"It was encouraging to see so many people arrive for the very beginning of the show," says PLASA managing director Peter Heath. "PLASA's emphasis is where it should be, creating opportunities that will lead to sustained growth for our commercial divisions, leading back into the membership through increased activities and initiatives. The relocation to West London, and the move to a September date, as well as an enhanced seminar programme, more interactive showcases and technical workshops are all part of this, and were very much driven by member feedback. Early indications are that it's working."
So what is in store for day one? As well as a host of innovative products to see from the 200+ brands, there are PLASA's free-to-attend seminars, which have always been a key attraction of the show.
Always a favourite is the annual Rigging Conference and Forum, but there are also seminars covering the hot topics in audio, lighting, AV, staging and those all-important business skills.
With two seminar theatres, product demo areas and interactive showcases situated on Olympia's Gallery floor, highlights for day one include, Pin The Mic On The Actor presented by Zoe Milton from the Association of Sound Designers (ASD); Stage Electrics' Jamie Gosney and Emma Bigg from Octavius RE talking about AV Installation Strategy for Venue Owners; and Inventing The Future: The Story of the National Theatre's Lightboard from Rob Halliday.
This year's Platinum sponsor is Robe, who are joined by Gold Sponsor Chauvet Professional, Silver Sponsor infinity and Technical Sponsor Hawthorn. "We're delighted to be the Show's Platinum Sponsor," says Robe's Mick Hannaford. "I'm happy that it's back in West London and that's it's now close to its original date line. We're looking forward to a successful show."
Innovation is at the heart of our industry, so PLASA has brought back the Innovation Gallery , powered by LSi and sponsored by Velta, as well as more networking opportunities, including the PLASA Lounge on the Gallery level and a brand new show party, sponsored by Robe, ArKaso, and Production Park.
Also launched at the show and available from the App Store and Google Play for both iPhone and Android, is the PLASA App, which contains details about industry events, a newsfeed, membership information, a skills section and a technical section, which includes the new guide for Safety of Display Lasers.
"LSi has also been given a bold rebrand, with a fresh, modern look," says Peter. "This is an important reinvestment in the magazine, which has been known as LSi ever since it appeared in the 1980s. The new logo formalises that name and is a subtle change - LSi now stands for Light & Sound International - to recognise that light these days comes from more than just 'Lighting'. And we're pleased to say that the September issue is the biggest issue for nine years."
"There's already a real buzz on the show floor," says Peter. "There are so many new and exciting aspects to the show, as well as some that are making a welcome return, such as the Innovation Gallery. We're already looking forward to day two!"
(LSi Online)
