The highly anticipated Amusement & Retail Entertainment Expo will mark its debut on the trade show calendar with an ambitious schedule of workshop sessions which it has unveiled this week.

ARE Expo, the new kid on the trade show block, has announced its schedule of workshop sessions to run alongside the inaugural event at the Cotton Sheds in Manchester on 29 -30 April. The exhibition, designed to assemble industry professionals, innovators and thought leaders in that key pre-summer season slot, has focused on regulation and innovation – the two areas in the spotlight for 2025 as the UK grapples with the roll-out of the Gambling Act Review.

Meeting that expectation, or trepidation as some may wonder, ARE has released details of some of the key workshop sessions which will be taking place within the High Street Hub, run by the Gambling Business Group, and Leisure Entertainment Lab, two dedicated spaces designed to tackle the most pressing topics in the amusement, retail, and entertainment industries.

Karen Cooke, organiser of ARE Expo and Director of Swan Events, emphasised the value of these sessions, stating: “This is a great opportunity for visitors to ARE to access valuable learning opportunities for free, just steps away from the main exhibition hall. No two sessions will clash – so all the content will be available to everyone.”

Topping the workshop bill will be the High Street Hub: Addressing Key Regulatory and Customer Engagement Topics.

Under the authoritative purview of the Gambling Business Group, the High Street Hub will feature a series of expert-led discussions focusing on: innovation in the gambling sector alongside legislative developments and the future of the industry including:

• Martyn’s Law – Understanding the impact of proposed counterterrorism legislation on high street businesses and leisure venues.

• Digital ID – Exploring the implementation of digital identity solutions for age verification, security, and seamless customer transactions.

• Customer Interaction – Best practices for enhancing customer engagement and fostering responsible play in gaming and retail settings.

• Positive Play – Insights into fostering a safer, more enjoyable gaming environment that promotes responsible participation.

Also on the ARE schedule is the Leisure Entertainment Lab: Innovations Driving the Future of Entertainment workshop which will be led by The Amusement Network and serve as a think tank for innovation and industry evolution, tackling key trends and challenges within the entertainment and leisure sectors. Sessions confirmed for discussion include:

• Taking Play to New Places – Exploring how location-based entertainment is evolving to create unique and immersive experiences.

• Enhance the Customer Journey – Understanding how technology and service enhancements can elevate guest satisfaction and increase repeat visits.

• The Talent Trap: Attracting, Training, and Retaining Staff – Addressing the ongoing challenges of recruitment and workforce development in the sector.

• Data-Driven Insights: Where to Invest for New Revenue Streams – Harnessing analytics and emerging market trends to make informed business decisions.

Further details on the full workshop schedule and speaker line-up will be announced by ARE soon.