PLASA Show reveals seminar programme
- Details
In collaboration with top industry figures and brands, the programme will feature an array of creative achievements as well as advice on salient industry issues.
Pro audio journalist and consultant Phil Ward will lead a panel of industry figureheads - Chris Hill from Wigwam, Jim Griffiths from Vanguardia and Steve Jones from d&b audiotechnik - in ‘Equal rights for audio!’ They will assess how live performances, including the recent Spice Girls reunion tour, can neglect audio in the rush for spectacular video, lighting and set design.
Moving from concerts to theatre, Shure will present the future of audio for theatre productions, in association with Curtain Call. This panel will explore how the advancement of microphone technology, such as wireless and lavalier mics, continues to influence performance and push the industry forward.
Meanwhile, Women in Music will host a session on how to survive and thrive in the live music industry, sharing tips on how to create an impressive CV, keep busy during the slow season, gain recognition, and prevent burnout whilst on the road.
Continuing on this theme, Rose Bruford graduate Tom Harrison will speak on the lifestyle of technicians. Working on the road is notoriously hazardous for diet, sleep and exercise, but Harrison is equipped with the latest research and insights to help those interested in leading healthier and more sustainable lives.
James Simpson, LSi columnist and 3D visualisation specialist for the Royal Opera House, will present his favourite research from the Future Tech column, including Blockchain, intelligent nail varnish, 5G, Big data, the Internet of Things and gaming and entertainment. Simpson will also discuss his popular piece, Can a drone be turned into a moving light?
Vectorworks will present its latest software solutions, which can be used for the entire design and production for a medium-sized concert. The company will also present the latest developments in GDTF and My Virtual Rig (MVR), a new data exchange file format introduced by Vectorworks, Inc., MA Lighting and Robe Lighting, specially designed for the entertainment industry to streamline workflows.
Also looking at safety in production, Harry Box from UK Rigging and Sean Pagel from PSI will ask Are we training people to be too safe? The speakers will discuss whether purpose-built venues and dedicated rigging systems have led to complacency and professionals who rely on perfect working conditions.
Following a run of unseasonable weather which has impacted the festival scene, Norbert Tripp from Area Four Industries will address LED screen support structures - what a load-bearing structure looks like, and how they behave during high winds.
In addition to a dedicated audio lounge, L-Acoustics will host a seminar on its L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound Technology. Using case studies (Mark Knopfler, alt-J and EartH Hackney), the presentation will focus on scalability and portability from a mixing studio content to a full-scale live performance.
In another immersive audio session, Out Board’s Dave Haydon session will ask What’s immersive?, unpacking the motives, expectations and realities of spatial audio and showcontrol for live performance, presentation and experiences.
The latest regulations and guidance will also be addressed at the show, including PLASA’s Lightning Safety at Outdoor Events guidance; the ABTT’s Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment; Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER); and BS 7827 for large venues and stadiums.
Alongside the programme, visitors can enjoy an abundance of audio demos, including lounges for L-Acoustics, RCF and Sound Technology as well as a KV2 Audio demo room and a main space featuring Void Acoustics, Shermann Audio, Aura Audio, Adam Hall and OHM.
New for this year is Stage to Studio, in association with Sound On Sound and Headliner magazines. This dynamic new feature will see bands performing live whilst being recording and mixed by renowned audio engineer Simon Todkill who has worked with Kanye West, Charli XCX and Matt Corby and many more major artists.
The seminars are free to all PLASA Show visitors, with more sessions set to be announced in the coming weeks. For the most up-to-date information, please visit: www.plasashow.com
Free show registration is open until 30 August, after which those wishing to register will need to pay a £12 fee.
