New products will be the true stars of the show, with the industry's leading manufacturers already confirming that they will use PLASA07 as the launchpad for their latest technologies, including new developments in lighting, analogue and digital audio, video, special effects, staging and rigging products.
The show's new single-floor layout - which gives the show plenty of room for future growth - has made is possible to design in more quiet and comfortable seating areas in Earls Court 2, including a wi-fi zone, for meetings and socialising. The new hall will provide a dedicated fast-track entrance for pre-registered visitors (tickets can still be bought on the day from the usual registration area at the front of Earls Court 1), as well as four PLASA Theatres which will host a series of special interest seminars, workshops and manufacturer-led sessions. Full details can be found on the PLASA07 website.
Earls Court 2 will also be the venue for the first public assessment sessions for the newly-launched National Rigging Certificate, which officially goes 'live' at PLAS07 following a successful pilot run this spring.
The redesigned Innovation Gallery - where the products nominated for the 2007 PLASA Awards for Innovation will be on display - has become a special feature of the walkways connecting Earls Court 1 and 2, with the Awards presentation at the Central Bar open to all visitors and exhibitors at 6pm on the Monday.
The PLASA Awards for Innovation recognise the best design and development work going on across the industry. Winners of these prestigious awards over the years have included many influential and ground-breaking products that have changed industry practice for the better.
Dozens of Awards nominations have already been received and more are expected in the weeks running up to the show.
Nominations for the new Gottelier Award closed on July 13 and the short-list of nominees can now be seen on the PLASA07 website. Named in honour of the late Tony Gottelier, the industry innovator and commentator who passed away in 2006, the Gottelier Award is aimed at those members of our industry who have made significant and sustained contributions to the advancement of entertainment, presentation or installation technology.
The PLASA Central Bar, at the heart of the show in Earls Court 1, is hosted by the Professional Lighting & Sound Association and will stay open until 8pm on the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday after the exhibition floor closes, giving everyone a chance to socialise without having to leave the show floor.
PLASA07 also introduces a brand-new four-day DJ programme in the Cromwell Suite, featuring many of the leading DJ equipment manufacturers. Each day will host a full programme of demonstrations, launches, Q&A sessions, seminars and workshops. Admission is free to registered visitors.
PLASA's Director of Events, Nicola Rowland, comments: "The buzz in the build-up to PLASA07 is tremendous and we are confident this will be the most exciting year yet in the PLASA Show's 30 year history."
* PLASA exhibitors are again reminded to ensure that they nominate their new products for the 2007 PLASA Awards for Innovation by 24 August! No entries for these prestigious awards will be accepted after this date! To find out more, e-mail: awards@plasashow.com
