PLASA Connect, an idea developed in conjunction with RH Consulting and sponsored by L&SI magazine, will provide service-based operators - including consultants, installers and rental companies - with an opportunity to find new potential clients from a wide range of vertical markets.
People involved in large projects in many different walks of life often have very little idea of who to go to for the supply of sound and lighting equipment. The idea behind PLASA Connect is to help those people gain information and make an informed choice. The result will be a targeted business development opportunity which will bring genuine business benefits to all concerned.
Roland Hemming of RH Consulting told L&SI: "Part of our focus as a company is in bringing together people or businesses who may not know of each others' existence, or if they do, would not ordinarily think to speak to each other. We are delighted to be involved with PLASA Events in making this initiative an ongoing part of the PLASA Show."
Utilising the powerful research and database resources of RH Consulting, PLASA Events can invite potential clients to arrange meetings with relevant service providers and consultancies via a scheduling website in the weeks running up to the PLASA Show, matching requirements to solutions before the show even opens. For the service providers who buy in to the scheme, the website will provide both a shop window for their services and an opportunity to assess each potential client's application prior to agreeing to a meeting.
The meetings themselves will then take place in the PLASA Connect Lounge area - an exclusive new feature at the heart of PLASA09.
Among the market areas being targeted are hotel groups, building services companies, houses of worship, council chambers, theatres and arts centres, performing arts schools, IT service companies and environmental health officers.
Nicola Rowland, PLASA's Events Director, says: "We're targeting people who have to purchase or hire lighting, AV, audio and staging equipment as part of their role, but who may have no idea of the range and quality of service providers who could help them, or how to reach them. For the service providers and consultants who buy into this scheme, we're offering a sophisticated route to new markets at an appropriate price point. We are very excited by this initiative because we believe it brings an opportunity for real business development - something which is currently at the forefront of every business person's thinking. It also benefits the PLASA Show as an event, and therefore our exhibitors, by attracting a new and extended visitor base."
For further information about the PLASA Connect initiative, please contact PLASA Events on +44 (0)207 370 8665.
Prices are competitive with additional discounts for PLASA members.
PLASA Connect is part of The PLASA Show's ongoing commitment to providing industry-leading facilities for networking, talking business and socialising. These include the PLASA Bar, The PLASA Member's Lounge, dedicated meeting areas in Earls Court 2 with a wi-fi zone, media lounge and more. As in previous years the PLASA Bar will remain open until 8pm on the first three nights, with the PLASA Awards for Innovation presentation taking place on Monday 14 September.
Despite the toughest trading conditions for a generation, organisers PLASA Events say that visitor pre-registrations are equal to last year's (when the show saw a marked increase in actual visitors attending) and with over 80 per cent of stand space booked, the signs bode well for a strong business event again this year.
(Claire Beeson)
