How has the year been for Travelling Showmen and what are the key challenges?

Whilst rising inflation caused by the war in Ukraine and the hangover from Covid receded, this year has been underpinned by the General Election and the new Labour Government’s Autumn budget. Uncertainty has an impact on discretionary spend , something which has been compounded by the spiralling increase in land hire for fairs - which is the rarely publicised equivalent of business rates. Added to this we have had to face severe weather conditions leading to event cancellations as well as the pressure from Councils in areas such as the carbon footprint. There’s no doubt that 2024 has been a challenging year.

Showmen have a long association with EAG and its predecessor ATEI – is it still an important date in the diary and if so why?

EAG’s heritage and the platform it provides for the latest and most innovative machines chimes with the ambitions of the 4,000 Showmen, representing 20,000 family members, whom I have served as General Secretary for over three years. Many of their family members make up the alumni of our best coastal and inland arcades. Back on the fairs, the arcades which are still operating are thriving. It’s been great to be back on the scene and soak-up the spirit of innovation evident at recent shows including ACOS, Park Avenue and of course the 2024 edition of EAG Expo. I was meeting with the Local Government Association (LGA) leaders at their deferred annual conference  in October which meant I was unable to attend ACOS. However, I heard from several members who did attend that it was another success. As a consequence I am really looking forward to getting down to ExCeL for EAG 2025, a show that offers so much more and brings back memories of the old ATEI.

What memories do you have of attending ATEI?

The sense of community really stands out, with the ‘Industry Family’ coming together each January. For John Thurston, our President, who I work closely alongside, EAG ’25 will be his swansong. His ATEI memories stretch back to Olympia in 1986 and the subsequent relocation to the more spacious Earls Court 2 and Earls Court 1. ATEI was co-located  with the Casino Show and the Parks show. Overall, it served as an outstanding meeting place for domestic and international colleagues.

What relationship does the Guild have with EAG owner Bacta. Do the two organisations collaborate on issues?

The two associations sat on  a number of governmental and regulatory committees and co-operated on political lobbying: EAG is now  a really important touchpoint to keep the flame burning. It is important that the Guild supports and is seen to support the work that Bacta has invested in the Gambling Review and in accelerating its implementation. On safety, the ADIPS Scheme, uniquely recognised by HSE is written-through ‘the stick of rock’ that we all embrace including the coin-op rides which are operated by Bacta members. More recently the Showmen’s Guild has embraced  even wider  business relationships through the Event Industry Forum which has members including the Association of Circus Proprietors; (ACP); the Nationwide Catering Association (NCASS);the National Outdoor Event Organisation (NOEA) and the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF). Some of these collaborations are long-standing, while others are developing. With Bacta, the relationship runs deeper, through the shared work that our members do in many settings.

How important is the income derived from coin-op equipment for Showmen and what do live events such as EAG deliver?

Guild members spend more time in static locations both at the coast and inland and many are members of both associations operating rides and coin-op attractions. Being in the business of leisure is a way of life which makes live events the natural, yet informal business forum for Showmen and Guild members. The Showmen are always keen to meet their Bacta cousins and to see how the wider leisure business is evolving. Live events such as EAG Expo are important because they bring like-minded professionals together in a supportive environment generating the connections which are at the heart of business.

What can Showmen gain from attending EAG 2025?

This is all reflected in the increasing interest that Guild members have in the products shown at EAG, from amusement equipment to payment solutions, marketing to business services, sales products to furnishings. I believe our members will find inspiration from the variety of products and ideas on offer.

Being open to new ideas not only helps with existing businesses but also shines a light on new opportunities and the chance to diversify.

January’s edition of EAG will include the launch of the Social Immersive Entertainment Expo which is dedicated to the latest trends in out of home entertainment – how will this resonate with members of the Showmen’s Guild?

Guild members are increasingly adventurous, with new business plans taking in wider amusement settings such as piers for example. Innovation and new ways of looking at opportunities are key and we need EAG to boost and nurture that mindset. Showmen are already diversifying into sectors including glamping, bowling and retail. Showmen are both creative and receptive and the wider trending concepts that will be showcased at the Social Immersive Entertainment Expo will provide a rich source for inspiration. My immediate challenge is to get the message out to Showmen and to get them to ExCeL in order to soak up all that’s  on offer.