Dear Wayne, John, Stevie et al,
I am 38 years old and love football. I didn’t make it anywhere close to being a professional footballer (in fact Oakmeeds 1st team was beyond me if the truth be known) because I wasn’t talented enough. When you are playing for England you are playing for me and the, literally, millions, like me who would give anything to be lining up alongside you.
There is clearly a lot of pressure representing your country at the world’s biggest sporting tournament that only comes round every four years. However, it is a different pressure to that which large numbers of people experience every day (think of those with special needs, living below the breadline or coping with the loss of a loved one) and you can provide an alternative to that pressure. For those 90 minutes a lot of us lock away the disappointments or unhappiness we are experiencing and immerse ourselves in ‘our dream’. It isn’t that you are not under pressure but it is a different pressure and one you should embrace and enjoy as you stroll out onto the park.
One of the few upsides to the World Cup so far for an English supporter has been seeing the French implode so spectacularly and so publicly. Please do not take that upside away by being similarly selfish and disrespectful to the Nation. If you have grievances with Mr Capello please air them privately, confidentially and behind closed doors (like the rest of the world does when they have a management issue).
In my opening introduction I alluded to the fact that I would do anything to be lining up alongside you and I promise I would. I can also faithfully promise that if the camera paused on me during the anthems, as well as belting them out as loud as I could (I cannot promise it would be tuneful), I would be stood there grinning from ear to ear. It is a privilege that you are there in a beautiful country, in a beautiful hotel, playing the beautiful game – please look as if you understand that and are enjoying it. It is, after all, just a game.
Best of luck for the rest of the tournament. Apart from some malicious hacks, the whole of the football loving community wishes you well and is looking forward to some great memories from this tournament, as you should be too.
Regards,
Jonny
P.S. If you are bored in your hotel please get a video from the win against Croatia. That was magic.
Monday, 21 June 2010
Monday, 17 May 2010
The Gym Saga
Earlier in the year I spoke about the wish to be ‘retained’ by one of the two gyms I had recently been a member of. I thought you might like a little update.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
What a fag ash is for event organisers
There are hundreds of individuals who have suffered great hardship as a result of the Icelandic volcano and the chaos this has caused. From a more selfish perspective it is interesting to see how the events industry copes with this disruption. Major incidents that can effect events come round more regularly than you think and can vary from national issues like a terror attack or foot and mouth to more local issues like industrial action or a major accident on an approach road.
A photobook from @robertsharp59 http://bit.ly/blCeHE shows some of the problems the London Book Fair experienced. And our heart goes out to them.
LIW, like most exhibitions, only runs once a year and has a dedicated team that work on it all year round. Everything you do for 12 months is focused on three days where all your planning must come together to ensure your clients meet as many relevant buyers as possible. The immediate run up to the show is incredibly stressful without the added worry that visitors and exhibitors might not actually be able to get to your show and you could be looking at some empty aisles (always an organiser’s worse nightmare) and empty stands. Should you be an exhibitor in this situation and be concerned about your investment in the event then please don’t get frustrated with the organiser as whatever you will be feeling they will be feeling worse. A lot worse.
We are off to fellow health and fitness show FIBO (www.fibo.de) which opens Thursday 22nd April. It looks like the skies have reopened but we know that a lot of visitors have already cancelled plans because they are concerned about being stranded should the lockdown return. We think our flight out should be ok and we are looking forward to seeing the show and we wish the organisers every bit of luck.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Why are there so many bouncy castles
This is a question I have had to answer many times during my life on LIW and is generally asked by those on the health and fitness side of the show. Alternatively I am also asked why there is so many treadmills on the other side of the show by those in Attractions Expo – although I receive precious few complaints regarding those in lycra demonstrating the treadmills!
The answer to both questions is the same. The middle part of the show (i.e. Leisure Facilities, Eat and Drink) would not survive if you were to take one of the others away. They want to see owners of sites from across the leisure sector and would not be able to justify attending a show where they only saw gyms or only saw theme parks.
