Innovation: PLASA goes for Gold
During consultation with the PLASA Awards for Innovation Judges after the 2007 PLASA Show, the judges expressed a desire to be able to more accurately reflect the levels of innovation seen in the products nominated for the Awards. Specifically, they were looking for a way to highlight those cases where a product truly delivered something strikingly new and innovative to the industry.
Roland Hemming, a highly-respected audio consultant and a regular on the PLASA Awards for Innovation judging panel, explains: "As judges, we're looking for products which advance the industry by demonstrating a new way of thinking or improving technical practice, or safety. We often see products that innovate in terms of developing existing technology, maybe combining ideas in clever new ways, or making products smaller, lighter or more affordable; these developments move the industry forward, improving technical practice, and should be rewarded. Occasionally, however, we see a product that stands head and shoulders above the other nominees, and we wanted a way of recognising these products over and above the usual awards of equal standing."
As a result, PLASA 2008 will see the introduction of Gold and Silver Awards for Innovation. The Silver will recognise those products that deliver a significant improvement over existing products or technologies on the market, while the Gold Award will be reserved for those products displaying a high level of innovation, bringing something 'truly new' to our industry.
Hemming adds: "Every year is different - we may see two or three Gold Award winners, or there may be none, but it allows us the flexibility to go that extra mile for those products that really give us something special."
PLASA08 exhibitors can begin their product nomination process immediately at the website address given below.
Focus on Sustainability
PLASA 2008 will also see a greater emphasis placed on the Environmental Award - the additional trophy that the judges have at their disposal, but which has not been awarded for the past two years. The Environmental Award is designed to recognise products which display significant environmental benefits: this could be as part of its manufacturing process, or directly from its operational use by being more energy-efficient, or even for advantages in its disposal at the end of its working life - all factors which have an impact on the environment.
James Eade, a freelance installation consultant and Technical Editor of Lighting&Sound International magazine, takes on the role of chairman of the PLASA Awards Judges each year. He says: "Energy efficiency, hazardous substances and end-of-life disposal are becoming increasingly vital issues for all of us as we aim for a greener industry, and the judges will be particularly looking for products that have been designed and manufactured with environmental advantages in mind."
Matthew Griffiths, CEO of PLASA, comments: "By rewarding manufacturers who have made progress in this important area, I hope we will draw further attention to the issue of sustainability in our sector. The development of new technical tools which lessen our negative impact on the environment will bring added commercial benefit to us all in the long term. I believe it's essential that PLASA rewards and promotes those who focus on this issue."
The 2008 Gottelier Award
PLASA 2008 will be the second year of the prestigious Gottelier Award. Named in honour of the late designer, develo
