Tom HallStar Events’ technology and inspiration was on the menu at a lunch for major promoters, production suppliers and principal venues in Shanghai recently.
The event, at Shanghai Mercedes-Benz Arena, focused on the launch of the ‘China PROM’ (Production Rigging Operations Manual) and the arena’s new house reduction solution, designed and installed by Star Events China, was demonstrated to the lunch guests.
Conceived by Star Events China, with input from engineers, local and international experts, rigging publications and the arena architect, PROM is the first rigging safety manual of its type in China.
Built in 2010 for Shanghai World Expo, the Mercedes-Benz Arena has an extensive gallery level serving its sports commitments, which include NBA and NFL games.
A roller blind mechanism, designed to screen the section off and provide for a more intimate event experience downstairs, put 100 tonnes in the roof and fell far short of the requirements.
Star Events’ semi-automated house reduction system, officially handed over after the demonstration, can deploy nearly 5,000sqm of Acre Jean AFR drapes in minutes without any Work at Height in the 34m high venue. Jo Xie, operations director for Star Events China, said: “The system is operated by the house technical crew. It’s reliable, demountable and weighs less than 10 tonnes rather than 100 tonnes, so leaves much more rigging capacity in the roof.”