PLASA Show, the London event for entertainment technology, returns in 2021, following a unprecedented period of challenge and uncertainty for the live events sector.


Taking place from 5-7 September at Olympia London, the show will meet the needs of the industry by delivering future-facing technology and essential industry content. And for one year only, the ABTT Theatre Show is co-locating with PLASA Show, bringing two industry shows under the same roof for one unmissable event.

The Grand Hall

As previously planned for 2020, PLASA Show is still moving to Olympia’s largest space, the Grand Hall, which will allow for a more awe-inspiring show experience, and more importantly, wider aisles and larger social areas to ensure the safety of both visitors and exhibitors.

ABTT Theatre Show Hub

The ABTT Theatre Show Hub will have its own dedicated area on the expanded show floor, giving the popular show autonomy to retain its conversational atmosphere, reminiscent of its usual home at Alexandra Palace (“Ally Pally”). During their time at Olympia, the ABTT will be celebrating its 60th anniversary, an impressive milestone which will be celebrated in style throughout all three days.

Robin Townley, CEO of the ABTT, comments, “2021 marks the 60th anniversary of the ABTT, the centenary of the birth of Stephen Joseph, one of our founding members, and the anniversary of the first time that government restrictions prevented the presentation of the ABTT Theatre Show. We are very pleased to be aligning with PLASA Show in the Grand Hall at Olympia in order to join in contributing in whatever ways we can to supporting the industry and our sector: providing the opportunity for exhibitors to meet visitors; for colleagues to catch-up; for conversations to ignite; for lessons to be shared; for knowledge to be exchanged and for practitioners and suppliers to re-establish, as well as forge anew, connections - face to face. As always we look forward to meeting -up and are excited to be able to help.”

Show safety

Along with the usual big brands and big ideas, safety is also top of the bill. The show will be run in accordance with the government-approved ‘All Secure Standard’, published by the Association of Event Organisers (AEO). Furthermore, any changes to government guidelines at the time of the show will be reviewed and strictly adhered to.

Brands and content

While there may be some changes, visitors can still meet with leading brands from audio, AV, lighting, rigging and staging, each one showcasing popular products and new releases. Not only that, the free programme, which will be announced in the coming weeks, will share business advice, unpack technical topics, and present the latest creative achievements. Alongside all of this, interactive features will cater to all walks of the industry – from live audio demonstrations, to lighting console training, and much more!

Peter Heath, PLASA’s Managing Director, comments, “With live events and entertainment returning, slowly but surely throughout 2021, we are confident that it is the right time to bring back PLASA Show. And we are equally pleased to partner with the ABTT, whose Theatre Show is a respected mainstay on the industry calendar. This co-location has double benefit: it takes the pressure off of both show’s exhibitors, and connects a broader range of industry professionals for much-missed networking and face-to-face interaction. So, here’s to our big “come-back” in September! – We look forward to welcoming you, in person, to PLASA Show 2021.”

PLASA Show with the ABTT Theatre Show is returning to Olympia London from 5-7 September 2021. To find out more and register for your free digital badge, visit www.plasashow.com