EAG exhibitor numbers at a 3-year high

An estimated 4,000+ operators from sectors including FECs, AGCs, seaside piers, leisure attractions, bingo halls, bars, clubs, and bowling centres are expected to attend the 2024 edition of EAG Expo which opens tomorrow (16th January) at ExCeL London.

The show, which is owned by bacta, the UK trade association representing the amusements and low-stake gaming sector, is being opened by leading Labour Party politician Lord McNicol of West Kilbride. Iain McNicol, who served as General Secretary of the Labour Party from 2011-2018 is the current Shadow spokesperson, Business and Trade.

EAG continues to grow with the number of exhibitors at a three-year high of 79 (72 in 2023 and 66 in 2022) occupying 3,843 sqm (3,726 in 2023). Exhibitor research conducted by EAG organisers confirmed that visitors will have access to 3,513 products of which 1,038 will be making their UK trade show debut.

Speaking ahead of the show EAG Chairman Martin Burlin, said: ““EAG is the premier b2b event for the sector and I am delighted that in addition to showcasing the very latest product launches, technologies and innovations to an audience of some 4,000 operators it will also be showcasing what our industry is all about to such an influential politician.”

John Bollom, bacta National President added: “Not only does EAG provide a highly professional business arena in which games creators/distributors can meet with operators drawn from all sectors but it also provides a tangible demonstration of what our industry stands for – ‘the serious business of fun’.

“I look forward to hosting Lord McNicol, showing him around EAG, introducing him to bacta members, outlining our distinguished history as we celebrate our 50th-year and explaining the huge contributions the industry continues to make to the high street, to seaside communities and to the economy at local, regional and national levels. The country will almost certainly have been to the polls before EAG 2025 and I am delighted to have this opportunity to expand our political engagement by hosting the Shadow Spokesperson for Business and Trade at our jewel in the crown.”

Operators attending EAG Expo will be able to access the very latest product launches and innovations from over 300 leading brands, keep up with developments impacting social responsibility, celebrate bacta’s 50th year, mark industry excellence at the bacta Annual Awards, as well as participate in bacta’s business-centric thinkbite (seminar)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.