A Profile of PLASA
The Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) was formed over 27 years ago when a fledgling industry began to develop from the pioneering work of the talented individuals who first explored new concepts in sound, lighting, projection and staging.
Today, PLASA has over 500 members worldwide, including the leading specialists in professional audio, lighting, staging, rigging, AV, communications and related disciplines.
With such a dynamic membership to serve, the Association's ongoing investment in services, infrastructure and specialist staff is designed to deliver an equally dynamic response to members' needs.
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 forthcoming UK, EU and international laws and regulations that may affect the way they manage their business.
PLASA's Professional Development team is developing major new qualifications for the industry. Central to these is the National Rigging Certificate - a scheme designed to give riggers a recognised framework through which their knowledge and expertise can be measured - a move vital in a climate where there is a growing focus on Health & Safety. The team is also working on the development of qualifications for the PA/VA sector.
In a wider role, PLASA also offers guidance on careers and professional development opportunities in the sector, underlining its aim to ensure that the skills needs of the industry are fully addressed.
The Association also recognises the need for close liaison with Government and other partners to develop a greater understanding of the needs of the industry. The Association's work in this area - in particular its high-profile lobbying campaigns and its research activities - is helping to build much better recognition for the industry.
An increasingly multi-faceted organisation, the Association also runs successful media and events arms, responsible for the industry-leading magazines Lighting&Sound International and Lighting&Sound America and the main European exhibition for the sector, the PLASA Show.
PLASA is also a member of the World Entertainment Technology Federation (World-ETF) - an alliance of international entertainment technology associations. Together they create an international forum for the discussion of common issues including technical standards, trading methods, training and education and industry growth worldwide.
The other members of the World-ETF are:
- The Professional Lighting and Sound Association of Germany (VPLT)
- The US-based Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA)
- The Association of Italian Manufacturers for the Entertainment Industry (APIAS)
- The Japan Association of Safety Staging Technology (JASST)
- The Electronics and Information Technology Exporters Association of Spain (SECARTYS)