New UK trade show revealed; ELSPA confirms support
Just days after ELSPA's confirmation that this year's EGN will not go ahead as planned, officials have announced that a new trade event is scheduled to take place in London at the end of August
Just days after ELSPA's confirmationthat this year's EGN will not go ahead as planned, officials have announced that a new trade event is scheduled to take place in London at the end of August.
Games Market Europe, billed as an event that will "herald a new era for the European games industry", is being jointly run by Barrington Harvey and Tandem Events, a new venture established by Andy Lane.
Lane was formerly employed by CMP, event organiser for ECTS, GDCE and SCoRE. He was made redundant last month when the media firm pulled out of the UK market, canceling all three shows.
"After the confusion of the last couple of years, the games market has been asking for a single, focused, no-nonsense trade event - Games Market Europe is this event," commented Lane.
"The UK is the home of the games business in Europe and we believe it is essential that we deliver the right event in the UK this year."
Entry will be free to all trade attendees who register in advance, and there will be three booth sizes available - 12 sqm, 24 sqm and 36 sqm - each with a fixed price tag.
"The feedback has been tremendous and indeed we sold 10 per cent of the event before we had a floor plan," said Lane.
Mastertronic Group has already confirmed its commitment to the event, with executive Andy Payne commenting: "The UK is the hub of the European games industry; it's vital we fly the flag and have the right event for business. I was impressed with the plans the team has and they have delivered on price, venue and timing.
"We will be at Games Market Europe and we will urge all of our partners and suppliers to support the event as we need to retain the leadership position in Europe within the UK."
ELSPA director general Roger Bennett added: "ELSPA believes it is essential to have a UK trade event for Europe. The plans for Games Market Europe are clearly designed to ensure just that."
Games Market Europe will take place on August 31 and September 1 at the Business Design Centre, Islington. Companies interested in exhibiting at the event should contact andy@tandem-events.co.uk.