PLASA Set to Kick Start
the International Industry
Year in September

Special Show Preview

PLASA 2002 is at Earls Court from 8 - 11 September 2002.

Photo: courtesy of PLASA.

Audio Product News Published: 15 July 2002
PLASA, the pre-eminent lighting, sound, staging and audio-visual show, is set to take the entertainment, communication and presentation technology industries by storm once again from 8 - 11 September this year.

Now in its 25th year, PLASA is the show of choice for manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of professional lighting, sound, audio-visual and staging equipment. Additionally, 76% of the 2001 show visitors put PLASA first on their marketing calendars, claiming not to have visited any other industry exhibition during the same year.

The PLASA Show offers a platform for over 350 exhibiting companies to present new products and technologies to an ever-increasing audience of over 13,000 UK and international visitors. PLASA covers a diverse market - everything from the latest lighting, sound and display/audio-visual techniques to special effects, stage engineering and DJ products.

According to PLASA's Matthew Griffiths, PLASA has something for everyone. "It appeals to those involved in purchasing lighting, sound and communications technology. Our post-show research confirms that PLASA is viewed as the place to meet key buyers and decision-makers in the vibrant entertainment, communication and presentation technology industries, renew contacts with past and existing customers and generate new business leads. Its unique buzz provides the perfect atmosphere for industry players to catch up on all the latest news and find out what's happening in the industry worldwide."

To date 91% of stand space has been booked - a sure sign of confidence in the PLASA Show and the state of the industry in general.

According to Show Director Sue Saint, key developments are planned for the 2002 show, including revamped Audio-Visual and Commercial Audio areas, enhancements to the New Technology Gallery and the popular Masterclass Programme and PLASA BackStage, which is a new technical demonstration area organised by the PSA. These changes were made as a direct consequence of exhibitor and visitor feedback after the 2001 show and represent the growth potential in the Sound and Audio-Visual sectors.

New AV and Commercial Sound Sector on the Top Deck
The scope of PLASA continues to grow. Recognising the natural synergy between the AV and commercial and installation audio sectors, PLASA offers a platform to view the latest innovations and network with key industry personnel in these fields.

New Technology Gallery & PLASA Awards for Product Excellence
Some 79% of show visitors attend to see what's new on the market and the New Technology Gallery - where the L&SI-sponsored PLASA Awards for Product Excellence will be staged on Tuesday 10th September - is a natural draw for buyers. The New Technology Gallery will also benefit from the central show bar to enable exhibitors to host business contacts surrounded by the most advanced technology on the market.

Masterclass Programme
The masterclass programme, a series of educational seminars addressing different aspects of the industry, is rapidly moving into a class of its own! Visitors to these sessions in 2001 increased by 118% over the previous year and feedback on the content is very positive. For 2002, the show organiser is consulting with exhibitors, visitors and key publications to ensure the seminar topics continue to reflect the industry's key issues and technological advances. A breakfast seminar is being introduced to allow exhibitors and visitors to attend without losing time on stands during show hours. The subject for this year will be a study into the installation of the innovative grid ceiling feature and dividing wall in Earls Court One. International staging and structure specialists Edwin Shirley Staging will be the lead speaker on this topic on Tuesday 10th September between 9am and 10am.

The Show kicks off on Sunday 8th September with DJ Day. Bedroom mixers and aspiring DJs will have the chance to display their skills and compete in the Gemini DJ Competition and listen to the experts sharing their hot tips and advice at the iDJ talk Zones.

Monday 9th September is 'Installation and Integration Day' and will see a series of educational seminars, presented by Installation Europe, focusing on the three core areas of Audio, Video and Lighting Design and covering key topics such as Installation, Systems Design and System Integration.

Tuesday focuses on the Theme and Leisure industry with a host of sessions presented by Leisure Media in association with the TEA (Themed Entertainment Association). The programme will look at how innovative lighting, sound, special effects and audio-visual equipment have been used to accentuate visitor attractions.

On Wednesday, the Masterclass and Training Programme will shift focus to the growing Audio-Visual and Corporate Presentations sector, presented by AV Magazine. The line-up will include discussions around the use of audio-visual technology for corporate presentations, special events and retail/public display.

PLASA BackStage
The PLASA BackStage Area, organized by the PSA, is a new hands-on area where visitors can meet exhibitors on a more technical level. Exhibitors will be available to demonstrate or train people on their latest products. In addition, there will be a meeting area where technical or industry issues can be discussed with the PSA - it's a great opportunity to make the most of your visit to the PLASA Show.

Travel Agents
For the first time this year, the organisers have appointed official travel agents in over 10 countries and are working with them to help international visitors plan their journey from door-to-door.

Celebration of 25 years
To celebrate the PLASA show's 25th birthday, there will be a party with an international theme on the opening night of the show, Sunday 8th September, at a hot new venue in the City, The Bridge. To find out more about this must-see celebration, log onto www.plasa.org/show or call Sophie Matthews on +44(0)20 7370 8209.

The PLASA Show will be open from 10am to 6pm on Sunday 8 September to Tuesday 10 September and from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday 11 September. Visitors wishing to attend the show can book by calling the PLASA Hotline on +44 (0)870 429 4472.

For general information on the show, please call +44 (0)20 7370 8208 or visit www.plasa.org/show. To book a stand space, please call Nicky Rowland of Clarion Events on +44 (0)20 7370 8231. Tickets, valid for the full duration of the show, cost £6 if pre-registered or £12 if purchased at the door. Entry is free for international visitors. Masterclass sessions can be booked individually at £30 + VAT per session or as a day package at £90 + VAT.

• PLASA Show
• PLASA