Protocol

08/12/2025

🧗 ETCP News: ESTA’s Midwest Rigging Intensive returns with a focus on touring rigging. Ready to level up? Read all about the many advantages of attending this ESTA-powered event taking place this weekend!

ETC News BY CHRISTINA SMITH ESTA’s Midwest Rigging Intensive returns with a focus on touring rigging ESTA’s MIDWEST RIGGING INTENSIVE (MRI) will make its exciting return August 14–16, 2025 and will offer riggers across the industry an outstanding opportunity to build skills, earn ETCP continui...

08/10/2025

Thank you to Littlite Gooseneck Task Lights for supporting Protocol!

For decades, Littlite has been the trusted name in gooseneck task lights for professionals in entertainment, broadcasting, and beyond. Built to last and made in the USA, their products are a staple in control booths and road cases everywhere. We’re grateful for their support!

08/09/2025

Thank you to Texas Scenic Company for advertising in Protocol!

A leader in theatrical systems integration, Texas Scenic brings decades of experience to stages nationwide. Their Lumenesce product series offers high-quality, customizable lighting solutions for performance spaces. We appreciate their continued support!

Spikemark 6 & Console Transform your next show with stunning motion driven by the most innovative and intuitive stage automation software and control surface. LEARN MORE TODAY! WORK & RUN-OF SHOW LIGHTING IN A SINGLE LINEAR FIXTURE 1-800-292-7490 | RAILITE 4 TH WALL STAGE EDGE SAFETY LIGHTING FIND U...

08/08/2025

🌍 Beyond tariffs: Rethinking supply chain strategy in the event industry

Tariffs are just the tip of the iceberg. ESTA President Todd Spencer explores how smarter, resilient supply chains are reshaping event production.

Directions BY TODD SPENCER Beyond tariffs: Rethinking supply chain strategy in the event industry Over the past few years, the live events in-dustry has weathered more than its fair share of disruption: a global pandemic, shipping delays, raw material shortages, and yes—fluc-tuating tariffs. While...

08/08/2025

Thank you to Performance BIM for supporting Protocol!

Specializing in BIM and 3D modeling for the entertainment industry, Performance BIM helps streamline design, coordination, and collaboration across production teams. We're thankful for their innovative contributions to our community and our journal!

INFORMED & IN CONTROL. EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE. Keeping track of stage rig loads shouldn’t mean second-guessing. With the BW-HK-S handheld display, you can monitor real-time load data from a central logging station while giving your crew the information they need, when they need it. From rigging and ...

08/07/2025

🕯 ESTA remembers Wally Blount and Bob Schacherl

We honor the legacies of Wally Blount and Bob Schacherl—leaders, innovators, and deeply respected members of

ESTA Remembers Walter “Wally” R. Blount and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Leroy (late Linda) Blount. BORN ON AUGUST 19, 1944, in North Tonawanda, NY, Walter “Wally” Blount passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the age of 80 at the Niagara Hospice House. He wa...

08/06/2025

Thank you to Stage Rigging for advertising in Protocol!

With decades of experience, Stage Rigging provides expert rigging services for tours, events, installations, and venues of all sizes. From design to ex*****on, they’re known for safety, precision, and professionalism. We're grateful for their support of Protocol!

“ If you want people to respect your spec, you must respect theirs. SUMMER 2025 specifier, but it’s all done for the correct purpose—to ensure that the specifier can make the right choice of product for their application. If this all plays out as described, congratulations! Your product is spe...

08/05/2025

🎨 A day in the life of a PCA&D student: Creativity, community, and curiosity collide. Hear from Asa Smith and step into a day in the life of a future industry pro.

A day in the life of a PCA&D student BY KATIE JANG WITH ASA SMITH WE WERE CURIOUS about what it is like to be a student enrolled in the Live Experience (LiveX) Design & Production degree pro-gram at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D) in Lancast-er, PA. The college collaborates with the Aca...

08/03/2025

Thank you to Lighting&Sound America for supporting Protocol!

As a trusted source for industry news, product reviews, and in-depth features, Lighting&Sound America keeps entertainment technology professionals informed and connected. We appreciate their dedication to the field and their support of Protocol!

“ If you want people to respect your spec, you must respect theirs. SUMMER 2025 specifier, but it’s all done for the correct purpose—to ensure that the specifier can make the right choice of product for their application. If this all plays out as described, congratulations! Your product is spe...

08/02/2025

Huge thanks to The Light Source for being such strong supporters of Protocol!

From innovative clamps and couplers to the versatile MegaBatten and beam-mounted solutions, The Light Source is a go-to for quality hardware made in the USA. We truly appreciate their ongoing commitment to the industry and to Protocol!

The Entertainment Services and Technology Association is a non-profit trade association for the entertainment technology industries. Our members are the industry's leading dealers, manufacturers, production companies, rental companies and professional service companies. ESTA's members are responsibl...

08/01/2025

🤝 USITT’s Gateway Mentorship Program accepting applications

Calling all underrepresented young professionals: The Gateway Program is your chance to be seen, heard, and supported. Read all about it in the latest issue of Protocol.

USITT’s Gateway Mentorship Program accepting applications BY JENN SHURON USITT’s GATEWAY MENTORSHIP PROGRAM is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort, who will come together at USITT’s Annual Conference & Stage Expo in Long Beach, March 18-21, 2026. The program allows an individual to ...

08/01/2025

Thank you to IWEISS Theatrical Solutions for advertising in Protocol!

With decades of experience in drapery, rigging, and automation, iWeiss delivers custom solutions for theatres, studios, schools, and live events across the country. We’re grateful for their continued support of Protocol and the entertainment technology community!

The Entertainment Services and Technology Association is a non-profit trade association for the entertainment technology industries. Our members are the industry's leading dealers, manufacturers, production companies, rental companies and professional service companies. ESTA's members are responsibl...