What’s on at PLASA Focus Leeds 2025

PLASA Focus Leeds returns to the Royal Armouries from 13^th – 14^th May 2025, with its highly anticipated seminar programme now live. Designed to reflect the current needs and future ambitions of the live entertainment technology sector, this year’s programme will explore critical topics across audio, sustainability, emerging professionals, and artificial intelligence.

Across the two-day show, visitors will gain insight from technical pioneers, creative leaders, and forward-thinking organisations. All sessions are free to attend and take place on Level 1 of the Royal Armouries on a first come, first served basis.

Audio innovation in focus

The 2025 programme brings a strong emphasis on professional audio, with highlights including an exclusive audience with FOH sound engineer Robb Allan, whose work spans from Radiohead to Massive Attack.

Funktion One and d&b audiotechnik will each contribute to the conversation with cutting-edge perspectives on loudspeaker technologies and audio systems.

Joyned will deliver a forward-looking session on the future of networked audio, and a provocative panel will debate whether today’s roadies should become tomorrow’s network engineers.

Driving sustainability through practice and technology 

As the events sector sharpens its focus on climate impact, several sessions will explore sustainable strategies and innovations.

Royal Ballet & Opera will share how it’s collaborating with suppliers to embed sustainable values across the production chain.

Robe will host a session cutting through the ‘greenwash’ to examine sustainability from the end-user’s perspective, while Funktion One will tackle electroacoustic energy efficiency in speaker design.

Pearce Hire will present a timely case study on powering festivals with green hydrogen, spotlighting new possibilities for cleaner energy in live events.

Championing the next generation

Future talent takes centre stage in 2025 with a rich stream of content tailored to young professionals, students and educators.

The Power of Events will explore how early outreach is key to sustaining the industry’s talent pipeline, while Production Futures will map out career pathways, including internships, apprenticeships and mentoring programmes.

Soulsound returns with valuable guidance on freelancer networking and visibility, and the PLASA Student Forum, hosted by Phil Ward, will bring together voices from University of Derby and Nottingham Trent University for an open conversation about industry readiness.

AI takes the stage

PLASA Focus Leeds 2025 will feature two sessions dedicated to artificial intelligence and its growing relevance to live events.

The first will look at how AI is enhancing creativity, supporting roles and streamlining workflows. The second welcomes Dr Sacha Krstulović, who will debunk myths and highlight positive applications of AI within the entertainment technology landscape.

Hands-on demos and training 

In addition to the main seminar programme, PLASA Focus Leeds 2025 will offer a variety of interactive training opportunities and live demonstrations:

NEW! Bury Theatre Audio Demos by KV2 – Experience award-winning audio in cinema-style seating as KV2 showcases a wider range of systems in an environment that reflects real-world performance spaces.

NEW! Crest Audio by Peavey Demos (taking place in the Holiday Inn Express, next to the New Dock Hall) – In a European exclusive and PLASA Leeds debut, Peavey will unveil the Crest Audio CPL+ Series of passive loudspeakers for install and live applications, with technical presentations throughout both days.

Lighting Training with ChamSys (taking place in the Holiday Inn Express, next to the New Dock Hall) – Take advantage of free, pro-level lighting training with a full programme covering the latest ChamSys consoles and software. More information coming soon.

Outdoor Audio Demos by SOWA – Returning to the outdoor courtyard, SOWA will deliver live DJ sessions and personalised demos, showcasing three new product ranges: The Live Series, The Tour Series, and SOWA Extras.

Take a break in the Wellbeing Hub

Visitors can unwind in the Wellbeing Hub, a quiet, safe space designed for relaxation and mental wellbeing. Whether it’s reading, mindful colouring, fidget toys, or guided meditation via noise-cancelling headphones, the Hub is a peaceful retreat from the show floor.

A trained mental health and neurodiversity host will also be available for confidential conversations throughout the event.

Beyond the key themes, the programme includes sessions on lighting, wellbeing, freelance finance, stage automation, pyrotechnics, business strategy, and more – making this one of the most diverse PLASA Focus seminar line-ups to date.

Sophie Atkinson, Head of Events at PLASA, comments: “With major challenges and exciting innovations shaping our industry, the 2025 seminar programme has been curated to inform, inspire and provoke discussion. We’re proud to offer this wealth of content for free, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the sector to Leeds this May.”

Register now for your free badge and explore the full seminar programme at www.plasaleeds.com.