Now in its 35th year, the AGE 2024 opened to a packed exhibition floor every day between 13-15 August.
“The Australasian Gaming Expo continues to go from strength to strength in terms of visitor numbers and the number of exhibitors” Gaming Technologies Association CEO Jinesh Patel said.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended the AGE and continue to make it a success.”
Since the first show held in Sydney in 1990, AGE has grown to become one of the world’s largest gaming and hospitality trade shows. The 2024 expo brought together manufacturers, service providers, venue operators, players, government and regulators to understand the current market trends and challenges.
More than 200 exhibitors showcased the latest in technology, financial services, retail goods, food and beverage supplies, and construction including furniture, flooring, and cabinetry.
“There were many standouts this year, including the large manufacturers driving innovation in the gaming market, new digital signage from exhibitors, the use of robots for serving and even making the morning coffee!” Jinesh highlighted.
AGE newcomer Octopus LED Screens was awarded the Best Stand for 2024 with a high-tech display showcasing state-of-the-art screens. Meanwhile, Hennessy Coffee and Robot Run were crowned the Steve Cowan Memorial Award for their unique collaboration with a robot serving coffee that would rival the best barista’s brew.
“Octopus LED Screens was awarded the Best Stand due to its dazzling display that clearly represents the vibrancy and technology of the industry. They even had a display barrel with the picture quality of the best television available,” Jinesh said.
Open for discussion
Beyond the gaming floor, a three-day seminar program, emceed by Michelle Pascoe, provided insight into surviving the current global conditions by staying informed, driving innovation, remaining agile, and embracing technology to free staff from the mundane to focus on improving themselves and the business.
Day one featured an international panel that provided an outlook on the global gaming and hospitality markets, which was followed by a regulation update on anti-money laundering measures and technology developments to meet these challenges.
Day two focused on the Australasian gaming industry plus innovations ahead, tips to survive the cost-of-living crunch, and technology to mitigate gambling harm and combat inflation.
But the prime initiative of the seminar program was on day three when female leaders showcased their achievements in the industry. The day started with seminar with high-profile women in gaming and hospitality, followed by a presentation about women who are driving industry change. There was also a panel discussing venue initiatives to support and educate their communities on breaking the violence cycle.
“I would like to thank all who spoke at numerous seminars that covered international gaming developments, new local products and technology, an update on the national economy, current regulatory requirements, and the development of the QCOM 3 protocol,” Patel said.
“Thursday provided the opportunity to celebrate female leaders and their achievements, plus women who are driving industry change and an industry led initiative Building Safer Communities – An Industry Response to Domestic Violence.”