From renowned business leaders to award-winning technical professionals, our speakers are experts in their fields.
Our seminar programme unpacks the most pertinent industry topics, from safety and standards to sustainability and leadership.
Seminar programme sponsored by

All seminars are held upstairs in the Royal Armouries and are free to attend when you register for the show. Be sure to arrive in good time, as entry is first come, first served.
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               - Rigging
 Aire Suite) This seminar explores the critical aspects of selecting, maintaining, and utilising electrical chain hoist systems within the entertainment industry. It aims to cover key considerations for choosing s ... This seminar explores the critical aspects of selecting, maintaining, and utilising electrical chain hoist systems within the entertainment industry. It aims to cover key considerations for choosing s ...
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               - Audio
- Careers
 Aire Suite) The team at d&b audiotechnik want to help their engineers and designers make the best use of all the tools available to maximise their system design in pre-production. The d&b software suite offers pr ... The team at d&b audiotechnik want to help their engineers and designers make the best use of all the tools available to maximise their system design in pre-production. The d&b software suite offers pr ...
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               - Audio
- AV
- Lighting
- Production
- Technology
 Aire Suite) Terminator or Facilitator? Phil Ward meets Dr Sacha Krstulović, Founder and Managing Director of Understand-AI.today, to blow away some myths and find out how AI and machine learning can be friends, n ... Terminator or Facilitator? Phil Ward meets Dr Sacha Krstulović, Founder and Managing Director of Understand-AI.today, to blow away some myths and find out how AI and machine learning can be friends, n ...
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               - Production
- Technology
 Aire Suite) Technical theatre equipment isn't compatible across suppliers. To make the equipment suitable, adaptions and modifications must be undertaken by the specific product manufacturer. It is the only branc ... Technical theatre equipment isn't compatible across suppliers. To make the equipment suitable, adaptions and modifications must be undertaken by the specific product manufacturer. It is the only branc ...
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               - Business
 Aire Suite) Main contractors like to bundle work up into the fewest possible sub-contracts. It happens to us all the time. Perhaps it’s happened to you too? More often than not, that’s the result of risk aversion ... Main contractors like to bundle work up into the fewest possible sub-contracts. It happens to us all the time. Perhaps it’s happened to you too? More often than not, that’s the result of risk aversion ...
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               - Production
- Rigging
 Aire Suite) Established in 2014, CEN/TC 433 “Entertainment technology” has released five European standards, which all became British standards. These are: design and manufacture of aluminium and steel trusses, d ... Established in 2014, CEN/TC 433 “Entertainment technology” has released five European standards, which all became British standards. These are: design and manufacture of aluminium and steel trusses, d ...
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               - Audio
- AV
- Lighting
- Production
- Technology
 Barton Suite) As artificial intelligence becomes woven into the tools and systems we use every day, its influence is reaching the people who bring live events to life. This session explores how AI is supporting rol ... As artificial intelligence becomes woven into the tools and systems we use every day, its influence is reaching the people who bring live events to life. This session explores how AI is supporting rol ...
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               - Lighting
 Barton Suite) Colour is a fundamental element of lighting design, yet it remains one of the most debated and subjective topics in the industry. How does colour impact a production? Why don't data sheets tell us eve ... Colour is a fundamental element of lighting design, yet it remains one of the most debated and subjective topics in the industry. How does colour impact a production? Why don't data sheets tell us eve ...
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               - Wellbeing
 Barton Suite) Learn about the latest wellbeing initiatives and activities offered by industry charities and organisations that support wellbeing in the industry. Learn about the latest wellbeing initiatives and activities offered by industry charities and organisations that support wellbeing in the industry.
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               - Lighting
- Technology
 Barton Suite) Join Michael Harpur as he unveils the creative and technical journey behind the XP Music Futures project in Riyadh, KSA. Michael will showcase the approach to drafting, file setup for multiple sites, ... Join Michael Harpur as he unveils the creative and technical journey behind the XP Music Futures project in Riyadh, KSA. Michael will showcase the approach to drafting, file setup for multiple sites, ...
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               - Business
- Careers
 Barton Suite) This session aims to give colleagues from across the sector an insight into how Lauren Patman and Anna-Maria Casson of TwoCan Stage Manage have worked to help producers, directors, designers and the w ... This session aims to give colleagues from across the sector an insight into how Lauren Patman and Anna-Maria Casson of TwoCan Stage Manage have worked to help producers, directors, designers and the w ...
