EU Directions BY ED PAGETT PLASA events connect companies face-to-face with buyers AUTUMN MEANS THE PLASA SHOW so this issue’s column is inevitably shaped by PLASA 2011, which took place at Earls Court in mid-September. In times of economic uncertainty, I’ve always felt that exhibitions act as something of a litmus test for the state of the industry. The reality is that the current business climate for exhibitions is not particularly pretty—our industry has had its fair share of downsized and cancelled events, so it’s hugely important that we have strong exhibitions like PLASA 2011 to refl ect the positives and to provide a pro-active international showcase for the industry. If there is a concern about what the next 12-18 months may hold, it wasn’t particularly evident at Earls Court where the mood was consistently upbeat. There were lots of new products on show and there was plenty of talk about contracts, projects, and busy order books. This may have something to do with the fact that this industry thrives on a generally positive outlook and has a good instinct for innovating its way through tough times. It may also owe something to the fact that companies have emerged smarter from the recession (April) are an equally important link in the chain and through their regional focus, they too connect companies, organisations, and buyers in a way that’s unique. “ As the Association grows and our membership becomes more diverse, it’s essential that we keep mem-bership issues at the heart of everything we do. “ Tailored events like Focus and this year’s PLASA Show also serve as strong reminders that the industry val-ues the opportunity to learn and to share best practice. of two to three years ago, with many streamlining their businesses and re-shaping their presence at events to ensure they get full value from being face-to-face with buyers. Either way, this industry is built on creative ideas and international exhibitions like PLASA are a rare opportunity for technical teams, designers, and specifi ers from across the world to see fi rst-hand the range of new products and concepts coming to market. The internet, together with other developing forms of communication and networking, may well infl uence the scale and scope of exhibitions in the future, but nothing will remove the need for people to meet with the developers and to see their new ideas in the fl esh. Next year’s Focus events—in Austin (February) and Leeds Tailored events like Focus and this year’s PLASA Show also serve as strong reminders that the industry values the opportunity to learn and to share best practice. The seminar programme at PLASA 2011 was extensive and pulled in its highest ever attendance fi gures, and both the Rigging Forum on the Sunday, and the main Rigging Conference that followed, were well attended, emphasizing the value people place on smaller conference-style, knowledge-led gatherings, especially in the more established parts of the industry. The great thing about all these events is not just what they do to profi le the industry, but they enable me, as Chair of the European Regional Board, to talk with members from across the world about the things that matter most to them. As the Association grows and our membership becomes more diverse, it’s essential that we keep membership issues at the heart of everything we do. We are currently recruiting for a new Head of Membership to engage with members on an international basis. This is a completely new role designed to create much stronger contact with members and with the specifi c remit of reviewing what we offer to ensure members have the services and information they need to assist them in their business aims. It’s a new era for the Association, but a hugely positive one and the fi rst phase of a plan to build PLASA into a stronger and more effective organisation. Ed Pagett is Chair of PLASA in Europe. He is the Managing Director of Panalux’s Broadcast and Event division, a leading provider of lighting rental equipment and facilities for the film and television industry. 9 PROTOCOL “ “ FALL 2011