Pepsi Center Peps Up with Robe Mexico City's Pepsi Center WTC is a multi-use venue located in the World Trade Center building complex in CDMX's Napoles neighborhood. It is utilized for hosting conferences, trade shows, and concerts. The latter are staged in an 8,000-standing-capacity room, Thursdays through Sundays. The venue, which opened in 2012, has recently invested in new Robe moving lights. The new lighting package, delivered by Robe's Mexican distributor SHOWCO, comprises 16 FORTES, 16 Spiiders, and 16 MegaPointes, plus two RoboSpot base stations complete with two FORTE FollowSpots. These latest Robe products, plus other units, replace those used in a 2015 installation that also included some Robe, with Pointes and LEDWash 600s. "We needed to upgrade and ensure that we continue to offer our guests the best and most versatile options," explains production manager John Gore. "Adapting to what the incoming productions are now demanding drove the change," comments production co-ordinator Manuel Medellin. The success of the 2015 installation drove Gore and Medellin to again specify Robe gear. "The quality of the products is outstanding, and Robe is an internationally recognized and respected name," Gore says. "It is what most of the international artists were asking us for, so it all made sense. Added to that, the service from SHOWCO is really excellent, and that's also important." FORTES were chosen for being bright and a great multifunctional luminaire that can be a wash or a beam. "We absolutely love the FORTES here," Medellin says. Spiiders were picked for their color mixing and because of the experience of the venue's successful experience with LEDWash 600s. Gore also points out that the switch to using more LED fixtures has reduced their power consumption. RoboSpot systems were chosen for their ease, user-friendliness, flexibility, and the improved camera technology, which allows the fixtures to be positioned anywhere. Gore thinks the compact size and power of the FORTE FS is ideal, as it can be used as a followspot or integrated anywhere in the rig. Pepsi Center WTC is one of the most popular venues in CDMX and Mexico, and Mexico City is generally known for its ebullient and fired-up audiences who generate loads of energy in the room. Five full-time lighting crew work there, together with two general techs and 13 stagehands, plus three regular freelancers on lighting and three on sound. There is never a dull moment as the shows span an entire range of genres from reggaeton to death metal and EDM to pop. In addition, a steady stream of conferences and parties keeps Gore, Medellin, and their team constantly on the go. 
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