On the back of the success of PLASA07, many companies have increased their stand size and several have doubled their space, setting PLASA08 on course to be the major industry event of next year. The success of the 2007 show has also been a catalyst for drawing back former exhibitors and generating strong levels of interest from new exhibitors, impressed with the professionalism and energy of the event.
The show management team has identified a range of new initiatives to develop and strengthen visitor attendance and is also focusing on a number of key areas for further development.
"One of the key messages that came across very powerfully from our research was how important the new products and developing technologies are to the success of the live business environment at PLASA," explained Show Director Nicola Rowland, "as well as the tremendous value our visitors place on the networking opportunities. We're investing in these areas and studying ways to develop the networking experience. We're also working on extending the show's special features to ensure that we deliver a strong educational programme encompassing special industry topics, as well as intensive technical training in conjunction with key manufacturers.
"The expansion into Earls Court 2 was a bold move and has been generally very positively received, and we are working on new plans to develop the two hall layout - along with making more stand space available for those who want to make the move into Earls Court 2 next year."
Plans are also under development for the provisionally titled 'PLASA North', which will be officially launched when PLASA Events takes over the A.C. Lighting North trade show immediately after the 2008 event.
"It's really exciting to be expanding our portfolio of events," added Rowland. "A year into PLASA Events' existence we are already looking at other ideas and opportunities that will help us better serve the market with events run by and for the industry."
PLASA08 runs from 7-10 September 2008 at Earls Court in London.
(Lee Baldock)
