With 2015 just around the corner, InterGame looks ahead to January’s EAG International at London’s ExCeL, one of the most important events on the industry’s calendar. Here’s our guide to everything EAG…
AWPs
The decision by the UK government to review stakes and prizes brought a raft of new Category C AWPs to the UK market, many of which were shown for the first time at EAG International in January. It is a sector that has attracted major investment in recent years, prompting UK-based manufacturers to dedicate significant resources to the design and development of the next generation of machines. At the 2015 edition of the event, visitors can expect to see the latest and greatest AWP products from the likes of Astra Games, Crown Leisure, Electrocoin, Reflex Gaming and RLMS.
BACTA
The voice of the British amusement industry and the organiser of the EAG International show, BACTA represents manufacturers, suppliers and operators across the industry spectrum. With the organisation at the helm, each year the show ensures that it fulfils its objective of being “for the industry, by the industry.” BACTA’s efforts to champion the industry have brought key issues into the public eye and, crucially, to the attention of the UK’s policymakers. It offers advice and information on a range of matters, alongside training programmes and support, to actively engage with its members.
Coin-op
Although traditionally the name of this industry, coin-op is no longer an adequate description of the myriad businesses that fall under that particular banner. Today’s amusement operations feature a host of different attractions, many no longer solely operated by coins but by debit card systems, mobile and online payments, tickets, etc. EAG is a true representation of this broader pay-to-play amusement sector – a sector that now reaches out to a wider audience than ever before.
DLR
If you’re heading to ExCeL for the show, you’re more than likely to find yourself on the Dockland Light Railway, part of London’s Tube system, at some point. From central London, the Jubilee Line is the quickest route to the venue. Alighting at Canning Town to change onto the DLR bound for Beckton will get you to Custom House, the closest station to ExCeL. The route can get very busy, especially during major events, so allow plenty of time to get to and from your hotel…
ExCeL
London’s premiere exhibition venue, ExCel plays host to a variety of events, from huge international exhibitions and conferences, to association meetings, product launches, banquets, award ceremonies and sporting events. Designed for purpose, it is highly accessible for exhibitors and, given the myriad of transport links available, for visitors too. It’s also a short journey – or cable car ride – from the O2, one of the capital’s most popular entertainment venues.
Fox Bar
Home of the legendary EAG First Night Party, and just a stone’s throw from the expo floor, Fox Bar is where over 1,000 show-goers will gather for great food, drink and live music. It’s the perfect place to unwind and spend time with friends after a busy day. Tickets will be available from exhibitors’ stands. Dancing optional!
Greenwich
London’s Docklands area may not appeal to everyone’s tastes - especially in winter – but who could fail to be charmed by one of London’s most popular areas, Greenwich. Home to a World Heritage Site, the city’s oldest Royal Park and the iconic Cutty Sark, Greenwich has something for everyone. The area boasts a variety of restaurants to suit every budget, independent and designer shops and a host of museums. Oh, and the view across London from the Royal Observatory is simply not to be missed. Jump on the DLR or the Emirates Skyline to get there.
Hotels
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, we will all need one! ExCeL has seven on-site hotels with another four within walking distance; that’s 2,051 rooms. Nearby Canary Wharf has a further five hotels offering a total of 1,400 more. Some of EAG’s visitors opt to stay further afield in Greenwich, Westminster or the area around Tower Hill and St Katharine Docks – yacht berths are by arrangement! Either way, you’ll still be only 20 minutes from the UK’s definitive coin-op and amusement event. For competitive room rates and the ability to make changes without penalties, contact Event Express, the show’s accommodation and hotels partner, via www.eagexpo.com
InterGame
Once again, the InterGame team will be heading to the event in January, getting the latest breaking news, product launches and a fair bit of gossip from the show floor! Drop by our booth for a chat or, at the very least, a comfortable seat and some refreshments.
Jukeboxes
The way we listen to music has changed dramatically over the years and, thanks to innovative companies such as Sound Leisure and NSM, so too have jukeboxes. Today, operators have a host of digital technologies at their disposal to tap into rich sources of income from music and seemingly limitless libraries of songs to offer their customers. Be sure to check out the latest touchscreen and mobile app-based solutions from the sector’s biggest players at the show.
Kiddie rides
Alongside pushers and cranes, kiddie rides are staples of the amusement experience. The likes of Jolly Roger, Northern Leisure and SB Machines are pioneering the ongoing development of rides, creating immersive and engaging experiences for the youngest of riders to enjoy. Combined with powerful, revenue-driving licensed brands, these new technologies ensure that the kiddie ride is still an essential addition to any amusement location. Look out for some exciting new product launches at the show in January.
