We at Encore Rigging Services are thrilled to partner with you on your next event. Safety is at the forefront of what we do, but we can also appreciate that speed to market is something that our customers need. In the spirit of efficiency while adhering to safety standards, we ask that you take a moment to familiarize yourself with the details below to minimize any potential delays in getting your design approved and event successfully executed.
Accurate technical information must be provided in advance to allow Encore Rigging Services the best possible opportunity to ensure your event’s safety and success.
Rigging Submission Process
- A Rigging Request submission is required prior to receiving a quote.
- All submissions should be made at least 21 days prior to load-in. Events scheduled with less than 21 days notice may incur additional rush charges.
- Fill out the online form at https://www.encoreglobal.com/what-we-do/production-services/rigging/.
- By submitting your rigging request electronically, it will go directly into our nationwide rigging system, ensuring a prompt response and follow-up tracking.
- Encore is obligated to conduct a comprehensive safety review of all proposed rigging systems.
- This includes (but is not limited to) load calculations to confirm point loads applied to the building and a review of applied loads across all trusses.
- While we welcome engineering review, it does not excuse our responsibility.
- Once approved, the Encore Rigging team will forward the approved request to the on-site team. A rigging estimate will then be provided for your review along with verification of your proposed rigging system.
Pre-Show Standards
- There will be a charge per event for a comprehensive CAD safety review by our rigging team. This review verifies point load calculations, staffing and equipment needs, and CAD support to provide feedback on the initial rigging plot. Further CAD design is available for an additional charge.
- Rigging plots must contain all flown equipment overlayed on a reflective ceiling plan with hang-points. The Rigging Manager will provide you with our CAD shell as your design template once the online form has been received.
- All drawings must be attached to the rigging advance in one of the following formats: .dwg, .dxf, or .vwx. Arrangements can be made to transfer larger files.
Rigging Equipment Standards
- Encore’s exclusivity to specific rigging equipment varies from venue to venue. Encore may be exclusive to chain hoists, attachment hardware, rigged truss, airwall hanging, banner hanging, ground supported truss structures (indoors and/or outdoors), and scissor/boom lifts. Please contact your Encore representative for additional information regarding venue specifics.
- All flown equipment and materials must meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) guidelines and be approved by Encore.
- Rigging hardware must be rated for overhead use and forged if possible (wire rope clips, eyebolts, etc.) unless approved by Encore. General hardware (nuts and bolts) should be Grade 5 or better.
- A steel safety backup is required on all suspended production elements.
- All steel C clamps that utilize bolts to secure equipment to the truss require truss protection, like PVC truss clips, to protect the truss chords from damage. It is preferred that all clamps be upgraded to damage resistant Trigger Clamps when possible.
- Video walls cannot be flown from single truss chords. They should be centered on the truss by either using center rail truss, pick up points, Gac flex/turnbuckles or appropriate pipe/couplers. All attachments should be made as close to a panel point as possible.
Lifts
- A scissor or boom lift is required for all rigging calls. Please check with your Encore representative to determine if Encore-provided lifts are available for rent. All lifts used in the venue must have non-marking tires in good condition. Please contact your Encore representative regarding requirements for wheel coverings.
- If utilizing an Encore-owned lift, operators must present documentation verifying active scissor/boom lift operation certification and complete a liability waiver. Operator is responsible for following all applicable safety regulations to include pre-use inspections.
- Construction or outdoor lifts will not be allowed inside the venue.
- All lifts must be in good working order.
- Scissor/boom lift rental pricing is subject to availability and must be confirmed 21 days prior to your event.
Onsite Standards
- Please refer to the facility CAD files for exact locations of established rigging points and load ratings.
- All connections to the ceiling, airwall track, or supporting structure of the venue must be made by Encore. Please verify with your Encore Rigging Manager if airwall hanging is permitted.
- Encore Rigging must be notified prior to any adjustments to any equipment, positions, or additions to flown truss to verify new loading criteria.
- Late schedule changes or changes to the previously approved and submitted CAD plot will require additional review and may result in additional charges.
- Encore will make all connections to the ceiling.
- Encore will not “dead hang” items over 100lbs or 10’ in length with a scissor or boom lift. Chain hoists or crank towers must be used.
- If the venue does not permit cable picking, or if cable bundles exceed four socapex (or other similarly weighted cables), a cable bridge truss or motorized pick point is required and will be charged at posted rates.
- Excluding known, vetted aerial performance acts, under no circumstances may a person be suspended, walk, or climb upon any point or supporting structure attached to the ceiling.
- Aerial performances require additional documentation, including additional terms and conditions, waivers, and specialized insurance certificates.
- If your event involves an aerial performance, please notify your Sales and Rigging Managers as early as possible to provide additional time to fulfill insurance requirements.
- If it is determined that your hardware does not meet industry standards and requirements for safe work and overhead lifting, you will be asked to replace or repair any affected items, which may incur additional charges and production delays.
Rigging Labor
- All rigging crews will consist of a minimum of two riggers. The overall number of riggers and equipment required for your event will be determined by Encore Rigging Services.
- Rigging calls have required minimums that are dictated by the local market in which the event is occurring. Please contact your local Encore representative for further details.
Décor, Sign, and Banner Hanging
- For all décor items, including banners and scenic elements, Encore requires general construction details, a full materials list, appropriate through-bolted attachment points with a 5:1 minimum safety factor, and pictures of all suspended décor items and their attachment methods.
- All rigging hardware must be rated for overhead lifting and suspension. General hardware must be Grade 5 or better. Eye bolts must be shouldered and eye must be closed.
- For manufactured décor items, Encore may require manufacturer specification drawings.
- As the sign/scenery/décor supplier, it is ultimately your responsibility to provide a safe product to your customers and their attendees.
- The onsite rigging staff may deny suspending any item that deviates from the information given, specified weight, or is constructed in an unsafe manner.
Outdoor Structures
- All outdoor structures must have engineering documents created along with a weather watch plan per ANSI standards.