As 2013 draws to a close, major players in coin-op and entertainment are reflecting on what the current year has delivered to them and finalizing their plans for the year ahead. For the most part, the launch pad for the new year will be EAG International 2014, which takes place from 21 to 23 January at the Excel in London.
In its simplest form, the Expo can be seen as an event where sellers display their wares and buyers buy. However, EAG International is very different from most current exhibits. Created for industry by the industry itself, EAG focuses solely on the needs of the industry and not those of remote stakeholders. Buying and selling is, of course, the lifeblood of the business but for many buyers EAG International is also where they finalize their orders for next season.
Networking has always been a good reason to visit EAG International, however for several trade associations and businesses their annual meetings are held at EAG International making the trip to London even more productive for their members. Paul Kelly of BALPPA explains, “Inevitably BALPPA members and their businesses have many facets and strong coin-op membership, in fact most are BACTA members.”
The president of EAG International Martin Burlin he is delighted with how many organizations are making their own brand on the show. “Our role is clearly to offer an event that allows people to see and buy new products, but equally important is the opportunity to discuss, share experiences and make sense of what is happening in our industry”.
“Individual visits to EAG International have grown year on year since its launch, and I am delighted to confirm that for 2014 we will be welcoming 14 new exhibitors from the UK, China, Italy, Poland and Spain. Our focus is on the quality of the experience for every visitor and exhibitor,” added Martin.
As for new products, the organizers of EAG International have revealed that many of the approximately 180 manufacturers will be present at the show and will be showcasing their latest arrivals. Some, such as SEGA Amusements Europe will launch its latest Plants vs Zombies™ franchise in Europe, while other companies, including Formula K and All Things Nice, will debut entirely new and innovative products. NSM Music has pointed to several exciting product launches and will be revealing all at the show!
Kevin Weir of Electrocoin confirmed that the company will be showcasing new games for AWP and that visitors to the booth will see the latest generations of videos, prizes and skill games, including Skill Rocket, Totem and, new for EAG 2014, Target Hunter. Also Gary stern will be present at the fair with the latest models of the Stern Pinball, including the latest version of 'Star Trek'.
Innovation will also be on the agenda at the BAPTO stand.
In the age of digital information, details about new products and the latest developments can go around the world in seconds, yet buyers still flock to EAG International to physically engage with the latest news. The entertainment industry is a tactile business and operators need to try before they buy . Only then can you evaluate the experience you will offer your customers.
International visitors are becoming increasingly important to exhibitors at EAG International, accounting for 28% of the total in 2013. The organizers confirmed that early registrations from overseas visitors indicate this trend is set to continue, driven by an increase investment in international media coverage.
EAG International exhibitors will be from the UK, Italy, Poland, Spain, China, Taiwan, Belgium, Germany, Northern Ireland, San Marino, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
Registration for EAG International is still open at www.eagexpo.com