However, I think that is only half the story and perhaps our audiences could learn from one another. After all, they all have the same objectives don’t they? These are to get more visitors/members, get them visiting more often, get them spending more when they are there and keeping them safe while they are on site.
So next time you are visiting LIW and afraid to go to the ‘dark side’ – go and have a look at what makes their businesses work as they could be ideas that could work for your business too.
The answer to both questions is the same. The middle part of the show (i.e. Leisure Facilities, Eat and Drink) would not survive if you were to take one of the others away. They want to see owners of sites from across the leisure sector and would not be able to justify attending a show where they only saw gyms or only saw theme parks.
However, I think that is only half the story and perhaps our audiences could learn from one another. After all, they all have the same objectives don’t they? These are to get more visitors/members, get them visiting more often, get them spending more when they are there and keeping them safe while they are on site.
So next time you are visiting LIW and afraid to go to the ‘dark side’ – go and have a look at what makes their businesses work as they could be ideas that could work for your business too.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Retain me why don’t you?
Those that know me will appreciate that I am no gym bunny. I am in the mass of people that go for a few months to achieve a specific goal (or simply because I have got fat) and then disappear off the radar. I am currently off the radar (and consequently getting fat).When I join a gym I vary between a gym that has my favourite piece of exercise equipment and the one that is shiny and new and nearer my office. I have signed up for both of these gyms in the past 12 months. Although not by design, neither of these gyms happen to belong to one of the big groups.
Now given we are in recession and I have gone to these gyms before you would think I would be peppered with sales calls trying to get me back into the exercise routine wouldn’t you? Well you’d be wrong. I have in fact received absolutely 0 calls. Not one.
Being a sales man I am easily sold to and it would not have taken much to entice me back in. However now I almost resent giving them my business because it would appear that it means so little. Just to avoid purchasing a whole new wardrobe I am going to have to bite the bullet but I’d feel so much better if they called me.
We should all double check that we are doing everything we should be doing to win business before using the easy excuse (4b I think in the book of easy excuses) of the recession.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
BHF taking aim at the good guys?
The recent broadside from the British Heart Foundation aimed at the leisure sector http://is.gd/4DZdO and the news that Taybarns all you can eat restaurants are booming (some are serving up to 10,000 customers a week!) http://is.gd/4E7GK shows that we have a long way to go in the battle against obesity.
Some of the leisure centres that are undoubtedly benefitting from the recent MoreActive4Life/Change4Life campaigns seem to be undoing their good work by vending calorific junk food. While it is correct that we should be revising our food offering to be more healthy at these places it does seem a bit unfair to target the leisure sector which is doing it’s best to get young people more active more often.
The fact is that young people visiting these leisure centres do see the benefit of exercise and that is part of the battle won. Would the studies commissioned by the British Heart Foundation and the Food Commission be better placed helping the leisure sector understand those young people that are not active, and therefore in far more danger of becoming obese than those undertaking physical activity?
Some of the leisure centres that are undoubtedly benefitting from the recent MoreActive4Life/Change4Life campaigns seem to be undoing their good work by vending calorific junk food. While it is correct that we should be revising our food offering to be more healthy at these places it does seem a bit unfair to target the leisure sector which is doing it’s best to get young people more active more often.
The fact is that young people visiting these leisure centres do see the benefit of exercise and that is part of the battle won. Would the studies commissioned by the British Heart Foundation and the Food Commission be better placed helping the leisure sector understand those young people that are not active, and therefore in far more danger of becoming obese than those undertaking physical activity?
UPDATE 28.10.09 Check out the FIA's thoughts http://thefitnessindustryassociation.blogspot.com/
Friday, 8 May 2009
It's good to talk
Great news http://is.gd/xGS1 from the FIA and the Leisure Database Company about the resilience of the health and fitness sector.
