Harnessing all these advances together in one place at one time is PLASA06 - the main international exhibition for the theatre, architectural, touring, DJ, club, leisure and TV sectors, which takes place from 10-13 September at Earls Court in London.
Six months from opening, the show is 80% sold, guaranteeing that the industry's top 500 brands will be at PLASA06 showing the latest innovations in the lighting, audio, AV, stage engineering and control fields. Not only will PLASA06 have a strong showing of core products and services to meet the demands of projects and installations across all sectors, but it will also give those attending a chance to engage with concepts outside their usual frame of reference.
Within the exhibition, there will also be two areas dedicated to specific technologies. Reflecting the growing emphasis on AV integration, building management systems and public safety, a redefined Integrated Systems and Technologies zone will highlight the latest installed audio, video, lighting, system control and monitoring, security, life safety and access control, signal distribution and routing systems.
Another distinctive space - DJ@PLASA06 - will shift the focus to the new generation of DJ technologies, where formats such as MP3 are influencing the DJ hardware and software markets as the digital revolution and the penetration of video technology gathers pace. The emphasis will be on the lifestyle of DJs, with exhibitors including leading manufacturers, record and clothing labels, commercial radio sponsors, retail outlets and consumer magazines. There'll also be regular live demonstrations from big-name mixologists.
The very best of the new design ideas will be displayed in the Innovation Gallery - a stylish showcase for products nominated for the 2006 Awards for Innovation. Here visitors will be able to see developments that represent genuine advances within the industry or improve safety and technical practices.
And it's not just on the stands of exhibitors where visitors can tap into this ingenuity. PLASA06 will also feature a strong seminar programme, with a range of sessions and workshops designed to address creative, technical and business issues. There'll also be other opportunities for information gathering, including a free Internet Lounge on Level 2.
There are many compelling reasons for attending PLASA06, but perhaps one of the most persuasive is the show's reputation for connecting people - a move reinforced by the introduction this year of a Meeting Zone on Level 2. The show's visitor base is broad - architects, buyers, consultants, designers, DJs, engineers, event organizers, installers, specifiers, technicians and system integrators attend in their thousands and their buying power is impressive. Last year millions of pounds' worth of business was transacted during the four days of the show.
Visitor registration is now open and a fully integrated website is available with essential show information, including an up-to-date exhibitor list and interactive floorplan. Pre-register now and you'll benefit from reduced-price admission.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
