Didn’t we have a wonderful time the day we went to...Park Avenue
It’s the longest running show in the UK amusements industry and it’s hit the big 40. Park Avenue Open Day now spans five decades and it still commands the industry’s attention and support, with this week’s 2026 edition reinforcing the event as one of the majors on the annual circuit.
The weather wasn’t as kind to the event as in previous years, but, as joint host UDC noted, “paradoxically, I think the weather might even have been good for the Open Day, it may have encouraged people inside more rather than sitting outside and soaking up the sun with a glass of prosecco!”
In fairness, soaking up the sun may have been in limited supply, but the prosecco, definitely not.
The day started early at the UDC offices where there was a group photo call for the team and their colleagues from Genda Playnation.
Huw Lewis, Managing Director, was extremely happy with the day stating: “Had a great and very productive time at The Park Avenue Open Day. Catching up with industry colleagues and having very positive conversations about initiatives that I am confident will add further value to our offering. Many thanks to our great friends at UDC and Electrocoin for hosting the event.”
And there was much on offer from the joint hosts. UDC’s Vibe change machines were among the draws particularly those customers looking to upgrade their ageing machines to new models.
And Galaxy Hunter, the closed loop pusher with on screen battles, and redemption tickets and huge coin towers also drew strong attention.
Across the pink carpet rainbow at neighbours Electrocoin, there was a royal welcome for pinball royalty Gary Stern who flew over from the United States especially for the event..
John Stergides Snr, one of the founding fathers of the annual PAOD, was touched by the attendance of another founder, Gary Stern who launched the global pinball giant back in 1977, stating: “It’s always an honour meeting up with Gary and talking about the new developments for pinball.”
And on the issue of new developments, Electrocoin was able to unveil its recently arrived shipment of Konami’s new Dance Dance Revolution Universal.
Meanwhile, the 30-plus participants were all playing their part in delivering an event of key note, none more so than one of the major supporters of this year’s Park Avenue, Novomatic Gaming UK, who were main sponsors of the event.
Issuing a statement within hours of the day’s proceedings, an excited NGUK praised the annual gathering. “Following a hugely successful Park Avenue Open Day, NOVOMATIC Gaming UK would like to extend its sincere thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make this much-loved annual event so memorable.
It added: “Once again, the day proved to be a standout occasion for the industry, bringing people together for an event that places community and charitable giving firmly at its heart. As headline sponsor, NOVOMATIC Gaming UK was proud to support an event that so perfectly reflects what we stand for as a business.”
You can’t say much better than that of an event that draws visitors from all quarters of the UK and beyond.
The international presence may have started early with Gary Stern touring the Park Avenue wares, but there was a strong European feel as UDC confirmed.
Mark Horwood reported that “the Elaut Team from Belgium were here, and visitors from Elmac flew in all the way from Italy too.”
Blueprint brought its top gear products to north west London with the BPO team confirming: “We’ve got Velocity (Cat C) and Revolution (B3) on show - plus plenty of content to explore.”
And they were happy to be back too. “ It’s great to be back at the Electrocoin's Park Avenue Open Day. A brilliant day for conversations, catching up, and showcasing what we’ve been working on.”
Boomerang Digital brought their usual energy and enthusiasm to the Park Avenue stage, paying special tribute to the annual event.
“A huge thank you to UDC and Electrocoin for hosting another fantastic Park Avenue Open Day!” the company posted on social media during the festivities
“While the weather may have had other ideas, the fantastic manufacturers, customers, and industry partners certainly brought the sunshine.
“It was great to catch up with friends across the industry, including Namco, Silvertime, and Inspired, and to see so many people supporting the event.
Thanks to everyone who stopped for a chat.
“Events like these are a great reminder of what makes our industry so special, and we’re already looking forward to the next one.”
And all credit for this goes to the organisers Electrocoin and UDC who every year deliver the one event that is truly by industry for the industry.
Coinslot - June 5 - June 11, 2026 - Issue No 2996 - Page 12-13