Instance Automatics was “very happy” with the first outing of ARE 2025, as the Manchester show combined an accessible location with considered organisation, allowing the supplier to concentrate on product. MD Ian Eason explained how the ability to prove the success of the latest UNIS releases delivered a host of new and existing customers to the supplier’s stand.
Fresh from launching the UK’s first emoji Planet showcade in February, Instance Automatics was able to bring “the best of the new range” to ARE this year, after extensively testing the latest releases from UNIS at the Mablethorpe venue.
As the company continues to fortify its reputation in the north of England, the location of ARE 2025 proved the ideal place to demonstrate some of the newest emoji-themed machines, with MD Ian Eason telling Coinslot the inaugural event was “very promising.”
“We were very happy with the location, it was a good hall, with plenty of reasonably priced accommodation around and easy access to the city too,” said Eason.
“There were some really nice touches at the show which made a difference when setting up, free refreshments and free parking. As a smaller show, the organisation felt far more personal, and we liked that.”
As well as providing a hub for the industry away from a traditional location in London, ARE was also notable for adding a new date in the trade show calendar, with Eason adding “the timing was pretty good.”
“We liked it later in the year when people were back after their winter holidays. The footfall wasn’t constantly busy, but for a first year, we thought it very promising, and we saw some new businesses come along to the stand.”
“We think that as the show becomes more known within the industry, the footfall will increase, especially from the north of England and Scotland. The location made it far easier for businesses to access for travelling and the cost of accommodation allows for more staff to travel when setting up/tech etc.”
The quality of products on the stand was also key to attracting customers, and with a strong range of new machines from UNIS, Instance Automatics was well-placed to answer the needs of all those in attendance.
“Most of our stand was dedicated to the brand new UNIS range, including the emoji licensed machines. We have had many of the machines on test already and we knew which were the money takers, and so it was the best of the new range that we took to the show.”
