With the UK and much of Europe now in lockdown, EAG Online will be pushed back with the intention to review the date in the coming weeks.
Originally scheduled for 27-28 January, EAG Online has been designed to continue EAG International’s support for the entertainment attractions and gaming industries by facilitating product sales and networking during the COVID 19 Pandemic.
Speaking about the temporary delay, bacta chief executive John White confirmed that this was a decision to help the event’s participants to focus on pressing current issues within their businesses: “This was a tough decision, but the right one. Members, both exhibitors and potential visitors, are closed with staff on furlough. With the current uncertainty around as to when the sector will get going again, they wanted to focus on a show at a time when they could see current public policy measures and the roll out of the vaccines giving a clearer line of sight to re-opening. Hopefully, that will not be too far away, and we can get a date in the diary for an EAG Show that will kick start the revivification of this great industry,” explained John.
EAG International chairman Martin Burlin was also keen to stress that the postponement should be viewed in a positive light: “Our preparations are almost complete, and we’ve had great support from exhibitors, as well as assembling a full seminar schedule. The Online show was conceived to help EAG’s customers during these difficult days. The recent government announcements have changed the situation, meaning that the January dates would be more of a hindrance than a help to our customers.
“We believe that the show’s postponement will take the pressure off companies, suppliers and operators, allowing them to continue to focus on their businesses and staff at this very difficult time. We will continue to market EAG Online and Registration will remain open. We are moving forward in a positive frame of mind and will continue to work with our exhibitors, many of whom have welcomed the additional preparation time this has given them,” revealed Martin.
Exhibitor Quentin Stott of Reflex Gaming agreed: “I’m delighted that EAG has taken the proactive step in postponing its online event to a future date. The show must go on, but January 2021 is clearly not the right time. Most of bacta Division 4’s customers and suppliers are now closed, and we have most of our own staff in furlough, so waiting until venues are able to start trading again along with an overall more positive outlook for the country in the weeks and months ahead, will enable EAG Online to better serve exhibitors and customers.”
Mark Edmundson, Sales Manager UK & Ireland for GeWeTe was also in support of the decision: "I am sure the decision to postpone the EAG virtual exhibition has not been an easy one for everyone involved, especially with all of the effort that has gone into the preparation with the show only three weeks away, but with the new Government guidelines announced on Tuesday evening I feel this is the right decision for the industry.
The focus now has to be on getting a reopening date for the industry and GeWeTe like every other exhibitor is looking forward to the show going ahead at a more suitable time when operators can focus on their requirements for the future," anticipated Mark.
EAG Online is still very much open for business so for information about exhibiting or holding a seminar at the event, contact Karen Cooke on +44 (0)7545 970200 or email karencooke@swanevents.co.uk
