Many might think it’s the latest product innovations that bring dozens of industry representatives from across the country to north west London for Park Avenue Open Day; others may claim the prime draw is the Stergides’ famous Greek barbecue, but for most of those in attendance it is the unique opportunity the event provides for meeting colleagues, catching up, and making new connections that sets the show apart. Coinslot spoke to some of those visiting the annual get together at the UDC and Electrocoin operations and asked what makes it so special?

Representatives from across the amusement and gaming industries welcomed the return of Park Avenue Open Day this week, with all those in attendance commending the event and its organisers UDC and Electrocoin for the unique social opportunity the show provides. (Park Avenue 2025)

Though much of the latest technology – from 30+ participants – was on display across both companies’ offices in north London, it was the reliable quality of conversation that once again proved the biggest draw for attendees, with the open day offering a rare chance to mix business with pleasure.

“I’ve been coming here for over 25 years,” said Blueprint MD Andy Tipple. “I said to the guys that were coming here for the first time; don’t treat it as a pure trade show, treat it as a networking event, treat it as an experience it will stay with you forever,”

“This is about educating yourself in the industry. We’ll bring products to the event, but it’s more about understanding what happens in the industry and getting relationships with all the people you meet here.”

Reflex Gaming’s business development director Reflex Mark Purdy echoed that sentiment, saying: “Park Avenue is a stalwart of a show for the industry; we’ve got the old school, we’ve got the new people coming in.”

“It’s a great social event where you get a chance to show off a bit of product, but ultimately see old friends, new friends – and there’s sometimes even a bit of business done over the barbecue.”

“It’s always a great day out,” observed EService’s MD Mike Clokie. “We’ve been a supporter of the Park Avenue Open Day for many years and we’ve always found it a really great event to meet other suppliers in the industry, meet customers, distributors, the whole lot, so it’s a real gathering point, a real focal point for the industry.”

ASK Global Solutions director Fivos Polymniou was also keen to highlight the social nature of the show, saying “it’s the number of people you bump into in one go in a nice relaxed environment, that’s always been the key element.”

For Paisley Jones, marketing and media manager at headline sponsor Novomatic, Park Avenue is “one of our favourite events of the year,” while JNC sales manager Rich Clarke added “it’s an event we always like to attend.”

GeWeTe’s Mark Edmundson also praised the show, as well as thanking those who organised it, and said “there’s always a good buzz here, it’s a social event, well-attended, and it’s a great atmosphere.”

As well as those visiting Park Avenue, the show also proved a success for co-organisers Electrocoin and UDC, with John A Stergides observing: “It’s always nice to see everyone and to catch up, seeing as it’s the last industry event before the summer.” Matt Bland at UDC agreed, adding “after this it’s all systems go for the operators.”

Park Avenue 2025

Coinslot – June 6 – June 12, 2025 Issue 2944 – Page 1