evening reception for exhibitors in Edinburgh city centre, which was a huge success.

The complete list of exhibitors at Scotland's Lighting Show 2003 was: Airstar UK, Andolite, DHA Lighting Ltd, Doughty Engineering, Entertainment Technology Press, Flamecheck Supplies, Hall Stage, Le Maitre, Le Mark, Lee Filters, SGM, Light Processor, Lighting Systems International, Roscolab, LTM - Lift Turn Move, Selecon UK, Sound Acoustic Services, MGC Lamps, Prolyte Products Netherlands, Strand Lighting, TMB Associates, Triple E Group, White Light Electrics, Look Solutions, Rainbow, Robert Juliat, Zero 88 Lighting.

For all enquiries regarding Scotland's Lighting Show 2005, please email lightingshow@black-light.com.

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Success for Scotland’s Lighting Show

5th October 2004

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