BALPPA, which represents the operators and owners of commercial leisure parks, piers, zoos, visitor attractions and family entertainment centres, has agreed a strategic partnership with the industry-leading EAG360 expo taking place January 12-14 at ExceL London.
Under the partnership, EAG360 will serve as the headline sponsor for BALPPA’s annual dinner in London, taking place the night before the show opens, with BALPPA members also enjoying access to the exclusive Bacta Lounge at EAG360.
Announcing the partnership, EAG360 chairman Nick Harding said: “I look forward to welcoming BALPPA members to what is the meeting place for the pay-to-play amusements, gaming, competitive socialising and visitor attractions sectors.
“There are so many connections between EAG360 and BALPPA both culturally and in terms of the products and innovations that our exhibitors specifically schedule to launch in London. The importance of machine income to operators of destination venues has been well documented and EAG360 features world-leading products produced by world-leading innovators.”
He added: “CompSocUK, which is part of the EAG360 experience, alongside the co-located Amuse Expo and London Gaming Show, is dedicated to the rapidly growing hospitality trend that combines f&b with an interactive, structured game or activity creating shared, memorable experiences.
“The concept is transforming the leisure sector and EAG360 is the best place to explore the very latest thinking and applications that are driving what we are referring to as the smile economy.”
BALPPA Chief Executive Paul Kelly confirmed: “Our coastal attractions rely heavily on the income that their FEC’s and arcades bring in. It is a key part of the customer visit and remains extremely popular for families and day visitors.
“EAG360 is now bigger and better than ever and is full of new products, new ideas and new concepts. It is a perfect opportunity for BALPPA members to meet up with colleagues and acquaintances whist viewing the latest innovations from the industry. We are all involved in the business of fun and we look forward to joining with other members of the ‘smile economy’ at EAG360 in January.”
The combination of stand-out exhibitors and stand-out content will build on EAG360’s UK and international profile which in 2026 featured industry professionals from a total of 53 nations.
Constituting what was arguably the most business-centric audience in the show’s history 86 percent of attendees were decision makers within their business which reflects EAG360’s status as a buying show.