A few key facts from their latest piece of research:
3% annual growth
Market value of £3.77bn
Membership numbers have grown by 0.8%
12.1% of UK population are members of a health and fitness club/public owned fitness facility
114 new public/private fitness facilities
119,000 new members at these new sites
Let's hope this gives the private and public operators alike the confidence to keep investing in their facilities and their staff. It is too easy in these challenging times to batton down the hatches 'just in case' but qualified research like this should help justify a more 'business as usual' approach.
We have probably talked ourselves deeper into the recession than was necessary but equally we should be able to talk ourselves out of it too so spread the word.
A few key facts from their latest piece of research:
3% annual growth
Market value of £3.77bn
Membership numbers have grown by 0.8%
12.1% of UK population are members of a health and fitness club/public owned fitness facility
114 new public/private fitness facilities
119,000 new members at these new sites
Let's hope this gives the private and public operators alike the confidence to keep investing in their facilities and their staff. It is too easy in these challenging times to batton down the hatches 'just in case' but qualified research like this should help justify a more 'business as usual' approach.
We have probably talked ourselves deeper into the recession than was necessary but equally we should be able to talk ourselves out of it too so spread the word.
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Are we missing a trick?
At the LIW office today it is Digital Achievement Day (Twitter tag is #ubmdad) across the company where we are celebrating our digital successes. This is easier for some products than others as we run Technology for Marketing, Internet World etc. However, there is some impressive innovation from the less than usual suspects with Songs for Security (we kid you not), Through the Keyhole (from the Interiors Group) and a Venue Finding Competition (www.venuefinder.com).
LIW for it’s part has been blazing away on the digital trail for a few months and has built up communities across the breadth of the show on Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook and this blog.
During this exercise it has been interesting to note the differing levels of take up in these markets but none of them have really grasped the bull by the horns. This is surprising. The common factors that unite LIW visitors is that they want to attract more visitors, more often, increase secondary spend and keep them safe while they are there. Surely the ability to build up tight, loyal communities and engage with them regularly with their wholehearted permission should be leapt upon shouldn’t it?
We are no experts and are just finding our way but if we can be of any help at all we would be happy to try.
LIW for it’s part has been blazing away on the digital trail for a few months and has built up communities across the breadth of the show on Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook and this blog.
During this exercise it has been interesting to note the differing levels of take up in these markets but none of them have really grasped the bull by the horns. This is surprising. The common factors that unite LIW visitors is that they want to attract more visitors, more often, increase secondary spend and keep them safe while they are there. Surely the ability to build up tight, loyal communities and engage with them regularly with their wholehearted permission should be leapt upon shouldn’t it?
We are no experts and are just finding our way but if we can be of any help at all we would be happy to try.
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Nautilus UK MD, Alan Vickers
Shortly before witnessing the unveiling of the new Schwinn cycle, I take some time to chat with Alan Vickers, new MD of Nautilus, who shares his thoughts on the health club industry and what lies ahead for Nautilus in 2009. I'm sure that Alan's experience in strategic roles with global brands like Nike and Reebok, will stand Nautilus in good stead for the future.
Early morning Krank for LIW
Jonathan Monks, Tom Hammond, Jeff Davis and Jon Johnson, join Jonny G for an early morning Krank cycle. Jonny's passion and vision for the industry was inspiring and having worked out for 30 minutes on it I can assure you that it provides an effective CV and upper body workout!
Krank Cycle launch @ IHRSA 2009
In true American style, the Jonny G (inventor of spinning) Krank Cycle is launched at IHRSA 2009 alongside Matrix. Who would bet against this innovative, flexible, complimentary and inclusive fitness equipment becoming a central feature of health clubs all over the world?
Creative Fitness Partying
St Patricks day fun, lead by the Creative Fitness Marketing boys on the FIA boat party at IHRSA 2009 in San Francisco...
Monday, 2 March 2009
Three shows for the coin op market - surely not?
Following ATEI earlier this year we highlighted an interesting market situation regarding trade shows for the coin op and amusement markets. Scroll down to 30th January to see chapter one!
Last week this story took another twist at a meeting organised by BACTA, held in Birmingham and attended by BACTA members/ATEI exhibitors. The outcome of this meeting was for BACTA to seek a tenancy at ExCeL exhibition centre in east London on the same dates as ATEI in January 2010.
