A protection edition of PLASA Focus Leeds

A protection edition of PLASA Focus Leeds

UK – PLASA Focus Leeds returns to its home, the Royal Armories, on 14-15 May, with two floors of sold-out shows and a bigger program than ever. In addition, a record number of people signed up to attend the popular Nordic event for entertainment technology.

With an abundance of brands from pro-audio, AV, lighting and installation, visitors can discover new products, meet new suppliers and leave with many valuable new contacts. In addition, the packed program will feature talks, panels, training and demonstrations, led by industry luminaries and leading brands.

More than 200 brands will be spread over two halls, with Ambersphere proudly returning as the title sponsor. Many of the exhibitors will be showcasing their latest products, with some UK debuts to look out for.

Lighting brands include Avolites, BeamZ, Chauvet Professional, Elation Professional, ETC, GLP, Highlite International, Martin Professional, Prolight, Robe, Roxx, TMB and Vari-Lite.

Professional audio brands include Allen & Heath, Audio-Technica, Bose, d&b audiotechnik, DPA Microphones, EM Acoustics, FBT, Funktion One, Martin Audio, NEXO, Peavey Commercial Audio, RCF UK, Shure and Sound Technology.

Rigging and rigging brands include AED Group, Alustage, Area Four, Chainmaster, CM-ET, Doughty Engineering, Dirty Rigger, Just Rigging & Inspections, Rigging Services, Rigging Team, Rope and Rigging, Trilite, Triple E and UK Rigging.

In addition, several audiovisual brands will be at the show, including Bosch, Green Hippo, LANG UK, PSCo, Riedel and ROE Visual.

This year’s PLASA Focus Leeds program is the biggest ever, with sessions tackling the hottest topics alongside creative and technical presentations from industry leaders. The program is sponsored by Vectorworks, which will offer two sessions: Spotlight and ConnectCAD on Tuesday and Pre-Production and Workflows on Wednesday.

The program focuses on the future with sessions on AI and technical theater with the University of Lincoln, cyber security with Singularity, the EU Digital Product Passport with RH Consulting and TAZAAR, and video game entertainment with Copper Candle.

Careers are also high on the agenda with sessions on networking with Rosco, employability with Soulsound and motherhood with Women in Lighting. In addition, UK City of Culture Bradford 2020 will be on the lookout for talented creators. Not only that, but all attendees are also invited to ‘The Making of Live Events’, a special video launch by Adlib to promote career opportunities in the sector.

Lighting professionals can learn more about their craft in sessions on CRI and LED with Robe, technology and design with ALPD, and sustainable white light lighting systems.

Audio professionals have plenty to dive into, with spatial sound sessions with Outboard TiMax and Sonosphere, sound quality with Solotech, SSE Audio and KV2 Audio, creative technology with ASDP, good sound with the University of Derby and arena sound systems sporty with NEXO.

Several organizations will also be present at the show. The Power of Events and LIVE will unpack data from the recent Freelancer Survey, ABTT will outline the latest from Technical Standards for Entertainment Venues, BECTU will discuss the cost of living crisis, Create Britain will explain their new regional ecosystem, the HSE will offer advice on health and safety and PLASA will discuss personal wellbeing and resilience.

Budding lighting designers are invited to attend introductory workshops with ChamSys on MagicQ and QuickQ. And more advanced lighting professionals can learn about time-coded cue stacks, group cues, and GeNetix network distribution and group FX. These sessions have limited spaces and have already proven extremely popular, so visitors are encouraged to register via the show’s website and arrive early to guarantee a space.

Audiophiles can dive into live audio demos hosted by KV2 Audio, who are launching their EX-28, and Sound Technology will be demonstrating the SSL Live console platform. These drop-in sessions will run throughout the show.

The outdoor patio at PLASA Focus Leeds will be getting an upgrade this year with a quality selection of hot food and drink vendors as well as a live DJ sponsored by innovative European audio brand SOWA.

Additionally, if anyone at the show needs a quiet place or safe space, the Eventwell Hub will be open throughout the show, providing a serene environment for those who may feel overwhelmed or have experienced something unsettling. The Eventwell Hub will be located on the first floor and will be clearly signposted.

Sophie Atkinson, Head of Events for PLASA, comments: “This year’s Plasa Focus Leeds is in a really strong position, with brands and organizations from all areas of the industry coming together to share their technology offerings, expertise and ideas their. We say it every year, but there really is something for everyone at the show this year; the program is bigger than ever and there are plenty of new names to greet you. Not to mention the new and improved courtyard, which is always a popular place to mingle and relax. I hope you will join us, together with the spring sun!”

PLASA Focus Leeds continues to be a favorite event for the entertainment technology industry based on its friendly atmosphere and approachable layout. Join colleagues from Leeds this year at the Royal Armories on 14-15 May. Register for free and browse the program at www.plasaleeds.com

May 9, 2024