With the absence this year of a German IMA trade show and the shifting of ICE’s dates into February, the EAG trade show, set for ExCel, London, on January 22-24, is happily using the slogan "The only January Show” with justification.

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The exhibition, says show director Martin Burlin, is full, despite the general downturn in the UK and European amusements industry and the number of exhibitors is actually up on last year.

“Some of the bigger companies are utilising smaller stands,” he said, “but generally we are delighted with the turnout and in some sectors the representation is increasing.”

They include softplay, notably, which he said was showing a marked increase in exhibitors over previous years.

“The strength of the show is in its ability to develop within the whole leisure industry.”

There is also a gratifying number of trade organisations choosing to hold meetings at the event. They include the Independent Operators’ Association and organisations such as Holiday Park Management, which also illustrated the broadening base of the exhibition.