Placed on the Top Deck overlooking the main hall, the area will offer a number of facilities and services. The PLASA Crew Zone will offer a place to relax, furnished with two internet-ready computers sponsored by StageAccess.com, where visitors will be able to catch up with old friends by registering with StageAccess.com. The PLASA Backstage Area, organized by the PSA, will offer demonstrations and the opportunity for 'hands-on' use of products. Companies involved last year included Le Maitre, AC Lighting, Tomcat, Stage Technologies, TMB, Marquee Audio and PCM and it is expected that a number of new products will be on display for the first time this year.
Elsewhere, the main features emphasize two key selling points for the PLASA Show - namely as a major international platform for the launch, application and demonstration of new technology, and secondly, the enhancement of networking opportunities for visitors and exhibitors. The New Technology Gallery, sponsored by Lighting&Sound International, is now at the front of the main hall and will display all the products entered for the PLASA Awards for Product Excellence. As the gateway to the show, it will be a well-branded area and will emphasize the show's bold, new image and brand. Additionally, PLASA has long been a networking haven and this connection will be reflected in the Central Networking Area at the heart of the show. It will be set on a raised circular platform where there will be a large bar.
The PLASA Show's educational programme is supported by recognized trade organizations, associations and industry publications and hosted by PLASA PDP (Professional Development Programme). It will deliver an exciting and invigorating range of seminars and workshops. Relevant to technicians are a number of sessions including a BTEC Award programme and WYSIWYG technical workshops, while Karl Ruling of ESTA talks about Fog Testing Product Stewardship on the Monday. Full details on these and all the other sessions will be available on the Show website by the middle of July.
(Ruth Rossington)
