Feedback from exhibitors has been excellent - Steve Warren from Avolites commented: "We have generated stunning amounts of business and a number of new distributors." Chris Rolph from LED specialist Tryka said: "Its my 13th PLASA - its been phenomenal! We ran out of brochures on Monday," while Dennis Harburn from Shure Distribution UK said: "The layout has made the show more accessible, with a revitalised injection of life and new better quality visitors."
This year, the New Technology Gallery introduced the visitor to an impressive display of dynamic new products. The Lighting&Sound International-sponsored area gave visitors a chance to review the new products nominated for the PLASA Awards for Product Excellence. The show remains the leading launchpad for technical innovations, and the high level of new products at the show confirms that investment in R&D continues across the industry. There were five categories and 79 nominations in the PLASA Awards which generated £12,000 for PLASA's nominated charities - Light Relief, PSA Welfare and Benevolent Fund and the Golden Lion Children's Trust. (The full list of award winners can be found on the show website at the address below.
New to the show was the Architectural Audio & Visual Area, a dedicated space showcasing the leading companies in this growing market sector, and also featuring a Photo Gallery in association with the IALD and ELDA. As part of the growth in this area, the PLASA Association has been accepted as a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects' Continual Professional Development Network Providers and a number of the educational masterclasses were endorsed by the RIBA CPD Network. Another new feature was the PLASA Production Village organised by the PSA, where facilities for hands-on demonstrations encouraged technicians to try out products on-site. The Central Meeting Area proved a big hit with both exhibitors and visitors and provided a key focus for the show. As well as new show branding and imagery, a number of exhibitors invested in new stand designs and re-evaluated their product range, which also added to the show's positive feel.
With attendance at 13,700 (subject to ABC auditing) there were more new visitors experiencing the show for the first time and a 3% increase in overseas visitors. PLASA's managing director Matthew Griffiths commented: "Everything felt really good about this year's show and there was a lot of positive feedback. We feel that the show has enhanced its leading position within the industry." Show director Nicola Rowland added: "There's been a long and serious revaluation of the show and the results speak for themselves."
In 2004, the show will run from the 12-15 September.
(Ruth Rossington)
