PLASA Focus - Leeds 2009, the successor to the A.C. Lighting North trade show, will be the first of an entirely new style of regional event under the PLASA Focus banner, with an emphasis on connecting the industry with exceptional networking opportunities.
It will be the perfect regional networking complement to the PLASA Show itself and will build on both the growing success of the redesigned and expanded PLASA Show and the legacy of goodwill created by A.C. Lighting North.
Taking the 'look and feel' of the latter as its basis, PLASA Focus - Leeds 2009 will see an expansion and development in many areas, including exhibitor space and seminar sessions, alongside partnerships with regional organisations.
An expanding exhibition floor will accommodate new exhibitors, with many companies already expressing a strong interest in participating, as the event will be open to all manufacturers, distributors and other suppliers, large and small.
Show director Nicola Rowland comments: "PLASA Focus in Leeds will allow companies an opportunity to come together on a regional basis, in a very clear and business-focused, but informal, setting.
"It will be very different from the established London-based PLASA Show in terms of style and emphasis, but will reflect the quality of event the industry has come to expect from the PLASA team.
"Exhibitors and visitors who have enjoyed the way A.C. Lighting North has evolved will see the unique atmosphere and emphasis of the event maintained seamlessly, particularly the friendliness, socialising and networking aspects, while the breadth of the show will expand to help create even more new business opportunities.
"The launch of PLASA Focus reflects our original intention to create a portfolio of different events for the industry to help generate new business, each one suited to the needs of its own region, format or subject matter.
"We're actively canvassing opinions among both long-standing supporters of A.C. Lighting North, and the expectations of those who would like to sign up for the new event, to ensure it meets everyone's needs and complements the main PLASA Show in London, as well as existing as a strong event in its own right. It will also give more companies a chance to find out about, and participate in, some of the PLASA organisation's other activities."
PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths says: "PLASA Focus is a direct result of feedback from PLASA members who believe that our expertise can enhance what is already a well-respected event.
"We're very excited to be developing PLASA Focus as a networking forum, whose affordability will make it readily accessible to many of the smaller companies in our industry, with the PLASA organisation's badge of professional presentation and management."
(Jim Evans)