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               - Audio
- Technology
 Barton Suite) The wave-based low-frequency model in Funktion One’s Projection software represents a significant step forward in sound system design software. Research & Development engineer James Hipperson discusse ... The wave-based low-frequency model in Funktion One’s Projection software represents a significant step forward in sound system design software. Research & Development engineer James Hipperson discusse ...
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               - Lighting
- Production
- Special Effects
- Technology
 Pearl Suite) Mike Hall, Shane Guy and Ian Grey have very different backgrounds but share a love for stage technology. Mike freelances getting big shows on, whilst Shane is working on his PhD and Ian is now (mostly ... Mike Hall, Shane Guy and Ian Grey have very different backgrounds but share a love for stage technology. Mike freelances getting big shows on, whilst Shane is working on his PhD and Ian is now (mostly ...
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               - Audio
- AV
- Business
- Careers
- Lighting
- Production
- Technology
 Pearl Suite) James started Copper Candle in 2004 to build the future of LED theatre lighting. 20 years later, Copper Candle is still attempting to disrupt the entertainment technology sector, and he has learned so ... James started Copper Candle in 2004 to build the future of LED theatre lighting. 20 years later, Copper Candle is still attempting to disrupt the entertainment technology sector, and he has learned so ...
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               - Lighting
 Pearl Suite) Lighting designs have become more complex over recent years, and it is now commonplace for them to require more control channels than a DMX512 line can accommodate, resulting in the essential use of I ... Lighting designs have become more complex over recent years, and it is now commonplace for them to require more control channels than a DMX512 line can accommodate, resulting in the essential use of I ...
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               - Business
- Sustainability
 Pearl Suite) An interactive session with the Royal Ballet & Opera, kicking off with their experiences of engaging their suppliers on sustainability issues and how working together is for everyone’s benefit. Who is ... An interactive session with the Royal Ballet & Opera, kicking off with their experiences of engaging their suppliers on sustainability issues and how working together is for everyone’s benefit. Who is ...
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               - Business
- Lighting
 Pearl Suite) An expert panel, including established names and emerging talent, will explore key milestones in the development of production lighting, ultimately asking whether creative lighting design is now in da ... An expert panel, including established names and emerging talent, will explore key milestones in the development of production lighting, ultimately asking whether creative lighting design is now in da ...
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               - Audio
- AV
- Business
- Careers
- Lighting
- Production
- Rigging
 Pearl Suite) The future of the events industry depends on inspiring and nurturing the next generation of professionals. This session will explore how industry leaders, educators, and organisations can work togethe ... The future of the events industry depends on inspiring and nurturing the next generation of professionals. This session will explore how industry leaders, educators, and organisations can work togethe ...
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               - Business
- Careers
 Pearl Suite) This panel will provide newcomers with practical advice, guidance, and inspiration about accessing placements, internships, apprenticeships, mentorships, and other industry support to break into the e ... This panel will provide newcomers with practical advice, guidance, and inspiration about accessing placements, internships, apprenticeships, mentorships, and other industry support to break into the e ...
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               - Audio
- Business
- Sustainability
- Technology
 Aire Suite) Energy efficiency has been a top priority in Funktion-One’s engineering design since the company’s inception in 1992. Research & Development engineer James Hipperson introduces the concept of Electroa ... Energy efficiency has been a top priority in Funktion-One’s engineering design since the company’s inception in 1992. Research & Development engineer James Hipperson introduces the concept of Electroa ...
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               - Business
- Careers
- Sustainability
 Aire Suite) In today’s fast-evolving events industry, cross-sector collaboration has become a critical driver of innovation, sustainability, and success. This session explores how partnerships across the seven co ... In today’s fast-evolving events industry, cross-sector collaboration has become a critical driver of innovation, sustainability, and success. This session explores how partnerships across the seven co ...
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               - Special Effects
- Technology
 Aire Suite) Interested in pyrotechnics but not sure where to start? This session offers a straightforward introduction to working with pyrotechnics for live events, tours, theatre productions, and more. Whether y ... Interested in pyrotechnics but not sure where to start? This session offers a straightforward introduction to working with pyrotechnics for live events, tours, theatre productions, and more. Whether y ...
