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Editor Emily Wallin
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Reporter Joe Gallop
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Exhibition News Magazine
Free to dream
In this issue we celebrate the very best independent exhibition organisers . Media 10 founder Lee Newton shares the highs , lows and crowning glories of their 20-year journey in our cover feature from p26 .
RecFest founder Jamie Leonard tells us about creating a true B2B festival ( p17 ). In his own words it ’ s “ real grass , big tops , bands , booze and a whole lot of learning ”. Find out why the results prove his out of the box ideas are not really reckless .
Thom Hetherington reveals the journey to selling his 19-year-old business , Northern Restaurant and Bar ( p21 ). Other indies making their mark include the biggest ever National Running Show for Raccoon Media ( p33 ) and continued growth for FutureScape ( p29 ).
What unites all these disruptive entrepreneurs is the freedom to dream that being independent gives them ; the freedom to be ‘ fiercely creative ’ and have ‘ really stupid ’ ideas , combined with great teams to rein them in and a ‘ nimbleness ’ to make quick decisions .
Without the support of private equity , shareholders or a wider group to back them up , these businesses live or die by the entrepreneurs at the helm .
As Hetherington shows us the very best independent businesses can grow wings and fly without their founders and for anyone thinking of a sale , Steve Monnington has a few tips ( p12 ).
So , I hope this issue inspires you to think differently , break the mould and fly free .
Emily Wallin Editor Exhibition News
Spring — 05