P LASA 2019 was the busiest one yet, not just for our stand, but for PLASA exhibitors as a whole! We walk through this year’s best bits and why it’s a show not to be missed in 2020!
PLASA is expanding!
PLASA had an impressive 7,699 attendees, a 6% increase in attendance from 2018, with Monday hosting 4,496 visitors alone. With over 63 countries dropping by, PLASA London was a global hub for all things AV and we were thrilled to be apart of it! PLASA recently announced their exciting plans for next year’s show, including a move to a much bigger location, London Olympia’s Grand Hall!
Managing Director of PLASA, Peter Heath was thrilled by the success of the show: “I can confidently say this year’s show truly was ‘the best yet’ since I have worked as Managing Director. I joined PLASA in 2016 – the same year we moved the show from Excel to London Olympia – and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved as a team in the last four years.” Looks like next year’s PLASA will be even bigger than this year’s - count us in!
Stand J50 was booming!
We had lots to show you at PLASA this year, including some of our soon-to-be-released features that have been highly requested by Current RMS users.
The mobile scanning app was extremely popular on our stand, showing businesses how they’ll be able to book out and check-in their kit using the in-built camera on their phone or tablet.
We also introduced the first phase of our Purchasing module, which allows you to create and store purchase orders per supplier, for freelance crew, manual costs, and sub-rentals.
We also have an exciting new Temporary Containers update: allowing you to prepare and book out a whole container containing serialised, bulk and non-stock, by scanning the container on a job!
Plus, we gave a sneak-peek of Stock Check; a way to check exactly what equipment you hold in your warehouse, showing you what you’ve acquired, any missing items and any discrepancies you may have - perfect for that downtime stock-taking period!
All of our new features have been implemented through feedback from our customers, and we obtain feedback on these ideas first-hand at shows such as PLASA, making it crucial for us to visit every year!
It’s always such a pleasure to meet our customers at PLASA; it’s great to recognise who we’re chatting to on the phone or in a demo when we give support! During the show, we got the chance to find out how some of our customers have benefited from implementing Current into their rental processes:
Chris and Jo from Stage Engage chatting to Leigh about our newest features.
The speed at which a quote can now be put together has increased our productivity immensely and the online quote sign-off feature is helping us reach our paperless business goals. With excellent customer support and constant developments of the system, we look forward to the next evolving feature of Current RMS.
Chris Ablett from Stage Engage
Wattech getting a sneak peek of our new mobile scanning app and discussing plans for PAT testing.
Since using Current, the admin time for booking in a job has been cut by 50%. We use Current to book in everything from just a mic, to full event production, as well as appliance testing, discos, and installations. Current manages our time and staffing more effectively, meaning we have more time doing what we do best. The support from staff and the constant development is second to none and the new App and PAT Test features will mean that our systems can communicate with each other for a more fluid service to our clients.
Nathan Watters from Wattech
The lovely Josh from Nub Sound catching up with Lisa and Charlotte.
The stability of Current since day one has been really outstanding as new updates are regular and always solid. The workflow within Current allows us to move forward with hires in a natural and fluid manner leaving the clients feeling in control.
Josh Small from Nub Sound
Live Audio Experiences, Installations and more!
With 64 live speakers, 16 stage to studio sessions, 3 audio lounges and lots of live productions in the mix, this year’s PLASA was jam-packed with audio experiences, and a few of our team got the chance to see them in action!
The two-storey exhibition was buzzing this year, stimulating all of our senses through new and innovative technology tailored to our industry! One exhibitor that pulled visitors over from all over the show floor was Robe, presenting the first of a new trilogy show! Inspired by the movie classic, ‘Back to the Future,’ Robe gave a live demonstration for the launch of their newest products, ESPRITE and TETRA™ along with other current and popular Robe technologies. It’s not a surprise to hear they won a PLASA innovation award for ESPRITE either! The live show included rain, fire, dancing and lots of futuristic flair, using their incredible light displays. Their performance certainly fit the #ReturnToTheFuture theme they were going for!
Blackout, a multi-sensory installation, was also a big hit with the crowds. The whole experience was exciting and unique, but more importantly, discussed the topic of mental health. The installation utilised the power of light, sound, and video to portray Bipolar II disorder. For 6 minutes, you’re totally alone in a closed black box, experiencing an audiovisual journey, similar to how someone with Bipolar II would feel in a state of mania and depression. It was a fantastic opportunity and a very insightful project that left our team with a greater understanding of Bipolar disorder.
We also stopped by Stage to Studio where we watched emerging artists like Hope Winter’s, an honest and raw singer-songwriter from London, as well as Jamie McEvoy, a respected audio engineer providing his expertise through professional standard equipment, the audience were hooked and so were we!
That’s a wrap! Until next year, PLASA!
If you didn’t catch us at the show and are looking to create your own system with Current, sign up for a 30-day trial and see how it effectively streamlines the way you manage your rental processes. Plus, book in a free online demo and let our specialists show you the ropes!
