Bacta launch ‘thinkbite’ learning brand at EAG

Bacta’s seminar programme taking place at EAG has a new identity with the trade association confirming that the learning component at what is the premier show for the amusements and low-stake gaming sectors has been rebranded. The programme taking place at EAG 2024 will be marketed under the new thinkbite name featuring a new logo and a new identity.

Announcing the rebrand, bacta CEO, John White explained: “The learning programme has always been an important part of the EAG offering and we wanted to firstly reflect that importance but also to focus in on the purpose of the programme. The term seminar is a bit old hat and we recognise that people now want to access their information and knowledge in a variety of ways and formats. The thinkbite brand will be extended to other bacta events, both virtual and face to face, with the same purpose during the rest of 2024.

“thinkbite reflects the importance of accessibility and being able to gather information quickly. The thinkbite programme reflects the key business-centric issues which are current and which will continue to impact the industry.

“The programme for 2024 has a sharp focus on practical issues encompassing compliance, safer gambling, the high street, how to deal with anti-gambling protestors and the importance of gaming, pool and music to pub profitability.”

He added: “We know that the primary reason operators attend EAG is the access it provides to the very latest games and innovations from more than 120 leading brands but it’s also important to be able to complement that opportunity with the chance to listen to updates from industry experts as well as those handpicked from outside the business. Thinkbite is not about learning for learning’s sake: each session is informal, concise and focusses on the delivery of the key information and connections which will help businesses prosper.”

thinkbite Programme

16^th January

11.00 – 12.00

The new rules of gambling – getting your compliance right

This thinkbite session will look at the changes proposed in the Gambling Review White Paper and the way in which they are likely to be implemented. It will also ask what good compliance looks like as well as provide an extended Q & A session on what that will mean for operators. Speakers includeJohn White, Bacta CEO; Simon Bradbury, Bacta Membership Support Officer and Nick Arron, Poppleston Allen, Solicitors.

1.00 – 2.30

Pub Summit

The well-established Pub Summit brings together pub and club owners with machine suppliers to discuss the issues facing the sector.

The 2024 edition will comprise a market update and analysis, an examination of technology in pubs, the likely implications of a legal relaxation on the use of debit cards on gaming machines, how pool can serve as a profit centre and the role of the pub jukebox in attracting customers, building consumer loyalty and delivering an experience. The Summit will feature industry experts Simon Barff, (CLMS), Quentin Stott (Reflex), Pauline Bass (Stonegate), Nick Rudd (The Rudd Group) and Chris Black (Sound Leisure). The Summit will be chaired by Inspired’s Peter Davies.

17^th January

11.00 – 12.00

Embedding Safer Gambling

Reflecting the central importance of Safer Gambling EAG will be exploring how AGC and FEC operators can embed good SG practice into their business, why this is important and how ultimately it benefits businesses in the short, medium and long-term(s). The discussion will draw on the experience and insight of participants on the Bacta Safer Gambling Hub and bacta’s MSOs.

1.00 – 2.30

The High Street Summit

A key initiative for 2024, the EAG High Street Summit will debate the issues facing this part of the economy and how they interplay with the AGC and FEC offer. The hosted discussion will feature invited speakers including James Lowman, CEO, Association of Convenience Stores who will explain how the trade body has leveraged political support for the High Street and Michael Kill of the Night Time Industries Association who will outline the growing importance of the night time economy. Tony Boulton of MERKUR UK and Ian Miller, Property Director for Luxury Leisure/Talarius, will provide updates and analysis of the contribution and challenges that face high street AGC operators including those presented by anti-gambling groups. Pragmatix Consultancy, who have reported on the High Street for the Local Government Association will open the slot with an analysis of the future of the high street and what the offer will look like.

The 4,000+ operators from sectors including FECs, AGCs, seaside piers, leisure attractions, bingo halls, bars, clubs, and bowling centres expected to attend the 2024 edition of EAG, Expo will be able to access the very latest product launches and innovations from over 120 leading brands, keep up with developments impacting social responsibility, celebrate industry excellence at the Bacta Annual Awards, and participate in EAG’s business-centric thinkbite learning programme. Delivering the perfect combination of product, networking and learning, EAG 2024 represents the industry’s ‘go to’ event. For thousands of businesses the year starts at EAG.