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               - Production
- Sustainability
- Technology
 Aire Suite) This session will highlight the groundbreaking partnership between Pearce Hire and Big Church Festival in implementing green hydrogen power with GeoPura. Experts will discuss the motivation behind thi ... This session will highlight the groundbreaking partnership between Pearce Hire and Big Church Festival in implementing green hydrogen power with GeoPura. Experts will discuss the motivation behind thi ...
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               - Audio
- Technology
 Aire Suite) In this seminar, Matthew will provide an introduction to field recording techniques that form a significant part of his sound design practice. We will look at some accessible approaches to recording a ... In this seminar, Matthew will provide an introduction to field recording techniques that form a significant part of his sound design practice. We will look at some accessible approaches to recording a ...
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               - Audio
- AV
- Lighting
- Production
 Barton Suite) Across our industry computer networking has become our core backbone of critical infrastructure. In audio and lighting, this seems like a solved problem, but these systems are just getting more compli ... Across our industry computer networking has become our core backbone of critical infrastructure. In audio and lighting, this seems like a solved problem, but these systems are just getting more compli ...
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               - Business
- Lighting
- Sustainability
 Barton Suite) In this seminar, David Catterall from Robe UK will take the users' point of view, as he cuts through the 'green' speak and focuses instead on what your suppliers should be doing for you. He will highl ... In this seminar, David Catterall from Robe UK will take the users' point of view, as he cuts through the 'green' speak and focuses instead on what your suppliers should be doing for you. He will highl ...
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               - Lighting
- Production
 Barton Suite) Creating a venue model and sharing it with your collaborators draws on the knowledge and skill of all involved. This will be an overview of how to build a highly bespoke venue and what skills were nee ... Creating a venue model and sharing it with your collaborators draws on the knowledge and skill of all involved. This will be an overview of how to build a highly bespoke venue and what skills were nee ...
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               - Business
- Production
 Barton Suite) The challenge: keeping the DNA of the bi-annual Manchester International Festival as we open and operate Aviva Studios, our new venue which operates year-round. Come and discover what choices were mad ... The challenge: keeping the DNA of the bi-annual Manchester International Festival as we open and operate Aviva Studios, our new venue which operates year-round. Come and discover what choices were mad ...
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               - Business
- Careers
- Wellbeing
 Barton Suite) There's no denying that many freelancers have faced a sluggish start to the year, with finances stretched thin. This situation highlights our need for better financial planning and a potential cultura ... There's no denying that many freelancers have faced a sluggish start to the year, with finances stretched thin. This situation highlights our need for better financial planning and a potential cultura ...
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               - Audio
- AV
- Business
- Careers
- Lighting
- Production
 Pearl Suite) Breaking into the live events industry as a freelancer requires more than just technical skill—it’s about visibility, networking, and making your own luck. This seminar explores strategies to stand ou ... Breaking into the live events industry as a freelancer requires more than just technical skill—it’s about visibility, networking, and making your own luck. This seminar explores strategies to stand ou ...
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               - Audio
- AV
- Technology
 Pearl Suite) As professional AV systems evolve, the demand for deterministic, reliable, and low-latency audio networking is accelerating. Yet many users still find existing networked audio workflows too complicate ... As professional AV systems evolve, the demand for deterministic, reliable, and low-latency audio networking is accelerating. Yet many users still find existing networked audio workflows too complicate ...
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               - Audio
- AV
- Careers
- Production
 Pearl Suite) Phil Ward interviews Robb Allan, the renowned FOH sound engineer who cut his teeth in a transit van with Manic Street Preachers and still tours with Massive Attack today, via key stints with Coldplay, ... Phil Ward interviews Robb Allan, the renowned FOH sound engineer who cut his teeth in a transit van with Manic Street Preachers and still tours with Massive Attack today, via key stints with Coldplay, ...
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               - Audio
- AV
- Careers
 Pearl Suite) In this session, Jon will be talking about what it took for him to sustain a career mixing headline acts in arenas and at festivals. The talk will cover many of the things Jon found important, that he ... In this session, Jon will be talking about what it took for him to sustain a career mixing headline acts in arenas and at festivals. The talk will cover many of the things Jon found important, that he ...
