This year marked the tenth anniversary of the Autumn Coin-Op Show, and anyone attending could be in no doubt as to what has kept the show so popular for a decade, with exhibitors all praising the opportunity the event provides to network with customers and colleagues both old and new.
Though this year’s ACOS saw dozens of innovative and exciting machines, solutions and systems brought to market alongside previews of much-anticipated products due for launch in 2026, attendees were keen to make the most of the chance to catch up and discuss the current state of the sector.
“This year’s show is going very well,” said organiser Karen Cooke, speaking on the afternoon of the first day. “Attendance is up on previous years, and we’ve got more exhibitors than we’ve ever had, so the show’s grown, which has been excellent.”
“Obviously it’s tough at the moment across the industry, but it’s a positive atmosphere and people have come with a positive outlook. Nobody knows what’s going to happen in the next few months – or next month – but as always the industry is looking ahead. People are looking forward, people are networking. That’s the whole point of ACOS.”
Rob Wheeler, MD of RBW Systems echoed Cooke’s sentiment, saying: “This is a real networking show for me. It’s good to catch up with people and see what they have to say, whether we’re doing a good job or not, and it’s all been very positive.”
Crown Direct sales executive David Hurst agreed, adding “It’s a good social gathering, a great get together,” while NGUK’s Paisley Jones said “there’s a real vibrant energy, and that’s what ACOS is synonymous with.”
E-Service MD Mike Clokie told Coinslot: “You get a lot more decision makers at ACOS than other shows, that’s important. It’s a smaller show, and that means a lot more time spent with owners and decision makers, which is a great thing.”
That’s not to say that there wasn’t business done, in fact practically every exhibitor was bringing something new to showcase to the market, with 2026 looking set to be a year of major innovation and technical advancement for the UK industry.
All the more reason, then, to celebrate. And that’s exactly what attendees did on the first evening, making their way to the Novomatic Gaming UK-sponsored party at The Prince, to raise a glass to ACOS’ anniversary, and to continue building those all important connections.
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