UK children's entertainment centre operator 360 Play played host to a meeting of fellow play centre operators from around the UK on February 6, when the FECA members of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) attended a meeting at the company's Leicester venue.

The day-long meeting at 360 Play on Meridian Leisure Park was attended by over 60 members who were welcomed by 360 Play managing director Duncan Phillips.

Attendees heard from speakers on a variety of subjects, among them BALPPA chief executive Paul Kelly who touched on several key issues for members, including government discussions over changes to school holiday times and, more recently, a suggestion for longer school days, both of which would impact hugely on the play centre and attractions sectors.

He also provided details of various forthcoming BALPPA events of relevance to the FECA members, such as seminars and other FECA regional meetings.

A presentation on marketing strategies and PR was provided by David Leon of Partners Leisure, followed after lunch by an open forum which saw discussion and debate on a wide range of subjects and challenges relating to the operation of children's and family entertainment centres, including the results of a benchmarking survey, social media, business expansion and pricing.

Attendees were also given a tour of the 360 Play site, both indoors and outdoors.

Phillips commented: "We were delighted with the attendance on the day and felt it was a very worthwhile meeting for all concerned. A number of key topics were discussed and it was a great opportunity for those in the industry to hear how their peers do things and how they deal with the many different challenges that arise from day to day. All in all I felt it was an extremely successful event."