PLASA London opened its doors on Sunday 5 October and welcomed a surge of visitors in the first few hours of the show. Hundreds of people skipped their typical Sunday activities in favour of a vibrant exhibition floor and an education programme packed with the world’s biggest names in entertainment technology.

Here’s what you missed from Day One of the show.

World Class Exhibitors

Every year, PLASA London brings together important audio, lighting, video and staging companies, filling the show floor with a feast of exhibitors. Looking around ExCeL London’s exhibition space, you’ll find companies like Robe, Clay Paky, Shure, Polar Audio, Autograph, SSE Audio, FBT, Philips Entertainment, White Light, Highlite, Chauvet, MA Lighting, SGM, Prolyte, A.C Entertainment Technologies, Avolites Media, and Coolux.

Driving Footfall

Stands and aisles were busy all day and exhibitors and visitors alike commented on the number of meaningful conversations they had. PLASA London is all about revealing new products, exploring opportunities, supporting business growth and connecting people.

Influencing Opinions

Mick Hannaford, MD of Robe UK, says: “To be honest, we’ve been overwhelmed – it’s working really well. There are so many business conversations going on in here, it’s amazing. Normally, when we’re in a much smaller space, there are people trying to get a drink, trying to say hello. Here, there was a concern that everyone was spread out and so the atmosphere would be lost, but everywhere you look there is business happening. It is really fantastic. The organisers have been great in helping us do something that hasn’t been done before and I have to say, the reaction we’ve had from other exhibitors, which I was worried about, has been positive. In terms of the number of visitors, we’re really happy with the response today. People were here from five past 10, so obviously we’re getting them through the door quickly and efficiently, which is great.’

Sharing Knowledge

The Professional Development Programme has already seen a host of compelling seminars across the Audio and AV Theatre and the Lighting and Stage Theatre. Day One’s highlights have included sessions from Lighting and Stage Theatre sponsors Martin Professional, the Association of Lighting Designers, JAMES, the Association of Sound Designers and The Backstage Centre. Also, a series of Soulsound sessions featuring Shure, Funktion-One and Jon Burton, as well as seminars from d&b audiotechnik, Avolites, :entertaining sustainability and the Institute of Professional Sound.