Following a spate of recent industry leader retirements, tfconnect Events has launched a lunch club – in the UK at least initially – for current and past exhibition industry players ‘struggling to let go’.
The 'Expoholics Anonymous' (EA) network is designed for people who don’t wish to fully retire from the industry, don’t want to lose touch with colleagues who have been friends, often for many decades, can’t give up on event ideas that are still swirling around their head, and who need to spend some of their hard-earned money on expensive lunches.
Trevor Foley (pictured), tfconnect’s chairman said: “Membership of EA will be ‘by invitation only’, and will be offered to those deemed most in need at, well let’s face it, a difficult age. EA events will be lunchtime occasions so attendees can still get home in time for a nice cup of tea and an early night.”
Three industry stalwarts who were happy to waive their anonymity have commented on the desperate need for the network.
Doug Emslie of Cuilbay Capital said: “My name’s Doug and I had my last expo this morning.” Quartz Media CEO Keith Harris added: ”My name is Keith and I’m an Expoholic”. Steve Brooks, chairman of Opus Origin shared: “Our thanks to Trevor for continuing his role as a shepherd (or is it sheepdog?) in keeping us all together.”
While this will be a UK-based club, membership and invitation to events will be extended to special industry friends around the globe, the organisers say.
