The eight awards went to: Avolites (Stand J30) for its mDMX system; Dolby Laboratories / Lake Technology (BB12) for the Dolby Lake Processor; Global Design Solutions' Blues System (R53); Vieta / KV2 Audio Europe Ltd (GG6) for the So Line; Pharos Architectural Controls (F31) for its Audio Visual Controller; TiMax / Outboard (DD18) for the Track The Actors system; Volex Power Products (FF14) for its V-Lock; and Wybron's InfoTrace system (J38).
In addition to the main award winners, commendations were also given to Adam Hall for its adjustable top-hat and Sennheiser for both its A5000 Antenna and its Tourguide 2020D. No Environmental Award was presented this year, leaving the field open for new products that fit the criteria in 2007.
The money raised from the entry fees was presented to five charities that have a direct link to the industry - Dance4Life, a worldwide project to fight back HIV and AIDS; the Elizabeth Foundation, a voluntary organisation for supporting deaf children and their parents; Vocaleyes, a charity providing audio description for blind and partially sighted people to help them gain access to the arts; Light Relief, which supports lighting professionals in times of need and the George Martin Foundation, which is currently supporting the development of a new cultural and community centre in Montserrat. Martin spoke about the Montserrat project and its role in providing a much-needed focal point to help the re-generation of the island.
During the course of the ceremony, Matthew Griffiths, CEO of PLASA, also paid tribute to Tony Gottelier, one of the founders of the Light Relief Charity, whose recent death has left the industry without one of its most innovative designers.
The ceremony concluded with a presentation to Clarion Events in recognition of the 16 years that they have worked alongside PLASA on the PLASA Show. James Brooks-Ward, MD of Clarion Events, accepted the award on behalf of Clarion and the show team. Following PLASA '06, PLASA is taking on the full management of the show itself and has launched an Events Division to drive its development and to advance a separate range of business and networking events.
Established over 16 years ago, the Awards have a reputation for tapping into the latest trends with many previous winners becoming industry-standards. The 2006 winners can be seen in the Lighting&Sound International-sponsored Innovation Gallery, and more coverage will feature in the October issue of Lighting&Sound International magazine.
(Chris Henry)
