PLASA
Press Office
PRESS INFORMATION
5 March 2010
Education & Learning Programme attracts top names
PLASA Focus: Leeds 2010 Unveils Programme of Free Seminars
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Visitors to PLASA Focus: Leeds 2010 - which takes place on Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 April at the Royal Armouries - are invited to take part in a series of seminars presented by some of the industry's leading bodies.
The two-day Education & Learning Programme, which runs alongside the sell-out exhibition, proved a major success last year and this year will cover an equally diverse range of topics.
Beginning with The Theatres Trust Annual Conference, this year's debate focuses on the principles of School Theatre Design. That's followed by the Production Managers Forum with the SMA (Stage Management Association) and a session entitled 'Preparing for the Future' with the NSA (National Skills Academy), who, as part of their quest to give people access to careers in the backstage industries, will explore why accreditation in the industry is important. It will also address changes to legislation, in particular issues surrounding 'green' legislation.
The second day opens with two regional case studies. David Stuttard, for the past 12 years the technical director of Wexford Opera House will discuss the rebuilding of this landmark venue which has been one of Ireland's most important cultural projects of recent times, employing many innovations, both architecturally and technically. David will reflect on how the acclaimed new venue came into being, exploring the relationships between client, architect and consultants during the build and on to the completed reality.
The second case study is an insight into the ground-breaking installation that's putting Manchester's iconic music scene back on the map. The Warehouse Project is the UK's largest and most successful temporary clubbing and live music phenomenon. Located in the industrial arches deep beneath Manchester's Piccadilly train station, all lighting, sound and live production has been supplied, built and managed by live events and communications agency Ear To The Ground. They will be explaining how they turn a working car park into a club capable of attracting the world's most famous DJs and bands . . . in four hours!
The importance of safety in rigging will be addressed by UK Rigging and Total Solutions Group in a workshop on the topic 'What's the Damage?' - exploring the legal requirements and practicalities of inspecting work equipment used in the entertainment industry. The session will concentrate on lifting accessories and PPE for work at height - principles which can be applied equally well to other areas: for example, access equipment. The talk will also offer an opportunity to apply the knowledge and decide whether gear is safe to use, requires a second opinion or should be destined for the skip!
A seminar by InfoComm International entitled 'Realising the Value of Project Management' will explore how effective project management and efficient processes can help retain margin and add value - a topic of relevance to all disciplines.
The Education & Learning programme will close with a seminar from Julie's Bicycle, a not-for-profit organization helping the music industry cut its greenhouse gas emissions and build climate responsible businesses. The session will address key sustainability issues in the creative industries and how Julie's Bicycle has approached these challenges. The session will examine the opportunities, and the limitations, and what is needed to base cultural experiences on a low carbon infrastructure.
The seminar programme is now live at www.plasafocus.com/leeds. Like the show, admission to all seminars is free, however visitors must register to reserve a place as space is limited.
PLASA Focus: Leeds 2010 SHOW CONTACTS:
Sophie Atkinson, Events Manager
PLASA Events Ltd., Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Warwick Rd, London SW5 9TA, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7370 8661; Fax: +44 (0)20 7370 8660
Email: sophie.atkinson@plasa.org
FOR SHOW PRESS RELEASES, IMAGES AND LOGOS:
Jennie Barratt, Marketing and Sponsorship
PLASA Events Ltd., Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road, London SW5 9TA, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)207 370 8666 : Fax: +44 (0)207 370 8660
Email: jen.barratt@plasa.org
For further information please contact:
Ruth Rossington, PLASA
Tel +44 (0)1323 524120
E-mail: ruth@plasa.org
Notes to Editors:
PLASA is the lead professional body for businesses that supply technologies and services to the event, entertainment and installation industries. The Association provides information and advisory services to its growing worldwide membership, leads the development of qualifications for the sector and is dedicated to improving the business practices adopted by the industry. With just under 600 members worldwide, it represents one of the largest trade communities in the industry, works to develop the skills of the sector and is an effective lobbyist on industry issues.
An increasingly multi-faceted organisation, PLASA also runs successful media and events divisions, responsible for the industry-leading magazines Lighting&Sound International and Lighting&Sound America and two key exhibitions for the sector, the PLASA Show in London and the regional PLASA Focus events.
www.plasa.org