Final countdown begins to ‘record breaking’ PLASA06

With less than six weeks to go before PLASA06 opens its doors at Earls Court, the finishing touches are being made to the show’s biggest-ever line-up of features, seminars and star industry speakers.
The expansion comes as PLASA Show organisers Clarion Events report the highest ever number of pre-registered visitors – up by 13% on 2005, with technical and creative teams from major venues and high-profile projects among the first to register.
The show’s track record of hosting major international product launches, and wide interest in this year’s new features, have helped drive the pre-registration increases. The new features are led by the new Integrated Systems Area; a greatly expanded PLASA Seminar Programme with a dedicated Technologies for Worship programme; the first PLASA appearance of NEET (National Exhibition of Entertainment Technology); and new features for DJs.
The new Integrated Systems Area is a ‘must-see’ for M+E and AV consultants, systems integrators, installers and venue owners. Visitors will find the latest developments in business/IT solutions, tele and web conferencing, projection, display systems, boardroom and conferencing systems, corporate AV, security, life safety systems and more.
Another major new feature has been announced to expand this year’s Seminar Programme which already offers the broadest agenda in the PLASA Show’s history. Technologies for Worship magazine is bringing its ‘Quiet Stage and Mix Classes’ to the UK, with a full programme of 10 educational seminars.
From designing a modern worship space to modernising an old one, and from improving monitoring for soloists and choirs to understanding digital multicores, these seminars will provide a unique insight into the technology of worship in today’s world.
The expanded general seminar programme offers something for everybody with expert advice on both technical and business issues. New technologies are at the top of the bill from Sunday’s opener which explores interactive and 4D technologies, and the potential for crossover between themed attractions and theatre, to the rapidly expanding topic of LED lighting. Other seminars cover critical business subjects including motivation and performance enhancement training, and a briefing on recent employment law changes.
INFOCOMM, meanwhile, contributes a trio of seminars with insights into system design and specification, presented by some of the world’s leading experts in system integration.
NEET (National Exhibition of Entertainment Technology), set up in 1998 to preserve early items of entertainment technology, has its official launch at PLASA06 on Level Two where a selection of products from NEET’s vast collection will be on show.
DJ Sunday, supported by iDJ magazine, offers everything the DJ needs to get a great sound and fantastic visuals, with hands-on demos of everything from the latest turntables to the smartest VJ kit. The DJ Chill Zone, supported by Westend DJ on the ground floor, and running across the four days of the show, offers the chance to catch up with everyone in the industry.
As well as the annual Gemini ‘Extreme V’ DJ Competition, DJ Sunday also features the winners of iDJ magazine's monthly Raw Talent competition playing in rotation. Winners and losers of the scratch DJs’ Gong Battle on 8th September will also be on hand on the Ebsel stand on DJ Sunday. All that’s followed by the 21st Anniversary DMC World DJ Championship Final on Sunday 10 and Monday 11 September at the Hammersmith Palais, where a massive $30,000 courtesy of Ortofon in prize money will be up for grabs, along with Technics gold turntables.
For the majority of visitors, the biggest draw is the anticipation of seeing new products, as well as picking up on industry trends in general. With countless new product launches already announced or imminent, this year’s will be the most feature-packed PLASA Show ever and visitors will be among the first to see the very latest products for themselves. Completing the circle will be the PLASA Awards for Innovation, and the showcase feature of the Innovation Gallery.
Finally, socialising and networking are set to be among the most popular activities at PLASA06: the large Central Bar’s opening hours are being extended, for the first time, to turn it into the official PLASA06 After Show Bar, which will remain open until 8pm each night. Sponsoring the bar will be some of the entertainment industry’s major players, including Aviom, Avolites, DiGiCo, Lab:Gruppen, Mobil-Tech, Stardraw and XTA Electronics. Those who visit the sponsors’ stands will get complimentary drinks, entry into a free prize draw and the chance to win £1,000.00.
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.
(GB)