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Skills, AI and sustainability take centre stage at PLASA Focus Leeds 2026
PLASA Focus Leeds returns to the Royal Armouries on 12-13 May 2026, with its highly anticipated seminar programme, powered by LSi, now live.
Curated to reflect the current priorities and future direction of the live entertainment technology sector, this year’s programme delivers two days of free to attend sessions covering technical skills, emerging technologies, sustainability, and workforce development.
Across the show, visitors will hear from industry leaders, practitioners, and innovators working across lighting, audio, AV, rigging, and staging. They will share practical insight, real world experience, and forward-thinking ideas.
All sessions are free to attend and will run across both days of the show.
Technical skills in actionHands-on knowledge and practical expertise take centre stage in 2026, with a series of sessions designed to support professionals working across live production and installation.
Speakers including Tim Smith (Artistic Licence), David Catterall and Dave Whitehouse (Robe), Lisa Stafford (Tazaar), and Tommy Cockerham (Royal Ballet & Opera) will deliver sessions such as “Thinking Outside the (Black) Box”, “Down The Line: DMX And RDM”, and “LEDs In The Spotlight: What You Need To Know But No One Tells You!”.
Additional sessions, including “Truss Strength Awareness” from PROLYTE and “Power & Network Protocols for Sound System Design” from d&b audiotechnik, expand the programme across the staging and audio disciplines.
Together, these sessions explore creative workflows, system design, and the technical fundamentals that underpin successful productions. They are designed to give attendees practical insight that can be applied directly to their own work.
AI, cyber security and sustainabilityAs the industry adapts to rapid technological and environmental change, a dedicated programme strand will explore the impact of AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability on live production.
Sessions including “Robot Wars: Is AI Friend Or Foe To The Entertainment Technology Industry?”, “Cybersecurity In Entertainment Technology - Sig-Net And The CRA Deadlines - What You Need To Know”, “Sustainability In Entertainment Technology: Where To Start”, and “Where Do I Find Funding?” will examine how these forces are reshaping workflows, infrastructure, and long-term planning.
With contributions from Dr Sacha Krstulovic, Wayne Howell (Singularity), and Christian Wallace (The Old Vic), these discussions will provide practical guidance on navigating change. They will also address both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
Career development and succession planning are key parts of this year’s programme, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on building a resilient future workforce.
With input from The Power of Events, Factory International, and Soulsound, sessions such as “How To Build A Freelance Career In Live Events” and “Inclusive Pathways Into Technical Theatre: From Curiosity To Career” will offer guidance for those entering the sector. They will also provide insight for experienced professionals who are thinking about long term career progression.
The programme also features “The Power of Events Schools Engagement Programme: Inspiring the Next Generation of Event Professionals”, which will showcase the importance of early outreach and showcasing how the industry is working to engage and inspire future talent.
Expert insight from across the industryBeyond the core themes, the programme features a wide range of specialist sessions from respected designers and engineers.
Lighting designers Maya Gribby and Elanor Higgins will share creative approaches to design. While “Tony Birch - Career, Insights And Lessons” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the experience and insight of one of the industry’s most respected audio professionals.
The programme is further complemented by presentations from leading exhibiting brands, including ChamSys, EM Acoustics, and KV2 Audio. These sessions give attendees direct access to the latest tools, technologies, and techniques shaping the industry.
Taking place alongside more than 190 brands across two exhibition halls, an extended museum space, and an outdoor courtyard, the seminar programme is a core part of the PLASA Focus Leeds experience. The show is known for its approachable and friendly atmosphere, as well as its highly focused environment.
Alongside the seminar programme, visitors can also take part in hands-on ChamSys lighting training, experience dedicated audio demo spaces from KV2 Audio and EM Acoustics and join speed networking sessions designed to connect professionals across the industry.
Plus, to help visitors make the most of their time at the show, the official event app allows users to browse the full seminar programme, explore exhibitors, and build a personalised schedule in advance.
Whether you are looking to build your skills, explore new technologies, or take the next step in your career, the programme offers valuable insight for professionals at every level.
PLASA Focus Leeds 2026 takes place at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, on 12-13 May 2026.