The seminar programme for this year’s PLASA Show has been revealed with free to attend sessions aiming to provide unique insights, specialist knowhow and the latest innovations, direct from the industry. The free to attend sessions include the new Fast Track Theatre’s bitesize talks and feature an international line up of leading experts ready to discuss the latest topics and developments in their field.
At the Audio & AV Theatre, d&b audiotechnik’s Oran Burns and Bill Brooks’ session ‘Are You listening?’ takes a fresh view on the much-debated idea of an ideal frequency response for a live sound system, considering factors like hearing sensitivity, creative preferences and cultural trends.
‘Preparing for the loss of 700MHz – What you need to know’, by Shure’s Tuomo Tolonen, examines Ofcom’s 2014 announcement to reallocate UHF frequencies 694-790MHz (the 700MHz band) to the mobile sector. With clearance scheduled for May 2020, the session looks at the wider implications for the industry and how best to meet ongoing challenges.
In the first of two panel discussions hosted by LSi journalist, Phil Ward, the curiously entitled ‘Was Le Corbusier Deaf or What?’ uncovers the infamously tricky relationship between audio and architecture. The impressive line-up, including Sam Wise, Venue Strategies; David Claringbold, d&b audiotechnik; and Neil Voce, ASL Control will reveal how to make negotiations go smoothly, while secretly getting your own way.
In ‘360 Degrees of Sound’ prominent voices are in the chair to discuss new formats blazing a trail for 3D audio within immersive experiences – from theme parks to art galleries. Discover more about the sound revolution straight from the experts on the ground, including Sherif El Barbari, L-Acoustics; Scott Willsallen, Remarkable Projects; and Dave Haydon, Outboard.
“We’ve gathered the big guns to take on these two equally fascinating topics,” said Phil Ward. “These are issues driving the technology solutions of the future. The insight – and debate – promises to be the most informed and interesting you’ll find.”
At the Lighting, Staging and Rigging Theatre, James Simpson, Lighting Visualizer at the Royal Opera House, presents ‘2057AD: what will theatre be like in 40 years’ time?’ This session takes place in 2057, looking back to 2017 and the 40 intervening years, its technology, and how it changed the way theatre is made.
In ‘Playing with the Edge of the Light: Bringing puppetry to life at Little Angel Theatre’ the venue’s head of production David Duffy discusses the challenges and rewards of lighting puppetry to create rich and complex theatre, while sharing some of the tools and tricks behind this visual storytelling art.
Meanwhile in the Product Training Theatre, Lighting Consoles take the spotlight. Avolites Titan v10.1 will cover product features and more, while MA Lighting offers 75 minutes of hands-on dot2 training. ChamSys will be introducing MagicQ including the latest software features, ChamSys MagicVis Visualisation, and MagicHD Media Player. Plus, Eaton will be offering FLX Lighting Console Training at its drop-in events.
Brand new for 2017, the Fast Track Sessions, hosted by industry associations, experts, and trade unions, are aimed at improving business skills. The inaugural programme features The ABTT with an update on their ‘Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment’; they’ll also be considering ‘New Guidelines from the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office on Crowded Places’.
In Safety First, Helen Goddard from ISCE discusses the increasing demand for proof of operative compliance and competence. As an accredited issuer of ECS Sound Engineer cards ISCE is the only dedicated provider of cards that recognize your profession and status within the industry.
And if you’ve ever battled the sole trader vs. limited company conundrum, BECTU’s Tony Lennon will be on hand to guide you through this and other taxation mysteries in Tax Essentials for Freelancers.
