The winners of the 2024 PLASA Awards for Innovation were announced last night at PLASA Show, currently running at Olympia London. The awards, run in association with LSi, are respected industry-wide for celebrating future-focussed technology that improves safety, efficiency and performance through new methods and materials.
44 products were entered this year, with the judges ultimately awarding eight products. And, for the first time in a number of years, the judges were delighted to also award the sustainability award. This year’s judging team comprised 13 independent technical specialists from a wide array of backgrounds, chaired once again by chartered engineer and LSi columnist, James Eade.
The winning products and judges’ comments are listed below:
Glensound for GTM Mobile
The judges felt that this feature-rich unit has really addressed issues found in the live mobile eSports industry.
Hive for Beeblade / Beebox
This device impressed the judges with its flexibility and price point in bringing video servers to the wider market.
Ampetronic and Listen Technologies for Auri
The judges felt that this product is leading the field in audio accessibility and paving the way for future developments.
Fourier Audio for transform.engine
The judges believe this is an elegant solution for the integration of studio technologies in live events with reliability and functionality at its core.
Astera for LunaBulb
This product combines a broad feature-set in a much-loved conventional aesthetic which impressed the judges.
Karno for Sepia
This impressed the judges for enabling classic analogue outboard effects to be used in the digital world.
Robe Lighting for iBolt
This product was noted by the judges for its range of features while addressing the hazards associated with the current generation of bright light fixtures.
d&b Group for SustainSymphony
The judges felt that this free tool promotes an open and collaborative approach to live event sustainability reporting.
The winner of the Sustainability Award is:
Vari-Lite for VL2600 SE Series
The judges found that the upcycling commitment and longer product lifecycles enabled by this product sets the benchmark for other manufacturers to follow.
In addition to the winners, the judges also chose to commend three products, which are:
MyStage for MyStage
Commended for the amalgamation of software applications for increasing the accessibility of virtual performance to online DJs and similar users with minimal investment.
ROE Visual for The OneCurve Lock
The judges commended this product for the design of its ergonomic mechanism and safety in operation when curving video walls.
Pro Tour Systems for PTS Alurack
This is commended for providing a slick modular method of building custom 19″ racks.
Judging chair James Eade, comments: “This year’s PLASA Awards for Innovation saw a very high standard of entries, up on the numbers from last year. I’m delighted that we had two products competing for the sustainability award, with the judges deciding to award d&b Group an innovation award for their SustainSymphony, and VariLite the sustainability award for setting a benchmark in their commitment to long-term product availability and maintenance. Congratulations to all winners.”
The Gottelier Award
Following the Awards for Innovation, the prestigious Gottelier Award was presented to Robin Elias of Unusual Rigging. This award, named after renowned industry innovator Tony Gottelier, recognises individuals or teams of people who have made sustained and significant contributions to the development of entertainment technology.
Robin Elias began his career in rock ‘n’ roll, touring with iconic bands such as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Queen, and Genesis. Over 35 years ago, he sold his rigging company to Unusual Rigging, where he became technical director, delivering rigging solutions across diverse sectors, including film and TV, live events, museums and art galleries, and for complex aerial performances.
With extensive experience, including the suspension of numerous aircraft, Elias recently retired from Unusual, but continues to consult and occasionally works on-site for particularly challenging projects. He remains active in the industry as a member of the National Rigging Advisory Group (NRAG) and an assessor for the National Rigging Certificate (NRC).
Congratulations to all winners!
