The agreement reflects the intention of both organisations to work together to ensure the entertainment, event and production industries in the north have a single industry-led event that serves their needs.
A.C. Lighting, a long-standing member of PLASA, started their event in 1999 and quickly established it in the industry calendar, developing it further in recent years to provide a strong focus for the region.
A.C. North 2008 will be the last trade show organised under that name by A.C. Lighting. Immediately after its close, PLASA Events will take over the management and ownership of the event and will look to build on the regional platform established by A.C.
The move fits the strategic aims of both organisations: it allows PLASA to initiate the first of a planned series of regional events, strengthening the arm of its newly established events division, whilst allowing A.C. to focus on its growing business activities.
Matthew Griffiths, CEO of PLASA, commented: "This is a great opportunity for PLASA and we congratulate A.C. Lighting on creating a successful event. We look forward to continuing that success by developing the event into one that brings together all manufacturers, suppliers and users in a highly social atmosphere. PLASA's role is to lead on behalf of the industry and we intend to ensure that both our flagship PLASA Show and any regional events we develop, provide effective showcases for the creative talents and technical expertise of our sector."
A.C. Lighting Director Jonathan Walters added: "Along with the support of the manufacturers, we have built the A.C. Lighting North Trade Show into a great regional showcase and networking event. Regrettably, for the show to grow and better serve the industry, we feel we should hand the organisation over to an independent party, and PLASA is the obvious choice. Our commitment to our northern-based customers remains absolute and we will continue to support the event as an exhibitor. We sincerely hope that our actions will allow the event to grow to benefit the industry as a whole."
Meanwhile, PLASA07, which opens today at Earls Court, looks set to be a record-breaking event. Over 500 of the industry's leading brands will be at the show, strong visitor attendance is anticipated and there will be an expanded range of features, events and seminars.
(Jim Evans)
