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Plasa ’09 PreviewThe Show Under SpotlightAudio Media talks to PLASA’s Director of Events, Nicky Roland, about what to expect from this year’s‘number 1 show for the entertainment technology industry’.Audio Media: So, firstly, what’s new atthis year’s PLASA09 show, and what arethe highlights?Nicky Roland: There won’t be changefor change’s sake, but there will be furtherdevelopment and improvement of theshow to ensure that it delivers a valuablebusiness experience and stimulates newindustry opportunities.Industry networking and a focus on realbusiness is something the PLASA Showfacilitates extremely well, so we plan tostrengthen this aspect with the launchof a new networking feature in themiddle of Earls Court 2.Education and learning continueto be an important elementof the show. We are planningsome themed days with relevantseminars and workshops, whilstsome of our exhibitors will beoffering classroom-style producttraining sessions. 2009 will alsosee the introduction of a SmallBusiness Pavilion for exhibitorsnew to the show.AM: How has PLASA09 changed and adaptedto the market since the first PLASA show?NR: Since the first PLASA Show over30 years ago, the event has evolved inparallel with the major developments andtrends in the industry. Last year saw thehighest attendance for five years, [which]demonstrates PLASA’s continuing relevancethrough development, and how well-runexhibitions and events actively complementthe digital and internet ages.One of the key differences betweennow and 30 years ago is the show’s rolein reflecting wider industry and politicalinitiatives. There were numerous governmentand not-for-profit organisations representedlast year, and we also hosted the launchof the Mayor of London’s ‘GreeningLondon Theatre’ campaign, reinforcingour leadership position regardingsustainability in the sector.AM: What does the show offer to the industryin these challenging times?NR: The past 12 months have shownhow valuable trade shows can be inkeeping business flowing through thesector. There’s a major gain to be had inthe industry coming together in a liveexhibition environment to showcase itsnew technologies and expertise, as well asto share solutions addressing the currentNicky Roland, PLASA's Directorof Events.situation. A professionally run exhibitionoffers excellent new business opportunities,and can help companies can find themselvesbetter placed to trade their way out ofrecession.AM: Which sectors do you believe are growing?NR: Clearly those working in the constructionand corporate events markets are findingthings difficult at present, with clientshaving reviewed projects/strategies andeither frozen or slashed budgets.However, there are some indications thatthings are beginning to open up slightlyon other fronts and there aresectors where things are morepositive – the touring, festivaland theatre markets seem to bebucking the trend for instance.AM: How many exhibitors arebooked?NR: At the time of writing theshow floor space is 80% booked.In audio terms, all the leadingmanufacturers and distributorshave committed to the event and we aredelighted to welcome several new andreturning names including Nexo, Cadac,dB Technologies, Prism Sound, andR K Sound Engineering.AM: What seminars will be on offer, and canyou tell us a little about these? Is there anythingparticularly enticing?NR: This year, for the first time, there willbe two Gottelier Masterclasses.The first will see John Stadius ofSoundtracs/DiGiCo, discussing the history ofmixing console design from the earliest daysof Soundtracs to the latest moves beyondDSP, and possible future trends in consoledesign. The Masterclass starts on Monday14 September at 3pm.The second Masterclass will be presentedat 5pm on Sunday 13 September, by TonyAndrews of Funktion-One. Tony will presenta debate on ‘The Importance of SoundQuality’, a presentation about the detrimentaleffect of convenience technology on musicsound quality, how to reverse this trend,and why high fidelity is important.The Education & Learning Programmewill feature other important pro audiosessions, including one by the renownedacoustician Peter Mapp entitled‘Loudspeakers, Rooms, and Listeners’.AM: How many ‘Awards for Innovation’ willbe distributed?NR: A total of eight Awards will be presentedat this year’s Awards Ceremony. As always,the judges will be looking for productsand ideas that demonstrate not just lateralthinking, but forward-thinking too andwill be looking for some ground-breakingdevelopments. With sustainability issuesrising up the industry’s agenda, this year’sEnvironmental Award also becomesincreasingly significant.AM: What are your expectations for visitorattendance?NR: Visitor pre-registration is currentlyrunning level with that of 2008 – which is avery positive indication and something wewill be building on in the months ahead.AM: According to your promotional materials,PLASA is ‘the number 1 show for theentertainment technology industry’.What makes that so?NR: A unique combination of factors: youcan see the best global event, entertainment,and installation technologies under one roof– it’s a real ‘one stop shop’ for anyone in thebusiness and it hosts an exceptional numberof international product launches.We understand the importance of gettingpeople together, so we ensure our visitorfacilities are second to none… providingexceptional opportunities to meet, network,do business, and socialise. ∫................... .................PLASA09Earls Court, London13-16 September, 2009INFORMATIONAUDIO MEDIA JULY 200913