Tenth edition of PLASA Focus Leeds opens its doors today

The tenth birthday edition of PLASA Focus Leeds takes place today and tomorrow (1-2 May) at the Royal Armouries, Leeds. The popular entertainment technology trade show provides a stage for over 175 global brands, and the show’s reputation attracts thought-leaders and taste-makers who share their expertise through seminars and training sessions.

The show floor will feature products fresh from European launches, and the seminar programme is overflowing with enriching talks and lively debates. The show caters to everyone from lighting designers and sound engineers, to riggers and production managers.

Audio highlights:Audio enthusiasts can get under the skin of digital mixers with Soundcraft’s Andy Brown and Sound Technology’s Ben Todd, and can get to grips with Line Array systems with Harman’s Ed Jackson and Sound Technology’s Stuart Strachan. Visitors can also learn about frequency response with Oran Burns of d&b audiotechnik, or touring monitors with Justin Grealy of Soulsound. Plus, Phil Ward and a pro audio panel will explore object-based and spatialised audio solutions.Among the many new audio innovations will be Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision Series, Sennheiser’s Wireless G4 System, RCF’s JMIX8 two-way array speaker, and the award-winning LD Systems MAUI P900 column speakers from Adam Hall Group. 

 Product demos and workshops:Running alongside the seminar programme are KV2 Audio demos showcasing the latest loudspeakers, Zero 88 FLX lighting console training run by Edward Smith and Jon Hole, and ChamSys MagicQ software and QuickQ console training from Chris Kennedy and Dan Coombs. On top of that, Dante Level 2 training will be available courtesy of Lisa Holdway from Audinate.

Professional Development training:PLASA’s Professional Development team are presenting a range of seminars to build your technical know-how and business acumen: James Eade will explain electrical standards updates for the UK, Tom Goode is hosting a health and safety clinic, and Lauren Rogers will reveal how to improve marketing and communications. The Association of British Theatre Technicians will also be on hand to provide updates on Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment.

PLASA’s commercial director Christopher Toulmin said: "PLASA Focus Leeds has continued to grow throughout the past decade, and based on everything we have learned along the way, this year’s show is set to raise the bar even higher. Everyone at PLASA has worked incredibly hard to make sure the tenth anniversary edition of the show is both outstanding and relevant for all areas of the entertainment technology industry."