Entertainment, Attractions & Gaming Expo Europe (EAG), the premier event for the international entertainment, attractions, and gaming industries, has announced that Kate Nicholls OBE, chair of UKHospitality, will join the lineup of experts at the 2026 event.
Nicholls has been a leading advocate for the sector since the launch of UKHospitality in 2018, and brings unparalleled industry experience and expertise.
She will contribute to the panel at EAG’s popular Pub Summit, exploring the latest trends, problems and possibilities affecting the on-trade.
This will include the role of pay-to-play gaming, music and entertainment equipment in boosting visitor numbers, retaining customers, and providing vital revenue streams for PubCos and licensees.
EAG Expo, incorporating the Social Immersive Entertainment (SIE) Expo and the London Casino and Gaming Show, will take place at Excel London from 13 to 15 January 2026. Registration is now open.
Expert insights
Nick Harding, EAG Expo chairman, says: "Kate served as CEO of UKHospitality before moving to the role of Chair. During the Covid lockdowns, she served as a powerful voice representing the industry to government and has been a progressive advocate for the broadly based hospitality sector, which encompasses venues including pubs, piers, amusement parks, attractions, AGCs and FECs.
"She sits on the Government’s Tourism, Hospitality, and Food & Drink Sector Councils, and is also the Chair of the Institute of Licensing, a board member of Best Bar None, and a trustee of Hospitality Action and Springboard.
"Prior to joining UKHospitality, she worked as CEO and Strategic Affairs Director of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR).
"The Pub Summit is one of the most popular educational and networking events at EAG and represents another reason for more industry professionals to attend the exhibition and access the 100+ exhibitors on the show floor.
"The participation of tier 1 thought leaders such as Kate Nicholls and the represent a major endorsement of the growing influence and reputation enjoyed by EAG Expo and the co-located Social Immersive Entertainment Expo and the London Casino and Gaming Show."
The EAG Expo team has also recently announced the appointment of the Gamechangers Organisation to curate the SIE Expo speaker and educational programme.
Gamechangers Organisation is the membership body for the competitive socialising sector and will bring its expert insights, contacts, and network to the event.
See also: Spotlight on SIE: How SingPods boosted business at EAG Expo
The full seminar programme for EAG Expo, SIE Expo and the London Casino and Gaming Show will be announced soon. This will feature short, business-critical sessions designed to offer delegates actionable takeaways that complement the show floor experience.
Earlier this month, EAG announced that Rilix, creator of the plug-and-play VR Rilix Coaster, will make its SIE Expo debut in January.
