The PLASA Show at Earls Court is brimming with activity as it enters its third day. With increased visitor figures and a frenetic buzz on the show floor, many exhibitors at the show have reported to PLASA Media that the show has been extremely busy.

Monday saw a host of pro audio product introductions. Turbosound introduced a new raft of products, including the TQ-308SP, the latest addition to the Qlight range, plus a brand new range of passive loudspeaker systems, together with the LMS-D4, a new digital loudspeaker controller. New from JBL on the Arbiter stand, the AE (Application Engineered) Series, with 33 initial models in several formats and power ranges, designed for sound contractors. Tannoy introduced its new Ellipse 8, a fully time coherent, 3-way active system, the first in the new Wideband range for reference monitoring applications, plus new ceiling mon

PALA occupied its usual slot in the summer schedules in July, moving from its traditional base in Singapore to a new temporary home in Hong Kong.

Since its inception in 1989, PALA has established itself as the key Asian event for the industry, showcasing the latest products from all over the world. The Hong Kong detour was designed to give exhbitors an opportunity to leap-frog into a new market which is experiencing considerable growth. Asia’s population of over 3.7 billion is burgeoning and continuous expansion is leading to the fast-track development of new pubs, clubs, hotels and performance venues.

Held in conjunction with Music Asia, PALA thus created a two-in-one show that introduced to the Hong Kong market products from over 250 exhibitors, drawn from over 20 countries worldwide. The show attracted strong support from industry associations with APIAS (Italy), PLASA (UK),

DJ Sunday - featuring the Gemini ‘Extreme V DJ competition’ and iDJ-sponsored Talk Zones - raised the volume at the first day of the PLASA Show as DJ hopefuls lined up in front of hundreds of spectators to showcase their talents in the hope of launching a successful DJ career. DJ A.D., the runner-up in last year’s DJ competition went one better and reversed the tables on the 2001 defending champion, DJ Angelo (placed third this year), to win the Gemini ‘Extreme V’ DJ competition.

The audience and judges got a taste of DJ A.D’s (real name Adrian Hall) cross-sectional DJ’ing capabilities during the early stages of the competition, where he kicked off with an energetic display of technical ability matched with an impressive mix of unconventional sounds. "This is an excellent competition because there is an enormous variety of DJing styles and

The PLASA Awards for Product Excellence were presented yesterday evening in the New Technology Gallery in front of a packed audience. This year’s awards attracted one of the largest tallies of nominations ever - 64 in total - across the categories of Lighting, Sound, Audio-Visual and Stage Engineering.

The judging panel of freelance lighting designer Simon Swift, sound system consultant Richard Northwood of Coms UK, Live Business International’s technical director Roland Hemming, freelance AV consultantPhil Pike, system designer Glyn Hughes of Sysco, project manager Andy Hayles from Theatre Projects Consultants, technical consultant Mark Jones of the Royal Albert Hall and Jason Tang, general manager of Bandit Lites (UK), deliberated over three days to decide the winning products in each category.

In the Lighting category, Clay Paky’s Stage Profile Plus SV received

At the PLASA Show today, visitors and exhibitors alike will join together in observing one minute’s silence at 1.46pm, in memory of those who lost their lives in the attacks on America one year ago.

A brand new cool beam zoom profile luminaire, available in both static and automated versions, has been launched at the PLASA Show by Belgium-based manufacturer ADB. The stylish Axis comes in 15-30 degree and 25-50 degree versions, and utilizes an 800W halogen axial lamp and a dichroic glass reflector to produce a light output greater than a conventional 1200W profile, with low gate and beam temperature. The Axis Automated fixture provides full pan and tilt control, with beam-shaping functions. The ACN ready unit uses three-phase stepping motors and no fan provide true noise-free operation. With other features including a slide-in iris diaphragm and a 360 degree rotating gobo (or two gobos without iris), and a patented, integrated, endless rotating shutter system with four 360 degree rotating shutters, the Axis looks set to provide an attractive addition to lighting designers’ tool

The 25th PLASA Show closed on a high yesterday thanks to one of the most positive shows in the event’s history. Business was high on the agenda for all exhibitors - many of which reported the highest levels of business they’d ever done, some saying that they had signed up orders of significant size at the show. The exhibition was buzzing practically from the moment it opened and the visitor count will significantly outstrip last year’s figures.

