Planners Fine-Tune Schedule For 2016 European Amusement and Gaming Expo

LONDON -- Planning is under way for the 2016 presentation of the European Amusement and Gaming International Expo. Cosponsored by the British Amusement Catering Trade Association and the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions, next year's amusement trade show is schedule for Jan. 12 through 14.

Building on the success of this year's EAG, the 2016 staging will collocate BALPPA's Visitor Attraction Expo with the EAG International Expo. The combined event will return to the Exhibition Centre London (ExCeL) in the historic Docklands district.

The EAG International Expo made its debut in 2010, organized by Swan Events Ltd. (Harpenden, England). "From the outset, BACTA wanted to ensure that EAG was 'a show for the industry by the industry,'" said Swan's Karen Cooke. "This has differentiated it from other events. We spend a great deal of time listening to the wishes and suggestions of exhibitors, visitors and others from within the industry."

Conducted through structured working groups and also informally, this research underpins exposition planning. So EAG's 2016 scheduling has been fine-tuned. The event will open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 12 and 13; the traditional after-show party, held at the Fox At ExCel bar and restaurant outside the western entrance to the convention center, is set for Wednesday at 6 p.m. Show hours on Thursday, Jan. 14, are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cooke reported that moving the post-exhibit event to Wednesday evening is expected to enhance networking opportunities, and allow showgoers to relax and enjoy drinks and canapés after two full days of business.

BACTA is the principal trade association for the amusement and gaming machine industry in the UK, representing a wide spectrum of recreational services. BALPPA represents owners, managers, suppliers and developers of static attractions, including family entertainment centers, parks, piers and zoos.

Information on exhibiting at or attending the 2016 EAG International Expo is available at eagexpo.com.