In the first edition of EAG360’s Just One Thing quick-fire personality feature, BALPPA Chief Executive Paul Kelly explains his dislike of badly chaired meetings, his regret at losing touch with career mentors and how he had ambitions to become a pro athlete!
One word that defines the industry
Paul Kelly: Remarkable! It’s so resilient, so positive and always deals with adversity.
One thing you’ll definitely accomplish in the next 12-months
Paul Kelly: A new website for BALPPA: we have been waiting for this for years, it’s so exciting for us!!
One app that you can’t live without
Paul Kelly: The weather app. After all these years it still makes the biggest difference to our industry and how it performs.
One professional regret
Paul Kelly: Losing touch with colleagues. I’ve had so many great colleagues in the industry over a very long time. I regret losing touch with those who have mentored and inspired me over the years.
One thing we will be talking about in 5-years-time
Paul Kelly: AI. It’s all we talk about now and I think those conversations will shape every industry for the next 5-years at least.
One pet hate
Paul Kelly: Badly chaired meetings. I like agendas and getting on to the next meeting. Long drawn out talkathons drive me batty.
One prediction for the industry
Paul Kelly: New entrants will drive growth. There’s so much to look forward to, Universal, Eden North and Puy Du Fou. These will change the face of visitor attractions in the UK.
One misconception about the industry
Paul Kelly: That it’s all about the ‘big boys’ Our industry is made up of dozens of multi- generational family businesses and doesn’t always revolve around the larger more corporate operators.
One alternative career
Paul Kelly: Professional athlete. I have always loved sport and still do a little bit of competing. If it hadn’t been for those pesky kids, I would surely have made the Olympics!
One thing that’s guaranteed to make you smile
Paul Kelly: The misspelling of BALLPA, or is it BALAPA?
If you just do ‘one thing’ this week, make sure you register for three days of unrivalled business, networking, education and innovation at EAG360, 12-14 January, Excel London. Comprising the co-located Amuse Expo, CompSocUK, and the London Gaming Show – it’s the UK’s most anticipated celebration of the Smile Economy!
Register for FREE at https://eag360show.com
Originally published on Coinslot on November 9, 2026. Republished with permission.