EFTTA and organisers of EFTTEX agree that split is ‘good news’ for the trade
Share
EFTTA AISBL has confirmed its amicable split from EFTTEX in a move that is good news for exhibitors of next year’s show, according to one of the founders of EFTTEX Trading Ltd, the independent company which now runs the show.
Wishing the newly established show management company ‘all the best’ for the staging of the show, EFTTA AISBL CEO Olivier Portrat said that the trade association will now concentrate solely on lobbying for the sport in Brussels.
Meanwhile EFTTEX has opened up online registration for the show to be held at the HUNGEXPO in Budapest between June 15th and 17th next year.
In a press release issued today to clarify its position, EFTTA AISBL recognised that new company EFTTEX Trading does not organise EFTTEX on behalf of EFTTA AISBL, but for the benefit of EFTTA with any profit from the show being forwarded to EFTTA AISBL and used to positively help its lobbying efforts.
Istvan Pal (above), one of the founders of EFTTEX Trading Ltd, told Angling International that the split means companies no longer need to be EFTTA members in order to exhibit at the show. Pal said: “The development is good news for EFTTEX and potential exhibitors. Now that membership of EFTTA is not a requirement for a place at the show, European companies will have a big advantage and we can offer booths at prices that were not possible before. In some cases it could be as much as a third less than previous years.
“While I would thoroughly recommend all companies within the tackle trade support the incredibly important work that EFTTA does at EU level, it should not have been a pre-requisite of attending the show. I am sure this new arrangement will encourage more companies to join us in Budapest next year.”
Pal added that registration for EFTTEX is now open and urged companies to sign up early so that they can be assured of the booth of their choice. “It will be decided on a first-come-first served basis, so the only way to guarantee you are where you want to be is to act as quickly.”
It is hoped that up to 200 exhibitors will fill the halls at the HUNGEXPO in June next year for an event that will be truly different from previous events. “The emphasis will be firmly on making EFTTEX a place where business can be done. That is really important and we will be offering a lot of meeting rooms and business lunch possibilities. After a four-year break it will also give the industry an opportunity to get to know each other again.”
Meanwhile, Ross Honey (below), a Board member of EFTTA AISBL, believes that the new EFTTA structure will see the organisation enter the most exciting period of its existence. “I have first-hand knowledge of the brilliant work that the EFTTA team is carrying out in Brussels. Removing the responsibility of organising a show ensures that we are laser-focused on carrying out the essential work of safeguarding the interests and future of the recreational tackle industry.
“The tackle trade needs EFTTA and I would appeal to everyone with an interest in the industry to sign up. Membership is a small price to pay to ensure the future of the sport.”
Honey added that a major criticism of EFTTA in the past was that members were not aware of what they were getting for their money. “The incredible work behind the scenes and successes of the team in Brussels have gone under the radar. We will be creating a PR and communications network to keep our membership informed so they know what important issues are being worked on.”
A major success of EFTTA recently, which went widely unreported says Honey, was its efforts which prevented the banning of monofilament fishing line across Europe. “There was a real danger that it would have been banned for use if it were not for our team in Brussels. Think of the effect that would have had on the industry. Not reporting our successes will not happen in the future,” he added.
