PLASA CEO to Appear Before Select Committee in House of Commons

	Matthew Griffiths

Today, Tuesday, March 26, PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths appeared alongside members of the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony creative team to represent the entertainment and installation technology industries before the Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee at the UK House of Commons.

The invitation follows a period of intense political lobbying by PLASA, on behalf of its members, many of whom were dissatisfied with the restrictions surrounding the promotion of their involvement in the events. The information gathered will be used by Members of Parliament (MPs) to assess the true extent of the role that the Olympic and Paralympic Games had in showcasing the UK creative industries, and what impact they have had on the sector subsequently.

"Many of our members were disappointed to discover the pervasiveness of the orders set up to protect the sponsorship deals of companies from outside the creative industries," comments Griffiths. "While the generality of the orders meant that many companies missed out on the chance to promote their participation at that time, we are encouraged by this opportunity to communicate with MPs about the effect that this has had, and contribute to the discussion about what they can do to support us in the future."

Griffiths and his fellow witnesses will also be questioned on the role that government can play in supporting the creative economy more generally, and ideas to ensure long-term benefits for PLASA members.