The Amusement Industry's EAG International 2016 Exhibition

Peter White chats to Karen Cook Owner Swan Events 

With the countdown to EAG 2016 is very much underway how was the 2015 earlier this year?

Preparations for EAG 2016 are progressing well and the outlook is for another significant event. EAG 2016 occupies its traditional dates in the calendar taking place will take place from 12th-14th January.

EAG International is now an established event in a mature market attracting buyer and specifiers from all over the world.  As you would expect the UK represents a large section of the audience but EAG is exceptional in attracting over 25% of buyers from some 60 countries around the world. After the UK, the countries with most visitors were Italy, Republic of Ireland, France, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Greece, Netherlands but we welcome guests from as far afield as Iceland, Korea and even the Faroe Islands.

‘What’s new’ for the 2016 show?

What has become clear over the past few years is that there is less demarcation between the various sectors within our industry. Many of EAG’s exhibitors and indeed its visitors are active across Coin-Op, Attractions, Amusements and also Vending. This trend led in 2015 to the launch of the new Visitor Attraction Expo to run alongside EAG.  The Visitor Attraction Expo, presented by BALPPA in conjunction with EAG, will appeal to owners, managers, suppliers and developers of leisure parks, piers, zoos, indoor play and static attractions.

For 2016 we will be consolidating this co location and building on the value that it represents for both exhibitors and visitors.  Visitors will be able to move freely between the VAE and EAG with the convenience of a single badge and both EAG and VAE will share an enhanced programme of seminars and educational events, hosted by prominent industry figures and reflecting current hot topics.

What message would you like to communicate to the Bingo Industry as to why EAG 2015 is a must attend event.

Many of EAG’s exhibitors already cater to the bingo industry. Products on display and of interest to bingo operators will include all categories of AWPs, cash handling technology, terminals, vending and a variety of business management systems.

As the first, major, international event of the industry calendar, many companies use the show as a platform to announce and display new and enhanced products.  The ability to view and test so many leading products in one place at one time is what continues to make EAG a must-attend event and the fact the a major January show for the amusement and coin-op industry has taken place in January, in London since 1936 is testament to the importance of this date.

How many manufacture’s and suppliers can visitors expect to see at the 2016 exhibition?

As well as the companies whose names appear on the Hall Plan, many exhibitors are agents, distributors and representatives of a wide range of companies from around the world.  Our analysis shows that visitors can comfortably expect to see products and services from more than 180 organisations.

How can one book their attendance at the EAG 2014 Show?

Attendees can register for badges quickly and easily at the EAG website – www.eagexpo.com

Attendance to both EAG & VAE is FREE with a single badge.

VAE Visitor Attraction Expo can you explain more about that area of expansion of the show?

As mentioned above the co location Of VAE with EAG International follows an increasing trend for operation across sectors which have historically been more sharply defined.  Many operators are now active across Coin-Op, Attractions, Amusements and also Vending, so the opportunity to fulfil all these requirements at a single event is paramount to the development of our industry.

Do you provide discounted offers on hotel accommodation for attendees if so how can one locate that information?

We have appointed a specialist event accommodations service, “Event Express” who has negotiated some extremely attractive rates with a range of hotels covering all budgets.  It may be possible to find cheaper rates online but these often have very harsh terms and conditions and allow no flexibility or cancellation.  By using Event Express you can be assured of good, service and greater security with your hotel bookings.

How is planning and preparation going for the 2016 event?

The show is progressing well.  Exhibitor sales are well advanced and visitor registrations are where we would wish them.

What is your approach to dealing with what must be an extremely busy time of year for you and your team in what must be one of Europe’s biggest exhibitions?

The Team that organises EAG has more than 30 years experience of running major events all over the world and has been working together for nearly 20 years.  Of course, an event of this size requires well proven procedures and discipline but we try very hard to ensure that the service we provide remains a personal one and that each exhibitor can speak to us directly with the certainty that we will deal with their requests quickly and efficiently.  T is this focus on “personal service” that makes EAG stand out.

And finally what are some of your hopes and expectations for the Bingo industry at the 2016 EAG Show.

Historically, the bingo Industry had always been a significant part of the London events and remains so to this day.   We continue to do everything within our power to ensure that operators and specifiers will feel welcome at the show and that they will have the opportunity to see the latest and the best products available to them.  We wish them a Happy New Year and a profitable and enjoyable visit the EAG International.