The exhibition provides a forum for theatre technology and services. Last year it bucked the downturn caused by the financial crisis and presented the broadest range of products and companies in its 32-year history.
The Show also provides a platform for airing the big issues in the theatre and live performance sectors. Among the most challenging right now is the Digital Dividend Review and re-allocation of frequency spectrum following the switchover from analogue to digital television.
Theatre and live music shows rely heavily on wireless technologies, including radio microphones, in-ear monitoring and mobile communications. There are fears that the re-organisation of spectrum will favour telecom companies and broadcasters, leaving the programme makers and special events (PMSE) sector with a restricted choice of frequencies.
Industry bodies like BEIRG (British Entertainment Industry Radio Group) are concerned that after the final switch-off of analogue in 2012 theatre productions will struggle to find enough spectrum to run the number of radio mics used today. Committed to supporting the industry and as a way of voicing its concerns, The ABTT Theatre Show is offering BEIRG a free platform at the show to highlight the potential problems and discuss what can be done to secure frequencies for PMSE work.
The ABTT is making registering for visitors' badges simpler this year with a new website: www.abtttheatreshow.org.uk
(Jim Evans)
