PLASA Focus Another Success in Leeds, UK

Packed aisles and major new product launches firmly established PLASA Focus as an industry event not-to-be-missed for the north of England, reports PLASA Events. Some 1,956 visitors, representing a 9% increase in the total number of attendees in 2010, headed to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds last week to see 130 brands launch dozens of new products to the UK market. A total of 2,457 attendees, including exhibitors, enjoyed Focus's trademark sunshine, free lunch, and informal, friendly atmosphere.

Among a lengthy list of new products receiving their UK launch were the Chroma-Q Studio Force and Jands Vista V2, both launched by AC Entertainment Technologies; a new generation of moving heads from Robe; Avolites' Sapphire Touch and a preview of its Titan V5 software; the Wave 28 all-in-one modular PA from Adam Hall; Christie's new Nitro Solutions range of motorized moving yokes; the new Showtec luminaire range from Highlight International; DmxSoft's Nicolaudie touch control DMX dimmers; new stage monitors from db Technologies, Nexo and Ohm; Neutrik's new OpticalCON fiber-optic connectors; TMB's launch of LumenRadio CRMX wireless DMX controllers; three new luminaires from Chauvet; the new VTX amplifier range from Cloud; Proel's new NET loudspeakers; the Platinum Spot 5R Pro and moving head video panel from Elation; Artistic Licence's lighting control range; the new Venue Series from 5 Star Cases; Allen & Heath's iLive MixPad iPad app; Soundcraft's new si compact digital mixing consoles and a host of new products from Martin Pro.

The expanded seminar program was once again a major attraction with substantial audiences for sessions that ranged from "Transforming the RST" to the forthcoming impact of the "Digital Dividend."

Adam Blaxill, head of marketing at Stage Electrics, commented: "The interesting thing about this event is that it's not just a trade show, it's much more about networking, seeing people, and talking to people. There are two halls here in Leeds and the joke is that, although they are less than 100 yards apart, it takes you half an hour to walk from one to the other because you see so many people and stop and chat and talk. It's excellent value and the attendance has been fantastic."

Dave Humphries, owner of Interspace Industries, stated: "We came last year to see what the show was about, liked it, and this has been our first year exhibiting. It's been phenomenal, it really has, I can't believe the amount of traffic we're getting and its qualified traffic at that. The people we're meeting are from all sorts of backgrounds, theatre, corporate events, rental companies, and end users, it's an interesting mix of people so for me its been brilliant and we'll be back again next year."

Paul Hinkly, managing director of LMC Audio, added: "It's been absolutely terrific; we're overwhelmed with the response. Last year the numbers were up again and this year the quality has been superb. We've met so many new customers and new businesses in the North that we didn't know . . . that's why it's so valuable to us to come here and exhibit. We will certainly be back next year, we can't afford to miss it!"

Pete Floyd, international sales manager at LSC Lighting, commented: "This is the first time we've exhibited here and it's been a great show, very positive, lots of new faces and a great opportunity for people from the North to come and see our new product range."

PLASA Events confirms that a substantial number of exhibitors have already signed up for next year's event, which will take place at The Royal Armouries in Leeds on April 17 and 18. Free registration is open now, visit the show's website to sign up for your free ticket.