PLASA 2012 Turns Up the Volume with New Pro Development Program

Created to encourage the exchange of important ideas, the new pro development program puts unrivaled focus on content provision, significantly developing the show's educational offering.

The four-day program consists of 80 free-to-attend sessions taking place in four new, purpose-built seminar theatres on the show floor. Organized into nine distinct categories, the new format provides unparalleled access to entertainment and installation technology's leading thinkers and creators.

The first category is Future Trends, a series of sessions looking at the current direction of technology and where it might lead us. This program includes the headline session Are we near to Perfect Sound? -- presented by director of R&D at Martin Audio, Jason Baird, and d&b audiotechnik product manager, Werner 'Vier' Bayer, plus a representative from Meyer Sound. Also featured will be What's Left in the Black Box? -- looking at how much further we can improve loudspeaker performance, featuring Tony Andrews of Funktion-One and d&b audiotechnik acoustics specialist Matthias Christner, plus representatives of JBL and other leading manufacturers.

The Emerging Technologies program focuses on the horizon and explores the cutting-edge technologies which might one day make their way into the entertainment technology toolkit. From nanotechnology to memristor memory, LED / laser data transmission, gesture recognition, quantum computers, T-rays and holograms, what will the future hold?

International and Major Projects is a unique series of sessions designed to provide money-can't-buy access to the most creatively ambitious and technically challenging projects out there. Headlining the program are Durham Marenghi and Tim Routledge with their fascinating account of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert, while Tapio Ilomaki looks at the new Helsinki Music Centre, and Ola Melzig joins a panel discussing the Eurovision 2012 production in Azerbaijan.

The Olympics Uncovered is the first ever top-secret seminar program at the PLASA Show. Immediately after London 2012, PLASA 2012 will be the first to celebrate our industry's contribution to this monumental occasion with a series of top-secret sessions. A panel of leading production personnel will explore the highs and lows of the nail-biting hours of the Games' Opening Ceremony.

The Breaking New Ground category examines the role of originality in driving technical development in entertainment. Headlining is Lucy Ockenden, who reveals the work behind Björk's jaw-dropping video on her Biophilia Tour and Dave Swallow's Audiothinktank, presenting forward-thinking audio for forward-thinking sound engineers.

Safety Issues is a must for all active practitioners in every area of the industry; this program includes a look at safe working practices for outdoor structures and other pressing issues.

The Sustainability Program explores how to reconcile the needs of an energy-hungry industry with responsible environmental practices. Organizations such as The Theatres Trust and Julie's Bicycle show how putting sustainability into practice, making it an intrinsic element of the music, theatre, and creative industries, can pay dividends for your business.

Marketing, networking, and effective publicity are all vital to healthy business development; the new Business Issues category examines the most cost-effective and productive methods of communicating your company's message. Attend a social networking master class specific to the entertainment technology industry and learn how to make it work for you.

And finally, ever had a question you were burning to ask? Back to Basics focuses on the fundamentals of audio, lighting, and audio-visual technology, providing something for newcomers to the industry and all-important refresher sessions for seasoned campaigners.

These exciting developments underpin PLASA's commitment to providing an unparalleled experience for visitors and remaining a leader in the provision of education, professional development and knowledge sharing across our industry.

Visitor registrations are now over 11,800 but visitors can still gain entry to the entire four-day event for only £10 - a saving of 50% on the full price of £20. Pre-registered visitors will be notified when seminar booking opens online.

Win one of only six customized "Union Jack" Sharpys made for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert and signed by lighting designer, Durham Marenghi. All you have to do to be entered with a chance of winning this piece of history is register for PLASA 2012.