January 2023 Newsletter
We trust the festive season was rewarding, and you were able to take some quality time out. ACETA is currently occupied implementing member qualification adjustments and renewals, finalising industry convention planning, preparing new initiatives for presentation at the game-changing event, along with everyday management. Our first newsletter for 2023 concludes with a disturbing industry observation, one that needs calling out and attention. But first some house-keeping…
Current News and Updates
ACETA Archive of Excellence Episode 6 went live late last year. It honours lighting industry pioneer and Sunbury Festival founder John Fowler, and can be viewed here https://www.aceta.org.au/john-fowler.html. Three more episodes are scheduled for production at this year’s convention.
Annual Membership Renewals have been completed and this year saw the service provider sector installed with full member status, an initiative lobbied for by the sector and embraced industrywide. Associate membership has been retained for entertainment technology educators, media, trade events, marketing organisations and allied industry associations.
The 2023 ACETA Industry Convention Program is almost finalised and will be published later this month. Taking place from the 5th - 7th May, the convention is a high calendar priority for many, and be assured the responsibility of presenting an effective and dynamic event is clearly understood.
The ACETA Compliance Guideline for Temporary Structures has been finalized subject to review. Derived from the International Code of Practice for Entertainment Rigging (ICOPER), Australia will now be homogeneous with the standard of the US (ESTA), the UK (PLASA) and various other adopting countries. This Compliance Guideline will be launched and presented in a seminar at the upcoming convention.
The Changing Nature of Our Industry
For some time now, and only exacerbated by the pandemic, it has been obvious to many participants, the entertainment technology industry is losing its unique historical identity, as key segments morph into other industries, such as Information Technology and Communication, whilst others decline. Maybe this is the consequence of a more technology reliant and less artistically inclined culture, maybe it’s apathy & lack of vision, maybe it’s inevitable societal evolution. Historically, entertainment technology development was driven by the passion, optimism, resilience and capability of artists and artisans, where many industry drivers began life as musicians or engineers. The fillip in its evolution was the 1960s, reinforced by the fact, much contemporary equipment is often a copy, re-issue or inspired by the technology created in this period, whilst many software plug-ins purport to emulate the sonic signature of the era. Furthermore, it was a time when many lifelong memories, careers and relationships were established. However, we are not alone, the state of entertainment technology mirrors that of the music industry in general, where the music and culture of a bygone era is constantly referenced and in high demand both pre-recorded and live. There was something happening then, that doesn’t happen now!
For many, the industry has become derivative, lacking leadership, steadily losing core skills and less fun. However, we could say this about the world in general. Once again, a societal reality, but entertainment technology consumers regularly comment on the growing reliance on virtual robotic practices and lack of personal interaction in their endeavour to acquire or learn more about the technology and services that interest them. Information and knowledge do not automatically equate to understanding, and it is understanding and experience that also facilitates wisdom. In acquiring tools of trade and professional services, a web site, on-line shop or social media is where it can start, but certainly not where it should end, and this is where there seems to be a cultural gap between the supply chain and acquirers.
Removing the Impediments to Optimum Potential
A response to the aforementioned industry landscape could be a complex narrative, but we have opted to do so in a concise, more thought-provoking manner. Contrary to popular belief and practice, the world does not revolve around money and technology, it actually revolves around people, money is but a form of exchange and technology a tool. Therefore, misplaced priorities could be at the core of our industry failings, and dare I say, those of the world.
For many, the primary interface with humanity is a small and large screen that can actually isolate us from the world and all its nuances, reducing the ability to engage effectively and think freely, whilst endangering good mental health. Given that human beings are unique social creatures and not robots, it would be desirable to leave the herd, be and think for yourself, create, lead, aspire and inspire to develop a more engaging personal and corporate identity and point of difference. Let’s also confirm, other industry organizations are merely transactional competitors, the real competition comes from other industries and our own fears and ego. Therefore, removing the shackles and associating is a potent antidote to personal, corporate and industry mediocrity.
All the best
Frank Hinton
President
ACETA
Current News and Updates
ACETA Archive of Excellence Episode 6 went live late last year. It honours lighting industry pioneer and Sunbury Festival founder John Fowler, and can be viewed here https://www.aceta.org.au/john-fowler.html. Three more episodes are scheduled for production at this year’s convention.
Annual Membership Renewals have been completed and this year saw the service provider sector installed with full member status, an initiative lobbied for by the sector and embraced industrywide. Associate membership has been retained for entertainment technology educators, media, trade events, marketing organisations and allied industry associations.
The 2023 ACETA Industry Convention Program is almost finalised and will be published later this month. Taking place from the 5th - 7th May, the convention is a high calendar priority for many, and be assured the responsibility of presenting an effective and dynamic event is clearly understood.
The ACETA Compliance Guideline for Temporary Structures has been finalized subject to review. Derived from the International Code of Practice for Entertainment Rigging (ICOPER), Australia will now be homogeneous with the standard of the US (ESTA), the UK (PLASA) and various other adopting countries. This Compliance Guideline will be launched and presented in a seminar at the upcoming convention.
The Changing Nature of Our Industry
For some time now, and only exacerbated by the pandemic, it has been obvious to many participants, the entertainment technology industry is losing its unique historical identity, as key segments morph into other industries, such as Information Technology and Communication, whilst others decline. Maybe this is the consequence of a more technology reliant and less artistically inclined culture, maybe it’s apathy & lack of vision, maybe it’s inevitable societal evolution. Historically, entertainment technology development was driven by the passion, optimism, resilience and capability of artists and artisans, where many industry drivers began life as musicians or engineers. The fillip in its evolution was the 1960s, reinforced by the fact, much contemporary equipment is often a copy, re-issue or inspired by the technology created in this period, whilst many software plug-ins purport to emulate the sonic signature of the era. Furthermore, it was a time when many lifelong memories, careers and relationships were established. However, we are not alone, the state of entertainment technology mirrors that of the music industry in general, where the music and culture of a bygone era is constantly referenced and in high demand both pre-recorded and live. There was something happening then, that doesn’t happen now!
For many, the industry has become derivative, lacking leadership, steadily losing core skills and less fun. However, we could say this about the world in general. Once again, a societal reality, but entertainment technology consumers regularly comment on the growing reliance on virtual robotic practices and lack of personal interaction in their endeavour to acquire or learn more about the technology and services that interest them. Information and knowledge do not automatically equate to understanding, and it is understanding and experience that also facilitates wisdom. In acquiring tools of trade and professional services, a web site, on-line shop or social media is where it can start, but certainly not where it should end, and this is where there seems to be a cultural gap between the supply chain and acquirers.
Removing the Impediments to Optimum Potential
A response to the aforementioned industry landscape could be a complex narrative, but we have opted to do so in a concise, more thought-provoking manner. Contrary to popular belief and practice, the world does not revolve around money and technology, it actually revolves around people, money is but a form of exchange and technology a tool. Therefore, misplaced priorities could be at the core of our industry failings, and dare I say, those of the world.
For many, the primary interface with humanity is a small and large screen that can actually isolate us from the world and all its nuances, reducing the ability to engage effectively and think freely, whilst endangering good mental health. Given that human beings are unique social creatures and not robots, it would be desirable to leave the herd, be and think for yourself, create, lead, aspire and inspire to develop a more engaging personal and corporate identity and point of difference. Let’s also confirm, other industry organizations are merely transactional competitors, the real competition comes from other industries and our own fears and ego. Therefore, removing the shackles and associating is a potent antidote to personal, corporate and industry mediocrity.
All the best
Frank Hinton
President
ACETA