This annual event attracts visitors from all over the world and is run by people from within the industry - and the 2005 show promises to deliver precisely what the market requires - information, ideas and a strong forum for doing real business.
Over 300 companies are committed to making PLASA 2005 a solutions-led event: between them they will roll out over 1,000 new products and services designed to push existing technical and creative possibilities a stage further.
Both show floors will be packed with new ideas in audio, lighting, AV, rigging, system integration, engineering and effects: visitors will get to see these products being professionally demonstrated, learn how they can be used and talk to the people behind them.
The Innovation Gallery will feature the best in new designs, and products nominated for the 2005 Awards for Innovation will be shown. Here, visitors will be able to see products that represent genuine advances for the industry or improve safety and technical practices.
An exchange of ideas has always been central to PLASA: developments from its core club, theatre, touring and events markets now regularly cross over into new areas, particularly the developing building and installation sectors. As a direct consequence, there is now a growing architectural AV area which places the companies who specialise in architectural lighting, installed audio, safety systems and AV solutions in front of designers, architects, system integrators and installers.
Located on the Top Deck, the Architectural Audio & Visual area will be the linchpin of a redesigned second floor which includes a purpose-built seminar theatre and industry bookshop.
Last year PLASA led the way by introducing a Code of Ethics for all exhibitors which requires that they respect design copyrights and patents and do not actively infringe them and will continue to do so for 2005.
The 2005 Seminar Programme promises to be the strongest yet, with technical workshops providing practical hands-on learning, advice sessions addressing some of the main issues faced by the industry and 'audience with'-style events offering a rare chance to hear from people who have made the industry what it is today. One influential new development will be the introduction of a series of free debate-led sessions that will pitch controversial subjects out into the open to be discussed by a panel of experts in front of an active audience.
There are many compelling reasons for attending PLASA 2005, but perhaps one of the most persuasive is the show's reputation for connecting people - a business advantage that those who remain tied to their desks cannot hope to benefit from. It's well worth booking some time out of the office to network with others at this key annual event.
Visitor registration is now open and a fully integrated website is available with essential show information, including an up-to-date exhibitor list and floorplan, and an easy-to-use online registration system. Those who pre-register now benefit from half-price admission.
(Jim Evans)
