PLASA Awards for Innovation Winners Announced; Robin Elias Takes Gottelier Award

	Forty-four products were entered this year, with the judges ultimately awarding eight.

The winners of the 2024 PLASA Awards for Innovation were announced on Monday at the PLASA Show at Olympia London. The awards, run in association with LSi magazine, are respected industry-wide for celebrating future-focused technology that improves safety, efficiency, and performance through new methods and materials.

Forty-four products were entered this year, with the judges ultimately awarding eight. For the first time in some years, the judges also gave out the sustainability award. This year's judging team comprised 13 independent technical specialists from various backgrounds, chaired once again by chartered engineer and LSi columnist, James Eade.

The winners are: Glensound for GTM Mobile. The judges felt that this feature-rich unit has 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 leads the field in audio accessibility, paving the way for future developments.

Fourier Audio for transform.engine. The judges believe this is an elegant solution for integrating studio technologies in live events with reliability and functionality at its core.

Astera for LunaBulb. This product combines a broad feature set with a much-loved conventional aesthetic which impressed the judges.

Karno for Sepia. This impressed the judges for enabling classic analog outboard effects in the digital world.

Robe Lighting for iBolt. The judges noted the product's range of features while addressing the hazards associated with the current generation bright light fixtures.

d&b Group for SustainSymphony. The judges felt 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 set 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. The judges cited 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 was commended for providing a slick modular method of building custom 19" racks.

Following the Awards for Innovation, the Gottelier Award was presented to Robin Elias of Unusual Rigging. Named after renowned industry innovator Tony Gottelier, it recognizes individuals or teams who have made sustained and significant contributions to the development of entertainment technology.

Robin Elias began his career in rock and roll, touring with 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 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 a member of the National Rigging Advisory Group (NRAG) and an assessor for the National Rigging Certificate (NRC).