Argentina – After years in which virtual formats occupied a large portion of training and networking spaces, the entertainment industry is once again embracing something that has historically been an essential part of the business: gathering in person, exchanging experiences, and building community face to face.
That spirit will be precisely the central focus of the 10th Entertainment Trades Congress, organized by IFOE, which will take place on October 3 and 4 in Rosario, Argentina, simultaneously using the facilities of Galpón 11 and the Centro de Expresiones Contemporáneas (CEC), two iconic venues located along the Paraná River waterfront.
For María Fernanda Weber, one of the organizers of the event, the congress represents much more than a schedule of technical training sessions.
“Our leitmotif as an institution has always been to build community,” she explained.
And perhaps that phrase perfectly summarizes the spirit behind the event.
Because the Entertainment Trades Congress is not intended to function solely as a trade show or a series of technical conferences. The goal is to create a space where lighting professionals, technicians, designers, riggers, sound operators, producers, and integrators can reconnect in a more human, relaxed, and collaborative environment.
“The true intention is to foster meetings and exchange, even more so after the pandemic,” Weber noted. “We were genuinely surprised by the need that existed for these types of spaces, but from a more relaxed perspective, not so rigid. From a serious and professional standpoint, but one more focused on reconnecting with colleagues.”
The reception the congress began receiving in the weeks leading up to the event also surprised the organizing team itself.
“We were honestly very surprised by the response. Personally, I did not expect such a positive reaction, and that obviously makes us even more enthusiastic,” Weber commented.
Returning to Rosario and the Value of Decentralization
The choice of venue was not accidental. IFOE was originally founded in Rosario, and the institution’s first congress was also held there. For that reason, this new edition carries a strong emotional component for its organizers.
“This is the first congress after the disruption caused by the pandemic, and returning to Rosario is very emotional and nostalgic for us.”
The decision also reflects a concrete intention to decentralize technical training activities within Argentina.
This perspective is especially important in an industry where many educational opportunities tend to be concentrated in only a few cities.
In addition, the venues selected for the event reinforce that identity. Both Galpón 11 and the CEC are part of the cultural district located along the Paraná River, an environment designed to provide a different and more welcoming experience for attendees.
A Congress Designed to Experience Technical Production from the Inside
Far from being conceived as a rigid or exclusively academic event, the Entertainment Trades Congress was designed as a dynamic experience featuring training sessions, presentations, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, technology demos, networking opportunities, and technical tours.
“We like to fill the congress with options so people can choose and enjoy different experiences within the event,” Weber commented.
Among the scheduled activities are guided visits to three of Rosario’s landmark theaters, specifically focused on their technical infrastructure and operational workflows rather than their historical or architectural value. Open discussion panels will also be held to address current industry challenges and share different perspectives on the state of the business.
At the same time, the presentations will bring together technical and creative professionals from various areas of the live entertainment industry.
One of the featured names will be Juan José Quaranta, the longtime lighting designer for Charly García and patron of the congress, who will have a dedicated daily session specifically designed to share experiences and anecdotes with younger generations. “We liked the idea of giving him an exclusive hour each day so he can interact directly with those who attend.”
Mauricio Rinaldi, considered one of the historic references in lighting design in Argentina, will also participate, along with Mexican lighting designer Alejandro Jaén, who will travel from Monterrey to deliver training sessions and presentations related to lighting design.
The audio sector will also have a strong presence at the congress.
Rodrigo Lavecchia will present a session on the evolution of audio systems and the advancement of immersive technologies, while Ariel Marti and Magalí Marti will lead a discussion focused on generational transition within the technical sector and the different stages of the sound industry.
Another important area will focus on safety and working at height alongside Paraguayan rigger Franco Biagetti, while representatives from CAPTE, including Gabriel Lavecchia and Santiago Amezaga, will address issues related to labor rights, professional development, and the current reality faced by entertainment industry workers.
In addition to the presentations, the congress will feature a lobby and networking area designed as a meeting point for attendees, brands, and industry specialists. The space will host booths, technical demonstrations, and interactive activities throughout the event.
Among the planned experiences are demonstrations of immersive systems from d&b audiotechnik, LED screen repair workshops, lighting consoles with 3D visualizers for hands-on practice, and various presentations from brands associated with the professional sector.
Mauricio Brando from Claypaky will also be present, supporting activities related to lighting and technology applied to live entertainment.
The entire congress has been designed to function as an open and participatory experience, where technical knowledge can naturally coexist with interaction among colleagues.
And perhaps that is the true value of this new edition.
Not only in the number of activities, but in the opportunity to once again build a space where entertainment trades can come together, share experiences, and continue strengthening a community that has historically grown behind the scenes.
Registration for the Entertainment Trades Congress is now open through the official IFOE website.