This will certainly be a challenge for Clarion Gaming, organisers of ATEI, to overcome but what will happen to the IGX event run by Intergame? On hearing the news Intergame’s David Snook said: "We have had some talks with BACTA's sub-committee set up to advise National Council on the new show project. We feel that there is a great deal of synergy between us. In the final analysis we must keep our promise to our exhibitors to listen to their views." This would seem to suggest that they are happy to compete with Clarion Gaming but would step aside if BACTA wish to proceed independently.
There will be twist and turns in this saga to come with all parties having the potential to take the moral high ground but who REALLY wins? Trade shows are designed to bring a marketplace together in a dynamic environment yet when there are competing events (potentially three of them in this case) those that really suffer are the visitors and exhibitors who are forced to make difficult choices while the market decides which event to support.
Long term of course the market will choose and status quo will be restored with one strong event that best serves the industry but in the meantime this situation will just add to all the other challenges this sector faces.
Last week this story took another twist at a meeting organised by BACTA, held in Birmingham and attended by BACTA members/ATEI exhibitors. The outcome of this meeting was for BACTA to seek a tenancy at ExCeL exhibition centre in east London on the same dates as ATEI in January 2010.
This will certainly be a challenge for Clarion Gaming, organisers of ATEI, to overcome but what will happen to the IGX event run by Intergame? On hearing the news Intergame’s David Snook said: "We have had some talks with BACTA's sub-committee set up to advise National Council on the new show project. We feel that there is a great deal of synergy between us. In the final analysis we must keep our promise to our exhibitors to listen to their views." This would seem to suggest that they are happy to compete with Clarion Gaming but would step aside if BACTA wish to proceed independently.
There will be twist and turns in this saga to come with all parties having the potential to take the moral high ground but who REALLY wins? Trade shows are designed to bring a marketplace together in a dynamic environment yet when there are competing events (potentially three of them in this case) those that really suffer are the visitors and exhibitors who are forced to make difficult choices while the market decides which event to support.
Long term of course the market will choose and status quo will be restored with one strong event that best serves the industry but in the meantime this situation will just add to all the other challenges this sector faces.
Friday, 27 February 2009
Fitwittering
Why should fitness equipment suppliers care about Twitter? Observations of a Twitter newbie.
Twitter is the fastest growing online networking tool and an internet phenomenon - it as grown tenfold in the last year in the UK. Source: http://is.gd/kcYI
There are already Twitter communities (predominantly US based) of fitness enthusiasts, semi professional athletes and professional sports personalities. See http://www.blogger.com/www.twittfitter.com as an example.
These communities swap training programmes, nutrition tips, diet ideas and performance updates. The vast majority of these communities regularly use fitness equipment. In addition, they are information hungry. Do you want to know what is being twittered about your company? Then go to http://search.twitter.com/ and put in your brand details. See below for Precor:
JPmicek: @GMicek36 LOL! I just tweet while I'm doing cardio on the Precor. No way I culd tweet during workout w only 30-45 seconds between sets :)
about 8 hours ago from Twittelator · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation
Tajah: 35min on precor: avg HR 154, cal burned 507.8, gluteal workout 2. Yay! It feels great now but I'm gonna hurt 2morrow!
about 8 hours ago from mobile web · Reply · View Tweet
Dallas_Listings: This Precor commercial treadmill were just inspected and serviced. There are 5 left to choose from. Features:... re: http://ff.im/1eVCT
about 9 hours ago from FriendFeed · Reply · View Tweet
PubKevin: Headed to the ymca gym on clement. To run or to precor?
about 11 hours ago from TwitterBerry · Reply · View Tweet
16thstreetj: The whole staff just worked off the hamantaschen by carrying new Precor dumbbells into the fitness center. Insert dumbbell joke here _____
about 18 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet
FatBoyGetsSlim: @Smudged I used to love this one eliptical called the "AMT" (All Motion Trainer) made by PRECOR. We had one at uni. Shame it's about $8k!
