Pre-registrations are at a record high for PLASA08, where the promise of new technologies for the arts and cultural sectors, together with a dramatically expanded education programme, has driven a surge of interest in the event.
Arts professionals can expect to see more innovations than ever, with numerous new and returning exhibitors bringing their latest products and services to Earls Court.Underlining PLASA08's reputation for new products, you can also expect a strong line-up of entries in the PLASA Awards for Innovation, the winners of which will be announced at 6pm on Monday 8th September.
There's also a wide range of free seminar sessions addressing both existing and emerging technologies, delivered by the industry's most respected manufacturers and innovators.
Leading the charge is the first ever PLASA Masterclass, presented by Gottelier award winner Tony Andrews of audio specialists Funktion One.
Cirque du Soleil follows last year's standing room- only session with a new presentation on the 'Challenges of Automation', while a second theatre will host a full programme of Special Interest Sessions. Amongst these will be a presentation by London's Arcola Theatre on the implementation and use of energy efficient lighting, a Theatres Trust-led session on Display Energy Certificates and a presentation from the team at the National Theatre on its sustainable lighting strategies. Also under discussion will be the new BS8901 (Sustainable Event Management) standard set to re-shape the planning and delivery of performances and productions, plus the current field of Creative Apprenticeships, presented by the team behind the new National Skills Academy.
In a major development, PLASA08 will also be the industry platform for the official launch of the Mayor of London's Green Theatre Programme, as part of which there'll be a special exhibition focusing on climate change initiatives.
A new Industry Skills Zone, sponsored by PLASA Qualifications, will spotlight skills development in the sector (including the new National Rigging Certificate) and will feature a range of industry organisations - amongst them the Arts Council, ABTT, the National Student Drama Festival, Creative & Cultural Skills and the NSA.
And for those who simply want to catch up with industry colleagues, the show offers more meeting areas with wi- fi, an extended PLASA Members' Lounge, a brand new Dealer Lounge and a growing range of cafés and restaurants.
PLASA08 goes live at Earls Court on Sunday 7 September and runs through to Wednesday 10 September 2008