Speculation at the London ATEI last week surrounded the future of the show. When BACTA, the trade association, sold the ATEI and ICE shows to Clarion Events at the end of 2004, it was shut out from running a show for four years. The 'non-compete' clause ran out with the 2008 event.
BACTA officials were keeping quiet on rumours that it was investigating the possibilities of running its own show again in 2009. The gossip even suggested that BACTA was in secret negotiations to buy the show back from Clarion.
The rumours were fuelled by the continuing disenchantment of many ATEI exhibitors with the layout, the gradual encroachment of the casino show and high prices for stands.
