PLASA Partners with ABTT to Deliver a Virtual Program for the Entertainment Technology Industry

PLASA, the association for the entertainment technology industry, is hosting a second PLASA Online from May 10 - 13, following on from a successful debut in October 2020. The program will address the most pertinent issues facing the industry, present pioneering technology, and deliver several sessions on technical theatre in partnership with the ABTT.

The free-to-view program will span four days, bringing participants creative presentations, business panels, industry advice, and technical training, each led by experts in their field. Furthermore, each day participants will have the opportunity to watch live product presentations hosted by leading manufacturers. Running alongside the program is a virtual exhibitor showcase featuring an extensive A-Z of brands from audio, AV, lighting, rigging, and staging.

The ABTT will deliver the very latest amendments to their Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment which covers energy conservation, electrical installations, and emergency lighting. They will also present an overview of Volume 1 of The Theatre Green Book, a project that brought together theatre-makers and sustainability experts to create a common standard for making theatre sustainably.

Electrical expert James Eade will return for another unmissable session, this time delving into the most enduring electrical misunderstandings, from qualifications and PAT testing, to earthing and phase separation. This session will also feature a Q&A, allowing to attendees get expert advice on their electrical safety concerns.

Lighting designer and LSi columnist Rob Halliday also returns to share his work on the innovative lockdown production of Romeo & Juliet which involved cutting-edge digital technology to keep the cast separate.

Additional technology will be delivered courtesy of Shure with an exclusive look at new features for the SLX-D Digital Wireless System; Vectorworks Spotlight, the all-in-one- software for event design; Highlite demonstrating LAMPY DMX consoles; Artistic Licence with a hands-on troubleshooting session on RDM and DMX; and Broadweigh teaching the fundamentals of a load measuring system.

On the topic of COVID-era events, a panel of production professionals and health and safety practitioners will address challenges of how the industry's workforce can safely and efficiently return to work following a long absence. Plus, CREATEBritain co-founder Richard Woods will present the online platform designed for creative professionals to network and gain skills.

Keeping you up to date on industry issues, PLASA managing director Peter Heath will chair panels on the impact of Brexit on the touring community and the Ecodesign lighting regulation. Plus, industry charity Music Support will host a mental health hour to discuss their mental health first aid training course and their NHS-approved wellbeing app, Thrive.

PLASA Online will run May 10 - 13, and all are invited to browse the program and sign up for sessions. Find out more and see what's on at the URL below.