USA - 2005 promises to be a strong year for the cruise industry, which looks set to achieve record growth. Numerous new cruise ships are scheduled for launch in 2005, with further major projects slated for 2006 and 2007. This positive trend will translate into real business opportunities for UK specialists providing lighting, audio, AV and staging technologies.

Exploiting this development will be the forthcoming SeaTrade exhibition in Miami (March 15-17) - the largest gathering of cruise line owners, operators and suppliers in the world. One of the main features of the show will be the new 'PLASA at Sea' Pavilion - a showcase of all the latest innovations in entertainment and leisure-based technology. Confirmed exhibitors to date include Barbizon, Vari-Lite, Rose Brand, Rosco, Color Kinetics, Xilver, Martin Professional, Mavco, Teledimensions, Stage Technologies and Snow Masters.

UK companies can now take advantage of a grant worth up to £2,500, which they can put towards the cost of exhibiting at SeaTrade. This funding is available via PLASA (the Professional Lighting and Sound Association) and will help UK companies put their technologies and services in front of key buyers and specifiers. A Brochure Group Service is also available for PLASA members who can have their literature and marketing material distributed to interested attendees.

If you would like to participate in SeaTrade, contact Shane McGreevy at PLASA on +44 (0)1323 410335 or e-mail at the address below.

(Ruth Rossington)


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