1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation
LakersDotCom: Andrew Bynum is on a stationary bike and the Precor machine: http://sn.im/cn99q
1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet
adventuregirl: Going to go put my fat *ss on the Precor then off to Ikea...
1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet
FullLife: @wendybattles Traveling - my plan? - have a fridge in the hotel -plan to fill it with fresh fruits and veggies + hit the Precor fitness room
1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation
nimmons: Precor usa. Cardio theater. 956I.
2 days ago from twidroid · Reply · View Tweet
glasgowunisport: 2 demo Precor AMT machines are now gone. Tell us what you think though! sport@gla.ac.uk
2 days ago from Netvibes · Reply · View Tweet
reaqueen: Studying genesis. Good time this morning. Now at gym on precor.
2 days ago from twitterrific · Reply · View Tweet
amesburyma: For Sale: PRECOR 5.19 EFX Elliptical Cross-Trainer Elliptical Ellipse (Amesbury) $1250: Rated Recently .. http://bit.ly/18zwyd (expand)
3 days ago from twitterfeed · Reply · View Tweet
Nycromancer: youll be performing at Hell, so hit the precor to be in great shape when youre on stage on Wed.
3 days ago from txt · Reply · View Tweet
msurman: @dria I LOVE my Precor. I use it all the time. I find them way smoother and nicer than Life Fitness.
3 days ago from TwitterFox · Reply · View Tweet
Twitter was not designed to be a commercial business tool but it can be used to derive commercial benefit. The opportunity exists for fitness equipment companies to develop pull marketing from thousands of gym equipment users.
Users of Twitter are naturally sceptical about businesses using Twitter for commercial benefit so an entry must be well planned and well executed otherwise it could have quite the opposite effect. The biggest benefit of Twitter is knowledge sharing and suppliers have plenty of knowledge to share: how to use specific pieces of equipment, training techniques, nutrition etc is valuable and Twitter is the ideal platform to utilise this.
The utopia is for a fitness equipment manufacturer to build up a network of followers (both brand users and non brand users) through knowledge sharing. As the community grows and strengthens more gym/home gym choices will be made according to equipment or demand to install a particular line of equipment because of the support network that can be accessed via Twitter.
Twitter is the fastest growing online networking tool and an internet phenomenon - it as grown tenfold in the last year in the UK. Source: http://is.gd/kcYI
There are already Twitter communities (predominantly US based) of fitness enthusiasts, semi professional athletes and professional sports personalities. See http://www.blogger.com/www.twittfitter.com as an example.
These communities swap training programmes, nutrition tips, diet ideas and performance updates. The vast majority of these communities regularly use fitness equipment. In addition, they are information hungry. Do you want to know what is being twittered about your company? Then go to http://search.twitter.com/ and put in your brand details. See below for Precor:
JPmicek: @GMicek36 LOL! I just tweet while I'm doing cardio on the Precor. No way I culd tweet during workout w only 30-45 seconds between sets :)
about 8 hours ago from Twittelator · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation
Tajah: 35min on precor: avg HR 154, cal burned 507.8, gluteal workout 2. Yay! It feels great now but I'm gonna hurt 2morrow!
about 8 hours ago from mobile web · Reply · View Tweet
Dallas_Listings: This Precor commercial treadmill were just inspected and serviced. There are 5 left to choose from. Features:... re: http://ff.im/1eVCT
about 9 hours ago from FriendFeed · Reply · View Tweet
PubKevin: Headed to the ymca gym on clement. To run or to precor?
about 11 hours ago from TwitterBerry · Reply · View Tweet
16thstreetj: The whole staff just worked off the hamantaschen by carrying new Precor dumbbells into the fitness center. Insert dumbbell joke here _____
about 18 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet
FatBoyGetsSlim: @Smudged I used to love this one eliptical called the "AMT" (All Motion Trainer) made by PRECOR. We had one at uni. Shame it's about $8k!
