Former Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew MP, now serving as Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, is set to speak at the upcoming Bacta Annual Convention on Thursday, November 28. His participation adds to the excitement surrounding the convention, as pre-event registrations from Bacta members are on track to reach record numbers.
This year’s convention, set against the theme”Going for Growth,” follows recent political shifts, including Labour’s landslide general election win in July and Kemi Badenoch’s election as Conservative Party leader in November. Organizers anticipate that Andrew’s confirmed appearance will drive even more registrations.
George McGregor, Bacta’s Executive Director for Government Relations, said: “First of all I am delighted that Stuart Andrew, who oversaw the White Paper only to see it paused by July’s snap general election, has agreed to join us at our Annual Convention. Members are responding in great numbers to both the Parliamentary Reception, which is officially at full capacity, and to the Convention taking place the following day.”
The event’s agenda will include a keynote panel, featuring Andrew, to discuss topics such as the industry’s relationship with government and the future of the White Paper. With three weeks to go, registrations are ahead of the same stage as last year, with members responding positively to the announcements.
McGregor added: “Our keynote speakers, which will include Stuart Andrew, will feature in a panel that will explore amongst other topics the dynamics of the relationship between the industry and government, the fate of the White Paper, and how we can collectively determine a future in which gaming operators are not expected to wait over a decade before they can raise their prices!”
The Annual Convention, a core benefit of Bacta membership, offers networking opportunities and the chance to engage with policymakers who impact an industry that contributes £1.9 billion ($2.45 billion) to the UK economy and generates £270 million in taxes.