With special half-price pre-registration live on the PLASA08 website, organiser PLASA Events has announced that the host of its first ever PLASA Masterclass will be Funktion One co-founder Tony Andrews - the winner of the inaugural Gottelier Award.A highly regarded designer and manufacturer of high quality point source speaker systems, with numerous patents to his name, Andrews' landmark developments include the hugely successful Flashlight and Floodlight systems, and more recently the distinctive Funktion One Resolution Series.
He headlines a growing programme of educational presentations at the show, which include a number of exciting new initiatives and partnerships.
There will be a strong focus on industry technologies, with several sessions addressing existing and emerging audio, AV and lighting technologies and how to maximise their application in today's industry. Some of the industry's best-known manufacturers will lead these sessions.
Following a sold-out session last year, Cirque du Soleil return to PLASA to deliver a presentation on the Challenges of Automation. Meanwhile a second theatre located alongside is presenting a full programme of 'Special Interest Sessions'. Amongst the issues being addressed in this programme is sustainability: London's Arcola Theatre - the world's first carbon neutral theatre - is the subject of an in-depth case study addressing the implementation and use of energy efficient lighting.
Other leading industry organisations lending their name to the seminar programme include InfoComm, The Theatres Trust, The Institute of Acoustics and a whole series of seminars from Technologies for Worship.
All of these sessions will be free of charge to visitors.
In addition there will a number of 'paying' courses with intensive training by major manufacturers who are exhibiting at PLASA08 - including Cast Software and Tomcat. Full details to be found on the show website.
PLASA08 will also continue to build on the trade organisation's existing partnerships with US trade body ESTA - which is hosting an expanded North American Pavilion. There are also pavilions supported by the ISCE and IOA, and from other major industry bodies including InfoComm and VPLT.
The show is close to being fully sold out thanks to strong re-bookings after last year's event and a large number of new exhibitors signing up, inspired by the success of the redesigned 2007 show.
Stand space has also been further expanded in Earls Court 2, where other new features will include a coffee lounge and a fully-equipped registration area for both pre-registered and pay-on-the-day visitors.
PLASA Events' commitment, both to the development of the PLASA Show and its portfolio of regional events, has recently been further underlined by the appointment of two new members to the team - Sales & Marketing Executive Jennie Barratt and Events Administrator Dorothée Plisson - both experienced in the exhibition and conference sectors. The portfolio of events being run by the team has also expanded with the launch of the organisation's first regional event - PLASA Focus - Leeds 2009 which has already been extremely well received. There are also plans afoot for different styles of events, with various subject matters - to be revealed in the coming months.
As of the end of May, a record total of over 8,700 visitors had pre-registered for the show, following a positive start to the show's marketing programme at the beginning of 2008.
Pre-registration is now open online offering half price admission, together with further details on how to book the free seminar sessions and intensive training courses.