1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation
LakersDotCom: Andrew Bynum is on a stationary bike and the Precor machine: http://sn.im/cn99q
1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet
adventuregirl: Going to go put my fat *ss on the Precor then off to Ikea...
1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet
FullLife: @wendybattles Traveling - my plan? - have a fridge in the hotel -plan to fill it with fresh fruits and veggies + hit the Precor fitness room
1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet · Show ConversationHide Conversation
nimmons: Precor usa. Cardio theater. 956I.
2 days ago from twidroid · Reply · View Tweet
glasgowunisport: 2 demo Precor AMT machines are now gone. Tell us what you think though! sport@gla.ac.uk
2 days ago from Netvibes · Reply · View Tweet
reaqueen: Studying genesis. Good time this morning. Now at gym on precor.
2 days ago from twitterrific · Reply · View Tweet
amesburyma: For Sale: PRECOR 5.19 EFX Elliptical Cross-Trainer Elliptical Ellipse (Amesbury) $1250: Rated Recently .. http://bit.ly/18zwyd (expand)
3 days ago from twitterfeed · Reply · View Tweet
Nycromancer: youll be performing at Hell, so hit the precor to be in great shape when youre on stage on Wed.
3 days ago from txt · Reply · View Tweet
msurman: @dria I LOVE my Precor. I use it all the time. I find them way smoother and nicer than Life Fitness.
3 days ago from TwitterFox · Reply · View Tweet
Twitter was not designed to be a commercial business tool but it can be used to derive commercial benefit. The opportunity exists for fitness equipment companies to develop pull marketing from thousands of gym equipment users.
Users of Twitter are naturally sceptical about businesses using Twitter for commercial benefit so an entry must be well planned and well executed otherwise it could have quite the opposite effect. The biggest benefit of Twitter is knowledge sharing and suppliers have plenty of knowledge to share: how to use specific pieces of equipment, training techniques, nutrition etc is valuable and Twitter is the ideal platform to utilise this.
The utopia is for a fitness equipment manufacturer to build up a network of followers (both brand users and non brand users) through knowledge sharing. As the community grows and strengthens more gym/home gym choices will be made according to equipment or demand to install a particular line of equipment because of the support network that can be accessed via Twitter.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Don’t believe everything you read/watch!
It’s not all doom and gloom!!
Last week LIW conducted research (via surveymonkey which is a fantastic tool) to over 200 health clubs and gyms and findings were interesting and very encouraging. In almost direct contrast to the Bleak Britain Corporation in fact.
Last week LIW conducted research (via surveymonkey which is a fantastic tool) to over 200 health clubs and gyms and findings were interesting and very encouraging. In almost direct contrast to the Bleak Britain Corporation in fact.
44.6% of respondents said that recruitment of members had been ‘much better’ or ‘better’ than expected while only 16.7% said it had been ‘worse’ or ‘much worse’ than expected.
43.1% of respondents had more members than last year while 23.8% had less members than last year.
43.1% of respondents had more members than last year while 23.8% had less members than last year.
54.9% of respondents said they would be investing in new equipment this year and 25.4% of those would be spending more than £50,000.
68% of respondents were feeling ‘very’ or ‘quite’ confident about their business while only 5.8% were not feeling ‘not very’ or ‘not at all’ confident.
86.4% of respondents were considering visiting LIW to source new equipment and suppliers.
Follow LIW on twitter at www.twitter.com/l_i_w
Thursday, 12 February 2009
'VisitBritain' Estimates Extra 5M Domestic Bookings
According to the Metro this morning, 'VisitBritain' is unveiling a £6.5m campaign to encourage Britons to holiday at home this year. This is helped by the weaker pound - as highlighted by Colin Dawson from BALPPA further down this blog. Christopher Rodrigues (VisitBritain Chairman) estimated this could lead to an additional 5m domestic bookings. This would be a real boon for the attractions industry on the back of two wet summers.
