ExCel London will open its doors to the fifth EAG International on 21 January 2014 with around 6.000 leisure and entertainment professionals gathered for the inaugural New Year's trade event. As EAG International has grown, there are many good reasons to visit the fair.
For many in the industry, EAG International is where they review new products and book orders for next year. Various trade associations and other sector bodies will meet at the fair to discuss new initiatives and to draw up the meeting agenda for next year. For many, the networking aspect of EAG International is as important as its role as a business facilitator.
For 2014, a trade association plans to push its boundaries, revealing the introduction of game-changing products for its members and visitors.
The British Association of Pool Table Operators (BAPTO) was set up in 1975 to promote the game of pool table in pubs and to negotiate favorable trading terms for its members. Bob Blakeborough of BAPTO confirmed that the savings achieved by the majority of BAPTO members exceed the cost of membership. In fact, the members of the association benefit from advice on the introduction of new rules and from having access to free promotional tools.
Since the launch of the show Bapto has participated in every edition of EAG International. Bob Blakeborough explains: “BACTA has always encouraged us to be there and we appreciate the opportunity to engage with the whole industry at the show. We look forward to discussing the benefits a well-run snooker operation can bring to pubs and the industry development assistance we can offer to operators”
Billiards is commonly recognized as one of the most lucrative games in the coin-op repertoire and enjoys wide appeal. Indeed, BAPTO's own research indicates that over 2.000.000 people in the UK play pool on a regular basis, with 64% playing at least three times a week in local pubs or bars.
Yet despite the UK being the second largest market in the world for billiards, the game has certainly suffered a decline in recent years, mainly due to pub closures. Bob Blakeborough is very clear on the reasons: “As well as the pub closures, the smoking ban has also hit the game hard. Our associates' tables saw a 30% drop in turnover just after the smoking ban was introduced,” revealed Bob.
Bapto has an impressive library of statistical research on the pool table market and is happy to share this data. The association's approach, however, is anything but academic. Every year bapto organizes a three-day team tournament. Categories include a five-player team, men's singles, women's singles and mixed doubles trophy, with a total prize fund of around £11.000.
Bob Blakeborough says: "The annual tournament is a crucial part of our promotional strategy, giving players the opportunity to play in meaningful competition." “Pool is a promotion-driven game. There's good media coverage of local leagues, but it would be nice to get some national sponsorship,” Bob said.
At the bapto booth (651) will be present by Bob and the Ken Hussey Association during the three days of the show. All current and potential members are invited to an aperitif on the stand at 14.00pm. on the second day of the show .
Register for EAG International www.eagexpo.com
