Enthusiastic Industry Response To 10th Anniversary EAG International & VAE
The 10th Anniversary EAG International & VAE drew to a close with an overwhelmingly positive mood amongst both exhibitors and visitors. Organisers of the bacta event reported a large number of favourable comments about the high calibre of visitors, many of whom were buyers who had travelled from overseas.
The show had a slightly different look and feel from previous years, with a wealth of exciting new products from exhibitors of every size. There was also an increase in first-time exhibitors, mainly technology businesses, adding an exciting new dimension to the show.
EAG International & VAE Chairman Martin Burlin commented: “There is no doubt that this year’s show had a particularly polished and business-like feel. Some commented that they felt after 10 years the show had ‘come of age.’ For us, the most rewarding comments were those about buyers having a genuine appetite to commit; if you come to EAG with the right products, you will do well,” assured Martin.
This point was echoed by Electrocoin’s Kevin Weir: “Redemption continues to grow but to succeed you have to have the right products and that’s what we’ve delivered. A very good show,” confirmed Kevin.
With regard to visitor numbers, Martin revealed, “There is a rigorous process for cleansing the data and we’re still awaiting the final results. It appears promising, however, with numbers likely to be around the same as or slightly ahead of last year. In the light of current political uncertainties, this is a very positive reflection on the industry. The proportion of International visitors at 25% is also in line with last year,” continued Martin.
Bacta Chief Executive John White was very pleased with the 10th Anniversary show: “The EAG was once again a fantastic showcase for the industry. With new product and reinvented concepts the amusement machine and entertainment sector demonstrated that inexpensive fun was, is and will be, available for our customers in high quality venues up and down the UK. With strong visitor numbers, more exhibitors and a positive vibe I would argue that EAG 2019 was one of the best in its distinguished ten year history,” revealed John.
EAG International & VAE has been fortunate in attracting support from some of the industry’s most iconic companies, many of whom launch new products at the event.
Sega Amusements International’s Justin Burke confirmed, “This show is a great kick-start to the season. Our sales team has been busy and there is definitely a desire to commit. We’ve chosen EAG for the world premier of ATV Slam, an immersive motion video experience that takes racing to a whole new level.”
Ingemar Kroiss, Export Director at TAB Austria reported a strong show: “We’ve been much busier than last year and are happy with the results. We’ll be back next year,” he revealed.
At the Formula K International stand, Graham Liddle commented: “We always do good business at EAG and it’s at the right time of year. Sales of our Children’s’ Driving School Cars continue to grow.”
GeWeTe UK, Sales Manager Mark Edmundson also confirmed a positive show: ““A busy show which has delivered some great leads. Cash-Recycler has been the focus of much of the attention at the show. Its TITO capability and its contactless, multifunctional and high security capabilities are meeting the requirements of a broad cross section of the industry,” revealed Mark.
On the RLMS Sales stand, Managing Director Tony Glanville was delighted with the 10th Anniversary show, saying, “We’ve had a strong presence with new product launches. The show has brought serious buyers and they’re responding well. We’ve been delighted.”
New exhibitors fared particularly well: “This is our first year and we’ve had excellent visitors, especially from Europe. We’re still learning about the business but have done business with both operators and other exhibitors,” explained Neeraj Bhatia of Kwikpay Ltd.
First-time exhibitor Marston’s Telecoms also had a great show with Managing Director Tony Ford revealing, “We’ve had a brilliant three days! There is a real need for a gaming communications expert in this industry. As a first time exhibitor we came to increase awareness of our brand but will be leaving with a very long list of serious prospects.”
Arletta Wiencek of staff rostering specialist Planday also reported a successful first-show: “It has been Planday’s first time at the EAG Expo and it has been an enjoyable experience. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting interesting exhibitors as well as given the opportunity to showcase our software to new prospective clients. Thank you to all the organisers who have put a lot of effort into this show. It has been a success and we hope to be back next year!”
Gary Newman of Newmans Sales is no stranger to EAG International & VAE and was very happy with his new company’s first outing: “A very good first show. We’ve showcased our own brand-new products plus four exciting games from Electrocoin. The reaction has ben very positive,” revealed Gary.
An enlarged seminar programme also yielded results with higher attendance than previous years. The session with the highest attendance of all was Redemption- The Italian Mistake presented by Gioco News, certainly an endorsement of the show’s international credentials.
A specially tailored one day Foundations Entertainment University course attracted 46 attendees from the UK, UAE, Spain, Belgium, Greece, Italy, and the U.S. gathering to learn about how to grow their games and family attractions businesses. Nine Foundations University sponsors also presented short sessions (Platinum Sponsors EMBED, US Bowling, Betson and Gold Sponsors Creative Works and Galaxy Multi Rides). Frank ‘the Crank’ Seninsky, Foundations University owner, stated: “Absolutely amazing; such a large group was not anticipated. I closed the registration at 30 but people continued to register up to midnight on January 16 and there were several walk-ins.”
Speaking about the information packed day, attendee George Graham of Odyssey Bowl commented: “It helps to take a different view on one’s workplace in a lot of ways. Eye opening!!”
As a bacta owned show, EAG International & VAE exists purely for the benefit of the industry it serves. In return, the industry’s support during the show’s first 10 years has been unswerving. EAG International & VAE has emerged as a well-rounded and dynamic event, reflecting the way in which the amusements and out of home leisure industries have embraced the future.
Now, more than ever, EAG International & VAE has earned its colours as a truly unmissable start to the New Year.
Here’s to the next 10 years!
EAG International & VAE 2020 will take place at ExCel London on 14th-16th January 2020.
