Working in live events is a unique and specialized niche , in both expertise and personality . We dive into our projects . We are committed and creative and tenacious to ensure we put together the best events possible . We have to be . The live event industry is a collection of “ do-ers .” The show must go on , and it will .
Rock Lititz :
Collaborating for Safety
by Rachel Pfennig Hales
Working in live events is a unique and specialized niche , in both expertise and personality . We dive into our projects . We are committed and creative and tenacious to ensure we put together the best events possible . We have to be . The live event industry is a collection of “ do-ers .” The show must go on , and it will .
Our industry grew from this unparalleled drive . A commitment to pushing the limits , and never settling for good enough . However , as we continue to reach new heights of innovation and technology , the demands of that show have continued to escalate . Gear becomes bigger , heavier , more intricate , and inevitably , more dangerous .
More than ever , it is essential that we commit , not only to getting things done , but to making sure they are done correctly . From design to manufacturing , rehearsals through closing night , every person , every detail , and every piece of technology contributes to pulling off these giant spectacles responsibly . Safety for ourselves , our colleagues , our clients , and our gear must be the cornerstone of how we work .
At Rock Lititz , education is a primary pillar within our community . Over two dozen live event industry vendors call Lititz , PA home , and
16 contribute to the growing list of resources the campus is able to offer . We truly believe that the more we are able to learn from each other , the better our final result . The more we know , the safer and more efficient we are . By not only perfecting our various specialties , but understanding the context of the industry at large , our clients , our companies , and , ultimately , opening night gain long lasting benefits .
Of course , collaboration and education come in many forms . From something as simple are forming stronger relationships with other industry professionals , to full day training sessions in various fields , the goal is that everyone is able to find a way to progress their careers and knowledge while at Rock Lititz . Mini-seminars and panels are organized throughout the year for both local employees and visiting crews . Even generalized training courses , like operational certifications from Lift , Inc and CPR training from Keep the Beat Alive , are routinely scheduled to support the ever growing hub based in Lititz .
The need and true desire for continued advancement is evident . New ideas and opportunities continue to emerge , with companies and individuals finding ways to be both students and educators . The Rock Lititz Community has certainly embraced a spirit of collaborative learning . With so many top industry contributors on and near campus , everyone is able to participate in their own unique ways .
In an effort to create a set of central industry resources for advancing our skills and overall context of understanding , several Pod 2 tenants are actually using their new spaces at Rock Lititz to provide training for technicians based around the world . Columbus McKinnon Entertainment Technology ( CM-ET ,) for example , offers a full range of certification and classes designed for both beginners and experts . The leader in quality lifting and positioning equipment for entertainment riggers , their classes range from rope and knot fundamentals all the way to fall training and SPRAT certifications . New climbers from the area are taking advantage , as well as experienced riggers , here to brush up before starting a tour . Everyone has something to learn , in the attempt to keep people in the air and on the ground , as safe as possible .
Other companies offer more specialized sessions , targeting their unique corner of backstage . Pyrotek Special Effects focuses on educating individuals already familiar with and working within the effects industry . Eric Bragg , Technical Trainer at their new Pod 2 location , stresses the importance of both detailed training and safety when it comes to their work :