International expo EAG will go ahead in 2021 and the organisers, UK trade association BACTA, are currently looking at three dates in January, February and May.
The association is the owner of the exhibition and its Division 4, comprising the manufacturers and suppliers of machines, comprise the majority of the exhibitors. The division met to talk over the present Covid-19 crisis and how it may affect the show.
Martin Burlin, who heads up the organisation of the show on behalf of the association, using the management company Swan Events to put it together on behalf of BACTA, told InterGame yesterday: “There was a strong desire within the division to hold an event.
“There was the expected difference of emphasis that you would expect from companies for whom the Easter holiday dates are a critical time, and those not affected in the same way. Getting a show and its selling potential in January is important for some of the manufacturers who would need to get the orders filled ready for the holiday season.
“A number of dates were discussed for the show, held at the ExCeL venue in London’s Docklands, including an alternative for late January, another for February and one for May. Each had their supporters.
“The problem for us all is that no-one knows a few weeks ahead just how the pandemic is going to affect things. The final conclusion is that the January 12-14 dates remain in place, but a decision one way or the other should be made soon."
