AV trade show caught up in sexual harrassment claims PlatoBlockchain Data Intelligence. Vertical Search. Ai.

AV trade show caught up in sexual harrassment claims

The live entertainment technology show, PLASA, has been caught up in allegations of sexual harassment by exhibitors on the show floor.

The allegations were reported yesterday in The Stage newspaper.

Sarah Rushton-Read, creative director at PR agency Fifth Estate, who has been campaigning about the issue for 15 years through Women in Stage Entertainment, said a man had placed his hand between her buttocks at this year’s show.

Jas Parekh of Production Futures, which brings young people into the industry, said she had first experienced sexual harassment at the trade show 15 years ago and had experienced it there since.

Hannah Eakins, also from Production Futures said she had noticed inappropriate behaviour, including inappropriate language and touching, at all the trade shows she had attended.

Now PLASA is facing calls to appoint an inclusion and diversity officer and introduce a code of conduct for members and exhibitors. Rushton-Read has also called on other women who have experienced harassment to report it to the perpetrator’s employer.

PLASA managing director Peter Heath told The Stage newspaper that the organisation was “distressed to hear reports of misconduct at the PLASA show” and was working in collaboration with other industry organisations to “make a change at an industry level”.

“We already began work last year to support people at the show by providing a well-being and support area, as well as a private space, under the watch of experienced mental health first-aiders and trained professionals. However, there is clearly more to be done and we are proactively working to support people further. We’d like to thank those who came forward to highlight this issue – we understand how difficult this can be,” he said.

PLASA is reviewing its policy for exhibitors and visitors as well as the support mechanisms it offers to victims of inappropriate behaviour. It is also consulting with other industry associations about workable solutions to be shared soon.

The concerns affecting the PLASA show have also been expressed more widely about the entertainment industry in the UK.

A survey reported in today’s Guardian newspaper has found that sexual harassment and racism is endemic in the UK music sector, with 66% of professional musicians experiencing some form of discrimination.

The Incorporated Society of Musicians, whose members were surveyed for this year’s report, has previously reported in 2018 that 60% of respondents to a prior survey had experienced sexual harassment.

Time Stamp:

More from AV Interactive