Plasa has claimed its last edition at Earls Court 2 on 9-12 September was a strong and fitting end to its tenancy in west London despite a drop in overall attendance.
 
This year’s trade show attracted 11,500 visitors (pending ABC audit), a quarter of which were from overseas. In comparison, last year’s edition attracted 15,202 total attendees including 11,959 visitors.
 
This year’s event featured a wider seminar programme consisting of 80 sessions across purpose-built theatres. The organiser said pre-registration for the seminars was up 100 per cent year-on-year, while more than one-third of attendees participated in one or more sessions.
 
The most popular related to the UK’s summer of events, and saw 550 people participate in a dedicated Olympics ceremonies session presented by technical director Piers Shepperd.
 
Co-located alongside the main exhibition was the Plasa Rigging Conference, which included a keynote presentation from industry luminary ‘Disney Rigger’ Roy Bickel.
 
“The Professional Development Programme has become an integral and unmissable part of the Plasa experience and promises to go from strength to strength at our new home in 2013,” show manager Sophie Atkinson said.
 
Plasa moves to Excel London in 2013 after more than two decades at Earls Court. The organiser claims the move will be complemented by a bigger, fresher show next year and said 65 per cent of 2013 floor space has already been booked. Plasa returns on 6-9 October 2013.
 
“Excel’s world-class facilities are the perfect match for Plasa’s planned investment in content and growth and an exciting prospect for the entertainment technology markets worldwide,” Plasa CEO Matthew Griffiths said.
 
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