The Cashbuild Hall of Fame Annual Awards, hosted at the upmarket Maslow Hotel in Sandton, has become a much-anticipated evening for employees working for one of the largest retailers of building materials and associated products. Employing over 4 700 people based at stores in South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland, Malawi and Zambia, Cashbuild recognise both top and long-term employees with nominees ranging from executives to cleaning staff, both young and old.

Commissioned by Trace Elements, MJ Event Gear has been delighted to supply the full technical for this feel-good occasion since 2010. MJ’s Theo Rood ensured the event, which catered for just over 200 guests, ran smoothly and stepped in as stage manager for the awards. He relied on Robe moving lights, programmed by LD Gary Sam on a grandMA2 light, to create the fire and ice theme and the ballroom looked nothing less than spectacular.

“This was a great gig,’ said Gary Sam. “It’s always such a pleasure to work with the MJ team. Equipment wise, the grandMA2 light worked well for me as I enjoy the MA platform. A lot of the time, when it comes to lighting, I try and balance complimenting shades of colour, and then sometimes I go the complete opposite with things that don’t match for effect. The Robe fixtures did their job!’

The lighting rig comprised of 24 Robe LEDBeam 100, 18 Robin 600 LEDWash, 8 Robe MMX Spots, 24 Thomas PixelPar, 24 Longman ColorMe, 4 Claypaky Sharpy and a Le Maitre MVS Hazer. Prolyte X30V truss was used for totems and goal posts.

MJ also made use of the professional services of AV Systems who supplied the LED screens and Just Sets for the stage and steps.

“What I like about this evening is that it caters to a whole spectrum of people and reflects South Africa,’ said Theo Rood. “You realise that some guests are from small towns, have never stayed in a hotel before or eaten a three-course meal, and it’s their first time at a gala event. It’s lovely to see the excitement.’

A highlight of the evening was a vibrant performance by vocalist Tim Moloi and the Divinity band.