“One exhibition a year is quite enough thank you!” laughed SAM Leisure’s Liam Barrett when asked what was next on the expo trail. But then it sounds like the one EAG might well be enough, because SAM made the most of its three days in London. Its pool portfolio was obviously the shining light, but it was outshone at times by the latest Techno Flame football table which really made an impact.And then there was the payment systems developments…EAG has given SAM Leisure a very busy year to work on.
Coinslot: How did the show go for you this year: did it meet your expectations?
Liam Barrett: This year actually exceeded expectations with a very strong Tuesday in particular.
It’s our annual chance to get product in front of our key customers and we caught up with most of them.
Pleasingly, there were also a number of new or returning customers with current projects that sought us out.
Coinslot: Any key developments finalised at EAG – new agreements signed, new appointments, installations agreed etc?
Liam Barrett: Development plans for 2026 were discussed with several of our key customers and we can now start planning production and stock holding to meet their targets.
Some great conversations were had, particularly with payment system providers, that we want to work with in the coming months to ensure our tables are front and centre when operators are specifying for new developments.
We still like to think of ourselves as table game suppliers. But in truth, what we offer are high tech, high revenue amusement machines.
Coinslot: What were the stand highlights – which products caught the attention and what was reaction to your portfolio of products?
Liam Barrett: The perennial SAM Fast Track Air Hockey and Magno American pool table were the stand’s focus.
But in actual fact, it was the Tecno Flame Football table that engendered most interest. The lighting system and noisy ping of the ball created quite a stir and plenty of interest.
Coinslot: It’s going to be a defining year for the business – new legislation and new regulation. How did you gauge the general mood of the industry and what were the main talking points?
Liam Barrett: The general mood seemed to be quite optimistic from both exhibitors and attendees. That can’t be bad at the start of a New Year.
Coinslot: Now the show is over, what’s on your agenda going into spring in terms of new products, new projects and more exhibitions?
Liam Barrett: One exhibition a year is quite enough thank you!
It’s now time to catch up back at the office, follow up all the leads and prepare for the onset of Easter.
Last year SAM invested heavily in premises, fleet and personnel. Now we are looking to capitalise on these improvements and grow the business.
The Britannia cue range in particular has great potential for expansion this year and the response to our customised pool table on stand suggests branding and customising of tables will see growth for us.
Pooling payment resources
Liam Barrett said… “Some great conversations were had, particularly with payment system providers, that we want to work with in the coming months to ensure our tables are front and centre when operators are specifying for new developments…
