Official EAG International visitor numbers have shown solid support from the international coin-op amusement and gaming industry.
According to the event's organisers, internationals made up 31 per cent of the total number of visitors, covering all the key regions, most notably Italy, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Poland and the Netherlands. There were also healthy numbers from south-east Asia, the US and Africa.
While total footfall for the three days was 7,006, an increase on last year's 6,691, the number of unique, individual visitors dropped by 267 from 5,600 in 2011 to 5,333 this year.
Commenting on the attendance, EAG International Expo chairman Martin Burlin said: "We've taken some time to carry out a highly detailed analysis prior to releasing these figures; they contain some very important messages about the show. Over 31 per cent of visitors were operators of coastal and inland arcades, a sector which, in this country, has borne the brunt of a difficult economic climate and punitive legislative proposals. The large turn-out from this core sector is a tribute to its tenacity and resilience. Bowling centres, licensed premises, FECs, indoor play facilities and holiday parks were well represented, as were theme parks and attractions, reflecting the support of BALPPA for the show.
"Attendance by BACTA members was up and this year we also enjoyed an influx of BALPPA members. I'm very pleased to report that we've received many favourable comments from exhibitors about the show's organisation and the standard of facilities at Excel.
"Ultimately a show is judged on whether it attracts buyers and the level of business taking place. Our post show visitor research has highlighted the importance placed on EAG International as a place to see and engage with new products. Over 60 per cent of those taking part in the research indicated that they would be making a purchase decision as a result of seeing products on show at this year's EAG International Expo."
EAG International 2013 is once again scheduled to take place at London's ExCel exhibition centre and will run from January 22-24.
Click here to read InterGame's report from this year's EAG International.
