Guild takes a stand on public access to Motor Show Press Day

The Guild of Motoring Writers is very concerned about plans to sell tickets to the public on Press Day at the British International Motor Show at Excel, London in July.

The Guild is seeking urgent talks with the show organiser IMIE to discuss the issue. Allowing the public into Press Day will impede the work being carried out by writers, photographers and film crews.

Guild chairman Chris Wright said: “We have always stood very firm on this issue. Selling tickets for press day is becoming an increasing problem at motor shows around the world and Geneva Show this year was almost unworkable.

“There has been an extremely strong reaction from our members following the press release from IMIE ‘inviting members of the public to join the world’s automotive media’ on Press Day and the Guild will defend its members’ position robustly.”

Wright added: “I am surprised the show organiser has not thought to ask the opinion of the Guild or the regional journalist groups before going ahead with this announcement. Not only does this undermine the exclusivity of Press Day, it potentially makes life more difficult for working journalists.”

Among the issues the Guild is concerned about are interference with vehicles while photographers/film crews are trying to work, disruption in the background during filmed interviews, press packs being taken by non-journalists, crowding on stands and increased difficulty in moving between stands when trying to meet interview schedules.

Further information:
Chairman: Chris Wright: 01494 874063 or 07785 225459 email:chris@interchange-europe.com

Press Officer: Charlotte Blight: 07778 407073 email: cfblight@brazen-hussy.co.uk