PLASA is the catalyst for change and growth in the entertainment technology industry. Through its creation of ANSI accredited technical standards, its contribution to improved health and safety standards through certifi cation and education programs, its political advocacy on behalf of our industry, and its care for its own citizens through its support of The ESTA Foundation and Behind the Scenes; PLASA is driving—and either you’re on the bus, or you’re off the bus. Will Rogers (admittedly not a Beatnik) once said, “A man only learns in two ways, one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people.” PLASA members continually network with other professionals who not only understand the issues you may be facing with your business, but who actually share those same challenges. Being a PLASA member lets people know that your company believes in something greater than itself and conducts its business as such. PLASA members are on the bus and the industry knows it. But don’t just take it from me. Through my association with PLASA, I have made many friends all across North America who share the same values, and they have consented to share their own reasons for being members of PLASA. Here is what other dealer members have to say: “We’re members because we want to make more money. One of the best ways for an organization to do that is to find ways for its key employees to associate with folks from well-run, successful companies and learn from them. Another key path to profitability is to have a positive influence over the creation and implementation of indus-try standards. PLASA membership provides access to both of these opportunities for Production Advantage.” — David W. Schraffenberger, General Manager, Production Advantage “PLASA provides technical and business services that are unsurpassed in the entertainment industry. In addition, as members, we have the opportunity for recognition and networking, as well as the ability to take advantage of a vast array of resources.” — Paul Vincent, President, Vincent Lighting Systems “We have been members of this organization from the early days of the TDA (Theatrical Dealers Association). As the organization matured and expanded, as members we were privileged to have access to the resources of ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association). By simply renewing our membership we are now members of the international association created by the recent merger of ESTA with the Professional Light and Sound Association, or PLASA. I would encourage everyone in our industry to consider membership in this professional association and truly become a member of the international market.” — Marty Lazarus, President, Chicago Spotlight, Inc. And one fi nal word of inspiration from my anti-hero: “PLASA gives me a place to meet my fellow businessmen and my friends. We discuss issues and problems in our industry and resolve them whether through writing techni-cal standards, establishing codes of ethics, or by providing education so that we can run our businesses better, work more safely, and live better lives. These people are the family that I have chosen to work and live with.” — Larry Schoeneman, President, DesignLab Chicago “It isn’t by getting out of the world that we become enlightened, but by getting into the world . . . by getting so tuned in that we can ride the waves of our existence and never get tossed because we become the waves.” — Ken Kesey, Author, Visionary Join PLASA—make waves! Dinna Myers is the Director of Sales and Marketing for Musson Theatrical in Santa Clara, CA. She is also the Executive Director of Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company and serves as Secretary of the North American Regional Board of PLASA. Please don’t ask her to do anything else. “At the core we are probably members mostly from a sense of responsibility to our business community. As with any business there is a chain of stakeholders that all need each other to keep the industry healthy and prosperous. PLASA is our center of focus for ideas and concerns that span the range of these stakeholders. Even though we are not as active in participation as we could be, there is an importance in standing together with others for the greater good.” — Rob Koontz, Director of Technical Projects, Norcostco, Inc. For more information on PLASA membership visit www.plasa.org/join or call +1 212 244 1505 (North American office) or +44 (0) 1323 524120 (European office). FALL 2011 53 PROTOCOL