Here are some of the highlights from today's show:
World Class Exhibitors
Every year, PLASA London brings together the most important audio, lighting, video and staging companies, filling the show floor with a feast of exhibitors. This year is certainly no different, with more than 250 companies exhibiting. Looking around ExCeL London's first class exhibition space, we see companies like Robe, Clay Paky, Shure, Polar Audio, Autograph, SSE Audio, FBT, Philips Entertainment, White Light, Highlite, Chauvet, MA Lighting, SGM, Prolyte, A.C Entertainment Technologies, Avolites Media, Coolux and many more.
Driving Footfall
Stands and aisles have been busy all day and, more importantly, exhibitors and visitors alike are commenting on the number of meaningful conversations they are having. PLASA London is all about revealing new products, exploring opportunities, supporting business growth and connecting people.
Influencing Opinions
Mick Hannaford, Managing Director of Robe UK offers his view of Robe's huge 1000sq.ft stand: "To be honest, we've been overwhelmed - it's working really well," says Mick. "There are so many business conversations going on in here, it's amazing. Normally, when we're in a much smaller space, there are people trying to get a drink, trying to say hello. Here, there was a concern that everyone was spread out and so the atmosphere would be lost, but everywhere you look there is business happening. It is really fantastic.
"The organisers have been great in helping us do something that hasn't been done before and I have to say, the reaction we've had from other exhibitors, which I was worried about, has been positive. In terms of the number of visitors, we're really happy with the response today. People were here from five past 10, so obviously we're getting them through the door quickly and efficiently, which is great."
Sharing Knowledge
The Professional Development Programme has already seen a host of compelling seminars across the Audio and AV Theatre and the Lighting and Stage Theatre. Today's highlights have included sessions from Lighting and Stage Theatre sponsors Martin Professional, the Association of Lighting Designers, JAMES, the Association of Sound Designers and The Backstage Centre. Tomorrow we're looking forward to a series of Soulsound sessions featuring Shure, Funktion-One and Jon Burton, as well as seminars from d&b audiotechnik, Avolites, :entertaining sustainability and the Institute of Professional Sound.
Day Two of PLASA London 2014 promises to deliver even more, as attendees head for ExCeL London to see the latest entertainment technology product launches, an industry-spanning array of exhibitors and one-off education sessions from the biggest and best in the business.