APS spoke to Richard West, from the London 2022 International Stamp Exhibition, to discuss the process of preparing for the show and what people can expect.
What did having the London 2020 Stamp Exhibition cancelled mean for you?
All will understand it came as a considerable blow. After years of planning by a dedicated team, it was shattering to think that, even if the event could be re-scheduled, many hours of work had gone to waste, coupled with expenditure that will never be recovered.
What can we expect from the 2022 London International Stamp Exposition?
Naturally all are hoping that we can offer the same package as was planned for 2020. However, we have to be realistic – it cannot be exactly the same. Because worldwide restrictions are still in place, some of the booth holders, some collectors, some of the competitive exhibits, will not be able to come to London. We are confident, nevertheless, that all booths will be occupied, all display frames filled and the result will be an exhibition just as good, if not better, then that planned for 2020.
Why did you select the Business Design Centre as the venue for the event?
The Business Design Centre is now one of London’s foremost exhibition venues, having superb facilities, excellent transport links plus is close to many amenities including fine shops and restaurants.
Part of the available space has been used for the UK’s national stamp exhibition since 1996, while the entire venue proved ideal for the ‘internationals’ held in London in 2010 and 2015.
Describe the process of planning and preparing for the 2022 show?
It is impossible to give an answer in a few words. Much depends on experience, therefore, as with planning any major event, it is always best to have some who have been there before while others are gaining the knowledge for the future. You need a team that brings expertise in the key areas, such as trade liaison, experience with exhibitors, planning and building the exhibition, seeking sponsorship, publicity, and so on.
What were some challenges that you experienced when preparing the events/exhibits?
In many respects, there were few challenges had the event gone ahead in 2020. Experience from previous exhibitions and a close working relationship with all at the Business Design Centre, made the task relatively smooth. The impact of Covid has completely changed the situation. As mentioned, some traders and exhibitors may not be able to participate as a result of travel, quarantine and similar restrictions. All arrangements with contractors, hotels and other suppliers have had to be re-negotiated. Added to which, we still face an uncertain future, but always optimistic. On the positive side, the recent Philatelic Congress of Great Britain held in Harrogate welcomed visitors from the United States, plus several other countries, who were able to travel successfully to the UK as travel restrictions are eased.
What advice would you give to anyone planning to travel to the show?
Obviously to check very carefully all that is required – in relation to the carrier you are using, the restrictions that might be in place as regards entry to the United Kingdom, and any restrictions on returning home. It is impossible to give a more precise answer because, as we all know, the situation is still very fluid and can change overnight.
How are you preparing to manage/mitigate the risk of Covid during the show?
Again, we must be alert to what continues to be a changing situation. Clearly, we will follow all the guidelines from the UK Government and put into practice all that the Business Design Centre requires and be led by their expertise. The BDC hosts many exhibitions and will know what arrangements are best at the time of London 2022.
What are some of the exhibits that you are most excited about?
As with all internationals hosted in London, there is a very heavy demand on frame space as most of the world’s top collectors want to show. We are confident, therefore, that we will have a wonderful array of material to be enjoyed, albeit sadly some who had hoped to show in London will this time be denied the opportunity.
Anything else you would like to share related to the show or otherwise?
Naturally we are planning and hoping that all who come to London 2022 will have an unforgettable experience – in a positive sense. Not only from the trade booths and exhibits, plus the talks and society meetings that are planned, the opportunity to meet friends old and new, and to enjoy all that London offers. We look forward to welcoming collectors from as many parts of the world as possible.
Additional event coverage will be available in the Dec issue of The American Philatelist. For more information about London 2022, you can click here to visit their website.