The show was active on many levels - the PLASA Product Awards for Excellence attracted one of its highest number of nominations ever with 64 products displayed in the L&SI sponsored New Technology Gallery - a clear indication of the importance of the event as a showcase for innovation. The Masterclass, Seminar and Round Table sessions that ran throughout the show added to the appeal of the event, allowing visitors to learn more

L&SI has arranged an exclusive backstage tour of the Palladium Theatre where you can meet with those who worked on the production and see first-hand how some of the more complex effects in the Show have been achieved. Following the tour, you'll have a chance to network with industry colleagues at an L&SI-hosted reception where you can talk further with members of the creative teams, before sitting down to watch this much talked about show from some of the best seats in the house.

The event takes place on Thursday October 10, 2002 at the Palladium Theatre, London, running from 3.30pm onwards, and costs just £69.00 (which includes a full reception, the backstage tour and a £40.00 ticket for the Show).

To sign up contact Sheila Bartholomew at L&SI on +44 1323 418400 or e-mail sheila@plasa.org.

The Media Show - the biggest out-of-London trade exhibition and conference for media professionals, will take place in Cardiff in October. The Media Show will focus mainly on television and video production with a eye on developments on the current big issues affecting the industry such as DVD production, conference presentation systems, the Internet, broadband and new media.

Attending the show will be a wide cross section of UK media professionals including production companies, TV and video producers, feature film companies, companies involved in broadband delivery, internet companies, conference organisers, new media producers, web designers, cameramen, lighting directors, sound recordists, editors of all types, videographers, people working for the studios, facility houses and the broadcasters - from senior executives to freelance film crews.

Representatives form the television i

Barco Events had a striking display of its DLite LED walls and a Catalyst projection in the aisle. Two new products - the Events Controller and Viewscape - were launched at the show. The Events Controller enables the control of all daylight and projection displays, as well as other show equipment. This includes High End’s Catalyst, automated and conventional lighting devices, special effects, image generators, truss motors, hydraulics and more. It features Positracking, which enables repetition of position and status of all attributes at any point during a show. The Events Controller uses Barco’s ViewScape platform, which is a flexible and powerful image processing device that can handle multiple tasks including input switching, windowing, tiling, generating a wide range of video effects, edge-blending and format conversion.

Nearby, Expoteam, who specialize in high quality

Acustica Beyma announced the launch of its G40 Series of professional low frequency drivers. The range includes 10" and 12" models featuring 3" voice-coils, and larger 15" and 18" drivers (up to a maximum of 600W power handling) based around 4" voice-coils and double-spider suspension. The established ND Neodymium series has also been extended to incorporate a 15" speaker, 115Nd/W.

Canadian audio manufacturer Adamson has a new twin 18" sub for its acclaimed Y10 line array system, available this November. Designed to be flown alongside the line system, the sub also incorporates fittings for use as a stable base for ground-stacking the whole system.

Adastra Electronics has seen a great deal of growth in the last three years, with an increased staffing level on the PA installation side and within the company as a whole. In 1999, it had a staff of

Acme, from Taiwan, showed its £50/50W moving lights for mobile and bedroom DJs, and the new Penguin scanning moonflower-type effects. Its Spot Queen moving head was also featured, complete with HTI discharge lamp, which can be run on six DMX channels or as a stand-alone unit.

Antari, the smoke machine company from the Far East, appointed Coemar UK as its distributor just prior to the show and, shortly afterwards, Jon Petts, previously synonymous with JEM, crossed the wire. Consequently, we can look forward to some interesting developments from that camp in the years to come. Right now it has a broad range of smoke machines for many applications, mostly entry level units. However, the new ‘X range’ includes four models - three foggers and a Fazer. The X310 Fazer is everything from hazer to fogger, hence the name. Three sizes of fogger feature in this range, these being the

5 Star Cases’ have recently revamped and upgraded its product range. Amongst the many new products was the ACT (Anti-Shock Cradle Trunk) for moving head luminaires: based on its existing cradle trunk, ACT offers better protection thanks to the rubber shock-mounts fitted to the cradle. The company also reported that it had recently supplied 80 cases into the Middle East.

