Major New Features and Product Launches Create High Expectations for PLASA 2011

A slew of new product launches, new exhibitors, major new show features and the most wide-ranging seminar program to date are creating an extraordinary buzz around this year's PLASA Show, organizers PLASA Events report. An independent voice -- Andy Collier, writing in the Association of Lighting Designers' Focus magazine this month -- comments: "I have been overwhelmed by the wide range of reasons to visit PLASA this year...in addition to the world-class line-up of manufacturers and new products, it's the side shows which will undoubtedly make this a PLASA to remember."

Those side shows include the world's first LED luminaire shoot-out, hosted by the STLD; the second PLASA Rigging Conference and the first PLASA Riggers' Forum; a greatly expanded White Light Zone in Earls Court 2; a brand new Production Bar in EC2, sponsored by PRG, Pearce Hire and Lightspace; The Theatres Trust's ground-breaking Ecovenue feature, showcasing 48 participating London theatres; a special interactive tour for students; the Innovation Gallery and Innovation Awards, sponsored by Lighting&Sound International, PLASA CAD clinics, from cad4theatre and Vectorworks, and the Audio Think Tank area hosted by Audio Pro International.

Meanwhile, the seminar program continues to expand, partnered by InfoComm International, Technologies for Worship, Audio Pro International, The Theatres Trust, ALD, The National Skills Academy, ABTT, Julies Bicycle, STLD and many more major industry trade bodies.

The four-day program of free education and learning includes case studies and presentations ranging across the whole spectrum of entertainment and installation technologies. Recently added seminars include, Lighting Visualization at The Royal Opera House, Smart Design in 3D Theatre, presented by James Simpson; Chan Numbers and Other Games We Play, presented by LD Rob Halliday; Working at Height in Theatre: Latest and Revised ABTT Code of Practice, presented by ABTT; Networking with AVB (Audio Video Bridging) in Harman HiQnet Systems, presented by Harman International; Management Standards for Event Sustainability, presented by PLASA; How Green is your Set and Lighting? presented by Julie's Bicycle; DMX and RDM Protocols Overview, presented by Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd; Safety Culture, presented by PLASA and Total Solutions Group; Video for Audio Engineers, presented by ISCE / Ikon AVS; Acoustic Myths and Magic, presented by Peter Mapp Associates; Training for the Touring Code of Conduct & Using Projection and Digital Media in Theatre, presented by the Stage Management Association; Keep the Noise Down! a seminar about the sound of the Pyramid Stage, presented by RG Jones. With even more to be announced soon, including the National Student Drama Festival, the Batman tour and a special seminar by XL Video about the first ever mapped projection onto the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.

New audio, staging, lighting and AV launches will top the show floor agenda and PLASA 2011 is set to live up to its reputation as the world's top entertainment and installation technology launch pad. Taking centre stage are PLASA Bar sponsors d&b audiotechnik and main show sponsors Martin Professional and Clay Paky, both of whom will unveil major new products at the show. Add to that hotly anticipated major launches from Midas, ETC, Prolyte, EAW, Cadac and Robe and 2011 is set to be a huge year for new technology.

Brands returning to the show include Cadac, Batmink, State Automation and Disco Designer. New to the PLASA 2011 line-up are lighting visualization specialists Capture Sweden; Eclipse Lighting and Sound, the Barcelona-based arm of the Dushow Group; and Smithson Martin's DJ and music production software Emulator at GMP.

Also new to the show is London-based Show Translations with its revolutionary AirScript hand-held closed caption system that promises a new era for theatre audiences; Tait Technologies -- the major international production group behind U2's 360 Degrees tour spectacular; UK-based multi-media production company VTR Digital; California-based LED component designers and manufacturers LED Engin; plus legendary audio brand Focusrite and Norwegian entertainment technology distributor Lydrommet.

Sophie Atkinson, events manager for PLASA Events, comments: "The response to this year's show offer has already been extraordinary, we hope this underlines the power of the PLASA Show to bridge product and market sectors, connect people and deliver a unique mix of business and networking opportunities in a way that no other major trade event can."

"We are looking forward to multiple international product launches, stellar presenters in the Education and Learning Program and exclusive show features that people will never have seen at other trade shows. Visitors can look forward to a creative, productive and sociable event for this rapidly evolving market."