The organising team responsible for delivering January’s EAG Expo (16th – 18th January, ExCeL London) has announced an important new seminar dedicated to the UK high street.
The EAG High Street Summit, which will take place between 1pm and 2.30pm on the middle day of EAG, will explore the dominant issues facing this key part of the domestic economy and how they interplay with the AGC and FEC offer.
Comprising a hosted discussion, the seminar will draw on the specialist knowledge and experience of invited speakers from both inside and outside of the industry.
Bacta chief executive John White who is curating the EAG seminar programme believes that many of the industry’s biggest opportunities as well as many of its biggest challenges exist on the high street. He explained: “Despite the fact that low stake gaming is one of the very few verticals to currently be investing in the high street and creating valuable local jobs in the process it is also where the industry receives most opposition voiced by a combination of elected politicians and single-issue pressure groups.
“To examine the relationship with politicians and how to leverage it I’m delighted that we have been able to secure the participation of James Lowman, CEO of the Association of Convenience Stores the trade body which has extensive experience of lobbying politicians on behalf of the 33,500 local shops that it represents.
“Alongside James, EAG will also welcome Michael Kill, Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association an organisation which has been instrumental in raising awareness of the significant positive economic and social impacts of the sector. With a growing number of Adult Gaming Centres adopting 24hr opening low-stake gaming venues are important contributors to the night time economy and need to be recognised as such.
“From within the industry long-time bacta member and MERKUR UK Director of Public and Political Relations, Tony Boulton will be outlining his professional experience of how to respond to and engage with local anti-gambling campaigners including managing any subsequent media fall-out.
“The seminar will be underpinned by an economic analysis of the High Street provided by Pragmatix Consultancy.”
EAG Chairman Martin Burlin said the Seminar Programme is an important component of the overall EAG show experience. He stated: “Although the primary motivation for attending EAG is the unique opportunity the show provides to meet with games innovators and see the very latest products from over 100 brands, operators can also enhance their businesses courtesy of the insights generated by the expert speakers who feature in the seminar programme.”
He added: “A major benefit of EAG being owned by bacta is that the show will always be ahead of the curve in relation to the trends and topics impacting the industry and the new High Street Summit is a clear example of this.”
Further details of the Seminar Programme will be announced by EAG as speakers are confirmed.
For additional show information and to register: https://www.eagexpo.com