This was the first conference of its kind for Lighthouse and provided the LED video display specialists with the perfect opportunity to brief their European partners on current and future plans, new product developments, servicing issues as well as offer a forum for feedback and discussion.

Present at the event was Lighthouse Managing Director Mark Chan and International Marketing Manager David Thilwind who had flown in from the company's Hong Kong base especially for the conference. Completing the Lighthouse team were Chief Technology Architect Tony van de Ven, International Technical Support Manager Brent Watson, Sales Manager Simon Taylor, UK Logistics' Paul Hine, Southern European Sales' Roberto Segatto and Western European Sales' Michiel Hettinger.

Conference formalities were held at the Hotel Vila Gale, in the shadow of Lisbon's imposing 25th of April Bridge, and was attended by Lighthouse users from across the UK, Spain and Italy.

New products on show at the conference included the LVP630J 6mm screen panels designed for rental purposes and aimed squarely at those present. An ultra bright product, the LVP630J is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications as well as daytime viewing with references already including the likes of the BBC, Disney, the Detroit and Beijing Motor Shows and T-Mobile in Germany.

There was a chance to see the product in action at the Casa Azzuri restaurant - a temporary, but impressive, home for the Italian media and associated sponsors during the duration of the Championship tournament. Lighthouse's installation here provided the perfect focal point by offering crisp, colourful match by match coverage - even when bright daylight flooded the room.

Whilst a number of other new product developments were also unveiled and explained, Lighthouse took the opportunity to announce news of a newly upgraded website facility which will be launched later this year and feature improved technical feedback, online tracking of faulty or returned parts, a bulletin board and FAQ section.

"The European conference event proved an important occasion for us to promote a sense of inclusiveness amongst our valued users," explains David Thilwind. "It is also an important aspect of our expansion plans into continental Europe and allows our users to be a part of the development process by sharing their requirements and discussing how to make these a reality in a relaxed environment. Basically the whole event promotes valued feedback, technical support and ultimately successful business."