PLASA Show
Encyclopedia
The PLASA Show is an annual, London
based trade show
hosted at Earls Court Exhibition Centre
and organised by the Professional Lighting and Sound Association
. The show draws international attendance of exhibitors and visitors in the lighting, audio and related technologies sector of the entertainments industry.
Now in its 31st year, the show anticipates a record number of new product launches at this year's event.
In response to the growing diversity of it membership base, BADEM was subsequently renamed the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA)
and thus in 1984, the show likewise became the PLASA Light and Sound Show. In 1985, it relocated to the Novotel
in Hammersmith
before three years later moving to Olympia 2
, where it stayed until 1992 before transferring to the larger Earls Court 2.
It made the move from Earls Court 2 to Earls Court 1 in 1996 and in 2007 opened the doors back to Earls Court 2 and - for the first time in the show's history - occupied both halls.
For much of its history, the show has been run by an external events company, however in 2007, PLASA
took the management of the event in-house and launched PLASA Events Ltd.
Over 90% of PLASA visitors have purchasing authority and come to the Show to spend an average of between 20% and 60% of their annual budgets.
The show typically runs for 4 days at the beginning of September each year. In 2009, the event runs from Sunday 12th to Wednesday 16 September.
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
based trade show
Trade fair
A trade fair is an exhibition organized so that companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products, service, study activities of rivals and examine recent market trends and opportunities...
hosted at Earls Court Exhibition Centre
Earls Court Exhibition Centre
The Earls Court Exhibition Centre is an exhibition centre, conference and event venue located in west London, United Kingdom in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea . It is the largest exhibition venue in central London. It is served by two underground stations, Earl's Court and West...
and organised by the Professional Lighting and Sound Association
Plasa
The Professional Lighting And Sound Association or PLASA is a UK-based trade organisation representing over 500 members worldwide.In addition to providing members with expert advice on a wide range of business and technical issues, PLASA also monitors legislative developments, alerting members to...
. The show draws international attendance of exhibitors and visitors in the lighting, audio and related technologies sector of the entertainments industry.
Now in its 31st year, the show anticipates a record number of new product launches at this year's event.
History
The show originally started in 1977 at the Bloomsbury Crest, London, launching under the name of Discotek 77. In 1982, whilst still at the Bloomsbury Crest, it was renamed the BADEM Light & Sound Show to mirror the name of the fledgling trade association that had been set up for the sector - the British Association of Discotheque Equipment Manufacturers.In response to the growing diversity of it membership base, BADEM was subsequently renamed the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA)
Plasa
The Professional Lighting And Sound Association or PLASA is a UK-based trade organisation representing over 500 members worldwide.In addition to providing members with expert advice on a wide range of business and technical issues, PLASA also monitors legislative developments, alerting members to...
and thus in 1984, the show likewise became the PLASA Light and Sound Show. In 1985, it relocated to the Novotel
Novotel
Novotel is a mid-scale hotel brand within the Accor group. Novotel has close to 400 hotels and resorts in 60 countries, situated in the business districts and tourist destinations of major international cities.-History:...
in Hammersmith
Hammersmith
Hammersmith is an urban centre in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham in west London, England, in the United Kingdom, approximately five miles west of Charing Cross on the north bank of the River Thames...
before three years later moving to Olympia 2
Olympia, London
Olympia is an exhibition centre and conference centre in West Kensington, on the boundary between The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham, London, W14 8UX, England. It opened in the 19th century and was originally known as the National Agricultural Hall.Opened in 1886,...
, where it stayed until 1992 before transferring to the larger Earls Court 2.
It made the move from Earls Court 2 to Earls Court 1 in 1996 and in 2007 opened the doors back to Earls Court 2 and - for the first time in the show's history - occupied both halls.
For much of its history, the show has been run by an external events company, however in 2007, PLASA
Plasa
The Professional Lighting And Sound Association or PLASA is a UK-based trade organisation representing over 500 members worldwide.In addition to providing members with expert advice on a wide range of business and technical issues, PLASA also monitors legislative developments, alerting members to...
took the management of the event in-house and launched PLASA Events Ltd.
Facts & Figures
PLASA attracts senior buyers and specifiers from the entertainment, live event, corporate, architectural and installation technology markets. In 2007, PLASA's ABC audited attendance was 12,300, of which 30% were from outside the UK.Over 90% of PLASA visitors have purchasing authority and come to the Show to spend an average of between 20% and 60% of their annual budgets.
The show typically runs for 4 days at the beginning of September each year. In 2009, the event runs from Sunday 12th to Wednesday 16 September.