As exhibitors from Europe returned to their bases from the big Middle East trade show in Dubai, they were able to comment on the outcome.
Steve Bryant, international sales manager at LAI Games, said: “DEAL is a valuable part of the exhibition calendar. We were able to assist and support the excellent distributor we have there, ASI, and meet with international customers from the UK, Turkey, Belgium, Spain and Kazakhstan.”
He was not worried about the move to a new hall within the World Trade Centre complex. “It didn’t seem to deter attendees,” he said, “although with a much bigger floor space it was difficult to judge whether the show was busier than the previous year.”
Bryant was also not worried about the proposed move to new dates at the end of March next year (March 28-30). “I see little issue as long as the dates don’t clash with any other event.”
A positive reaction also came from Mark Horwood at UDC, a major exhibitor in his own right. “The show was good. It went smoothly and the organisation was excellent. We found orders were strong; customers were spending money.”
Horwood also found the new hall “no issue.” He added: “Serious buyers sought it out and this was reflected in orders. As for next year’s dates, they are a little close to the India show and the AMOA in Texas, but it is what it is.”
He did take issue with the timings of the event, however. Horwood felt that it was “pointless” to remain open until 7pm when the hall was empty and it impacted the exhibitors’ ability to entertain in the evenings. He felt a 6pm finish time would be better. Similarly, the 5pm closure on the final day was also a waste. “It should have closed at 4pm,” he said.
The pictures show Steve Bryant with the new version of the High Five redemption game and Mark Horwood (left) with Eric Verstraeten of Elaut and the oversized X-Treme crane built by the Belgian company.
