During the AGM, both PLASA Chairman Mick Hannaford and Treasurer Sammy de Havilland reported a successful year for the Association, covering the wide range of initiatives that had been introduced in the past 12 months.
In his keynote speech, Chairman Mick Hannaford reflected on the changes taking place within the industry and the need for companies to equip themselves to cope with a rapidly changing world. He emphasized the role that PLASA had to play in this, and also stressed the need for more training, an ambition that the Association has given a further boost to with the recent establishment of its training and education steering group. In a reference to the increasing concern about copyright infringement, he also told Members of the Association’s plans to introduce a low cost design registration scheme next year.
Treasurer Sammy de Havilland informed Members that 2000 had been PLASA’s most financially successful year to date. Turnover was up 3% and this despite the fact that neither the rates relating to the Show or the Publishing Division, nor membership fees, had been raised last year. He advised those present that the Association was now in a strong financial position, and as a result, now able to invest in a number of long-term projects.
Following the AGM, members were given a presentation on the future strategy of the Association by managing director Matthew Griffiths. He made reference to the recently completed Industry Research, commissioned by PLASA to give its members immediate facts and figures about the size and potential growth of the industry, which had suggested that the entertainment and venue technology industry was worth £10billion worldwide. (That research will shortly be available to all PLASA Members who participated in the survey. Those who didn’t can still get to see the research if they complete the 2001 questionnaire and give a commitment to contribute to the next round of research in early 2002).
Following the AGM, Members decamped to a number of break-out sessions covering the PLASA Show, Standards and Member Services, where they had the opportunity to discuss any issues with members of the PLASA committee and head office staff, Clarion Events, the Exhibitor Forum and representatives of some of the PLASA’s service providers. These sessions were particularly well received, proved extremely lively at times, and threw up some interesting ideas for the future.
The day concluded with the Industry Dinner, which took place in the Courthouse at the Abbey, during which Members and guests were entertained by after-dinner speakers John Cugley and magician Paul Zenon.