Friday, 6 February 2009
The attractions market is looking forward to 2009. No, honestly
A quick snap shot survey to the attractions sector would seem to suggest that operators are relatively optimistic about the year ahead. It would seem that Colin Dawson Chief Exec of BALPPA has his finger on the pulse (scroll down to see video posted in January) when we saw him earlier this year in terms of the sector looking forward to 2009 despite the doom and gloom.On a scale of 1 – 5 how confident are you about the 2009 season? (1 being not confident and 5 very confident:))
5 13.6%
4 25.0%
3 52.3%
2 13.6%
1 0%
We didn’t ask what the reasons were but certainly a weak pound will help (more stay at home holidaymakers and more tourists) and surely this MUST be a good summer following two back to back stinkers! The old wives tale of hard winters and hot summers must be doing the rounds as we trudge through the snow and sleet.
Good on the attractions sector for their optimism and positive outlook. Many a lesson for other industries there. Let’s hope they are right.
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Leisure Review Grills Jonny Sullens
It was with some trepidation that LIW welcomed in the gun slingers from the Leisure Review known for their no nonsense questions. The results can be found here:
http://www.theleisurereview.co.uk/articles09/sullens.html
The Leisure Review is a magazine offering an independent view of the leisure industry for leisure professionals working in the management, development and promotion of all aspects of leisure, culture and sport.
http://www.theleisurereview.co.uk/articles09/sullens.html
The Leisure Review is a magazine offering an independent view of the leisure industry for leisure professionals working in the management, development and promotion of all aspects of leisure, culture and sport.
Friday, 30 January 2009
Coin Op Market Faces Show Choices
This week saw ATEI at Earls Court. This event was previously owned and run by the association BACTA before it was sold to Clarion 3 years ago. As part of that transaction BACTA pledged their support to Clarion for 3 years. This agreement has now come to an end and BACTA are carefully considering their next move as BACTA’s Neil Chinn says: “We are in talks with Earls Court at the moment about availability to hold a new show, which we would work on with a partner.’ (source: http://www.expoabc.com/news_detail.asp?StoryID=818 )
Running at exactly the same time as ATEI in the Hotel Ibis Earls Court was the newly launched IGX (InterGame Expo). The 30 or so exhibitors attending represented a break away faction led by Harry Levy Amusements. These exhibitors felt that recent developments on the ATEI show, and in particular the move upstairs at Earls Court to allow the co located casino events to grow further, has meant their returns from the investment in the show were suffering.
As you will see from the footage below the show is by no means comparable in size and production of ATEI. But that is exactly how the exhibitors wanted it according to organiser David Snook who said ‘They also bitterly resented the escalating costs to exhibit at the show, so came to us and we decided to launch a 'no frills' exhibition, responding to exhibitor demands for a modestly-priced event.’
If BACTA are to re enter the show organising world logic would dictate that BACTA and IGX team up rather than have a third event enter the market. As show organisers ourselves it is an interesting situation to observe and to see how it unfolds. Over 21 years LIW has had to constantly adapt to market change and market demands and 2009 is no different with a new two agreement with the Play Providers Association testament to that.
Running at exactly the same time as ATEI in the Hotel Ibis Earls Court was the newly launched IGX (InterGame Expo). The 30 or so exhibitors attending represented a break away faction led by Harry Levy Amusements. These exhibitors felt that recent developments on the ATEI show, and in particular the move upstairs at Earls Court to allow the co located casino events to grow further, has meant their returns from the investment in the show were suffering.
As you will see from the footage below the show is by no means comparable in size and production of ATEI. But that is exactly how the exhibitors wanted it according to organiser David Snook who said ‘They also bitterly resented the escalating costs to exhibit at the show, so came to us and we decided to launch a 'no frills' exhibition, responding to exhibitor demands for a modestly-priced event.’
If BACTA are to re enter the show organising world logic would dictate that BACTA and IGX team up rather than have a third event enter the market. As show organisers ourselves it is an interesting situation to observe and to see how it unfolds. Over 21 years LIW has had to constantly adapt to market change and market demands and 2009 is no different with a new two agreement with the Play Providers Association testament to that.
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