From Ally Pally to ExCeL London via Olympia, Earls Court and the NEC Birmingham Bacta President John Bollom has witnessed the growth and development of ‘the show’ in all of its guises. In this his last edition attending EAG as Bacta President John pays tribute to outgoing Chairman Martin Burlin and explains why EAG is so critical to helping Bacta achieve its objectives and to the future of the industry.

 

What are your first memories of attending what would have been ATEI. How old would you have been and what was the venue?

My first show was at Ally Pally in 1960 with my Dad: I was 7-years old and I was captivated by the noise, the machines, the people and the energy. I went every year, each time getting a day off school. I’ve been attending the London show for 64-years taking in Ally Pally, Olympia, NEC Birmingham, Earls Court 1, Earls Court 2 and ExCeL. It’s been a long standing relationship which started my love for this industry.

 

This will be your last show as Bacta President and Martin Burlin’s last as EAG Chairman. How impressed have you been with the work undertaken by Martin and his team in terms of launching the show, helping it navigate COVID-19 and most recently adding the co-located SIE and London Casino and Gaming Show to the offering?

Martin’s work has been immense and everyone associated with the business owes him an awful lot. We were both Directors of ATE in the 1980s and 90s and after selling ATEI and completing the non-compete Martin was asked to launch EAG. He has grown the show and was the person at the helm when we were rocked by COVID and the subsequent lockdowns. It was a hugely difficult time but Martin’s know-how and doggedness saw EAG overcome the challenge standing shoulder to shoulder with Bacta members and the broader industry. His knowledge particularly in terms of working with ExCeL is encyclopaedic and I hope that he will continue to contribute to the development of EAG as a senior Non-Executive Director. The addition of the two new separate but co-located shows is an important strategic move which reflects the dynamic nature of the industry. The business is changing as are the businesses of Bacta members and I’m delighted that EAG has been so ahead of the curve.

 

Why is it important that EAG is owned by Bacta: what are the benefits to Bacta members?

Diversifying and the exploration of new opportunities can be a costly exercise and one which won’t  always work. Bacta’s ownership means that we can pursue opportunities that aren’t purely commercial but none the less important to our members. We can take both a broader and a longer term perspective. It also means that EAG has direct access to operators who have been there and done it. If the team want to sense test an idea, an expert view based on experience is only a WhatsApp away. The value of the consultancy available is incalculable. The sale of ATEI has provided us with a strong balance sheet and has enabled us to fund initiatives including our political engagement programme. Also, any profits that EAG generates remains within the industry. It’s an over-used phrase but EAG really is a show for the industry and by the industry.

 

What role does EAG play in terms of supporting the broader strategic aims of Bacta?

I know from my time(s) as Bacta President how powerful it is to be able to demonstrate who we are, what we do and what we stand for in a vibrant live environment. I know that we’ve been able to further our arguments with external stakeholders including regulators, legislators and elected politicians because of EAG.

 

What are you most looking forward to in relation to the Bacta Seminar Programme?

The seminar program is a key component of the EAG experience and one which is relevant to both exhibitors and visitors. The Pub Summit continues to grow in popularity and influence, the Bacta Portal Workshop, the Positive Play seminar which is being run in association with Better Change, the ADIPS update, the Raising Standards seminar with the Bacta MSOs all make a contribution to the health of businesses operating throughout the country. I would also like to give a big plug to Tuesday night’s Bacta Awards and EAG networking drinks which start at 6pm and are being held at the new Waterfront Street Kitchen  which is part of the ExCeL campus overlooking Royal Victoria Dock. It promises to be a fantastic event and a great way to start the evening.

 

What message have you got for Bacta members: why is it important for them to attend EAG?

EAG is a shopwindow for invention and in the current climate out of home entertainment businesses need the best possible equipment in order to attract consumers. EAG is a magnificent opportunity for business owners to exchange ideas, see the latest trends, explore new retail styles and new entertainment experiences. We never stop learning and EAG is the best possible environment for Bacta members to soak-up what is an intoxicating combination of knowledge, insight and inspiration.

Bacta President John Bollom on the appeal of EAG as a ‘shopwindow for invention’