Is it time for LDI again? It just can't be. It means another year has passed all too quickly and another trip to Orlando.
Personally, I cannot say I would rather be going to Vegas. Funny, though — we hear from many exhibitors that Vegas is the better of the two locations for LDI. Does everyone really prefer the show when it's in Sin City? Is there more business done on the show floor? Is there more buzz? And does that mean the show should stick to the more popular city every year, or is alternating between East and West the more appropriate compromise? Or should the show consider even more cities for future locations? I don't know. Maybe what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas.
Our colleagues at LDI have considered all of these questions lately. The show always has strong regional representation, as different people attend the show based on where it is located. Each city has its challenges. Is Orlando becoming less exciting? Is Las Vegas too expensive? Moving a show to New York, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, and any other first tier city would not help costs. We know that already. It's a dilemma, to be sure.
If everything else changes, at least something will remain the same: ESTA, LDI's association partner for the past 10 years, will continue to work hand-in-hand with the show, bringing not only the expertise of their membership to the table, but also the commitment of the organization to help build LDI and expand the show in ways that make sense for the industry. Both ESTA and LDI are celebrating 20th anniversaries this year, and the strengths they share can help both organizations grow as they begin their third decades. The ESTA Foundation has been brought into the mix as well, with new educational initiatives in the offing. LDI has consistently presented the most comprehensive professional training program in the industry, and working with The ESTA Foundation, the combined forces will continue to develop courses that offer re-certification credits for the ETCP certified riggers and electricians, as well as support new certification programs developed by ETCP.
On a final note, we must bid adieu to our Theatre Quarterly supplement (our double cover is an homage to the TQ), as more of you want to see regular theatre coverage in every issue, as opposed to a standalone quarterly section dedicated entirely to theatre. So, thanks for the memories, TQ.