.png)
OWATONNA, MN / CRANSTON, RI – March 2026 – Wenger Corporation and Creative Conners, united under the Wenger portfolio since 2025, will be at USITT 2026 in Long Beach, Calif., March 18-21, to demonstrate Spikemark Vantis™, a new handheld control solution built on the Spikemark software platform. Spikemark Vantis simplifies everyday operation of motorized rigging, venue machinery, and show motion technology while providing a clear path to more advanced automation solutions.
“Venues shouldn’t have to choose between a simple wall panel for everyday setup and a specialty automation system for performance,” said Gareth Conner, Director of Controls Technology at Wenger. “Spikemark Vantis bridges that gap – simple when you need it and able to manage a sophisticated ecosystem when you’re ready to do more.”
USITT Preview: Booth 927 and the Automation Lab
At its main booth (#927), Wenger and Creative Conners will demonstrate Spikemark Vantis workflows for jogging, grouping, and recalling preset looks, and show how it fits into the broader Spikemark suite – allowing venues to modernize controls while keeping much of their existing machinery and equipment. Spikemark Vantis will be shown controlling a variety of devices in the booth, including a Floorpocket V2 pit lift, a Pushstick Mini deck winch, a Rotator with turntable, an H&H 400 Series track with traction-drive curtain machine, and a Summit Hoist equipped with the new Stagehand Lineset hoist-mounted motor controller.
Wenger will also participate in the Automation Lab – a separate area on the show floor where multiple manufacturers’ equipment is installed in real-world configurations for hands-on learning. In this space, attendees will be able to operate additional Creative Conners machines such as Revolver and Pivot (alternative turntable solutions), Smart Chain Hoists (variable-speed chain hoists), Pushstick (the larger deck winch) and Spotline (a single-line overhead hoist), controlled via Spikemark Vantis and Spikemark Console.
Simplified Room Control. Spikemark Vantis pairs an intuitive touchscreen, responsive joystick, and preset looks to support fast, repeatable room setups, with Spikemark software enabling deeper automation as needs grow. The modular upgrade path incorporates Stagehand motion controllers (the system’s “brains”) and Showstopper E-stop systems (the safety chain).
Single Hub. Many venues now have multiple motorized systems – rigging, screens, masking, acoustics, lifts – often operated by separate controls that don’t communicate. Spikemark controls unify systems under a single control environment, including mixed equipment and machinery of varied ages, from multiple manufacturers.
For Every Role. Spikemark Vantis is designed for venue managers, technical directors, educators, and facilities teams who need straightforward control of non-show and pre-show tasks. Touring and production teams appreciate the lightweight, mobile option for running presets and improvised maneuvers without deploying a full console.
About Wenger Corporation
Wenger Corporation enriches lives by enabling and inspiring great performances. Wenger’s portfolio – including Wenger, J.R. Clancy, GearBoss, Creative Conners, Lutefish, and Texas Scenic – provides high-quality solutions for music education, performing arts venues, athletic facilities, and musicians. From staging systems, acoustical shells, and theatrical rigging to active acoustics, advanced automation, and real-time music collaboration, Wenger combines innovative products, engineering expertise, and customer-focused service to empower performers, educators, and venues to create transformative experiences. For more information, call +1.507.455.4100 or visit www.wengercorp.com.
About Creative Conners
Creative Conners, part of the Wenger family since 2025, designs and builds show automation and motion control solutions used across performance, entertainment, and venue applications. Creative Conners brings enhanced control capabilities into an integrated installed rigging and automation ecosystem.
More News
.avif)
Support USITT
For many 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, USITT included, donations are a lifeline. We are able to continue to expand our online offerings to our Members and to our industry thanks to Membership dollars and the generosity of our donors.