PLASA Show, the capital event for live entertainment technology, will finally re-open its doors and reunite industry professionals at Olympia London this weekend following a two year hiaitus.
Taking place from Sunday 5th - Tuesday 7th September, leading brands from pro audio, AV, lighting and stage technologies will take up residence in Olympia’s Grand Hall, alongside the ABTT Theatre Show which is re-locating for one year only.
In light of the monumental shifts felt by the live events and entertainment sector over the past 18 months, the 2021 edition of the show will be people-centered, with inclusive networking spaces, support resources and learning opportunities. Plus, a dynamic array of brands will coalesce of the show floor, primed to promote their latest offerings and get back to business.
A range of exhibitors
Exhibitor highlights include the show’s Headline Sponsor Robe who will showcase the Forte, T2 Profile, iSeries, LED Beam and award-winning Esprite in regular show-stopping presentations. Additional notable lighting brands include Chauvet Professional, ETC, GLP, Avolites, Artistic Licence and SGM. Some of the world’s most iconic audio brands will be in attendance too, such as L-Acoustics, Shure, Sennheiser and Yamaha among many. The stage is also set for bespoke staging from Race Furniture and Drapemakers, heavy duty gear from Area Four and NSP Cases, web-based services from trackingThis and Current RMS, and dazzling displays from Epson and Roe Visual – the full spectrum of live entertainment will be represented and catered for.
Informative content
A free programme will run across all three days, with six distinct show areas offering content designed to inform, inspire and entertain. The PLASA Show Theatre, sponsored by Vectorworks, is stocked with vital know-how, kicking off with the ABTT’s Technical Standards of Entertainment, followed by a panel on the EcoDesign lighting regulation and presentations on health & safety, rigging, sustainability and mental health, rounding off with James Eade’s popular subject of electrical safety. There will also be an informal panel for employers looking to implement apprenticeship schemes, as well as indepth technical sessions from Vectorworks and ETC, with a focus on ETC’s game-changing Eos V3.0 led by Dan Murfin from the National Theatre.
Immersive audio
The d&b Soundscape Theatre, on the opposite end of the show floor, is guaranteed to stun visitors with regular demonstrations and seminars delving into the next generation of immersive audio. Furthermore, visitors can experience loudspeakers, monitors and amplifiers from leading audio manufacturers in controlled environments.
Not to be missed is the newly released CS Series from KV2 Audio and the NX 9 and Art 9 Series from RCF
Guided training
Practical training is always well-attended, and this year visitors can gain an understanding of the new Stadium consoles from ChamSys, learn how to use GDTF and MVR with MagicQ, and get a preview of the brand new DJ integration with Pioneer, Denon and Virtual DJ. Plus, Chauvet will be presenting the new Ovation Reve E3, the Maverick Silens 2 and Maverick Force, as well as exciting new developments in the Chauvet Professional range.
#WeMakeEvents
#WeMakeEvents, the campaign spearheaded by PLASA to champion the live events supply chain during the pandemic, will have a strong presence at the show. Visitors are invited to the #WeMakeEvents Hub to speak with charities and initiatives that support live sector professionals. Additionally, the PLASA & #WeMakeEvents Stage will run regular live performances in association with Headliner Magazine, as well as industry roundtables including a discussion on the impact of Brexit on UK:EU touring with leaders from PLASA, LIVE and Viva La Visa.
Award-winning innovation
Cutting edge technology can be seen first hand at the Innovation Gallery, in association with LSi Magazine, where products nominated for the PLASA Awards for Innovation will proudly sit side by side for careful inspection. It is always an essential visit, particularly after the winners have been in announced in Awards Ceremony on the Monday evening of the show, which this year will take place on the PLASA & #WeMakeEvents Stage.
COVID safety
PLASA Show 2021 is being run in accordance with the All Secure Standard published by the Association of Event Organisers and there will be a few changes this year to keep visitors and exhibitors protected from COVID. Everyone must show proof of their COVID status to gain entry, through either a negative lateral flow test, positive PCR test or double vaccination, and everyone is encouraged to print and bring their own badge with them as there will be limited touch screens in the entrance lobby. Furthermore, the ailses will be wider, stands will be more spacious, there will be regular hand santisation stations, and Olympia has a new state of the art ventilation system. Finally, the Show Catalogue is going digtal for the first time which can be conveniently viewed on a smartphone.
