"We believe the increased attendance at the event is another indication that the entertainment and communication technology industries are in a robust state of health," PLASA chief executive Matthew Griffiths commented. "Technologies continue to mature and deliver ever more benefits to a wider variety of customers, and the PLASA Show's pre-eminence as a launchpad for new products continues to make it a compelling attraction for visitors."
With 64 per cent of visitors surveyed in 2005 saying that their number one reason for attending was to see new products, the research was confirmed with a host of exhibitors at PLASA 2006 reporting successful product launches.
Martin Audio reported "phenomenal interest" in the products it launched at the show, which included the all-new LE monitor range. International sales manager Peter Owen, speaking on a video report about PLASA on the company's website, added: "PLASA is a really international show - it's a big draw for the customers to come here. In fact I'd say we get roughly a 60-40 per cent split with 60 per cent being international."
Larry Busch, marketing manager of ADB Lighting Technologies, comments: "From the moment the show opened on Sunday morning it was very busy - the stand was constantly full of customers, both end users and international distributors. We successfully launched five new products, took many orders and did a lot of business. It was a very successful show for us - our busiest PLASA ever."
Funktion-One's Dave Bruml reported the company's new product launches had been the centre of attention: "We had another busy and successful PLASA, with the demo room in full swing throughout," he says.
Robe Show Lighting also reports that it enjoyed its busiest PLASA to date. Robe's general manager and CEO Josef Valchar adding: "We received an incredible reaction at PLASA to all the new products."
In addition to the wave of business taking place across the two show floors, there was also formal acknowledgement of the leading product developments in the PLASA Awards for Innovation ceremony, attended by special guest Sir George Martin, where eight awards were presented in recognition of the impressive design and development work going on across the industry.
Other major events also took place throughout the show - DJ Sunday, the show's opening shot for the DJ and night sectors, was acclaimed a success and introduced a new generation of DJs to the world of PLASA. This year's seminar programme was also a big draw: with its broadest agenda in the show's history.
Next year's PLASA Show takes place from 9-12 September 2007 and represents a new era in the show's history, as owners PLASA take full control of the event. Major new initiatives for next year include a new layout, with the Show moving to one level and extending from Earls Court 1 into Earls Court 2. This redesign will also allow for renewed emphasis on feature areas, as well as creating space for future growth and a more innovative approach to the way exhibitions are delivered in the industry. Re-booking is already strong, with both current and new exhibitors already having signed for space.
(Jim Evans)
