PLASA Leeds ‘a resounding success’, new area next year

After its annual Leeds event drew to a close on Wednesday 10 May, PLASA has reported high levels of enthusiasm from the industry that it says proves how the show’s Focus formula remains "a perfect fit."

As well as being the ideal platform for many UK debuts of new products, the show also offered multiple networking opportunities and a seminar programme that combined expert-led sessions and hands-on training.

New audio products on display included Shure’s UK launch of the Axient Digital wireless system; the first UK tradeshow appearance for QSC’s new K.2 loudspeakers; Martin Audio showed its new Wavefront Precision Series – a new generation of multi-purpose line array; Bose introduced the ShowMatch DeltaQ Array loudspeaker for both rental and install applications; and Sound Technology showcased new products from Harman’s JBL Professional, Crown and Soundcraft, plus Harman’s Connected PA system.

Johan Gunsing of Adam Hall Group stated: “For us, PLASA Focus Leeds allows us to meet existing and new customers and actually have time to talk. The show has really good attendance and for us attracts the right target group.”

The busy showfloor was complemented by a rich programme of content that saw PLASA collaborate with manufacturers, venues and industry associations to deliver sessions designed to inform and inspire visitors.

The new K.2 series speakers from QSC could be found on both the AED (pictured) and Leisuretec stands

Phil Ward, audio journalist and regular contributor to the PLASA programme, hosted a panel session titled ‘Is Point Source Fighting Back?’ Ward was joined by audio experts from Funktion-One, Danley Sound Labs and Soulsound to discuss the varied potential applications for point source loudspeakers.

“We had a particularly great panel session, including Professor Doug Jones who represents Danley Sound, who flew over from Chicago specifically to do the panel which is fantastic," said Ward. "PLASA shows are the place to be for the technical discussions at the highest level and are an excellent forum for them. We will be building on these in-depth sessions for a topical programme at PLASA Show in London.”

Shure was busy over the two days introducing visitors to its new Axient Digital system

Following a successful event at the 2016 PLASA Show in London, this year’s Leeds show hosted a free training event for visitors to learn more about Dante networking. The event included presentations, training workshops and demos of Dante-enabled products from d&b, Focusrite, Roland, Bose and Out Board (TiMax SoundHub).

Director of PLASA Events, Christopher Toulmin, commented: “It’s hard to believe next year is the tenth anniversary of PLASA Focus Leeds and we’ve got some exciting things planned. We’ve taken on additional outdoor space at the venue where we will be hosting audio demos. The area is normally used as a jousting arena – so this is a truly unique opportunity for us! We’ll also use the space to create plenty of outdoor experiences, including things such as pyrotechnics.

“But for now, we immediately turn our attention to our flagship PLASA Show in London Olympia on 17-19 September. We’re looking forward to really driving it forward following last year’s move to London Olympia; we’ve got more audio exhibitors joining us and visitors can expect more exciting content than ever before.”

http://leeds.plasafocus.com