PLASA Show has just announced its seminar and workshop programme which will run at Olympia London from 4-6 September. Sponsored by Vectorworks, the programme is packed with technical talks, creative presentations, and industry panels – each with a firm eye on the future of live events and entertainment.

Pre-registered visitors can take advantage of the free-to-attend programme across all three days of the show. The first wave of programme sessions is now available to view on the PLASA Show website. Read on for initial highlights:

Plenty of PLASA-hosted business sessions will run, helping you understand the latest legislation changes. These include EcoDesign and RoHS with PLASA and ETC, Stop changing channels; radio spectrum with BEIRG, Brexit update with PLASA and Live, and SIC codes: Government recognition and the viability of our sector with White Light and the Department for International Trade.

Creating an inclusive workforce with Hannah Eakins from Production Futures, Jas Parekh from Production Futures, Koy Neminathan from Avolites, Amy Kerr from Robe UK, Ollie Jeffrey from Royal Albert Hall, and programmer, arranger, and production manager Terry King. The panel will share thoughts on how the industry can attract diverse, young talent. Elsewhere, another panel will discuss Safety and security at large-scale events, particularly during this time of crew shortages.

Celebrating 20 years of TAIT Navigator, led by TAIT’s Jim Love. This session will present case studies from live entertainment spectaculars spanning two decades, diving deep into show control, machine automation, and even flying performers!

Themed environments from an architectural viewpoint with Matt Lloyd and Josh Allen from 3LR, Paul Johnson from Satore Studio, Andrew Selwood from Ridge and Partners LLP. Together they will explore how to create bespoke LED lighting displays in event spaces.

Future-proofing events in a post-COVID world will give practical tips on how to protect yourself and others from illness and cancellations. Be sure to join Nick Pendleton from Entec along with Dr. David Lawrence and Adrian King if you manage events in theatre, sports, venues, or production. Elsewhere, a panel will unpack solutions for making live easier while exploring the consequences of the past two years.

Two sessions from the Association of Sound Designers: In Space, place and memory, Lewis Gibson will explore sound design for museum and heritage sites, looking at how technology can shape dynamic storytelling in experiential museums. And in Things I didn’t learn in school, Sam Vincent will chair a discussion on which essential skills are learnt on the job, rather than in education.

The ever-popular ABTT Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment returns to the show to outline the new amendments and offer bespoke advice. Other associations will deliver sessions at PLASA Show too, including Understanding the freelance deal with BECTU.

What should a prompt desk look like? with the Stage Management Association, and A guide for microphone users with ISCVE.

Two sessions on textiles with Oli Marns from J&C Joel: Flame retardancy in textiles will look at the basics of flame retardancy and how standards differ around the world depending on textile use. And Not another sustainability seminar will address the often-overlooked issue of sustainability in textiles.

Finally, programme sponsors Vectorworks will run two sessions on their new Vectorworks Spotlight 2023. And headline sponsor Robe will run RoboSpot taster sessions throughout the show.

Sophie Atkinson, PLASA’s Head of Events, says, “This year’s programme will touch upon all the big talking points in entertainment, from COVID to the skills gap. Plus, visitors can enjoy presentations on the power of technology. I invite all visitors to browse the programme and sign up for their favourite sessions via the website.”