This year’s European Attractions Show comes to a close in Paris today, with many exhibitors having welcomed the diversity of the visitors it attracts.
Spread across two halls at the vast Port de Versailles Convention Centre, this year’s EAS comprises exhibitors from across the entertainment and leisure industry spectrum, with pay-to-play amusements sitting alongside theme park, water park and an array of other types of attractions.
Inevitably there are products that cross over these market segments, hence the fact that so many leading coin-op manufacturers are here, such as Namco, Sega and LAI Games. The demand for systems technology has also attracted Embed, Intercard, Sacoa and Semnox – each of which has strong standing in the FEC and amusement park businesses.
Most exhibitors InterGame spoke with have been pleased with the event and the number of potential customers that have passed through the halls. Interestingly, the event attracts a great number of Europe’s travelling showmen who are seeking both rides and coin-op amusement equipment.
Having said that, opinion is divided over whether the timing of the show, which positions it between the Asian Attractions Show and only two months ahead of the IAAPA show in Florida, US, means most visitors are waiting to see the new product launches in November. Some suggested that a combination of the economic situation in much of Europe and the fact that many of these new products are being held back for Orlando means few visitors are in a buying mood.
Others argued, however, that EAS provides an opportunity to reach out to those clients that would not be attending IAAPA in November and so deals were in fact being done.
Generally, EAS has been well received and busy throughout its first two days. Although today is expected to be a great deal quieter, overall it seems attendance has been on a par with previous editions of the show.
Next year the event moves to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
