Entertainment, Attractions & Gaming International Expo, the premier event for the international entertainment, attractions & gaming industries, is celebrating the success of this year’s show.
EAG International Expo 2020 took place at London’s ExCel from 14 – 16 January. Attendees enjoyed a range of seminars, networking events and a huge trade show floor showcasing the latest attractions technology.
The show ushered in a new decade with a sense of optimism and positivity, thanks to a fresh new feel and a huge variety of exhibitors.
An appetite for investment
Organiser Karen Cooke says: “The level of energy at this year’s EAG International was almost palpable, 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.”
This year’s event featured new stand-alone immersive entertainment experiences on show from several exhibitors, such as leading experience designer Holovis. The company’s Communications Manager, Emily Burrows, says it was: “A fantastic show! We’re surprised how international EAG is. We’ve seen a lot of operators who are ready to take the leap into immersive and interactive entertainment in order to stay at the top.”
Cashless solutions
Another key trend in evidence at EAG International Expo 2020 was cashless payment. Over 12 exhibitors were showcasing the latest integrated products, and the topic was also discussed in some of the event’s seminars.
YALP, a secure cashless payments app, generated interest at the show and has been developed by Game Payment Technology, an initiative between bacta and Polar Moments.
“EAG International is a very busy and diverse show and it’s also great fun,” says Financial Compliance Director for Game Payment Technology, John Rozek.
“We’ve chosen the 2020 show for the official launch of the YALP secure cashless payments app. The appetite for YALP 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.”
Also present that the show was Kwikpay. Company CEO and Founder Neeraj Bhatia says, “It has been a really good show. Last year was our first time and we’ve had a lot of general discussions. This year operators have returned for more in-depth conversations and we’re receiving commitments.”
Redemption games
The market for Redemption games is also growing. Attendees enjoyed a wide range of innovative new games as well as redesigns of traditional favourites.
James Sweeney, Sales Executive with Instance Automatics says, “This is our largest show for new machine launches with 13 debuting at EAG this year. We’ve had great feedback from buyers and seen more European visitors at this year’s show.”
This growth in the Redemption games sector is in part thanks to the quality of plush and prize merchandise on offer, featuring popular IPs and new technology.
Phil Setter, Managing Director of Whitehouse Leisure International says that all three of the company’s stands were very well attended throughout the event: “EAG International has always been a good show for us and this year was ahead of last year. We were kept extremely busy with quality customers for the entire duration.
“As expected, Trolls World Tour was very well received, and we’ve enjoyed a particularly great response to the Harry Potter range and to Marvel character gloves. 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.”
New products on show
This year’s event was notable for the huge amount of new products on show. And buyers from every aspect of out-of-home entertainment were eager to invest in these.
EAG International Chairman, Martin Burlin, says: “EAG 2020 had a great feel about it. The number of exhibitors, with whom I spoke, 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,” confirmed Martin.
EAG International 2021 will take place at ExCeL London from 12 – 14 January 2021.
EAG International Expo 2020 featured a full day of seminars on immersive out-of-home entertainment, developed in partnership with KWP Consultancy. This explored the impact of new technologies on the amusements and attractions sectors
