Januarys London Shows Deliver Strong Performances Registration Tops 5000

LONDON -- The producers of the European Amusement and Gaming International Expo report that this year's event continued to meet the expectations of exhibitors. Sponsored by the British Amusement Catering Trade Association, EAG was once again held in conjunction with the Visitor Attraction Expo sponsored by the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions. Both associations reported hearing positive responses from their operator members and exhibitors.

The total number of unique visits at this year's EAG and VAE held at the London Exhibition and Convention Centre (ExCeL) in mid-January was 5,236 -- almost identical to the number of registrants for last year's show. However, EAG's total attendance, when counting visitors who attended on more than one day, increased over last year. "This means that visitors are finding more value from the show and investing time during their visit," said Karen Cooke of Swan Events Ltd. (Harpenden, England), the management company that produces EAG.

"We're particularly pleased that, in spite of uncertainties in several European markets, the percentage of international visitors to EAG and VAE has increased, at a time when our exhibitors are emphasizing the importance of overseas buyers," Cooke added.

The shows' attendance trends, according to Cooke, underscore their positions as important fixtures on the amusements and attractions industry calendar, a view echoed by many of EAG's exhibitors.

"Richard Monk of Aztec Coin Equipment, a first-time exhibitor, said EAG was a "fantastic showcase" for ACE's new Fireball digital gaming unit. "People needed to touch and see the product. We had a great stand position and we've received a lot of orders; I wish we'd done it sooner."

London-based Soundnet, a jukebox music provider that was acquired by TouchTunes, is another proponent of EAG's value. "We've managed to spend quality time demonstrating product to customers and have done great business," reported Soundnet's James Luck. "For us, the show is well worth it."

Cheers were also heard in the aisles of VAE. First-time exhibitor Rhian Gordon, regional director of Espresso Essential, reported, "This is the most eclectically successful show we've ever done. We've had leads from across the board."

The first EAG was staged in 2000. It succeeded the Amusement Trades Exhibition International, whose focal shift from amusements to gambling led to its being swallowed up by the International Casino Exhibition, which is held annually in February.

The 2017 stagings of EAG International Expo and the Visitor Attraction Expo will take place from Jan. 17 to 19 at the ExCel.

PHOTO:The ExCel London exhibition center in the historic Royal Docks area hosted this year's EAG from Jan. 12 to 14.