Ed Pagett, formerly managing director of Panalux Broadcast & Event and current chairman of PLASA's Board has led the organisation through very challenging times. In his speech Ed outlined the many changes that have taken place over the last year including bringing in a new managing director following the departure of former CEO Matthew Griffiths, and the demerge from PLASA North America (which has now returned to its former name of ESTA) after four years. This development, said Ed, although not desired by PLASA, had brought fresh clarity and new opportunities for PLASA, but had also resulted in a financial fallout with the North American organisation that has yet to be resolved.
Ed commented, "My role as Chairman has been to navigate the Association back to a position of profitability, strength and, most importantly, into a future that will truly engage our members. A fundamental part of this organisational change has been improving PLASA's financial performance and we have made significant progress in this regard."
He added, "All this has only been possible with the unstinting support of vice-chair, Adam Blaxill of Stage Electrics, our treasurer Martin Hawthorn of Hawthorn, and John Simpson of White Light, who was chair of PLASA's overarching Governing Body prior to the demerge."
These board members have now stepped back from the day-to-day running of the organisation, although their commitment to guiding the Association will continue as before. Peter Heath, PLASA's new managing director, who has been with the organisation for three months, received unanimous support from members as he outlined his vision for PLASA as it moves from a time of change to a renewed and sustainable future.
Peter's key points related to creating 'one PLASA' - a step which would include staff restructuring and closing the London office, increasing visibility through improved communication and marketing, and broadening availability through new and enhanced products. Peter stressed that there would be renewed focus on the membership and on building relationships across the industry, beginning with an audio focus group to take place in early August. In the longer term, there would be much-needed reinvestment to strengthen PLASA's value to the membership.
An open forum for questions and answers followed the AGM, before members joined PLASA's other special guests in the gardens for drinks and lunch in the historic Old Palace. Following lunch in the beautiful surroundings of the Tudor banqueting hall, renowned economist and strategist Roger Martin-Fagg made the ideal guest speaker to bring the day to a close. His presentation gave a fascinating insight into the highly complex economics surrounding Brexit.
"This was a really productive AGM for PLASA", said Peter, "and I was encouraged to see so many members taking the opportunity to actively participate in the day. I am looking forward to building on our heritage and core values in creating a new chapter for the Association."
(Jim Evans)
