Anyone know why a couple of the popular boards are no longer having anything to do with it and why it is not mentioned in coinslot magazine. 
Just to prove it was you need to go to there arcs to find the paper
Here is my interview with coinslot
1) First up - what is Insert Coin all about?
The Insert Coin 2009 Expo is a public exhibition covering all things to do with the arcade and amusement culture. Promoting the retro and modern video amusement scene including pinball and a lot of the merchandising and spares that support the culture. The event will comprise manufacturers exhibiting their latest machines, side-by-side video amusement enthusiasts with the best of refurbished classic retro machines all on free-play.
A totally unique experience for fans of gaming, representing an excellent opportunity for tournament competition based on certain games. Over nine of which will be held during the event, with prizes up for grabs. This event will be covered by a gaggle of online and public media representing a true celebration of the innovation of amusement and its continued hold on a growing audience.
2) What prompted you to set up this event?
As was seen by the crowds that prowled the ATEI show floor last month, there is a serious Non-Trade interest in the amusement sector – but outlets for this interest are proving difficult for some to find. The event will offer a chance not only for players to try-out the latest and greatest titles, but will offer the growing ‘ProSumer’ scene a chance to own new and classic game machines.
The term ‘ProSumer’ refers to those individuals that know what they want and are prepared to pay to own it – from the latest home entertainment technology to the most realistic gaming experience. The consumer scene has seen an explosion in video amusement sales into the consumer sector – a throw back of a sector of society interested in the latest home entertainment (emulating the American style recreation room). Not all of these are footballers, but includes a wide stratum of interested parties, with the resources to enjoy their hobby.
Though normally missed by the trade; the social network element of the internet is crammed with classic gaming (Retro) online forums, and with sites dedicated to the interest of the latest amusement pieces. For many their interest has to be a vicarious pursuit as there are no machines in their area. Especially as the trade exhibitions strengthen their Non-Trade registration, an outlet was needed to both promote that amusement is still of interest as the ‘pure’ representation of gaming, and also gather likeminded individuals together in a social environment.
3) Why Northampton and why July?
The aspects of cost, accessibility and capacity all needed to be considered. The organizers are a group of arcade fans, and amusement facility operators – and have taken into consideration the locality of the core audience to a unique event of this type. Remembering that this is the first time that an experience of this kind has been attempted, the organizers wanted to ensure that the event is a success from the start – with hopes that in the future it can grow as a event and brand.
I just want to add that too often we all are London-centric in our thinking – forgetting that the Counties and North of the Country also have a part to play. I hope that once we can gauge the interest in the UK audience for this style of event we can look towards other locations across the Country.
Regarding July – we have to remember this is a public event – though for the amusement trade, many will be working on their seasonal business or on holidays. This is a perfect time for a public amusement event; held during the anticipated audience’s holiday plans. The current trend towards ‘StayCation’ (taking holiday’s closer to home) will also play part in this events impact.
4) Is there any way members of the industry can help?
Oh Yes! The event is not a consumer games exhibition with a few hobby arcade games – this is a major event that covers the full gambit of amusement from the classics to the modern releases. We want to have as much representation from the amusement trade – a chance to show the machines to “the people who pay our wages”, and promote an industry to a diverse audience.
KWP was approached a month ago to undertake a marketing and development role for the event, once the core team of organizers decided to go ahead. There are known in this sector through the publishing of there e-newsletter The Stinger Report. And have gained a following with both international trade, but also the playing public. We have already started the shows marketing effort, and approached the first group of trade companies to solicit their interest to be involved. The feeling is ‘the more the merrier’ – anyone who wants to know what is available please email kevin on kwp@thestingerreport.com
The event will be split into three components – the first being the exhibition of machines on free-play; the second will be stands with merchants selling related material; and finally an evening VIP event, on the first day, to unwind and act as a social gathering for the older audience and trade. There are a wide variety of sponsorship, advertising and marketing opportunities to the show, along with directly exhibiting.
5) What do you anticipate being more popular: the video games or the pinball? Which is your particular favourite?
Oh the eternal question! Even though from a trade perspective pinball is a shadow of its former self, it is still a phenomenally popular gamer genera. I would not be surprised if the pinball aspect of the event is equally as popular as the video amusement – though for share numbers of systems, the videos will have it.
One of the unique aspects of the event will be the competitions taking place. The tournament element of Insert Coin 2009 Expo will be taking place alongside the general attendance. A highly anticipated chance for World Record competition, offering a unique audience opportunity with some great prizes up for grabs.
On a personal note, my favourite classic titles tastes include a chance for a game of ‘BattleZone’ and ‘Lunar Lander’ – but to be frank I look forward to getting my hands on ‘Street Fighter IV’ in its original state – the popularity of this game will only grow now that a suite of machines has been confirmed for the event.
END
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Topic: Insert Coin 09-U.K arcade video expo (Read 24041 times)
