Go to content
El LDI (Live Design International) is the dream festival for any lighting technician who lives and breathes live shows. Held every year in the ever-vibrant Las Vegas, this event is where the best manufacturers, designers and industry enthusiasts come together to showcase the latest technology, share ideas and, of course, be blown away by the stunning shows that can only be seen here. This 2024, from December 8 to 10, LDI was once again the center of attention.
With more than 30 editions behind it, LDI is not just a fair: It is the event where technicians' dreams come true. From mind-blowing demos to talks, training and workshops, it's a place where trends are defined. Get ready, because we're going to tell you how brands like Claypaky, Ayrton, ETC and Portman Lights blew everyone away this year.
Claypaky: lighting up the big shows
Claypaky does not disappoint, and this year it proved it again at LDI 2024. Its stand was a festival of innovation with the Tambora family, which was presented at the last edition of PLASA, at the forefront: Tambora Rays, Tambora Stormy and Mini-B Sparky Aqua. Haven't heard of them yet? They all stand out for their modular design and advanced capabilities for combining effects, which is why they are considered ideal for creative and demanding productions.
But we can say that the real protagonist of this event was the Ultimate Hybrid, which during their presentation made it clear that it promises to be a game changer for any technician who wants to get the best out of every show.
El Ultimate Hybrid is the perfect solution: compact, powerful and packed with features. With a 550W arc lamp delivering 19,000 lm and an impressive zoom range (from 3° to 52° in spot mode and from 2° to 29° in beam mode), is ideal for touring, live events and permanent setups. Plus, its robust and efficient design ensures it can keep up with the most demanding setups.
Total connection from anywhere with ETC
ETC came to LDI 2024 with a proposal that pleased those who have ever asked themselves this question: could I monitor lighting systems from elsewhere? From now on, the answer will be yes!
ETC SiteLink is their new cloud-based tool. This means that no matter if you're backstage or on another continent, you'll always have control of your systems at your fingertips. Don't worry, when they launch it we'll be the first to tell you all about it!
Of course, their classics also shone. Eos control tables, which as you may already know, is a fundamental tool for you to be able to get the most out of your gigs. This year, ETC not only showed what we already know they do incredibly well, but they are also betting on total connectivity, giving technicians more freedom and tools to work with confidence.
We can confirm that compared to previous years, 2024 marked a step forward in technological integration, consolidating ETC as an essential ally for those of us who make a living from the show.
If you are interested in learning how to manage ETC control desks with EOS, At our Stonex Training Center we offer User Level courses!
Ayrton: Innovation without limits
You already know that talking about Ayrton is talking about a constant revolution. Every year, at every event, they surpass themselves, and the LDI 2024 was no exception. Rivale Profile and Veloce Profile were the centre of attention and rightly so: the Rivale is not only nominated for the Indispensable Technology award – Lighting Parnelli Award, but it has shown in person why it deserves it. Designed to perform at its best and impress at any show, the Rivale Profile has been its best-selling rig of the year, and the Veloce Profile is no slouch. The latter, with its compact power and versatility, has won over technicians and designers and has positioned itself as an essential option. Without a doubt, both rigs are the kind that every technician dreams of having in their arsenal.
But Ayrton is not just about teams. They also supported events such as Women in Lighting (WIL), a global and inspiring digital platform that highlights women working in the field of lighting and lighting design. This project celebrates their passion, achievements and career, seeking to inspire the next generation. In line with this commitment, Ayrton gave a talk on December 8, reaffirming her support not only for technology, but also for visibility and professional development in the industry.
And finally, there were their demonstrations, which, like in their new showroom in Paris, have given us magical moments so that we can see first-hand what their equipment is capable of doing.
Portman's aesthetic revolutionizes the show
Portman Lights knows how to turn heads, and at LDI 2024 it was no exception. With its retro-modern style that always stands out, the Polish brand showed why it remains a favourite among designers looking for more than just functionality: they look for art.
During the event, founders Dominik and Łukasz were at their stand, chatting with visitors and sharing his vision of how lighting can be both functional and impressive. Portman products are not just tools, they are jewels that transform any setting into something memorable.
