Swan Events’ post-EAG report has lauded its 2020 London showpiece as a show with “high levels of optimism and positivity.”
“The level of energy at this year’s EAG International was almost palpable,” said the organiser’s Karen Cooke, “with many exhibitors and visitors going out of their way to confirm to us that they had an enjoyable and productive show.
“With a balance of new technology and the latest releases of traditional favourites, I think it’s fair to say that the show can guarantee innovative products and business tools for every out-of-home leisure and entertainment business,” she said.
New stand-alone immersive entertainment experiences were a strong feature of the three-day run, as seen on the stand of Holovis which reported a positive experience. “It was a fantastic show,” said communications manager Emily Burrows. “We’re surprised how international EAG is. We’ve seen a lot of operators who are ready to leap immersive and interactive entertainment in order to stay at the top.”
Cashless payments solutions were also very much in evidence, with more than a dozen exhibitors demonstrating the latest integrated products. There was much interest in secure cashless payments app YALP, developed by Game Payment Technology, an initiative between BACTA and Polar Moments. Financial compliance director for GPT John Rozek commented: “EAG International is a very busy and diverse show and it’s also great fun.
“We chose the 2020 show for the official launch of YALP. The appetite for it has been immense, driven by the decline in the use of cash. The product is comprehensive and robust and addresses many challenges that the pub and amusements markets are facing; it has brought about a new confidence,” he said.
Kwikpay CEO and founder Neeraj Bhatia said: “It was a really good show. Last year was our first time and we’ve had a lot of general discussions. This year operators returned for more in-depth conversations and we’re receiving commitments.”
The market for redemption games and systems continued to grow, with visitors treated to a huge array of imaginative new games, plus new takes on traditional carnival favourites.
Instance Automatics reported a successful show, with sales executive James Sweeney explaining: “This is our largest show for new machine launches with 13 debuting at EAG this year. We’ve had great feedback from buyers and saw more European visitors at this year’s show.”
Supporting the redemption boom with its range of plush and prize merchandise, Whitehouse Leisure again had a large presence at the show. Managing director Phil Setter reported a busy three days on each of its three stands. “EAG International has always been a good show for us and this year was ahead of last. We were kept extremely busy with quality customers for the entire duration.
“With redemption continuing to grow, we’ve invested heavily in our own retail quality products and this year was the busiest ever for our redemption stand.”
EAG International chairman Martin Burlin said: “EAG 2020 had a great feel about it. The number of exhibitors I spoke to confirmed that they were very pleased with the quality of the visitors, who were placing orders. I also received a number of positive comments on the new branding.
“Conveniently positioned at the beginning of the new year, EAG is regarded by many as an indicator of industry confidence. If they’re correct, it looks as though we might be in for a very good year.”
Next year’s event will take place at ExCeL London from January 12-14.
