The ABTT Theatre Show is increasing exhibition floor space by some 50% and introducing more facilities for both exhibitors and visitors for 2013. Following the successful transfer of the show to The Old Truman Brewery in 2012, the event will now be staged there in three interconnected exhibition halls and run in conjunction with a comprehensive seminar programme. Everything connected with theatre will be on show, making the ABTT 2013 Theatre Show, 12-13 June, an essential place to be for everyone involved in theatre and an event not to miss, say the organisers.
Show director Roger Fox, announcing the expansion of the ABTT Theatre Show 2013 said, "We are literally turning the show around this year and making use of the large, welcoming entrance hall at the other end of the Truman Brewery building. The new entrance, off Dray Walk, provides direct access down to a new space - the 'Blue Hall' - that's been created on the lower ground floor. Also, from the main entrance you can get to the upper floor level, which was at the rear of the exhibition space last year."
Theatre Show administrator, Isobel Hatton, added, "We've responded to positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors and expanded into the lower hall to provide more space for stands and to improve visitor circulation." The new layout for the show also creates interlinked halls to provide visitors with a circular route around the whole Theatre Show.
Hatton went on to outline some of the new developments for 2013 adding that in addition to a near 50% increase in the number of stands, there are more facilities for visitors too, including twice as many seminar rooms, improved refreshment facilities, and more toilets. "This new layout has also enabled us to expand the café and add a bar area so we can offer more comfortable and relaxed areas for the all-important networking opportunities."
Although a few exhibitors from the Royal Horticultural Halls years didn't move to the new venue last year, Hatton is "delighted" that they, and many other companies, have already expressed an interest in returning in 2013. "Bookings are looking very good even at this early stage," she concluded, "with some of the larger exhibiting companies jumping at the chance of central positions in the new Blue Hall, including an early booking confirmation by lighting manufacturer ETC, changing from a prominent position in the 2012 main hall."
Announcing the theme of the 2013 event, Roger Fox said, "We felt that although we had a good cross-section of visitors last year, there was a need to further broaden the appeal of the ABTT Theatre Show. Taking on board comments from last year, the obvious step was to look back to our roots and emphasise that theatre is at the core of the Association of British Theatre Technicians. For the 2013 show we are looking to provide a 'one-stop shop' of theatrical services and resources by bringing in a broader range of backstage and production suppliers and services."
In response, 'The Marketplace' is being unveiled at the 2013 show as an innovative move to attract niche theatrical suppliers - which are often smaller businesses not normally seen exhibiting at the ABTT Theatre Show. "By introducing this affordable initiative we anticipate seeing an even wider range of products and services on show," said IHatton. "We are adding about 50 new stand spaces, and many of these will be small, low-cost stand 'packages' located together in a section of the lower Blue Hall. We are aiming at a relaxed, informal environment that we hope costume designers, hire companies, makeup suppliers, prop and scenery makers and other theatrical designers will enjoy to display their portfolios and products."
Building on the well-attended seminar programme last year, the ABTT 2013 Theatre Show will utilise two seminar rooms accommodating 80+ seated visitors in each, with both rooms located in the new Blue Hall. "We are planning 20 seminars over the two days, and anticipate a few popular subjects may be repeated on both days to avoid disappointment," said Hatton. The subjects will be wide-ranging as always and of interest to theatre practitioners, professional technician and designers, amateurs and drama teachers.
"Although the schedule is being compiled now, we can be fairly certain the programme will include a post-conference discussion on 'Thriving Theatres' with delegates to the Theatres Trust conference on 11 June, an update on ABTT training, the ABTT TAPthis scheme, and a variety of 'how to' seminars for theatre practitioners."
