The first EAG Expo, held at London's ExCel exhibition centre at the end of January, attracted just under 5,000 visitors across three days, according to the show's organisers.

International visitors made up 40 per cent of the 4,902 trade visitors there to see everything that the coin-op amusement industry has to offer - from AWPs and cash handling equipment to children’s rides and redemption, to video games, plush, novelty and more, organisers’ and exhibitors’ expectations were exceeded.

Neil Chinn, president of BACTA, commented: "Despite the economic pressures we have received very solid feedback from all our exhibitors, all claiming the right quality audience with genuine interest.

"The visitors have also been vocal in their delight to have an amusement show focusing entirely on their needs. The fact that we have attracted so many to our first event bodes well for the future as the show becomes more established."

Martin Burlin, chairman of the organising committee, added: "There is no doubt that EAG Expo delivered on every front. Fantasitc products, great stands an audience that has shown more commitment and intent than has seen in years."

At the same time, ATEI, which has traditionally always been ‘the’ London exhibition to attend for coin-op amusements, released its attendance figures for this year’s show, which came in at 3,012 across the three days.

EAG exhibitor comments:

Justin Burke, Sega Amusements Europe: "Great show! We have had domestic, international and new business at this inaugural show. Visitors are telling us they liked the venue and I must praise the fantastic efforts of the organisers. Sega is looking forward to EAG 2011 at ExCel for an even bigger and better show."

Kevin Weir , Electrocoin: "I am absolutely delighted with the attendance - the quality of people here has been spot on and they appear to be here to buy. From an exhibitor’s point of view, the set-up was the easiest I’ve ever experienced; it’s been a delight and we couldn’t have asked for more."

Colin Mallery, Harry Levy Amusements: "EAG Expo was the best exhibition we have had for at least three years and we will definitely be back for 2011."

Chris Bell, Amutec: "As far as we are concerned we have had a great show."

Ian Pawson, AMG: "Overall as a company we are very pleased with the event. We had a great two days. The venue is excellent and the organisers have done very well."

Barrie Knight, Coin Direct: "We have been tremendously surprised. We’ve made contact with a lot of new customers, as well as old. This is a fantastic venue, the presentation has been great and for us it’s been a very, very positive show."

Simon Barff, Coinmetrics: "This is a very impressive venue; we’ve had tremendous quality as far as the visitors are concerned and there aren’t too many tyre kickers walking about."