Adrian Brooks, vice-chairman of PLASA, reflected on how PLASA - originally known as BADEM - first found a role delivering a trade show for discotheque equipment manufacturers, and on the remarkable growth of the PLASA Show and the Association since that fledgling start 30 years ago. He went on to reflect how the continued success of the Show had allowed the organisation to focus on initiatives intended to develop the industry further. Ambitious projects such as the National Rigging Certificate and qualifications for the PA/VA sector are central to PLASA's commitment to raise professional standards and ensure that the sectors it represents are put firmly on the map.
With a growing emphasis on raising standards, he also announced the Association's intention to undertake a major restructure of its membership categories to ensure that the PLASA name is synonymous with excellence. Brooks told members that at the heart of this drive for improvement lay a business imperative - to win more business for members.
PLASA treasurer, David Hopkins OBE, provided an overview of the financial health of the Association and stated that with reserves now standing at £1,511,970, the organisation was in a strong position to continue developing the many projects and initiatives currently underway. He emphasised that PLASA remains committed to investing in key areas - providing professional services to members, working on industry-wide qualifications, supporting awards that ensure the skills of the sector are recognised and raising the Association's profile with government and other regulatory bodies.
In the Q&A session that followed the AGM, issues of concern to members were debated. The effect of forthcoming legislation dominated the discussion, with the impact of the RoHS directive, and the potential problems it would cause, the main issue for members. Distributors selling at low profit margins, the sale of the radio frequency spectrum, the proposed membership restructure and the future of the PLASA Show were also discussed.
The AGM and Members Lunch was also an opportunity for PLASA to reaffirm its relationships with other industry bodies, with representatives from the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), UK Trade International (UKTI), Theatre Technical Training Services (TTTS), and SummitSkills all in attendance.
(Norah Philips)
