It's just a year since members of PLASA voted overwhelmingly to merge with leading North American trade association ESTA, and on the 1 January this year, the two formally came together under the PLASA name, creating one of the largest membership organizations in the industry with over 1100 members worldwide.
Though still in its early stages, the merger has already greatly strengthened PLASA and given it a new profile in the industry, reinforced by a new PLASA logo and brand identity. The first phase of a new PLASA website has gone live and the first meetings of the new Regional Boards and over-arching Governing Body have also taken place. New services and research projects have been introduced, and the teams are currently working on the plans for developing PLASA's events and media strategies.
Given the scale of change and the opportunities now being created, the AGM and Members Lunch will provide a unique forum for members to learn more about everything that's been going on, and whilst the merger will undoubtedly form the narrative for the day, there will also be plenty of opportunity for members to feedback on the day-to-day issues they're facing and the direction they want to see PLASA taking in the future.
The AGM will commence at midday on the 7 June in the impressive concert hall of Kings Place, the stunning arts and business venue just north of London's King's Cross. As a leading creative centre, it provides a fitting backdrop for the event, which will be followed by the PLASA Members Lunch - a highly social occasion attended by over 200 members and representatives from the industry.
Invites have now been sent to all European-affiliated members, however, further details and online registration for the day can be found on the PLASA website.
(Claire Beeson)
