Showlight 2017 -- Full Speaker and Visits Program Confirmed

The mainstay of the Showlight quadrennial is, of course, its speaker program where illustrious professionals are gleaned from lighting disciplines across the world to educate and entertain, and generally have a very good time networking with other lighting enthusiasts from across the industry. We are delighted to announce that the speaker program has now been finalized and a full list of speakers can be viewed on line at www.showlight.org/speaker-schedule. This will also be useful to those delegates/day ticket holders who can only spare a day or two when choosing which days to attend.

The Showlight committee is excited to announce it has a special feature among the regular program of events at Showlight 2017, hosting the Neal Preston photographic exhibition, In the Eye of the Rock 'n' Roll Hurricane from the Lightpower collection.

Preston is the most outstanding photographer of the rock 'n' roll live and documentary genre with a career spanning more than 40 years. During this time he has built up the most extensive body of work in rock 'n' roll history photographing rock gods from Alice Cooper to Frank Zappa, and Led Zeppelin to Queen. This exhibition shows more than 70 of Preston's iconic pictures and memorabilia from his career.

All proceeds from Lightpower collection sales go to Behind the Scenes (behindthescenescharity.org/bts.htm) and Backup (www.backuptech.uk), foundations that provide relief for event technicians in need.

Monday afternoons at Showlight have always been the time to explore the host city and Florence is blessed with a wealth of cultural gems which have inspired creative minds for centuries. The Showlight committee has worked closely with local events group, Affresco, to offer delegates a bespoke program of visits that cover all tastes and interests, and secured unprecedented, exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to many places not usually open to the public.

This year there is more than ever to choose from with over 20 tours to inspire and enjoy: Take a visit to the Opera di Firenze or La Pergola Theatre; witness specialists work their craft in architectural restoration, perfume making, or stone mosaics; watch artisans ply their trade in Italian leather-working or the traditional Florentine craft of paper marbling. Prefer something a little more gastronomic? Choose a trip to the hidden winery of the Antinori Cellars at Bargino or experience a taste of Italy with one of our Italian food sampling treats. All these are interspersed with guided walking tours around the historic streets and buildings of Renaissance Florence. Take a closer look at the tours on offer here: www.showlight.org/social-programme

Visits are such an important part of Showlight's itinerary and character and without the generosity of the sponsors, the committee would not be able to offer such a rich diversity of interests. Showlight is grateful to the diamond sponsor, Oasis Enterprises, for its generous sponsorship of this year's visits program.

Attendees wanting to see behind the scenes at one of the world's leading professional lighting manufacturers will not be disappointed. Claypaky, Showlight 2017's main sponsor, is offering delegates the opportunity to visit its factory in Seriate, near Bergamo, after attending Showlight. The trip will take place on Wednesday, May 24, with transport arranged by Claypaky -- bear this in mind while booking flights! For more details follow the link on the Showlight website, or contact Claypaky directly at Roberta.guaschi@claypaky.it.

If attendees haven't already done so, it's time to book Showlight tickets, hotels, and flights to Florence as word is spreading fast. Book now before the end of the financial year! Don't forget to take advantage of the discounted rates on hotel rooms by booking through the Showlight website and quoting the Showlight2017 code. Tickets, including day tickets, can be booked here: www.showlight.org/registration

A selection of discounted hotels can be found here: www.showlight.org/why-visit/travel-and-hotels

Earlier this month our exhibitor line up was completed by the addition of De Sisti as the 42nd company to join us in Florence. The full complement of exhibitors can be seen on line at www.showlight.org/exhibitor-list

Melbourne-based LSC Lighting Systems is the latest company to become a Showlight sponsor. They join main sponsor Claypaky; diamond sponsor Oasis Enterprises; gold sponsors Robe, Osram, and Eyetidy; silver sponsors White Light, DTS, and MA Lighting; and bronze sponsors ETC, d3 technologies, and Charcoalblue; alongside supporters, LSI and PLASA Media. More sponsorship opportunities are available so please contact Jane or Derek for details on exhibits@showlight.org