February 6-9, in Midland, TX, Tomcat hosted its 10th Hoist & Rigging Workshop, celebrating a decade of in-depth industry training courses. Top-notch instructors were joined by nearly 50 industry professional participants from all over the United States and Mexico. The Tomcat Hoist and Rigging Workshop is a unique learning opportunity for those new to the entertainment industry as well as veterans of the business.
Instructor Don Dimitroff from Columbus McKinnon, as well as Tomcat's own Dave Beard, worked participants through the Lodestar electric chain hoist. Rocky Paulson of Stage Rigging, a Freeman Company, and Morgan Neff of Mine Safety Appliances stressed safety in rigging techniques and fall protection equipment while Keith Bohn, Tomcat design manager, wrapped up with truss theory and design. Participants were treated to four days of informative classes and four nights of fun local flavor and the traditional factory night at Tomcat USA with extensive tours, demonstrations, contests, and a graduation ceremony. Jonathan Brisson of IDS commented, "Rocky, Keith, Dave, and Don were all excellent instructors. I learned a great deal from everyone. I especially enjoyed the tour of the Tomcat facility. It is a superb example of both efficiency and excellence."
