Total Structures Truss, Hoist, Rigging & Outdoor Structure Workshop - Ventura, CA, February 2016

Total Structures announces its latest training event in Ventura, California, the Truss, Hoist, Rigging and Outdoor Structure Workshop will be held February 16 - 19.

This four day ETCP certified and accredited workshop will include instruction and advice on the safe use of outdoor structures as well as an explanation of the American National Standards ANSI E1.21 - 2013 (Entertainment Technology - Temporary Structures Used for Technical Production of Outdoor Entertainment Events) and ANSI E1.2 - 2012 (Entertainment Technology - Design, Manufacture and Use of Aluminum Trusses and Towers). The third day of the workshop will focus on rigging related instruction with the final day teaching the attendee how to safely operate and manage the complete range of Pointman electric chain hoists.

The event is an ETCP approved training program and will provide qualified attendees with 21 renewal credits towards their rigging qualification renewal.

The syllabus for the event will be as follows:

Day 1 -- Outdoor Structure Engineering Principles and E1.21 Review and Compliance -- Taught by Jeff Reder, principal and partner in Clark-Reder Engineering, a full service consulting engineering firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Reder, business partner Daniel Clark, and their staff are presently licensed in all 50 US states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the District of Columbia, and are highly experienced in the design and use of both aluminum and steel outdoor stage roof and ground support systems.

Throughout the course of the day Reder will explain the process of structurally engineering a temporary outdoor structure, provide guidance on how to read such reports, as well as help the attendees develop and perfect important operational documentation such as operating manuals, high wind speed action plans, etc.

Focus will also be brought on explaining relevant standards such as ANSI E1.21 - 2013 (Entertainment Technology - Temporary Structures Used for Technical Production of Outdoor Entertainment Events) and ANSI E1.2 - 2012 (Entertainment Technology - Design, Manufacture and Use of Aluminum Trusses and Towers).

The former was recently updated to cover the use of nearly all outdoor structures used in the production industry and no longer just concerns stage roof systems. Therefore anyone involved with the erection or use of outdoor structures, whether video walls, PA towers, etc. should be aware of the requirements of this standard.

Day 1's evening entertainment will consist of a tour of the Total Structures' factory, dinner, and a chance to try your hand at various fabrication techniques used in the production of truss.

Day 2 -- Truss and Structure Design and Inspection Principles -- Taught by Adrian Forbes-Black, vice-president of Total Structures. Forbes-Black has over 20 years of entertainment rigging industry experience in both the United States and Europe, having worked for companies such as Tomcat and Columbus McKinnon before relocating to California 10 years ago to work for Total Structures. Forbes-Black will teach the fundamentals of aluminum truss design and use, as well as how to visually inspect the product and document the inspection for continued safe use and good record keeping practice as per ANSI E1.2 - 2012 (Entertainment Technology - Design, Manufacture and Use of Aluminum Trusses and Towers).

Dinner will be provided at a local restaurant on the evening of Day 2.

Day 3 -- Entertainment Rigging Principles -- The class will be taught by Ethan Gilson, a graduate of Emerson College (BFA, performing arts) and an ETCP Certified Rigger (Arena and Theatre) since its inception in 2005. In addition to being the staff rigger at ALPS, Gilson is an ETCP Recognized Trainer, has spoken at the USITT and LDI conferences, and taught entertainment rigging throughout the country to a variety of industry individuals, businesses, and labor organizations. Gilson is a voting member of the PLASA Technical Standards Rigging Working Group and recently chaired the E1.39 Task Group, which created the first standard recommending proper fall arrest use within the entertainment industry (ANSI E1.39-2015 Entertainment Technology - Selection and Use of Personal Fall Arrest Systems on Portable Structures Used in the Entertainment Industry).

This class covers OSHA law, rigging hardware, rigging math, and more, with a special focus on the hot topic of fall arrest on temporary structures.

Day 3's after class entertainment will include the world famous Total Structures' Kart Racing Grand Prix followed by dinner. Trophies and bragging rights will be awarded to the fastest drivers of the night!

Day 4 -- Pointman Electric Chain Hoist User Technician Class -- Also taught by Adrian Forbes-Black, the class will cover everything an end-user will need to know to safely operate and manage the range of Pointman electric chain hoists. From basic design theory to troubleshooting to annual inspection requirements, the attendee will leave the class ready to manage their own fleet of hoists both in the warehouse and on the road.

No dinner will be provided on the evening of Day 4 as it is assumed that most attendees will leave for home.

Cost per attendee: $1,095 if paid on or before January 16, 2016. $1,295 if paid on or after January 17, 2016. Due to the detailed nature of the instruction the number of attendees is intentionally limited so please register soon to avoid disappointment as classes have been fully booked in previous years.

Sessions will begin at 9:00am and run until approximately 5:00pm each day (except Friday when we intend to finish by 4:00pm to allow attendees to return home that evening if desired). All costs include unlimited snacks and refreshments throughout the day, as well as lunches, dinners, and entertainment (as described above).

The cost of the course does not include local accommodation, however Total Structures has negotiated discounted rates at two nearby hotels, located close to where the workshop will be held, of between $75 to $125 per room, per night (plus tax, depending on the hotel and room type). Details of how to obtain this deal will be provided upon request. Alternatively additional accommodation from as little as $60 plus tax per night can be obtained at other local hotels, again details upon request.

Local transportation between the host hotels, venue, restaurants, etc. will be provided. Transportation from local airports to nearby hotels or the venue will be provided depending upon availability and schedule. Course materials will be provided along with swag.

Potential participants who have attended prior Total Structures' training events will find an updated syllabus being taught, as well as the usual industry networking opportunities.

Please contact training@totalstructures.com if you have any questions.

Tuesday February 16, 2016 at 9:00am PST to Friday February 19, 2016 at 4:00pm PST at Total Structures Inc., 1696 Walter Street, Ventura, California 93003.