ETC to celebrate 40th anniversary at USITT 2016

In 1975, ETC CEO Fred Foster, his brother and their friends developed a groundbreaking lighting-control console while they were students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. ETC has come a long way since then, but hasn't forgotten its student roots. That's why ETC plans to celebrate its 40th anniversary with students and educators at the USITT 2016 tradeshow, on stands 226 and 227, March 17th to 19th, in Salt Lake City. With loads of new-product launches, prize giveaways, program kickoffs, and an extra-special Student Session, it will be a can't-miss event.

ETC began with the launch of a lighting desk, and - in a nod to its heritage - will give a sneak peek at a much-anticipated expansion of its control offerings at this year's USITT tradeshow. Visitors to ETC's stands can also witness the unveiling of new members of the ColorSource family . The ColorSource® Spot and ColorSource PAR - Deep Blue fixtures give you the same color-mixing capabilities as their standard counterparts, with additional flexibility in the blue spectrum. Also debuting at USITT 2016 will be ETC's new Irideon™ FPZ framing projector. It boasts the same optics, features and ease of use as the Source Four® Mini LED luminaire, with a beam 33 percent brighter, and a sleek design that suits any architectural installation. ETC will also show the CueSystem for the first time at USITT. Part of the GDS by ETC family, the CueSystem includes a network of dedicated controllers, software and cue-light outstations that create the perfect backstage communication system for your theater.

USITT attendees can also get their hands on the Source 4WRD™ LED , and students will have a chance at winning one for their school. The Source 4WRD can transition any full-sized tungsten Source Four fixture to an LED in seconds, without the need for additional tools. Students can try their hand at swapping out the burner unit for the Source 4WRD, and the student with the fastest time will win a Source 4WRD kit for his or her school. 

ETC's annual Student Session will also be a big event this year. On Friday, March 18th, at 5:45pm, students are invited to join ETC in booths 226 and 227 to celebrate ETC's history, chat about new products, learn about job opportunities, and win swag. Don't forget to pick up a backstage pass from ETC's registration desk in order to be allowed on the show floor after hours. And be ready with questions to ask ETC staff.

Also at USITT, ETC will kick off the application period for its 17th annual LDI Student Sponsorship. Students can visit ETC's registration desk to get information on the program and fill out the short online application. Open to undergraduate seniors and graduate students, the LDI Student Sponsorship includes an all-expense-paid trip to the LDI tradeshow, October 21st through 23rd, in Las Vegas, along with a full conference pass, exclusive networking events, and access to prospective employers. Each Sponsorship recipient is matched with an industry luminary who serves as a mentor and advisor during the transition from graduation to a career. You can find more information at www.etcconnect.com/LDISponsorship .