Robe To Sponsor 2013 Showlight Expo in Czech Republic

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Leading moving light and LED manufacturer Robe lighting will sponsor and co-organise the 2013 Showlight conference, which will be held in beautiful Český Krumlov in south Bohemia, one of the many jewels of the Czech Republic.

Staged every four years, Showlight is an international symposium organised by and for professionals working in all areas of lighting and the visual arts including video and projections, stage and set design.

Open to all, from the most experienced practitioners to the most enthusiastic aspirants across all sectors of the performing arts and entertainment industries, the 4 day colloquium is supported by an exhibition and a full social programme for networking.

A diverse range of individuals attend Showlight - from those with established international reputations to those starting out on their industry careers. These creative and technical innovators and movers-and-shakers give Showlight its own unique dynamism and energy.

It is a forum for discussion, debate and exchange of knowledge and ideas, as well as an opportunity for approximately 400 guests to see a selection of the latest technology available. Companies taking up the exhibition opportunities at Showlight will each have the same amount of shell-scheme space available.

Delegates can also enjoy a fascinating and entertaining social programme, the highlight of which is the Showlight Conference Dinner, to be held in a marquee in the magnificent Castle Gardens.

At the heart of Český Krumlov is its Renaissance castle, complete with fully preserved Baroque Theatre, opened in 1682, which still features the original stage machinery, active and carefully preserved. It also has an outdoor amphitheatre with revolving audience seating - one of only a few in the world.

The fabulous hilltop location is cut through by the Vltava river. The historic town square and picture-postcard-pretty winding cobbled streets feature a host of hotels - from 5 star luxury to modest pensions - an assortment of arts and craft shops and an impressive selection of high quality restaurants, bars and coffee houses, many of them dotted along the river.

Český Krumlov is also an important cultural centre, hosting a number of festivals and other events throughout the year, including the International Music Festival and Open Air Krumlov, bringing the latest blues, rock, and soul sounds to the city.

Two other locations and sponsorship packages were vying to win the Showlight 2013 nomination, which involved visits and assessments by the 20 strong UK-based Showlight Committee, presided over by Ian Dow, a BBC lighting professional for 35 years.

The decision to go with Český Krumlov was unanimous.

Ian Dow comments, "We wanted a venue that inspires our visitors and speakers to join us, and that can also cater for all the social elements, with plenty of interesting places for the visits programme and good restaurants, etc. We visited three potential locations, and ÄŒeský Krumlov has everything we need. Both Robe and the local tourist office have been extremely helpful.”

Says Robe's Marketing & Communications Manager Jiri Baros, "We are very proud that the Czech Republic was chosen as the host country for Showlight 2013. CZ has a great history and tradition for innovation in the world of lighting and visuals, especially in cinema, film and theatre. We will be delighted to welcome visitors from worldwide working in these and other associated fields and offer the chance to exchange thoughts, knowledge and information".

Robe recently arranged for Ian Dow to give a presentation and introduction to Showlight at the 2011 Prague Quadrennial, which was well attended and attracted a lot of interest.

As May 2013 approaches, the Showlight Committee and Robe will be working in conjunction with a number of Czech lighting professionals from the worlds of film, TV, live events and installations, etc., together with students from all the relevant disciplines, to ensure that Showlight 2013 is a must-do experience on the industry calendar.

As well as being the main sponsor, Robe will be helping to arrange and co-ordinate all the transport and accommodation logistics and ensure that delegates also have the chance to enjoy the fantastic environment and engage in some of the many sporting and cultural activities available in and around Český Krumlov during their visit.

For more press info. on Robe Lighting, please contact Louise Stickland on +44 (0)1865 202679/+44 (0)7831 329888 or Email ‘[email protected]'. For more product and general info, check www.robe.cz or call + 420 571 751 510.

photo ces211033203 : Robe's Marketing manager Jiri Baros (L) with Ian Dow from the 2013 Showlight Committee