Alongside Adam Hall’s ever-expanding line of flightcase components and other mechanical necessities, is the new Viperlight. This is a 9V battery-powered, portable, clip-on, gooseneck lamp, using the same LED technology as the 19" Racklight and 10" DJ Racklight. The company’s Defender range of cable protectors was further enhanced by an update to the Compact system; this is now supplied with permanently attached joining lugs.

Adda Super Cases was busy entertaining a host of overseas visito

No stone has been left unturned to bring you the most comprehensive insight into everything that took place at Earls Court 1 in September.

Abstract, winner of the Best Large Stand award for its atmospheric club environment, showed the new VRX bar scanner fixture, which is wall-mounting - obviating the need for any complicated or obtrusive rigging. Its motorized mirror, which flips round and up-lights by day, skews round to emit from the front (or side) by night. Abstract also showed its light screens, which have a mirror finish when off, and any of 10 different colours when illuminated. There’s been a revolution at AC Lighting: they’re now applying their unique expertise to handling audio equipment. AC Audio lists over 50 leading brands, and it will be interesting to see how this affects the traditional audio dealer establishment. On the lighting side, there were two signi

All eyes were on Hyde Park this July for the annual Party in the Park, the largest single day event in Europe, watched live by 100,000 people.

Now in its fifth year, the Capital Radio Party in the Park had an impressive line up of acts from around the globe, including Westlife, Shakira, Enrique, Natalie Imbruglia and Will Young, and the Prince’s Trust show sold out 100,000 tickets in just over four hours, in the process raising a huge sum for the charity.

ClearChannel Events managed the event production with John Probyn overseeing the licensing and production, whilst Mark Ward was the production manager charged to ensure the 30-act show ran smoothly.

"This year’s production infrastructure included several new products or procedures introduced by suppliers to build on our experience as a team over previous years," said Probyn. "The relaxed nature of the

In what can only be described as a milestone event, the Professional Lighting & Sound Association (PLASA) has cause to celebrate after recording one of the most successful shows in its 25-year history. PLASA's annual show confirmed its status once again as the leading international trade show for the entertainment, communications and presentation technology industries, as more than 400 companies from across the globe filled the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London from 8-11 September, 2002.

13,810 people (subject to ABC Audit), up by 4.2 per cent from last year, visited the PLASA Show to see the array of new product launches, attend the Masterclass Programme, network with industry colleagues and strike up new business relationships. PLASA managing director, Matthew Griffiths, said the show bucked the exhibition industry’s recent downward trend as many exhibitors conducted good

Grandmaster Flash, the founder of modern Hip Hop, took both the 2002 PLASA Show and the Ministry of Sound by storm when he came to London to launch the new Rane Empath mixer, which he has helped to design.

Flash’s visit culminated in a rocking two-hour set at the Ministry of Sound on the Tuesday night of PLASA. It’s the first time he’s ever played the club, and he took full advantage to put the Empath through its paces to a packed audience. This was preceded earlier in the day by two presentations by Flash on the stand of Rane’s UK distributor, Hayden Laboratories, at the PLASA show in Earls Court. Each was followed by a short demo of his own specialist brand of performance art.

In presenting the mixer, Flash expanded on the ‘8.45’ syndrome, which has prompted many of the Empath’s most practical features. This is the common scenario when it&r

A new website for freelance professionals and employers in the UK and beyond has been launched at www.freelanceshowstaff.co.uk. The site has taken two years to develop, making it a very versatile and user-friendly service for the whole entertainment industry - a market sector which relies heavily of freelance labour. A mix of useful information combined with valuable functions, the website is designed for both employees and employers. Since its launch earlier this summer, the site has registered over 200 freelancers and 80 companies - from more than 20 different disciplines including audio, lighting, carpentry, rigging, scenery, stage management and wardrobe.

