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Technology to take centre stage at EAG Expo as land-based industry comes together under one roof
Technology will have a starring role at this year’s EAG Expo, with organisers emphasising its defining influence on the development of out-of-home entertainment. According to Nick Harding, Chairman of EAG, the show’s ‘Under One Roof’ strategy reflects the industry's adoption of connected, tech-driven experiences.
Harding said the approach of bringing together three interlinked sectors of entertainment and gaming in a single venue provides show visitors with access to a wider spectrum of innovation and commercial opportunity. EAG features the long-established amusements exhibition at its core, the SIE Expo highlighting the fast-expanding competitive socialising sector, and the London Casino and Gaming Show, which showcases products for both domestic and European street gaming and casino markets.
“By uniting these sectors, we’re giving visitors a time-efficient, joined-up platform that sets the business tone for the year ahead,” Harding explained. He added that the industry’s historical tendency to operate in silos is now outdated: “It’s naïve to believe that the component parts of the out-of-home entertainment sectors can’t learn from one another when we’re all focused on delivering compelling, fun leisure experiences” he confirmed.
The evolution is visible throughout the leisure entertainment ecosystem and is evident in immersive game design, smart technology and an elevated food-and-beverage offer. “Operators are proving that when you enhance a simple activity with storytelling and atmosphere, you create something that resonates deeply with modern consumers and consequently delivers commercially,” Harding said.
With innovation driving every corner of the sector, technology remains a key draw for EAG visitors. Harding noted that the industry has long been an early adopter of emerging tech stating: “January’s co-located shows will present the latest advancements across Cat C and B3 machines, payments systems, immersive video, music, casino equipment and much, much more. EAG visitors can be assured that they’ll see the newest iterations of entertainment equipment across the board.”
The SIE Expo will further spotlight technologies powering immersive experiences tailored to Gen Z, a demographic defined by its appetite for experience-based leisure. From karaoke pods and shuffleboard to interactive darts, axe-throwing and boutique bowling, operators are innovating to meet demand. Nick Harding concluded: “With leisure budgets under pressure, consumers expect a compelling experience and that’s why the solutions that will be shown at EAG, SIE Expo and the London Casino and Gaming Show are so important to operators and the performance of their venues.”