The new PLASA@Sea Pavilion will form a key element of this annual cruise-related trade show and conference which is the largest gathering of cruise line owners, operators and suppliers in the world. More than 9,000 people from 116 countries, including over 1,000 senior cruise line executives attended Seatrade 2004.
Whilst the Conference will offer a four-day programme of targeted seminars and meetings, the exhibition will showcase the latest innovations in marine technology, with PLASA@Sea providing a connection to recent developments in entertainment and leisure-based technology. Although such technologies have been seen at Seatrade before, this is the first time they will feature in a dedicated area.
The initiative comes at a positive time for the industry: on-board entertainment is getting much more sophisticated and 2005 promises to be a strong year for the cruise industry, which is set to achieve another record year of growth. Numerous new cruise ships have been built during 2004 and a dozen more are planned to come on line in 2005. Princess Cruises has been one of the most active lines, launching three new ships in 2004 with a further two scheduled to join its fleet before 2007 - one of many indicators that there are good opportunities for the entertainment technology industry.
Matthew Griffiths, CEO of PLASA, sees the tie-up as a chance to deliver something meaningful to both PLASA members and the wider industry as a whole: "PLASA is keen to create new opportunities for those who deliver solution-based technology. The joint initiative with CMP is recognition that these products and services are of vital importance to the cruise industry. The PLASA@Sea Pavilion will offer a targeted market opportunity for companies who want to directly connect to the growing cruise markets. With marketing, sales and media support from PLASA publications Lighting&Sound America and Lighting&Sound International, any company wishing to take part can be assured of all round support in this venture."
Michael Kazakoff, vice president of CMP Princeton Inc, explains the rationale on behalf of Seatrade: "For years we have had lighting design, sound design and entertainment-related exhibitors in our trade show, but this will be the first time we have brought them all together in a pavilion. We're convinced that gathering these exhibitors in one area under PLASA's sponsorship will prove to be popular with cruise line executives, ship builders and designers sourcing these products and services."
The 21st annual Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention is scheduled for March 14-17, 2005, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. For exhibitor, sponsorship or seminar opportunities e-mail plasapavilion@plasa.org or telephone +1 212-234-3552.
(Ruth Rossington)
