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PLASA 2004 Exceeds Expectations

PLASA 2004 closed on a genuine high after four days of non-stop business. A year of careful planning resulted in a truly memorable event, exceeding both exhibitor and visitor expectations, say the organisers. This year’s show confirmed the fact that the industry is continuing to flourish - exhibitors not only generated leads, but also took significant orders.

With more exhibiting companies than ever, PLASA 2004 has earned its place as one of the most successful PLASA shows of recent times. The unofficial visitor number is 13690 (subject to ABC Audit) of which 28% were international buyers. Exhibitor feedback indicates there was a high number of serious buyers attending the show.

The Show’s gateway was the re-launched Innovation Gallery, on which were displayed all the nominated products for the PLASA Awards for Innovation. On the show floor, the plethora of visually creative stands and interactive product displays from exhibitors reflected the upbeat mood of the industry, providing a feast for the senses. The energetic buzz around the show floor found a focus in the Central Bar which proved popular for networking throughout the day, matched later on by the After Show Bar, which was busy each night providing exhibitors and visitors with further business opportunities and a chance to wind down after a busy day.

PLASA has always been regarded a forging ground for new ideas and new technology and the re-launched PLASA Awards for Innovation demonstrated that R&D continues to be the backbone of the industry. Although design development has always been a key facet of the awards process, this year there was a deliberate move to put the focus on innovation: for the first time, products were not judged within categories, but on the grounds of their innovation alone. Despite a stricter entry criteria, 66 products were entered and the standard impressed the judges who found themselves facing the difficult challenge of choosing just eight winners. Recognising the importance of these awards, the awards ceremony on Monday night was attended by Fergal Sharkey, who represented the government-initiated Live Music Forum.

Providing a forum for professional development is another important role of the PLASA Show and this year’s seminars and workshops came together under the PLASA Association’s Professional Development Programme (PDP). One key departure from previous years was the introduction of a number of ‘Audience With’ style sessions. All the PDP events took place for the first time in a purpose-built seminar theatre on the show floor. Highlights included Willie Williams and Joe O’Herlihy in conversation about their creative and technical involvement with the legendry Irish band U2, Professor James Woudhuysen discussing future trends and renowned DJ/VJ Charles Kriel running a mixing workshop. Industry legislation was also covered with seminars outlining the third stage of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the introduction of a new wiring colour-coding system.

By the end of the show, the majority of exhibitors were extremely positive about the level of business which had been conducted, and the high degree of interest in their products and services. Many commented that the feel-good atmosphere of the show indicated a positive outlook for the industry.

Nicola Rowland, PLASA show director, commented: “PLASA addresses the commercial needs of key sectors of the industry in terms of location, timing and the show offer. PLASA 2004 proved that it remains a serious buying platform and networking opportunity for the industry on a worldwide scale - in fact, more so this year than ever before. This is a positive indicator of the industry's state of mind.”

PLASA’s managing director Matthew Griffiths added: “The mood from exhibitors and visitors alike was universally upbeat at PLASA 2004. Instead of cautious optimism, there was a genuine belief that the industry is beginning to show real growth in business opportunities. PLASA as an organisation, through constant communication with exhibitors and visitors, has invested significant resources over the past few years to provide the industry with the premier forum in which to develop those opportunities. Add to that the major creative commitment by exhibitors to make the show as vibrant as it could be, and the show's success was guaranteed. We are now working on PLASA 2005 which will build on the successes of this year and provide increased commercial benefit for all those taking part.

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PLASA 2004 Exceeds Expectations

29th September 2004

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