With the annual Euromat Summit scheduled for June 4-6, president Jason Frost is promising a very different event from previous years.
Traditionally the event has been a pan-European gathering of the associations representing land-based gaming and amusements, along with regulators and policy makers.
“Previous summits have proved extremely productive but there is no doubt that the event has acquired something of a reputation for exclusivity,” said Frost. “The landscape of gaming and amusements is shifting and we’re confronting many new challenges. Ultimately, many of the solutions will rest with equipment manufacturers and operators.
“It’s really important, therefore, that the summit becomes more inclusive and that all facets of the industry are represented. The event will provide the perfect opportunity for those at the sharpend to meet regulators and legislators face-to-face in a relaxed and informal environment.”
In a major step towards a more inclusive environment Euromat has opened a corporate membership category, designed to allow members to input into policy recommendations made to the EU and other European institutions, as well as benefiting from alerts and insight into legal and regulatory issues.
One of the original corporate members, JVH Gaming, confirms that membership has been very rewarding, with CEO Eric Olders commenting: “International cooperation and consolidation is becoming increasingly important in the land-based gaming market.
“Our Euromat membership helps us in obtaining a more international perspective. The network creates an opportunity for international learning and cooperation. Furthermore, the international knowledge, expertise and size of Euromat is very much welcomed in our local lobby efforts as well.”
In addition to being updated on the latest legal developments, manufacturers and other summit participants will also have the opportunity to engage with several European regulators. A fresh new format sees the summit devoting an entire day to social responsibility, including self-exclusion, technology and problem gambling.
Also new for 2018, amusements will have their own focus, with a session exploring potential opportunities for redemption in the French market. With an eye on the future, technology will feature highly on the 2018 agenda, with particular emphasis on the case for alternative payment options.
Speaking about commercial opportunities created by the summit, Frost said: “At recent trade expos we’ve seen some truly revolutionary developments in payment technology. We have a limited amount of space for product demonstrations and it’s my hope that some manufacturers will seize this opportunity to introduce their products to a highly influential audience.”
The location for the summit will be the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort, located on its own peninsula within Monte Carlo. “This year we are reaching out to a wider gaming and amusements community and we wanted to offer them something truly memorable,” said Frost. “A programme of cocktail receptions, lunches and a gala dinner at one of Monaco’s most iconic venues will add to the compelling business arguments for attending.”
