Registrations have hit a record high for the Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE), which will come to Sydney in August complete with its new free conference component.
As the show host, the Australasian Gaming Machine Manufacturers Association (AGMMA) believes the AGE is shaping up to be one of the most successful in its 18-year history, with more than 180 diverse hospitality exhibitors already signed on to present their products.
With increasing competition for the entertainment dollar and the tightening economy just a couple of factors influencing purchasing decisions, the importance on innovating and presenting exciting new technologies has become greater than ever.
As a result, executive officer of AGMMA, Ross Ferrar, believes this year’s AGE will bring cutting-edge technologies not previously seen, including gaming machines and table games, gaming systems, cash handling equipment, security and surveillance, interior design and fit-out, signage and displays.
The major gaming machine manufacturers have each booked large exhibit spaces and are expected to use this year’s event to release a number of new games for the market.
In addition to the exhibition, the free AGE gaming conference will be held each day of the show from early morning until mid afternoon to cover a range of issues. Leading industry experts and feature speakers will discuss everything from innovation and efficiencies on the gaming floor to regional and global industry trends, design and corporate social responsibility.
Ferrar believes the true indication of the strength of Australian gaming technology can be seen in the many exports underway from the local manufacturers.
“The original local mainstream manufacturers now operate worldwide — companies originally set up in Australia now generate more revenue internationally than domestically,” Ferrar said.
Australia now has about 200,000 gaming machines, which is slightly less than 2.4 per cent of the world’s total. Governments collect about $6 billion annually from an adult population of 15.6 million, according to AGMMA’s figures.
The AGE is on at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour from August 24 to August 26.