The weather might have been typically British on Wednesday, but it didn't dampen spirits as the Park Avenue Open Day pulled in the crowds from the coin-op amusement industry for another year.
All our pictures from the day can now be viewed here.
Electrocoin showcased two new products from Taito. Commenting on the day itself, Kevin Weir told InterGame: “The quality of people that have visited has been great; we’ve seen so many senior representatives from the pub groups as well as national and independent operators. In previous years we have always had a small number make the trip to Park Avenue, but this year is totally different. I think concern regarding the future of analogue Cat C product has influenced the attendance, but we are totally committed to producing analogue games going forward for the pub sector and the support that we receiving for this commitment is excellent.
However, the representation from the arcade sector has been equally impressive with many senior company personnel in attendance. To summarise, we have had excellent turnout from all corners of the industry.”
“The long-term benefits of holding the open day are tremendous. It is a captive audience and by inviting other suppliers in the industry we increase the pull…we are realistic about not just having Electrocoin product on show.”
One of the big hits of the day was Gamewax’s Go Go Grand Prix, which Electrocoin now has the exclusive distribution rights for in Europe. “We’ve today taken confirmed orders for this so we’re really pleased,” continued Weir. “Real Puncher, which will be for next year’s season has also had some positive feedback.
Electrocoin’s next stop will be the EAS show taking place in September in London. Weir told InterGame that while the show will provide some great opportunities for new contacts and to showcase new product, he hopes UK pub retailers look past the wide array of exhibitors and realise the benefit of attending the show.
Neighbours United Distributing Company also had a successful day with good business done throughout the day, according to Derek Horwood. The distributor had an interesting mix of product on show and received "interesting comments from customers."
"Billy Edwards from Southsea noted we had an impressive line-up of games aimed at the seaside arcade market," Horwood told InterGame. "And he was pleased with what he saw, underlining his opinion of where FEC operators are heading."
