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Christmas Expo

Holiday Lighting & Decorating Conference

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      • Spotlight on RGB 1-Day
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Pre-Show Workshop: Spotlight on RGB 1-Day


Terminology, how to calculate electrical loads, wiring, controllers, pixels, dumb strings, communication methods and types, configuration, software which can be used for programming and more will be discussed. The class seeks to assist anyone trying to figure out where they can use RGB technology in their display, how to utilize it and prepare them with RGB knowledge so they can better select which RGB classes to attend at Christmas Expo.

Important Note: This class does *not* focus on specific manufacturers or specific brands of RGB products. It will seek to present a balanced approach to a wide range of RGB technologies available (both hardware and software) for use in Christmas, holiday and other lighting displays.

Subjects that we will be covering:

  • Terminology
  • Dumb and smart/intelligent RGB items (Pixels, flood or wash lights, strings, strips, modules)
  • Pixel chip types/families and what they mean (GE, LDP, WS, TM, TLS, CYT, INK, UCS, APA, etc.)
  • Electrical power – how to plan for, wire and distribute adequate power, power injection RGB controllers (dumb as well as smart)
  • Companies who sell RGB controllers and/or lighting Communication protocols and associated data distribution methods (LOR, DMX, E1.31/sACN, Artnet)
  • Data output from show playback device (USB, Ethernet-based, protocol bridges)
  • Bandwidth considerations
  • Playback devices (computer, LOR Show Directors, Falcon Pi Players [FPP])
  • Software available for programming displays featuring RGB technologies (commercial and freeware)
  • Practical examples: Can you combine everything into one display?

Drew Hickman, Holiday Technologies

Drew Hickman was an early pioneer in animation, creating the very first commercially available hardware (ChristmasCave*) and software (Dasher*) products for music-synchronized displays. Since those early days in his garage, Drew has gone on to help drive advances in the lighting and animation field and has helped an untold number of lighting enthusiasts create displays. He has also designed impressive home and commercial displays through his business, Holiday Technologies. Holiday Technologies is an official dealer of Light-O-Rama products and the official LOR training partner.

Drew has worked on all types of displays, large and small, commercial and residential. He has worked with everything from C9 incandescent lights to the latest pixel trees and is sure to share some of his more interesting experiences of being in this business.


What’s Included:

The one-day workshop includes:

  • 1 Full day of dedicated RGB training
  • Lunch

Primary Sidebar

Christmas Expo Conference

Main Conference:

July 13-15, 2023

Pre-Show Workshops:

July 10-12, 2023

Public Vendor Hall Hours:
Thu: 12–5 | Fri: 9:30–5 | Sat: 9:30–4

• The Expo is open to the public
• To attend classes, you must purchase a Conference Pass
• Vendor Hall only is $10pp/day
• Children under 12 admitted free to vendor hall. See full policy

Location

2023 Location to be announced

The Christmas Expo Holiday Lighting & Decorating Conference moves to a new city each year. It is always held Thursday – Saturday over the 3rd weekend in July. See where we’ve been, as well as future dates

Conference Classes

Core conference classes are included in the cost of a Conference Pass which includes access to the vendor hall and all core classes and free events on the day(s) of your pass.

Workshops

Light-O-Rama Immersion
2-Day Workshop

Lighting Installer Business Workshop

Spotlight on RGB
1-Day Workshop

xLights
Basics Workshop
Intermediate-Advance Workshop

Sponsors

Thank you to our Sponsors

Mattos Designs - sponsor of Christmas Expo

xTreme Sequences - sponsor of Christmas Expo

Policies

Cancellation Policy
Children at the Expo
Credentials & Access
General Policies
Proper Attire
Reporting
Schedule
Sales & Solicitations
Rights Reserved

No audio/videotaping or live feeds in the classrooms.

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Christmas Expo is owned and produced by:
ProShow, Inc.

PO Box 369
Monroeville, PA  15146

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