Showlight may still be a year away, but the first exhibitors have already committed to the 2009 event, which takes place at BBC Scotland’s state of the art headquarters in Glasgow. Martin Professional, the main sponsor for the event, was first to sign up, swiftly followed by ETC, Gerriets, MA Lighting, Pixel Range, Rainbow Colour Changers, Robe UK, Robert Juliat and Selecon Europe.However, Showlight is not just another exhibition: it is a great event for networking, providing a unique opportunity to meet with up and coming designers as well as those at the height of their profession. In the words of a first time exhibitor in 2005, it is “something you leave having made great friends with professionals from around the world.”
Generous ‘seed’ money provided by sponsors such as Martin Professional enables Showlight to take place. Such funding sponsors the all-important conference dinner and social and technical visits, while contributions from exhibitors keep delegate fees to a minimum and enable the attendance of students. Mark Ravenhill, Vice President for Television and Theatre Lighting at Martin Professional, says: “Showlight has emerged as one of the most important events for lighting professionals, an invaluable asset to the ongoing development of the industry. It is exceptionally fruitful for us as it provides the opportunity for real two way dialogue - an unequalled chance to network with some of the top names in the industry as well as introduce Martin Professional to emerging lighting practitioners. We look forward to meeting our industry colleagues amidst the outstanding facilities at the BBC Studios in Glasgow.”
Showlight 2009 takes place from May 16 to 19 and will be of interest to anyone involved with entertainment and architectural lighting design.
Adjacent to the Glasgow Science Centre and IMAX Cinema, and opposite the Scottish Exhibition Centre, BBC Scotland promises to provide both an impressive location and some very memorable facility visits.
If you would like to make a contribution in the form of a paper, email papers@showlight.org before the end of May 2008. Companies wishing to take an exhibition stand, or anyone wishing to register as delegate, should email info@showlight.org.