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               - Careers
 Pearl Suite) Phil Ward hosts a lively discussion panel in which tomorrow’s industry talks: students from leading UK entertainment technology courses reveal their hopes, ambitions – and frustrations! Find out how a ... Phil Ward hosts a lively discussion panel in which tomorrow’s industry talks: students from leading UK entertainment technology courses reveal their hopes, ambitions – and frustrations! Find out how a ...
All sessions are free to attend when you register for the show. Be sure to arrive in good time, as entry is first come, first served.
FANCY SOMETHING MORE HANDS ON?👐
Browse our demo + training sessions...
You'll find the demos and training across the Holiday Inn (next door to the New Dock hall), The Bury Theatre (next to the Royal Armouries hall) and the outdoor courtyard.
All sessions are free to attend when you register for the show. The ChamSys training sessions require pre-sign-up.
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               - Audio
- Technology
 Bury Theatre) Sit back in Theatre-style seating and experience crystal clear and powerful audio demos, as KV2 take over the Bury Theatre! This new location for KV2’s popular PLASA Focus Leeds demonstrations will sh ... Sit back in Theatre-style seating and experience crystal clear and powerful audio demos, as KV2 take over the Bury Theatre! This new location for KV2’s popular PLASA Focus Leeds demonstrations will sh ...
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               - Audio
- Technology
 Outdoor courtyard)  In 2025, we welcome back SOWA - the innovative pro audio brand bringing live DJ sessions and personalised demos to the #PLASALeeds outdoor courtyard. Witness the launch of three new series of speakers: The Live Series, The Tour Series, and SOWA Extras. 
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               - Lighting
- Technology
 Lancelot Suite)  Gain an understanding of the ChamSys MagicQ products and learn how to program a basic show file, starting from patching fixtures, to recording cues and FX. 
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               - Lighting
- Technology
 Lancelot Suite)  Join multi-award-winning LD Ed Warren as he talks about his process and use of MagicQ for live and pre-programmed shows. In this interactive Q&A session, Ed will walk you through key hints and tips while also answering your questions on the best way to achieve the results you are looking for. 
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               - Lighting
- Technology
 Lancelot Suite)  Gain an understanding of the ChamSys MagicQ products and learn how to program a basic show file, starting from patching fixtures, to recording cues and FX. 
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               - Lighting
- Technology
 Lancelot Suite)  Dive into our QuickQ software whilst learning the basics of programming, the product range, and the latest features including how to use the increased number of cue stacks. 
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               - Audio
- Technology
 Bury Theatre) Sit back in Theatre-style seating and experience crystal clear and powerful audio demos, as KV2 take over the Bury Theatre! This new location for KV2’s popular PLASA Focus Leeds demonstrations will sh ... Sit back in Theatre-style seating and experience crystal clear and powerful audio demos, as KV2 take over the Bury Theatre! This new location for KV2’s popular PLASA Focus Leeds demonstrations will sh ...
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               - Audio
- Technology
 Outdoor courtyard) In 2025, we welcome back SOWA - the innovative pro audio brand bringing live DJ sessions and personalised demos to the #PLASALeeds outdoor courtyard. Witness the launch of three new series of speakers: The Live Series, The Tour Series, and SOWA Extras. In 2025, we welcome back SOWA - the innovative pro audio brand bringing live DJ sessions and personalised demos to the #PLASALeeds outdoor courtyard. Witness the launch of three new series of speakers: The Live Series, The Tour Series, and SOWA Extras.
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               - Lighting
- Technology
 Lancelot Suite)  Gain an understanding of the ChamSys MagicQ products and learn how to program a basic show file, starting from patching fixtures, to recording cues and FX. 
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               - Lighting
- Technology
 Lancelot Suite)  Join LD David Howard as he reveals how to set up your MagicQ show file from scratch in under 10 minutes. Uncover tricks to transform busking into a polished show and how to make use of specialist features to make your show look like it’s programmed to perfection. Perfect for all levels of lighting enthusiasts. Elevate your live events now! 
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               - Lighting
- Technology
 Lancelot SuiteGain an understanding of the ChamSys MagicQ products and learn how to program a basic show file, starting from patching fixtures, to recording cues and FX. 
All sessions are free to attend when you register for the show. The ChamSys training sessions require pre-sign-up.

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