As we expected, the Entertainment Technology Show, in its fourteenth edition, opens its doors to present the most diverse exhibition in the lighting industry, where you take control of the latest technological developments, and move one step further along the way.
Returning this year to its original place of exhibition, The Orange County Convention Center, Orlando becomes again the city that receives the more than 400 exhibitors and 13000 visiting professionals who make this event the most important meeting place these days; and it could not be otherwise, this city and its attractions gather the magic necessary to further highlight the spectacularity of the light show presented by the convention.
This important event in the North American industry, is presented by professionals involved in the design of entertainment shows, lighting architecture, creation of sound platforms and stages with different environments, who come to show their latest ideas and technologies that transform year after year the lighting segments for shows, professional audio, light architecture, scenarios, fireworks, laser lighting, special effects, and software, among others.
For this year, LDI 2001 presents four almost simultaneous events that offer its participants the possibility of knowing, interacting and enjoying in a practical way the latest technological advances. For this year the season begins with the LDInstitute from October 29 to November 1, then continues with the Exhibition Fair and the Conference Program between November 2 and 4, and to finish two new events for this year: ExpoLatina 2001 and the Backstage at Sea between November 4 and 8.
Lighting Dimensions International, (LDI), presents for the fourth consecutive year the LDInstitute, an Intensive Technical Education program prior to exhibition shows and conferences. From October 29 to November 1, industry experts offer practical training courses for this year that allow their participants to enter the new era of light programming as well as workshops that stimulate the creativity and imagination of their attendees. Table #1 presents some of the most outstanding workshops for this year.
As has been done so far, ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association) presents during these days its training programs that complement those offered by LDI. These special courses deal with topics related to Bases in Automated LightIng Systems, Safety in the use of electricity, Techniques for problem solving in the lighting industry, and as a special session a special conference is offered in Business Evaluation for Sale, Session and Taxes. For these workshops, the organization of the event required the separate registration of those interested in participating.
To end with the training session of the event, the LDI award ceremony is held which offers recognitions by ESTA and LDI to companies and people with outstanding products, technologies or contributions within the industry. The ceremony takes place on November 2 in the Auditorium of the convention center sponsored by Wow!works. Some of the annual recognitions that are granted by LDI are the so-called Wally Russell established in 1992 in honor of this pioneer of the industry, recognition of the best sound designer, best designer of lighting architectures, best designer of lights, best designer of lights for shows, awards for the best display shelf designs, the best laser show, and a variety of awards for new products. For its part, ESTA gives special mentions for manufacturers and distributors in its Election Ceremony in the categories of best product, best customer service and best equipment manufacturing company.
Following the schedule, the exhibition is open to attendees between 10 AM and 6 PM on a continuous day, where you can visit approximately 1400 exhibition points, with additional services such as information centers to locate products, companies or shelves, an e-café that offers internet access and email for visitors, in addition to the program of conferences and workshops that aim this year to reflect the synergy of the audio, lighting and projection segments. This section of the event features five studio approaches covering Lighting Design and Production Techniques, Sound in Entertainment, Video Projection, Lighting Architecture, and Tutorials. Table #2 features some of the highlights for this year.
