Ahead of the EAG Expo at ExCel in London from 14-16 January 2025, Showmen’s Guild General Secretary Joe Mercer speaks to the media:
“Showmen are creative and the wider trending concepts that will be showcased at EAG and the Social Immersive Entertainment Expo, will provide a rich source for inspiration”
How has the year been for Travelling Showmen and what are the key challenges?
“Uncertainty has an impact on discretionary spend, compounded by the spiralling increase in rents for fairs
“Also we have faced severe weather leading to event cancellations and pressure from Councils regarding the carbon footprint….”
“Overall, there’s no doubt that 2024 has been a challenging year…”
Showmen have a long association with EAG and its predecessor ATEI – it is still an important date in the diary:
“EAG’s heritage and the spread of the latest machines chimes interests the 4,000 Showmen, representing 20,000 family members; who I represent.
. Many family members make up our best coastal and inland arcades.”
“Back on the fairs, the arcades, which are still operating are thriving.”
“I am looking forward to getting down to ExCeL for EAG 2025,that offers so much and brings back memories of the old ATEI.”
“The sense of community stands out, with the ‘Industry Family’ coming together each January…”
... Many Guild members have ATEI memories stretching back to Olympia in 1986 and Earls Court. ATEI served as an outstanding meeting place for domestic and international colleagues.”
The Showmen’s Guild and Bacta sat on a number of governmental and regulatory committees and co-operated on political lobbying:
“EAG is now really important. On safety, the ADIPS Scheme, uniquely recognised by HSE is written-through ‘the stick of rock’ that we all embrace, including the coin-op rides which are operated by Bacta members.”
What can Showmen gain from attending EAG 2025?
“Guild members run coastal businesses, including piers and many are members of both the Guild and Bacta, operating rides and coin-op attractions.”
“Being in the business of leisure is a way of life with live events being the business-place to b, for Showmen and Guild members.”
“The Showmen are always keen to meet their Bacta cousins and to see how the wider leisure business is evolving. Events such as EAG Expo are important because they bring like-minded professionals together in a supportive environment; generating connections at the heart of business.”
“This is reflected in the increasing interest in the products shown at EAG, from amusement equipment to payment solutions, marketing to business services, sales products to furnishings.
I believe our members will find inspiration from the variety of products and ideas on Offer.
“I remember the Pub Summit, on pubs’ future was well-attended; as was the High Street Summit, by a cross-section of visitors last January.
These are all interesting to the wider membership; in addition to networking opportunities.”
“Being open to new ideas not only helps with existing businesses but also boosts new opportunities and the chance to diversify.”
EAG 2025 will include the launch of the Social Immersive Entertainment Expo which is dedicated to the latest trends in out of home entertainment:
” Showmen are already diversifying into sectors including glamping, bowling and retail…”
“Showmen are creative and receptive to trending concepts that will be showcased at the Social Immersive Entertainment Expo; providing a rich source for inspiration.”
“My immediate challenge is to get the message out to Showmen and to get them to ExCeL in order to soak up all that’s on offer.”
By attending EAG operators will have access to the very latest product launches and innovations in out of home entertainment. Featuring over 1,000 product launches EAG will provide a window on all aspects of the dynamic out of home entertainment industry.
To register: www.eagexpo.com.