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’.
