The 2010 International Conference was held at the Central Hall Westminster in London from Sunday 13 to Tuesday 15 June 2010.

The theme for 2010 was ensuring that performing arts buildings are fit for purpose now, and in the future. As Jørn Utzon, the architect of the
Sydney Opera House proclaimed, “As time passes and needs change it is natural to modify the building to suit the needs and techniques of the day.” Will your buildings meet the demands of the future? Is it, or will it be, fit for purpose? Join others considering these important issues in London next June.

Previous Conferences have addressed theatre architecture and planning, refurbishments, acoustics, stage engineering, operations, safety … many of these topics will be brought up to date, along with developments in stage lighting, audio and video systems, digital projection and other topics such as sustainability and training.

click here for a reminder of the 2010 conference

The first Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference was organised in 2002 by theatre consultant Richard Brett as a result of the frustration felt at seeing so many poorly designed or wrongly equipped performance spaces, sometimes while being planned but also when completed.

Richard was aware that he and other theatre professionals had a duty to try to disseminate their experience to try to reduce the number of unsatisfactory theatres and other venues being built or refurbished.

The aim was to get architects, acousticians and building services engineers into discussion with theatre managers, consultants, technicians and designers, so that each group would understand enough of the others disciplines to improve collaboration and eliminate impracticable developments.

The theatre equipment supply industry saw the benefit of being involved in this and has generously supported each event since.

click here to visit the archives and background information about previous conferences in 2002, 2006 and 2008

A number of specialist publications, based on the presentations made at the Conferences, are available that describe both the problems and solutions to issues involved in all aspects of planning, designing, constructing and equipping performing arts buildings.

These books are fully illustrated in colour and contain the knowledge and experience of leading architects, practitioners, engineers, consultants, managers and innovators. They can be purchased on-line – click the links to see what is available, and select PURCHASE to buy.

Volume 1 – Engineering and Technology

Volume 2 – Architecture and Planning

Volume 3 – Operations, Safety, Cost and Risk

Volume 4 – Stage Engineering & Technology

Volume 5 – Planning and Architecture

Volume 6 – General and Management

click here for more detailed information about the published conference proceedings