John Offord is no longer affiliated with the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA), the UK entertainment industry trade association. Offord was chief executive officer of PLASA, editor of "Lighting + Sound International" (L+SI), and managing editor of "Sound + Communication Systems International." Offord's work for the magazines was contracted through his company, JS Publishing Services.
According to a statement issued by PLASA to its members, "The executive committee and John Offord have agreed to terminate the current arrangements between the association and John Offord and JS Publishing Services, in respect of services provided by them to the association (such termination to have effect from May 30). Over the past few months there have been material differences between John Offord and the committee relating to the management of the association's affairs and accordingly it was thought in the best interests of both parties for the existing arrangements to be terminated." The statement continues, "There will be an orderly handover in respect of all projects in which John Offord and JS Publishing Services have been involved on behalf of the association so as to minimize disruption and safeguard the association's interests."
L+SI deputy editor Ruth Rossington will now serve as editor of the magazine. Matthew Griffiths, PLASA's treasurer, says, "At present, we're not replacing John or John's position per se. We're going to take stock of our situation and see what's best for our growth in the next five years. We'll be announcing new plans at the end of the year. The intention is to get through the PLASA show and then sit down in the cold light of day and see where we're going next." PLASA will take place September 7-10 at Earls Court in London.