With EAG fast-approaching show Chairman Martin Burlin reflects on the importance of the event and why the 2023 edition is set to be something special

“As we approach the 2023 January Show 10th/11th/12th at London’s ExCeL I think it is worth confirming why EAG expo is a vital part of your business.

During difficult times it is more important than ever to deliver a great visitor experience. For hard-pressed families, leisure becomes an even more important escape from the daily grind. How they spend their hard-earned money makes them more discerning. They want value. They want an experience.

Having your venues ready to meet this challenge is vital.

By visiting EAG you can find that piece of equipment that becomes a game changer. Burying your head in the sand is not an option.

Also, by attending EAG you will meet-up with fellow industry members. Interaction with one’s peers is a vital part of being in business. By mixing together we can have that shared experience on how we can meet the challenges facing us. That is why we are lining up a number of Seminars to do exactly that.

I am pleased to report that the January show is developing nicely.

Following the resignation of Karen Cook and her team at Swan Events we appointed Nicola (Nikki) Lazenby as our show director. Nikki previously worked for us when bacta owned ATEI, so for her it was like coming home. Many of you have already met Nikki and have commented to me that they are impressed with their dealings with her.

Before moving on, however, I would like to pay tribute to and thank Karen and her team for their hard work in helping to establish EAG. It was a pleasure working with such a great professional, who understood our Industry.

The Floor Plan is taking shape, with only a few stands left to sell.

All the major companies are present. However, it is important to understand that it is not just the number of stands that are important but also what companies are represented on their agents stands. This means that a full product range is on show.

EAG is also happy to welcome the Bingo Hub, which has been organised in partnership with the Bingo Association.

Registration is up a massive 58 percent on the like-for-like figures for 2020. The Elizabeth line enables visitors to get from Paddington to Custom House in 20 minutes and from Tottenham Court Road in 15 minutes. This really is a game changer as visitors can now stay in central London and be at ExCeL in no time. It is now quicker to get from Park Lane to ExCeL as it would be to go to Olympia or Earls Court. The Show is shaping up to be one of the biggest on record.

The first Land-Based Low Stake Safer Gambling Hub which will feature leading not for profit organisations such as BetKnowmore, Breakeven, ESG Gaming, Gamstop, GamCare and YGAM will be a high-profile show feature.

The history of our show goes back to the 1930s. The Show will mark this longevity, which is shared by only a small number of UK based exhibitions. With this in mind we have invited industry servants comprising both past ATEI directors as well as current and past EAG directors to open the Show and to celebrate everything that is unique about our industry.

EAG will be up and fighting in January. Fighting for the Industry. Standing with the Industry in its on-going battle with difficult issues.

Staying at home with your head buried in the sand will only lead to your backside being blown off!”

For the latest news and updates on the industry’s premier amusements and low-stake gaming exhibition visit: https://www.eagexpo.com