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Ruth Rossington, Executive Director of PLASA Ltd., looks ahead to the forthcoming PLASA07 in London

Published: 29 July 2007

PLASA07 (9-12 September 2007) is now just a matter of weeks away and - with strong exhibitor and visitor numbers predicted - seems certain to retain its role as the industry's main event. As in previous years, the lighting sector will be well represented with lighting professionals worldwide heading to Earls Court in London to learn more about the lighting and control trends that will define the next 10 years.

As we all know, the entertainment technology business, just as in the consumer world, is undergoing a digital revolution that is producing more bang for the buck and, at the same time, dramatically shrinking the physical dimensions of equipment. Can anyone be unaware of the dramatic difference being wrought by LED technologies, which have been central in reshaping the events, production and architectural worlds.

Live performance visuals are also in the throes of a similar revolution, with lighting and video now merging into one. This has been spurred by the arrival of digital video (unleashing virtually unlimited effects) and lightweight, modular LED displays which - thanks to powerful media servers - can be used both as light sources and image displays.

Control and visualisation systems have not been left behind either, and are delivering increased functionality across the price spectrum. Not everyone has the budgets to invest in new technologies, but anyone working professionally in the lighting sector needs to understand why - with tools like these - the lines between lighting and video are disappearing fast.

Framing all these developments will be an exhibition that is itself evolving: one of the most radical changes this year will be the show's new layout, which will transform PLASA07 into a single-level exhibition, thanks to expansion from Earls Court 1 into the adjacent Earls Court 2.

There has been investment in a range of new features, including hands-on workshop areas, and a new PLASA Theatre which will host a series of industry-led Masterclasses. The Innovation Gallery - host to many of the new products being launched at the show - will for the first time become a specially designed feature of the walkway between Earls Court 1 and Earls Court 2.

And there have been changes to the Awards for Innovation too: in addition to the main product awards, a new Award - The Gottelier Award - is being launched to give the designers and developers across the industry recognition for their creative work.

PLASA07 is well worth a visit and essential for lighting professionals who want to understand how technologies are diversifying and how the nature of the business is developing. The entire industry is founded on a complex series of relationships and for anyone keen to understand this, PLASA is really where it hits home.

Lighting Professional readers can save money by pre-registering online at www.plasashow.com. The website also contains pricing and timing information on the seminars, exhibitor listings, directions to the venue and a host of other useful facts.

PLASA 2007

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