London
The UK’s capital is among the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world, attracting visitors in their millions every year. It is also one of the most accessible cities, served by five airports – London City Airport, Stanstead, Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton. Once here, you can immerse yourself in the history of the metropolis, enjoy a show in the West End, dine at any one of a number of world-class restaurants or even cheer on one of London’s Premier League football teams. Sure, EAG is about doing business, but why not have a bit of fun exploring what London has to offer too?
Manufacturers and distributors
From the very beginning, EAG has attracted the industry’s leading names and those major manufacturers and distributors have contributed to the event’s success over the years and remain key supporters. Each year also brings new companies to the show, either in partnership with established distributors or with their own stands. It is not a surprise to find someone who only walked the floor in a previous year to have taken their own booth at the show on the strength of that experience. A strong show can set the agenda for the rest of the year and establish a company within some of the most important territories in the international amusement marketplace.
New products
The creation of EAG International continued a long tradition of an amusement and gaming show held in London in January. And maintaining that place on the calendar is important. Although the English weather isn’t much to write home about at that time of year, the show itself is certainly worthy of more than a paragraph or two. Much of that lies in the fact that the majority of exhibitors gear their production cycle towards the show, meaning visitors can experience a plethora of previously unseen products. It kicks off the year in fine style, whatever the weather.
One-stop-shop
EAG provides an ideal shop window for just about every segment of the amusement business, whether you run an adult gaming centre, bingo hall, seaside arcade, FEC, bowling centre or any other type of leisure venue. From AWPs to cranes, jukeboxes to video games, EAG brings together suppliers from across the board under one roof. There are few more compelling arguments for attending a trade event.
Plush
You have to have your finger on the pulse in the prizes game and there will be several companies on hand at the show confident that their range of licensed products will catch the next pop culture wave. Electronic gadgets have become far more commonplace in cranes and prize merchandisers and behind the redemption counter, thanks to the cost of such items falling below the UK’s £50 prize value limit. Plush, however, remains a big part of the business. It’s always fun to see the toys that may well become the big blockbuster hits of the summer.
Quality visitors
From an exhibitor’s perspective, a trade show is only as good as the visitors that attend it. EAG has worked hard to bring an international audience to ExCeL and has largely succeeded. Of course there is always a strong European contingent, but visitors also fly in from further afield, ensuring that the show lives up to its title. Each year exhibitors speak of the quality of those in attendance and of the business they do both at the show and in the subsequent months.
Rays of Sunshine
In 2012, BACTA’s Charitable Trust began working with children’s charity Rays of Sunshine, helping to raise funds to grant wishes for some of the most deserving young people in the UK. The charity aims to bring hope and happiness to seriously ill children aged three to 18. The industry helps to raise thousands of pounds throughout the year, beginning with fundraising at EAG. It is a truly worthwhile cause.
Seminars
For 2015, EAG will be hosting an impressive seminar and education programme. Organised by the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions and covering a range of highly topical subjects, the sessions will be presented by leading industry personalities. BALPPA’s training and educational events have an excellent reputation and are the source of practical and useful information for many a business.
Ticket redemption
The UK may have been late to the party, but ticket redemption is now one of the fastest growing segments of the business, which is reflected at EAG each year by the sheer number of new titles brought to the market. International game developers will be on hand to showcase their latest innovations, many of which combine both mechanical and video elements to create exciting new challenges for players. Elsewhere around the world, redeeming armfuls of tickets for prizes has proven to be central to the expansion of the industry into new territories and its appeal looks unlikely to diminish any time soon.
Up to 5,000 visitors
As many as 5,000 visitors attend the three-day show each year, making it by far the largest UK event dedicated to the pay-to-play amusements sector. Large enough to attract the crowds, yet not too big as to become inaccessible and impersonal, the event strikes the right balance.
Visitor Attraction Expo
EAG’s new neighbour and a completely new event supporting the wider attractions sector, including amusements parks, zoos, piers and every type of static attraction. VAE will have something for operators of every style of facility, from theme parks to farm attractions. The event is free to enter and open to the entire industry. The show will take place alongside EAG International on January 13-15, with visitors being able to pass freely between the two events using a single badge. To register for this exciting new event visit www.attractionsexpo.com
Worldwide
Karen Cooke and her Swan Events team have been spotted at industry events around the world throughout the last year, meeting with key international exhibitors and spreading the word about January’s EAG expo. Rather than just a UK-focused show, it brings together visitors and exhibiting companies from far and wide.
Xpert opinions
Okay, we cheated a little… But the point is still valid! Whether it’s the exhibiting companies themselves or the speakers at the show’s seminars, EAG brings together the industry’s most experienced and knowledgeable personalities.
Young and old
The January show is an excellent opportunity for the industry to get together, whether experienced industry figures with decades of experience, or those brand new to the business. EAG at ExCeL provides a place to discuss new ideas and revisit old ones. As many prove, when it comes to this business, though, age is just a state of mind…
Zzzz - no time to sleep!
It’s a busy three days (and nights!) and an ideal way for the industry to start the new year.
