PLASA Show Day Two: On the cutting edge of tech
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After revealing its new stand concept, Platinum Sponsor Robe continues to showcase its latest lighting fixtures in a show-stopping stand production featuring a dance troupe, rain, fire and a mysterious cave, all visible from the Gallery Level. “We decided to create a ‘Lost World’ trilogy for three trade shows,” explains design duo Nathan Wan and Andy Webb. “We drew inspiration from Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones and the Goonies, creating an epic fire VS water battle. We always go big and this year sees a 22m wide rain feature.”
Stand aesthetics have led the way for Yamaha, too. Chris Irvine, Yamaha’s product manager, says: “This year we took a new approach which has had a great reaction. Rather than bringing loads of gear, we built an aesthetically-pleasing stand and chose a few key products - the legacy PM5D digital mixing console which is out of production, and the modern, cutting-edge PM7. This has allowed us to engage with visitors regarding which products they have used over the years.”
Debuting at PLASA for the first time are Epson with their PLASA Award for Innovation-nominated EB-L1755U projector, which has already proved itself as a show-stopper. Sharon Head, sales manager for Epson, says: “I’ve been delighted by our first time at PLASA Show - it has exceeded expectations. Footfall came quick and fast and we’ve met interesting new potential partners. I’m very much looking forward to the next few days.”
Elsewhere, seasoned exhibitors Chauvet Professional celebrates a special anniversary, as Michael Brooksbank, European general manager, explains: “We are celebrating our 30th year at PLASA Show and we are having a great time - PLASA Show is always a great event.”
Tim Horton, SFL sales and installations manager, was one of nine cyclists who rode 100 miles in support of technical entertainment charity Backup the day before the show. Despite the fatigue, he is making the most of the show: “I’m rather tired but I’m still enjoying the show and it has been worth all the effort!”
Rob Bennett of Barnes & Mullins Pro Audio/Peavey Commercial Audio, adds: “It’s a really great show as per usual. We were at PLASA Focus Leeds in May and both shows provide fantastic opportunities to engage with new and existing customers. So far a fun and busy show and we already have lots of new leads.”
Leisuretec’s team are also enjoying a busy show, as marketing manager Charlie Hendon explains: “The atmosphere has been lively and exciting with plenty of opportunities to establish new business relationships and socialise with existing clients.”
One of nearly 50 PLASA Award for Innovation entries, Italian lighting manufacturer DTS has also experienced keen interest from attendees. Area sales manager Antonio Parise, says: “Visitors have been keen to see the effects of our new product, the Synergy 5 Profile. Our product has been very well-received and we hope it wins a PLASA Award!”
GLP is lighting up the show floor with its recently released products, including the KNV. Simon Barrett of GLP says: “We are enjoying a busy stand and we’re really happy to be here. We’ve seen a diverse range of visitors - it really is the UK show.”
Visitors have spanned all levels of profession – from freelancers and end users to company directors and purchasing managers. SSE sales director, Alex Penn, comments: “We are enjoying a good amount of footfall meeting with lots of engineers and freelancers who are visiting off the back of a busy working weekend.”
Meanwhile, the new Rigging, Productions and Structures Theatre welcomed riggers and production professionals of all levels, many of whom turned up for in-depth critical updates such as Wayne Howell’s lighting protocols update, and for the lively panel of festival veterans hosted by Ambersphere’s Philip Norfolk.
Today’s programme will continue to provide insights into ambitious projects, expert career guidance, in-depth explorations of cutting edge technology and much more. Additionally, visitors can get hands on with lighting consoles in repeated workshops from ChamSys.
In the Audio & AV Theatre, Britannia Row is presenting four seminars: an Introduction to Training and Apprenticeships; System Design – Prediction, Analysis and Optimisation; a Discussion on System Design and the Future with Immersive Sound; and Creating a Mix.
The Lighting & Industry Initiatives Theatre sees creative projects come to life with the spectacular Giudizio Universale stage show which reveals the secrets of the Sistine Chapel, and creative designers 59 Productions will divulge how their combination of new technology and old-fashioned storytelling techniques scale-up highly dramatic, narrative experiences.
The Rigging, Productions & Structures Theatre will be enjoying another busy day as it sees the National Rigging Advisory Group present their new guidance sheet Supervision in all Areas of Production and sit with PLASA for an Ask the Expert Panel.
In the Fast Track Theatre, shorter sessions will cover topics such as how to add magic to your next live event, the art via the latest digital marketing techniques, and the importance of networking.
PLASA encourages those who wish to visit to head over to www.plasashow.com and register for the third and final day tomorrow (Tuesday, 18 September).
