UK - PLASA Show has announced the first confirmed sessions in a bumper programme of seminars, masterclasses and panels taking place throughout the show at Olympia London from 1-3 September.
Being held in three sector-specific theatres with dedicated content streams covering lighting and production, AV and audio, and business and industry initiative, the industry-leading programme is once again sponsored by Vectorworks.
Sessions will include audio and comms specialist James Henry-Breward (‘Brew’) outlining the systems and kit deployed this year’s Wimbledon tennis championship; and Dan Crompton from Tate Galleries discussing advancements in AV technology and its impact on museums and galleries.
Other expert contributors will include visual artist Frankie Boyle who will discuss how lighting affects human behaviour; and Jon Burton presenting on HELA’s support of the World Health Organisation’s ‘Make Listening Safe’ initiative and certification.
Several sessions will be linked to LSi content, including: sound designers Martin Levan and Gareth Owen discussing theatre sound ’then and now’, reflecting on their careers and the approaches they have pioneered with their designs for the original and new productions of Starlight Express as a jumping-off point (look out for upcoming features in LSi on Starlight Express); and Unusual Rigging’s Tom Harper who will present a detailed case study on the circular economy with regard to the company’s new HQ and research centre (see LSi May 2024).
Jerry Gilbert’s popular LSi series of Heritage Pathways features will also form the basis of a panel discussion featuring some of the industry’s veteran audio experts. Together they will discuss the origins of concert PA for the touring industry and its important legacy and impact on live performance today.
Meanwhile, Set In Motion Live - based on LSi’s bi-monthly stage automation column - will see Tait’s Sam Woodward and the team from Gyndebourne Opera House discuss the venue’s recent automation up-grade (see LSi July 2024).
Complex issues challenging the industry, including the ever-evolving development of new technologies, will also be addressed throughout the programme. The complexities of AI, and the use of drones in lighting design will both be debated, plus XM Automation will call out to the theatre automation industry to consider common standards for working together. The packed programme will also include presentations on new product environmental reports; EU Digital Product Passports; and cybersecurity in the entertainment technology sector.
Seminar sponsor Vectorworks will host sessions covering production plans, CAD skills and streamlining design processes. Meanwhile, White Light will present an enchanting session on bringing illuminated outdoor trails to life; Hire Hop will discuss its equipment tracking solutions; TiMax will explore the world (and issues) of spatial audio; Tait will deliberate a new paradigm for show control systems; Area Four Industries will present two sessions addressing best practice for the stability of temporary structures, and the benefits of cooperative design procedure process; whilst Nexo will discuss the challenges and successes of audio systems for sports arenas.
From a people perspective, issues of general wellbeing, pay and conditions, health and safety, apprenticeship pathways, and diversity in the backstage crewing world will all be discussed in open forums, panels and presentations, no doubt generating lively debate.
With a number of showcase sessions still to be announced, PLASA’s head of events Sophie Atkinson comments: “We are thrilled by the breadth of subjects being covered at this year’s show. Ensuring relevant, informative and educational seminars are delivered alongside inspiring masterclasses and engaging panel sessions from some of the most respected industry experts continues to be an incredibly important aspect of the show”.
Seminar audience spaces are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and whilst pre-booking is not required, further information and timings on the sessions highlighted, as well as all other confirmed sessions are now available on the PLASA Show website.
Register free for the PLASA Show by 30 August by clicking here.
