SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Feb. 9, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Todd Spencer, Vice President, PSAV Global Rigging Services has been elected Vice Chairman of the PLASA North American Regional Board for a three-year term commencing in 2015. Spencer is a long-standing business developer and executive leader who has been credited with the creation of several very successful programs within the industry, including PSAV's Rigging Services business, which operates in 945 facilities across a territory of 11 countries. By virtue of his position, Spencer will also serve on the PLASA Governing Body and as a member of the PLASA Foundation Board of Directors.
PLASA is the lead international trade association for businesses that supply technologies and services to the event, entertainment and installation industries. Operating from offices in Europe and North America, the Association provides business support services to its growing worldwide membership, writes industry standards, leads the development of qualifications and focuses on improving the business practices adopted by the industry.
Spencer has long been familiar with and a strong proponent of the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP), an industry-wide initiative that has brought together an unprecedented group of industry organizations, businesses and individuals to create a program of rigorous assessments for professional technicians. ETCP focuses on disciplines that directly affect the health and safety of crews, performers, and audiences. To date, nearly 2,000 ETCP certifications have been awarded in the areas of rigging and electrical.
"Another key PLASA program that I look forward to supporting is the Technical Standards Program," stated Spencer. "Accredited by ANSI, the program brings together hundreds of volunteer subject matter experts to write American National Standards and recommended practices for the entertainment industry. Now celebrating its twentieth year, the program has had a significant impact on safety and the interoperability of equipment. There are currently Working Groups writing and maintaining standards for numerous elements, including control protocols, electrical power, and rigging among others. The Rigging Working Group is exceptionally active and has been responsible for authoring ANSI standards relating to the design, manufacture and use of aluminum trusses, as well as the standards surrounding structures used for outdoor entertainment events. All standards are available free of charge thanks to the sponsorship of ProSight Specialty Insurance at http://www.tsp.plasa.org./freestandards."
Spencer's position on the PLASA Foundation Board allows him to champion another program he feels extremely passionate about, which is the Behind the Scenes charity. Behind the Scenes provides financial assistance to entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill or injured. These individuals work behind the scenes in any type of performance or public assembly venue, on the road, behind the camera, or for the companies that manufacture and supply entertainment technology products and services. Grants are available to individuals in need and may be used for basic living expenses, medical expenses, or funeral expenses. Each grant is customized to the recipient's needs and Behind the Scenes has awarded over half a million dollars in grants to industry members. Spencer is looking forward to supporting this program and expanding its ability to bring help and hope to industry members during some of their darkest hours. For more information on Behind the Scenes charity and how you can help make a difference, please visit www.behindthescenescharity.org.
About PSAV
PSAV provides legendary service and innovative technology to create memorable experiences for hotel partners, planners, producers and customers across the hospitality, corporate, association and special event industries. Combining local expertise with the broadest array of event technology, PSAV offers more resources in more places than any other audiovisual partner. Services include lighting, projection, virtual events, Internet and network services, mobile apps, power distribution, component video, special effects, staging, rigging, video mapping, concert sound, creative production, computer interfacing and traditional meeting equipment. PSAV employs more than 5,000 full-time, highly trained professionals in 1,400 destination resorts and hotels throughout the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East. www.psav.com
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