Potential employers can check a specific registered freelancer’s availability or search for new ones, as well as placing job advertisements. They can search by name

HMV has become an official sponsor for Sound Advice, the music industry education roadshow that tours the UK for five days in October. Sound Advice represents a unique collaboration by all of the UK's leading music industry organisations under an educational banner. Its aim is to provide music students around the country with invaluable advice from leading figures about key issues affecting the industry and how these might impact on their future careers. The importance of Live music, the issues surrounding Copyright and the need for education within the industry will be high on the agenda.

HMV Europe's managing director David Pryde, comments: "I am delighted that HMV is in a position to support this inaugural 'Sound Advice' tour, not least because it gives a chance to those people around the country where we have our stores to find out more about all aspects of our industry. Hopef

This year's International Leisure Industry Week (LIW) show takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on the 8-10 October. LIW brings together the many elements of the UK leisure industry, from health and fitness to food, drink and entertainment.

The Leisure Environments and Leisure Solutions shows within Leisure Industry Week have been designed to educate, inspire and support industry suppliers, operators and designers. Everything from lighting, sound and furnishing to ticketing, lockers and membership technology will be showcased, and the BEDA Village (the British Entertainment and Discotheque Association) will ensure the show continues to provide an unequalled networking opportunity as well as highlighting the latest ideas and innovations for clubs everywhere. Participating companies include Pulsar Light, HZ International and HK Audio, as well as the likes of Holsten UK who will be showca

Pro Audio Light Middle East (PALME) is the first dedicated professional sound and lighting showcase to be launched in the Middle East. It will run at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 16-18 2003.

PLASA Members interested in expanding their international business, would be well advised to look to the Middle East. The area has recently seen a huge surge in entertainment, tourism and leisure facilities. Major new venues are planned and there’s a huge catalogue of investment in entertainment projects resulting from a need to satisfy one of the youngest populations in the world.

Following discussions with organizers IIR, PLASA has been offered special rates exclusive to its members. Any member booking a stand at PALME will receive a 35% discount for the first nine square metres and 20% off anything above this. The show joins a strong IIR portfolio of professional exhibition

Live events have become more and more important as marketing ‘tools’ in recent years and The Showman’s Show 2002, with its unique outdoor setting, will showcase the best new entertainment and production companies for event professionals organizing these events.

For any marketing manager wishing to include events in their plans, the Showman’s Show is a good place to source specialist event suppliers, whether for a product launch, road show or music event.

Star’s of the recent Zurich Financial's TV commercial - the flying pigs - will be putting in a ‘celebrity appearance’ at the show, courtesy of Judy Hancox at the Butts Farm, in Cirencester, highlighting the creative possibilities marketers can achieve through understanding the potential of the events world. Other ‘entertaining’ companies exhibiting at the show include fairground r

Messe Frankfurt and Intex Shanghai have announced their collaboration of a new international exhibition in China for the professional audio and entertainment lighting industry. ProLight+Sound Shanghai will make its debut at the Intex exhibition centre and the Shanghaimart in 15-18 October, 2003. The show will be positioned as a professional marketing platform for manufacturers of audio, lighting, staging, laser and effects technology, and will feature live performances and special events, including a DJ competition.

Messe Frankfurt adds ProLight+Sound Shanghai to a portfolio of two existing trade fairs for the pro-audio and lighting sector, including ProLight+Sound in Frankfurt, Germany, and Musikmesse/ProLight+Sound in St Petersburg, Russia. ProLight+Sound Shanghai will be held in conjunction with Music China, a new international exhibition for musical instruments, which debuts this

In response to feedback from the industry that the PLASA show, at 25 years old, was in need of re-energizing, exciting new plans for the exhibition were unveiled to both exhibitors and press at PLASA 2002.

We took time out with Matthew Griffiths, managing director of show-owners the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) and Nicola Rowland, acting show director for organizer Clarion Events, to hear about the plans and their implementation. Matthew Griffiths expands on the background to the decision: "The PLASA show is the leading entertainment, communication and presentation technology show in the world. To maintain this position, the Association realises that the show needs to be a pioneer in adapting to industry change. It also needs to ensure that the visitor experience is kept vibrant, fresh and business-focused.

"After ongoing discussions and regular feedb

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