UK - PLASA London launches its first show at ExCeL London today with free entry for the first 5000 people to register via its new website. Taking place on 6-9 October 2013, the new name, new venue, and new autumn dateline aren't the only changes afoot for the industry-owned event.
PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths explains, "This year marks the first stage of the show's long-term strategic development. ExCeL is located just five minutes from London City Airport, which handles 350 flights a day from 40 international destinations, and ExCeL's seven onsite hotels provide thousands of rooms within walking distance. With increased connectivity to Europe and beyond, as well as new, world-class facilities, we hope to send a clear message about the show's plans for future international growth."
In addition to the new campus-style experience for international visitors, PLASA Events have announced the AudioLab, a major new development of pro audio content.
Show manager Jen Barratt explains, "The AudioLab is exactly that, a huge pro audio laboratory that incorporates an arena, a theatre and a third interactive space that allows visitors to experience the cutting-edge of pro audio, and watch it being pushed to its limits."
With a 45m throw, the AudioLab Arena takes up one whole module of the ExCeL Centre and will feature large-format and mid-range line-array demonstrations, shoot-outs of club sound and PA systems, and private purpose-built and sound-proof demo rooms.
"The AudioLab Arena at PLASA London is the place to experience the best sound systems that the world has to offer. We've created a space where visitors can fully immerse themselves in sound. The 2000sq.m venue has been designed in consultation with the industry and has two goals. The first is to give exhibitors a world-class facility in which to demonstrate their products, and the second is to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand-up," adds Barratt.
The AudioLab Arena is only one part of the show's new pro audio story, which also includes the new AudioLab Theatre. "Last year, we provided free education to over 6500 people from 65 countries worldwide. The new AudioLab Theatre will continue our commitment to free education, but this year it will feature three distinct programmes of content, Live Sound, Installed Sound and The Sound Business." The three programmes will examine key issues and provide valuable sessions for all levels, from senior managers and technical directors to entry-level enthusiasts.
The third element is AudioLab Interactive - a unique programme of experiments designed to test pro audio theory. "This autumn, PLASA London and AudioLab Interactive will facilitate experiments to further our knowledge and understanding of key issues and push technology and test its limits. PLASA London 2013 is the only pro audio show in the world to attempt to do what we are doing. Whether you're an engineer, installer, consultant, rental house or manufacturer, register for free today and be the first to find out more," Comments Barratt.
In addition to new pro audio content, organisers PLASA Events promise a raft of announcements in the following weeks, including two major new partnerships and a new programme of afterhours activities and events that will make PLASA London 2013 the must-attend international event for networking at the highest level.
Matthew Griffiths concludes, "London is the most visited city on the planet. It is home to the world's greatest theatre district and has more entertainment venues than any other capital city. From small theatres and music venues, to festivals, stadia, and commercial installations, PLASA London is the perfect place to check out state-of-the-art entertainment technology."
The first 5000 visitors to register via the website will receive a free visitor badge.
