By Clyde Mooney – editor Australian Hotelier
Reports abound that the 25th annual Australasian Gaming Expo was a thorough success, despite any uncertainty that came with the big move across the waters to ‘gaming island’.
Enjoying the same visitor numbers as it has come to expect, the Silver Anniversary AGE took place for the first time at the new Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island, with organisers pleasantly surprised to see over a third of people arriving by ferry.
Visitors expressed their approval of the new venue’s ample natural light and onsite amenities, and the three halls bustled with the bells and whistles of the gaming industry’s latest and greatest toys.
Over 160 companies showcased their wares throughout the 15,000 square metres of floorspace, and as usual returning parties had grown their stands in line with the success they got from their previous exhibit.
Brimming with news this year, Bally Technologies’ backed up its intentions with an impressive stand cloaked in its signature red.
“This year’s show was amazingly successful – the best AGE we’ve had in years," Bally marketing executive Sandra Renwick told TheShout.
Big Screen Video New South Wales operations manager Nikki Doohan added: “We have been flat out following up the AGE leads, response has been phenomenal.”
Marking a definitive milestone in its history, AGE operators, the Gaming Technologies Association threw a cocktail party on the Wednesday night for representatives of the 18 companies that have exhibited for every year since the expo’s inception.
“The fact that these exhibitors have been with us since 1990 is proof of the success of the Australasian Gaming Expo as a valuable tool in connecting them with their customers,” said GTA CEO Ross Ferrar.
The GTA again gave away trips for two to gaming mecca Las Vegas on each day of the Expo, with Tony Mathew from Wests Campbelltown Leagues Club (pictured), Riccardo Callegari from Easts Group Bondi Junction and Danielle Burston from Collingwood Football Club all headed to sin city.
Planning is already well under way for next year’s Australasian Gaming Expo, due to be held Tuesday 11 to Thursday 13 August 2015 at Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island