EAG Expo continues to grow international attendance
17 per cent of EAG visitors travel from outside the UK
EAG Expo has underlined its growing international credentials with nearly 1 in 5 visitors (17 per cent) travelling to January’s showpiece event from outside the UK.
Data released by organisers show that the 2026 edition of EAG Expo including the co-located SIE and London Casino and Gaming Show attracted industry professionals from 52 countries.
Excluding the UK, the top ten represented nations comprised Ireland (82 visitors), followed by Germany (40), Netherlands (36), Italy (35), Belgium (34), Sweden (33), France (29), Poland (24), Spain (23) and the United States (23).
With the number of unique visitors remaining constant at 4,282 (4,306 in 2025 a movement of 0.6 percent) the premier UK trade show catering for the broadly based out of home entertainment sector featured 2,043 businesses up from the 2025 figure of 1,973.
EAG’s ability to attract buyers from across the out of home entertainment sectors has been put into sharp relief. The 2026 visitor data shows the most popular vertical of interest to attendees was FEC/Bowling/Indoor Play (25 per cent of visitors), followed by Adult Gaming Centres (12 per cent), Pubs and Clubs (11 percent), Visitor Attractions (8 per cent), Casino (7 per cent), Competitive Socialising (3 per cent) and Bingo (3 per cent).
Reflecting on his first edition of EAG as show Chairman, Nick Harding said: “EAG 2026 brought the amusements, gaming, and immersive entertainment sectors together under one roof for what was a dynamic three-day showcase that was packed with invention and innovation. Constituting arguably the most business-centric audience in EAG history a highly impressive 86 percent of attendees (3,682) were decision makers within their business making EAG very much a buying show.
“Featuring 100 exhibitors spanning a record footprint of more than 6,000 square metres, the event provided a vibrant platform for product launches, networking, and meaningful commercial engagement setting the tone for the business year ahead.”
He continued: “Looking beyond the headline figures, participation remained strong throughout the three days, manifest by a high energy opening day and sustained momentum with both dwell time and overall footfall remaining strong.
“I am delighted that the co-location of SIE and LCG continues to broaden the show’s reach, bringing together a compelling cross-section of businesses showcasing the full spectrum of out-of-home entertainment, from amusements and low-stake gaming to casinos and next-generation immersive experiences.”
“The team has already started planning for 2027 a process which once again, will be undertaken in partnership with our customers. From the conversations that we had at show and in the month following EAG there’s an incredibly strong and determined desire to cement EAG’s position among the very best business events of its kind on the calendar. I look forward to harnessing that energy and delivering another successful showcase business event for the international industry.”
The preparations for EAG Expo ’27 have got off to a flying start with 49 per cent of exhibition space rebooked within just two weeks of the 2026 edition closing its doors at ExCeL London.
The volume of rebooks is unprecedented in EAG history, a development which, according to EAG Chairman Nick Harding reflects the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from the exhibitor community.
Confirming the energy and optimism surrounding EAG EXPO, SIE and the London Casino and Gaming Show he said: “Whilst it’s never going to be possible to please everyone all of the time the vast majority of feedback that myself, Show Director Nikki Lazenby and her team has received has been hugely positive.
“What’s particularly significant and pleasing is that the positivity has resulted in concrete actions with exhibitors moving early to secure their space for next January. This means that we can start promoting their presence earlier in the communications cycle and use the EAG routes to market to profile our customers with what is a growing international audience.”
He added: “As well as being the most important business event of the year I think EAG, SIE and the London Casino and Gaming Show also serve as a celebration of the out of home entertainment industry. The combination of ‘commerce and community’ is a compelling proposition and one which we are proud to harness for the betterment of the entire industry.”
Andrew Ludlow, Group Chief Executive, Boomerang Digital, said: “The feedback from customers, the volume of orders secured, and the strength of the forward pipeline exceeded anything we have ever achieved at previous trade shows.”
James Luck, Kashing, said: “We enjoyed our best ever edition of EAG, one at which we secured significant concrete orders from operators and had advanced enquiries and serious conversations which I am confident will be converted into new customers and new sales during Q1.”
Andy Tipple, Managing Director, Blueprint Operations, commented: “We went to EAG with high expectations and objectives which I’m delighted to confirm we succeeded in meeting and in some cases exceeding. What happens at EAG has a major impact not just on Blueprint but on the entire industry.”
Quentin Stott, Managing Director, Reflex Gaming, said: “We had a fabulous show this year, probably one of the best ever.”
Fivos Polymniou, Director, Ask Global Solutions, added: “EAG wasn’t just a showcase – it was a catalyst for tangible progress across sales, partnerships and operational expansion. It absolutely met if not exceeded our expectations.”
