PLASA Focus: Leeds to Host the First-Ever Riggers' Forum Outside of London

The Royal Armouries at Leeds is the venue for the first ever Riggers' Forum to be held outside of London, on Tuesday, April 30.

Building on the success of the Riggers' Forum held at Earls Court in 2012, PLASA Events will host the forum alongside the consistently popular PLASA Focus: Leeds trade show event. The Forum will provide a unique opportunity for members of the rigging community to discuss all things rigging and to exchange their views and experiences of the industry. The Forum will open at 2pm with a short presentation entitled "The Dunning Kruger Effect -- The Dangers of Unconscious Incompetence." This will be followed by a chaired question and answer session led by a panel of experts from the rigging industry, including members from the National Rigging Advisory Group.

Also on the panel will be Paul Rowlands, rigging development manager at NEC Group Arenas. Rowlands brings to the forum over a quarter of a century of experience in the sector. He was already head flyman at Birmingham Repertory Theatre when he began his tenure at the NEC as it opened in 1991. The development of the mother-grid system at the National Indoor Arena is just one of his achievements there and he is now responsible for the in-house development of rigging personnel.

Also joining the panel will be Kevin Thompson, stage manager at the ACC in Liverpool which incorporates both the BT Convention Center and the Echo Arena. A veteran of the live events industry, Thompson has been involved in rigging and touring stage management for over twenty years. He has been in his present position since 2008, the year the venue first opened.

More speakers on the panel are due to be announced in the coming weeks.

The forum will close at approximately 5pm with the chance for attendees to relax and chat with colleagues over a few beers and give everyone time to reflect on the issues raised during the afternoon.

There is currently an offer of 50% discount on pre-bookings which means registered attendees can guarantee their place at this very special event for just £15 + VAT. To register and book a place now please visit the URL below. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. It is recommended to book now to avoid disappointment. Ticket price on the day will be £30 + VAT.