LDI a Late report
Dear Readers --
I struggled with community server this weekend and could never manage to post from my connection at the LDI hotel. This is a conglomerate post of the happenings at LDI. Sorry it was late.
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Well - this is the end of Day 2 of LDI and my first opportunity to file a report. Seriously - We have all worked our butts off the past 2 days and things are great!
I am providing photos as best I can - but mostly of our stuff as I have had little time to wander the floor. We have been slammed with people wanting to see Ion and Eos - as well as all the other products.
We ran out of private demo slots and had to add extra equipment to accommodate more people - only problem is that we have been juggling the people to do the demo's!
Fortunately for us we got another great set of Smart Students who spend their day demoing the SmartFades and ML's. They have been enjoying learning to use the ML and SmartSoft! SmartSoft has been a big hit. People love the look of the app and the reception is very nice. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the Beta release in 2 weeks.
Even the newest ETC employee, only 36 hours fresh on the payroll was hard at work. Welcome to ETC Nick Gonsman!
The design of the booth is working well - about 100 square feet more space than last year - and the crowds fit nicely. The Pharos display has been busy - despite being on the "other side of the shed." We are previewing the LPCx - a new and lovely box designed to output up to 200 universes of networked DMX to run all sorts of lighting. The AVC - in its final phase of completion, has also been popular to look at. The folks at Pharos just keep raising the bar on this kind of lighting control.
The highlight of today was the awards ceremony where Fred Foster was awarded the Wally award for lifetime achievement. This is a great honor and well deserved by Fred - who has had an enormous impact on the lighting industry. Richard Pilbrow presented the award and gave a heart-felt speech about the things Fred has done and the experiences he has had with Fred personally.
And then - who should make an appearance but -- Mini Fred! Notice his prominent position at the podium!
I have not blogged about mini Fred - but suffice it to say that it is a running joke at ETC. All employees were given a mini statue of Fred honoring his 50th anniversary. It was put together as a roast of sorts. Since the appearance of mini Fred - he has traveled the world! See him sitting on the edge of the podium as Richard Pilbrow speaks!
And here in Fred's thoughtful acceptance speech - mini Fred respectfully listens (he was not thanked.)
Fred graciously gave credit for his success to his employees - something he never fails to do. It was a beautiful speech - raising laughter and tears from all of us. Congratulations to Fred on this award.
LDI was a great success. I hope everyone had a great time at the show.
David