LDI Continues Its Support For PLASA

 
August 12, 2014
 
Dear LDI Participant,
 
On behalf of the PLASA Organization, I am writing to confirm our ongoing support of the LDI Trade Show and Conference. 
 
LDI has been a strong ally of this organization, from the Theatrical Dealers Association, to its evolution as the Entertainment Services And Technology Association, and now in our current incarnation as a global trade association representing companies who supply technologies and services to the event, entertainment, and installation industries. LDI’s total financial contribution to our organization over the past decade alone is over $1.5 million US.
 
The current Collaboration Agreement between PLASA and LDI, established in 2011, allows us to promote and endorse LDI as the leading US trade show and conference in the live events and event technology sector, specifically to our membership but more generally to the industry at large. In return, LDI continues to provide significant financial support to the association. This annual contribution gives PLASA the opportunity to do important work for the industry, most significantly in PLASA’s landmark programs of Technical Standards and the Entertainment Technician Certification Program.
 
PLASA plays a key role in the development of standards with the aim of creating industry consensus on technical and business best practice. Subject matter experts from around the world participate in the development of these standards, many of which are used by the industry worldwide.
 
In North America, PLASA leads the ANSI accredited Technical Standards Program which is responsible for developing standards and recommended practices that facilitate the use of new and existing equipment and promote safe working conditions in the industry. Under the TSP, PLASA facilitates a number of industry-led working groups focusing on control protocols, electrical power, fog and smoke, followspot position, performance floors, photometrics, rigging and stage lifts.
 
PLASA is equally committed to supporting those who work in the entertainment, events and installation industries in developing their wide range of technical skills and creative talents. We are actively leading the development of qualifications and certification for the industry, with the aim of increasing safety, giving recognition to existing skills and setting the benchmark for best practice.
 
In North America, PLASA runs the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP). ETCP is an industry-wide program that brought together an unprecedented group of industry organizations, businesses and subject matter experts to create a process that formally validates the knowledge and skills of professional technicians. ETCP focuses on disciplines that directly affect the health and safety of crews, performers and audiences, and individuals can test to become certified in the following areas - Rigger-Arena, Rigger-Theatre and Entertainment Electrician.
 
In addition to helping support these endeavors, LDI is one of many organizations within our industry supporting PLASA Foundation’s Behind The Scenes initiative, which provides financial aid to entertainment technology industry professionals when they are ill or injured or to their surviving family members. Grants are tailored to each individual but uses can include basic living costs, medical related expenses, transportation, and funeral expenses. Find out more at behindthescenescharity.org.
 
All of these components, made possible in part by our ongoing agreement with LDI, have one goal in mind: a better industry. LDI’s financial contribution under the terms of the Collaboration Agreement allows PLASA to continue all this important work on behalf of the industry, and PLASA recognizes the significant role LDI and Penton take.
 
PLASA looks forward to the continued success of our partnership with LDI and will look to develop that relationship wherever possible.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Matthew Griffiths 
Chief Executive Officer