Joe GallopProfessional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) has joined the board of umbrella group LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment).
LIVE said the addition will add broader live music industry support to the umbrella group and will strengthen its lobbying power and collaboration on new cross-industry initiatives.
PLASA brings 47 years of experience to the board, serving all those who work behind the scenes with live event, installation, and entertainment technology. LIVE, launched in 2021, is a federation of 15 associations spanning festivals, venues, promoters, production, artists and agents.
Both organisations campaigned on behalf of the industry throughout the pandemic: PLASA spearheaded the #WeMakeEvents campaign and LIVE advocated for the sector on issues from employment to taxation, touring to sustainability.
PLASA managing director Peter Heath said, “I believe that both PLASA and LIVE have valuable skills that will complement one another. I hope PLASA’s presence on the LIVE board will serve as a solid foundation for our future endeavours together.”
LIVE CEO Jon Collins said, “The UK’s live music industry is world-class. While we have been able to bounce back from the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the gains have not been uniform. To support the entirety of the live music ecosystem, we need a clear, credible and consistent voice. This is why bringing organisations such as PLASA onto the board is so important. With real-world experience, through its members and the work of #WeMakeEvents, we highly value and welcome PLASA’s input and guidance.”