PAOD 2024 Review: At uncertain times, we need some sense of certainty that enables us to move forward,” says John A Stergides as Park Avenue shows the industry at its best
Park Avenue Open Day was another triumph for co-host Electrocoin, and in particular John A Stergides who oversaw the annual event that pulls the industry together. Good product, good weather and good conversation are the hallmarks of the annual event – and this year was no exception. Electrocoin’s S&M Manager talks us through the day and offers up a warning that more delay to the Gambling Review will just stifle innovation.
Coinslot: Another Park Avenue and another excellent response from the industry. As cohost, you obviously see the event from a slightly broader perspective – so what were the highlights of the event from the organiser’s standpoint?
John A Stergides: It was a good response and we had the weather on our side.
There were a lot of discussions on the future outcome of the elections and how it could affect the industry and we had the representatives from Bacta at the open day to add their view on the position.
It’s obviously not great timing for the review, but overall people were positive.
On the machine side, our participating companies brought some top quality products to Park Avenue.
And there was also excitement at our latest games like the Spinning Cyclone, DDRA20 Plus and the new John Wick Pinball which was flown in specifically for the Open Day.
For pinball enthusiasts, that will be a big winner.
Coinslot: As you’ve indicated, Electrocoin had a good range of product on display this year – how are these products doing in the marketplace at the moment?
John A Stergides: It was really encouraging, the products received a very good response at Open Day.
We had good mix ranging from FEC equipment to AGC machines, and the figures we’ve been analysing from operators have been very positive.
We even had a few of the larger brewer representatives who were impressed with the exciting opportunities.
Coinslot: As expected, there was much discussion and chatter around the Avenue on the day. What key issues resonated?
John A Stergides: The industry is fairly robust and most seem to accept that there’s likely going to be another delay to the Gambling Review. That’s not to say we aren’t disappointed but the general mood was more of excitement of what’s to come and hopefully for a positive summer.
The great weather, food, ice cream and networking opportunities all helped enhance the positive mood.
Coinslot: It’s one of the last major assemblies ahead of the summer season, what’s on your schedule for the coming three months?
John A Stergides: Our focus will be on enhancing current product lines and also developing new products.
The industry also has to keep a very close eye on global situations. There’s more news this week about shipping issues affecting the transport of goods and services, and we have all been affected by delays with some products.
But we’re all hopeful of getting these out in time for the summer season. With this kind of backdrop, what is important, especially for our industry, is that we don’t get a long delay on the Gambling Review and that the DCMS plan of action for land based operations drives forward.
The global marketplace is still fragile, we don’t need more issues with transportation and operators and their customers don’t want to be hit with more delays and costs due to circumstances beyond all our control.
The Gambling Review is the one thing government can control and the one currently on the table ready to go offers opportunity for many businesses in the land based sector.
And at uncertain times, we need some sense of certainty that enables us to move forward.
Coinslot: Just looking back at Park Avenue; it was an excellent response to PAOD last week. How did the 2023 outing compare with previous open days?
John A Stergides: It was very similar to last year and Electrocoin and the participating companies in our premises raised a similar amount for the Bacta Charitable Trust, which was in excess of £6,000.
The raffle was also a great success and we appreciate the generosity of all the companies who donated prizes towards it.
Coinslot: Playing the numbers game, how many people attended and how many products were on display?
John A Stergides: Overall we think Open Day must have had over 150-200 products on display.
And there was a good attendance who enjoyed the day, especially the Greek BBQ which is always a big hit.
We had food for 400 people and it was consumed. We want to thank all the companies that participated in the Open Day and to the sponsors who help make it a successful day
PAOD 2024 Review was published in the below issue of Coinslot
