In addition to a two-hall exhibition of the latest entertainment technology products, visitors can check out the PLASA Professional Development Programme which offers over 20 free-to-attend sessions presented by some of the most talented names in pro audio, lighting and video.
Getting a Foot in the Door is presented by Alchemea's head of live sound, Darryn de la Soul. Aimed at engineers at the beginning of their careers, this seminar is a down-to-earth look at the skill sets expected and the challenges that await a newcomer to the industry.
Working from the premise that there is always something new to learn, How to Soundcheck! from Jon Burton, FOH for The Prodigy and Bombay Bicycle Club, takes the audience through a show day with a focus on the final soundcheck. Whatever type of venue, be it a small, intimate club or a huge arena, this talk will explore the common problems that occur, and examine ways of overcoming them. A useful opportunity, not only to learn some new techniques, but to share some of your own 'tricks of the trade'.
In the last year, the UK has played host to several large-scale events, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Next year, Glasgow will host the Commonwealth Games. In Light, Spectacle and the Large-Scale Event, a panel of experts, brought together by the ALD, explain how lighting designers approach the design brief, what technical and logistical aspects need to be taken into consideration, and the importance of collaboration, innovation and imagination when designing large-scale events.
Running in parallel with the professional training, expert presentations and educational seminars in the Professional Development Programme are the product based demonstrations that provide visitors with unique opportunities to access training and knowledge on the most up-to-the-minute products on the market. A Hands on Look at Allen & Heath will be presented by Audio-Technica and showcase the Allen & Heath GLD, ICE-16 and also other highly anticipated new products launching in 2013 including the ME-1 personal mixing system. Lighting and Video - the Integration, the Benefits, the Future presented by Avolites will provide an overview of the latest features of their Titan V7 and Ai Media Server.
In An Introduction to Cellular Technology, Martin Audio will examine the revolutionary technology behind the MLA family of multi-cellular loudspeaker arrays and outline some of the unique possibilities that cellular technology allows. And finally, in Wireless Lighting Control in a Co-Existence Environment, Wireless Solution explains the difference between the products available and how to combine protocols such as DMX, RDM, Art-Net and s/ACN. The session will also include demonstrations to provide the audience with tips on how to avoid some common traps along with an understanding of how to get the best results from wireless technology for both installation and rental projects.
Along with free entry to PLASA Focus: Leeds 2013 and free lunch available on both days of the show, all the sessions throughout the two days of the Professional Development Programme are also free. You must register as a visitor before registering your interest in the sessions of your choice. To get more details or to find out more about what's on offer at PLASA Focus: Leeds 2013 visit: http://www.plasafocus.com/leeds now.
(Jim Evans)
