The specialists exhibiting at PLASA06 have the expertise to make anything possible with technologies developed by this industry transforming the quality of experience within the entertainment, events, live arts and leisure markets to a level scarcely imaginable 10 years ago.
And in the building and architectural sectors, the development of audio, video and IT technologies has also transformed the way buildings are designed and used - aesthetically, practically and architecturally - with information and safety-related systems now essential ingredients in the development of public spaces and buildings.
All these developments - together with the next generation of ideas - will be there to see at PLASA06, where over 300 leading companies, 50 exhibiting for the first time, have signed up for 11,000sq.m of show floor space.
Both levels of Earls Court 1 will be packed with new ideas in audio, lighting, AV, rigging, system integration, engineering and effects. And for those looking to exploit the increasing convergence of technologies, there's also a dedicated Integrated Systems area featuring developments critical to M&E and AV consultants, systems integrators, installer and venue owners.
DJ Sunday will kick-start the show, giving DJs a chance to check out all the latest gear and mix with some of the best-known names in the business. This high impact day showcases all the major manufacturers' new kit and is packed with numerous events, on-stand demos, giveaways and workshops. Central to it all is the Gemini 'Extreme V' DJ Competition - a showcase of talent that attracts entries from all over Europe.
New technologies have always been the key to PLASA, and the best of these will be acknowledged in the PLASA Awards for Innovation which focus on the best design and development work going on across the industry. All the new products vying for these awards will be displayed in the Lighting&Sound International-sponsored Innovation Gallery, and the winners will be announced during the awards presentation in the Central Bar on Monday 11 September at 6.00pm.
Around the show floor, there'll be plenty to do - you can use the Central Bar to network with friends and colleagues or you can head upstairs to Level 2 where there'll be live demos.Also on Level 2 is the Show's Seminar Theatre which features an extensive programme of events and seminars, with support from InfoCOMM International and Technologies for Worship making this one of the strongest line-ups of workshops and advice sessions ever. There'll also be PLASA's own industry bookshop, with special offers and promotions on a range of business and technical titles.
With so much going on, expectations for PLASA06 are higher than ever. Such high levels of pre-registration indicate that much of the industry will be at Earls Court next week. Pre-registration allows entry at half price, and is available on the show website where there is also an exhibitor list and interactive floorplan, a run-down of all the features and events and the full seminar programme.
(Chris Henry)
