Professional Development Program for PLASA Focus: Baltimore 2014 Unveiled

Free registration is now open for the PLASA Focus: Baltimore 2014 Professional Development Program, a two-day program of free educational seminars and workshops, running alongside the PLASA Focus: Baltimore exhibition, at the Reitz Arena, Loyola University, Maryland, on May 8 - 9, 2014.

The program includes talks from some of the industry's leading talents who will discuss the latest trends, technologies, and techniques, and is a unique opportunity for visitors to further develop their industry knowledge and take part in discussions.

Designer Maurice "Moe" Conn will discuss what skills a theatre technician needs to acquire for a successful career in "Start Small, Go Big." Conn, who is technical director and designer at CCBC Cantonsville Center for the Arts Theatre, recently won the award for Best Scenic Design at the Maryland Theatre Guide's Readers' Choice Awards. Phil Gilbert will also be talking design as he discusses his strategy for acquiring, and keeping, great clients in "Programming Your Career in the Entertainment Industry."

As the entertainment world becomes increasingly digital and networked, it is important to know how to build and troubleshoot a digital network. In "Basic Networking for Lighting," Eric Rimes will provide a solid basis for understanding networks. Rimes is an ETCP-recognized trainer, and attendance at this session will earn you one ETCP credit.

Solid-state lighting is all the rage, but what are the things you need to be aware of when starting anew or upgrading to an energy efficient lighting system? Josh Allen, of Theatre Consultants Collaborative, and Tobin Neis of Barbizon Lighting, will cover the ins and outs of electrical considerations, data distribution, and control aspects for LED technology in "Things to Consider Before Jumping into Energy Efficient Lighting."

There are also several lighting seminars on offer from exhibitors. In "Meet NEO," Philips Entertainment will provide an in-depth introduction to the newest connected control desk in the Philips Strand Lighting portfolio. ETC's Tom Littrell will discuss and demonstrate the ETC approach to LEDs, specifically as a tool for stage and studio lighting, in "Layers of Light." Group One invites visitors to explore "Pixel Mapping, Fixture Exchange Mapping, and the Advanced Networking" options of the Titan software with Brad White in Avolites Titan software. Walt Dowling of Parlights will discuss the impact of LED lighting on theatrical spaces, and strategies for designing lighting systems that support both conventional and "smart" lighting fixtures, in "Designing for an LED World: Next Generation Theatres."

In "Real-time 3D Mapping with Hippotizer Media Severs," Geoffrey Platt of TMB will explore the concepts and possibilities surrounding this new idea that is shaping the entertainment and presentation industries.

Steve Shelley is the author of A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, now in its third edition, a freelance lighting designer, and the designer of the Field Template series of drafting stencils. Join Shelley for a comprehensive overview of the skills often considered vital to kick-starting a successful career in technical theatre in his presentation "A Practical Guide to Starting a Career in Technical Theatre."

Representatives from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) will discuss the crafts they represent, explain the benefits of becoming an IATSE member and take questions in a session entitled "IATSE - What's It All About?"

Visitors can book their places at these sessions now on the PLASA Focus: Baltimore website. Additions to the program will be announced in the coming weeks. With over 60 exhibitors, two days of free education, and superb networking opportunities, there's no better place to be this May. Free registration and more information about the seminar program is available now at www.plasafocus.com/baltimore.