The busiest and most vibrant PLASA Show since its move to Olympia saw a 4% increase in visitors with a palpable atmosphere that was reminiscent of its former Earls Court days. The three-day show from 16-18 September welcomed a stream of exhibitors and attendees from around the world primed to explore the leading edge of live entertainment technology.

Not only were visitors eyeing up newly launched products and taking advantage of the world-class education programme, networking and trade were high on the agenda. 63% of visitors were final decision makers or specifiers, and a quarter of visitors were business owners, managers and directors, confirming PLASA Show as an epicentre for business opportunity.

Jonathan Walters, UK Sales & Purchasing Director from A.C Entertainment Technologies commented, “This third year back in West London has really confirmed PLASA’s decision to relocate to Olympia, each show here has worked consistently well but this year has been one of the best shows of its history. Sunday was busy for us, but Monday surpassed all expectation. There have been many discussions over the past four years that trade shows do not generate hard sales success: Monday’s result proved that is a misnomer.”

Leisuretec’s marketing manager Charlie Hendon added, “The atmosphere’s been lively and exciting with plenty of opportunities to establish new business relationships and socialise with existing clients.”

Platinum sponsor Robe dazzled visitors with the reveal of a fully “submersive” stand, featuring a viewing balcony where visitors checked out the latest lighting with the help of a dynamic dance troupe, rain, fire and a “Godhead” cave. “We decided to create a ‘Lost World’ trilogy” explain design duo Nathan Wan and Andy Webb. “We drew inspiration from Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones and the Goonies, creating an epic fire VS water battle. We always go big and this year saw a 22-meter wide curtain of rain!”

Dazzled by the lights

Chauvet cultivated a party atmosphere on their eye-catching stand with full LED backdrop. Not only were they presenting the PLASA Award nominated Maverick Storm 1 and COLORado Solo Batten, the 2018 show marked an important mile stone as Michael Brooksbank, European General Manager explained: “We’re celebrating our 30th year at PLASA Show and are having a great time – it’s always a great event.”

Other lighting products on show were the Prolights Panorama IP WBX LED; the Chimp range from Infinity; Astera’s Titan Tube; Elation’s Smarty Hybrid lighting fixture; the Synergy 5 Profile from DTS; and the modular KNV LED system from GLP. Simon Barrett from GLP commented, “We’ve enjoyed a busy stand… and seen a diverse range of visitors. It really is the UK show.”

Debuting at PLASA Show for the first time were Epson with their powerful PLASA Award nominated EB-L1755U projector. Sales manager Sharon Head remarked, “I’ve been delighted by our first time at PLASA Show – it has exceeded expectations. Footfall came quick and fast and we’ve met interesting new potential partners.”

Engaging seminar content

Over 2,200 people took advantage of the varied programme of panels, workshops and talks, led by industry experts from all sectors. The all new Rigging, Production & Structures Theatre was a popular destination throughout the show, with design engineer Scotty Stewart’s talk on Simple Rigging Calculations drawing a huge crowd of aspiring and professional riggers.

The queue was out of the door for Creating a Mix with legendary sound engineer Simon Hodge which walked attendees through a live mix with both informative and entertaining results. The SoundGirls debuted at PLASA Show and were welcomed by a full house, keen to learn about the latest immersive sound systems and live mixing apps.

Visitors were dazzled in Giudizio Universale - Michelangelo and the Secrets of the Sistine Chapel, presented by Ric Lipson of Stufish and lighting designer Rob Halliday. Not only were attendees taken on a visual journey through the making of the show, they were treated to a demonstration of a tungsten SVOBODA light by ADB. On the following day, the Royal Shakespeare Company revealed their ambitious production of The Tempest which utilised cutting edge immersive effects, including a motion capture suit worn by the lead character which allowed for an ethereal avatar to appear on stage.

Award success and charitable triumphs

The PLASA Awards for Innovation, which recognise pioneering product designs, saw a staggering 47 entries which were judged by a carefully selected group of industry professionals. The judges awarded all eight trophies and one Gold Award. The winners were: the ProPlex IQ Tester by TMB, called “a data tool-kit that every technician should have”; EdgeMax by Bose for its ability to “flood the room with sound”; the Relevé Spot by ETC commended for its “fast calibration and resetting and modular nature of the electronics”; SPOTME by Robert Juliat for its “follow-spot tracking”; the matisse dmx by Artistic License for being a “well-thought out product that fills a gap in the market”; Synergy by Avolites for opening “creative opportunities for visual effects”; SPACEFRAME by PRG which could “revolutionise rigging and customary practices”; and ORION by HOLOPLOT for its “clarity and precision”. The Gold Award was presented to Astera’s Titan Tube. The judges were very impressed with the “feature-rich units that will find an application in all sectors of the industry, including film, TV, events and theatre.”

As always there was a strong element of philanthropy with Backup – the Technical Entertainment Charity – benefitting from £2,000 from the PLASA Awards for Innovation entries and a £10,000 donation from the iconic Lightpower Collection photography exhibition which inspired visitors throughout the show.

A gruelling 100-mile charity-bike ride from Chippenham to the show in London, led by PLASA Managing Director Peter Heath and nine colleagues from across the industry has so far raised £1,600 with donations still rolling in.

Next year’s show will take place at London Olympia from 15-17 September 2019.
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