The aim of the conference, the first of its kind in the world, is to provide a unique specialist forum that will bring together entertainment rigging companies, riggers, venue operators, tour and event production managers and more. It is the latest industry-specific forum to be presented by PLASA Events and reflects the PLASA organisation's stated intent to reinvest in the entertainment and installation technology industries and deliver bespoke industry relevant events.
Chris Higgs of Total Solutions Group, consultant on the conference, comments: "This is one of those ideas that when you mention it, everyone says 'what a fantastic idea - it's long overdue'. There has been a lot of demand from the rigging community for an opportunity - one that doesn't exist anywhere else in the world - for production professionals, whose work either directly involves rigging, or working with riggers, to come together and discuss the many issues that affect us all.
"It's a forum for the rigging industry, venues and production companies, working nationally or internationally, to be able to talk together and discuss working practices and to try to even out some of the differences that exist between venues and productions. Anyone who's directly involved with shows will benefit from the conference. To cite just one example, there is much confusion out there about the requirements and desirability of secondary suspensions - we would hope to start to clear up that issue alone."
The PLASA International Rigging Conference will focus specifically on entertainment rigging and working at height for temporary installations, and will be technically focused, with presentations from respected industry individuals and companies together with leading industry safety advisory groups from around the world.
The full programme will be announced shortly, but will include a packed agenda of conference sessions, panel discussions and some exciting practical demonstrations all of direct relevance to the entertainment rigging community. It will allow delegates to review best practice, dispel some myths, discuss standards and share expertise. A provisional conference agenda is already listed on the website, and developments will be announced as the content evolves.
The event will be held in the Earls Court Conference Centre adjoining the exhibition halls and delegate passes will include free admission to all four days of PLASA 2010.
Delegates already declaring interest in attending include major broadcast organisations and venues, union and trade associations' representatives, venue management personnel, freelance riggers and manufacturers and distributors of equipment used in rigging.
Director of Events for PLASA, Nicola Rowland comments: "The idea has been incredibly well received already, especially as we are running it alongside PLASA 2010 to give delegates the opportunity to take in the show as well as the conference, and therefore maximise their own business opportunities. The panel already includes an impressive array of international rigging experts and other production professionals and we are talking to more every day."
There is a heavily discounted early booking rate for delegate passes which can be booked online now at www.plasariggingconference.com.
(Lee Baldock)
