PLASA announces first phase of extensive seminar programme for PLASA Show

The PLASA Show has announced the first confirmed sessions in a bumper programme of seminars, masterclasses and panels taking place throughout the show at London’s Olympia in September. Located across three sector-specific theatres covering Lighting & Production, Audio & AV, and Business & Industry Initiatives, the programme is sponsored by exhibiting company Vectorworks, who are presenting two sessions themselves during the three-day show.

Sessions have been curated to include audio and comms specialist Brew (James Henry Breward) outlining the systems and kit deployed at the All England Lawn Tennis Club to deliver the annual Championships at Wimbledon; and Dan Crompton from Tate Galleries discussing the audio visual arts and the challenges of the evolving technology landscape for these globally acclaimed museums to meet their artist, and visitor expectations.

Other expert contributors include Frankie Boyle who will discuss how lighting affects human behaviour; Jon Burton presenting on HELA’s support of the World Health Organisation’s ‘Make Listening Safe’ initiative and certification; “Broadway’s King of Pop” Gareth Owen discussing theatre sound with pioneer of modern sound design Martin Levan; and Unusual’s Tom Harper who will present a detailed case study on the circular economy with regard to their new HQ and research centre.

LSi Magazine will present a number of sessions based on the magazine’s regular columns, including ‘Heritage Pathways Live’ where a panel of some of the industry’s veteran audio experts will debate the origins of concert PA for the touring industry and its important legacy and impact on live performance today;  and ‘Set In Motion Live’ where the team from Glyndebourne Opera House will discuss how this 90-year old venue has addressed automation requirements to help deliver the highest standard of operatic performance.

Complex issues challenging the industry, including the ever evolving development of new technologies, are also addressed throughout the programme.  The complexities of Ai, and the use of drones in lighting design will both be debated. XM Automation will call out to the theatre automation industry to consider common standards for working together; and the jam-packed programme will also include presentations on new product environmental reports; EU Digital Product Passports; and cybersecurity in the entertainment technology sector.

Meanwhile the Vectorworks sessions will cover production plans, CAD skills and streamlining design processes. White Light will present an enchanting session on bringing illuminated outdoor trails to life;  Hire Hop discusses the best equipment tracking solutions for projects; TiMax explores the 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, ‘future-proofing the industry’ continues to an important buzz phrase, and so the issues of neurodiversity; general well-being; 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 amongst the trade show crowd.

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 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 here.

Register FREE for PLASA Show London 2024 here: https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/2qv8l4s5m6ngo?actioncode=NTWO000325TDU