Australasian Gaming Expo Report, by Eva Rinaldi - 22nd August 2011

Today was a important day on the Australian gaming industry calendar. It's the third and final day of the 2011 Australasian Gaming Expo, held at Darling Harbour in 'Sin City' Sydney, Australia. The event comes at a time where the spotlight on the Australian gambling industry may have never been brighter or so politically red hot.  My company, Human Statue Bodyart, was delighted to be in the thick of the action. Enter the events world of the Gaming Technologies Association...

Australasian Gaming Expo Open Day In Sydney...

Over 150 gaming - gambling exhibitors enjoyed day three at the Australasian Gaming Expo Open at Sydney's Darling Harbour. Dozens of big name brands were there including IGT (and its new 'Sex And The City' slot game), Aristocrat Technologies Australia, Ainsworth, Konami, WMS, ShuffleMaster and Bally. 

Most of the exhibitors were making a return appearance from last year. It appeared they're were more exhibitors than "punters".

It's a huge production, with over 15,000 square meters decked out in gambling gear.

While big name companies like IGT somewhat dominated the event, it was impossible not to also recognise some of the smaller operations, as well as a few of IGT's competitors of sorts, thanks to their considerable branding and marketing efforts.

Here's the list of all of entities I was blessed to be able to speak with and photograph:

IGT

Aristocrat Technologies Australia

Ainsworth 

Bally

Maxgaming

Keno

Paynter Dixon Hospitality

Tenrod Australia

Rohrig

Choice Paper & Imaging

Allpride Signs & Marketing

Paltronics Australasia

Maximun Light

As you can see from our photographs showcased on our Flickr, a great time was had by all, and the event was largely a success for all involved.

For the record, some of my personal favorite games are 'Sex And The City', 'The Phantom', 'Queen Of The Nile', 'Aussie Gold', 'Rose Tattoo', 'Jaws', 'Wheel Of Fortune' and Keno.

It's going to be interesting to see what poker machine manufacture is the one that will step up to battle with the red hot IGT slot - 'Sex And The City'. Will it be Australia's own Aristocrat or an international entrant.

Good on the organisers for also having coffee and bites on hand. 4.5 stars out of 5 for an excellent event, and we'll look forward to being on hand next year for more of the fun and games that is the Australasian Gaming Expo.

Websites

Australasian Gaming Expo

http://www.austgamingexpo.com

Gaming Technologies Association

http://www.gamingta.com

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Darling Harbour

http://www.scec.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

http://www.scec.com.au

Human Statue Bodyart

http://www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au

Specsavers Seeing Merit In Human Statues, by Eva Rinaldi - 13th August 2011

Popular Australian eyewear retailer Specsavers has shown significant vision and daring in its latest campaign incorporating human statues into its marketing and media mix.
It's marketing vision includes standing out from the pack, and they have embarked on a campaign incorporating solid sales material, superior customer service, fantastic products, and creativity... thanks to the eye catching human statues.
The Perth store campaign recently commenced and was a big hit. This was the latest state to employ the tactics in its Australia wide campaign that spread from NSW to SA, and has now hit WA.  Melbourne will be next, then back to NSW with Sydney's Parramatta Store makeover.
It's understood that many retail hot-shot masterminds from across the industry are watching the Specsavers - Human Statue Bodyart campaign closely, with rumblings other retailers are going to give the statues and possibly bodypainting a go, in order to not be overshadowed by the dynamic marketing tactics.
Brilliant marketing and media tactics shown by Specsavers, or not? The rumour mill says beancounters will know for certain in less than a month, but early indicators demonstrate the eyewear retailer has shown great vision with the campaign, and that the rewards have far exceeded the risk.
A number of major retail giants will soon be testing the waters with statues and bodypaint, and some leaders in the hotel - casino - resort sector will also be soon following suit, having caught wind of the campaign, with some also seeing some human statues in action at a certain Sydney hotel...something about "Hilton" and cabaret.
The retail industry remains divided as to if the statues were too "extreme" or not, but daring to be different may be one of the few ways to bring to life campaigns in the struggling retail sector.

*the writer is the director of Human Statue Bodyart

Websites

Specsavers http://www.specsavers.com.au

Human Statue Bodyart http://www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au

Westfield http://www.westfield.com.au

Sydney's Hilton Hotel brings back Extreme Cabaret By Popular Demand, by Eva Rinaldi - 13th August 2011

Sydney's in-crowd was once again back at The Hilton's Zeta Bar last night for more teasing and titillation by Extreme Cabaret.

Friday's at Zeta have never been hotter than at current thanks to the cabaret and carnival themes.

You're be delighted to hear that the cabaret human statues were back, as were the dancers. Last night saw the debut of little person 'Mini Lady Gaga' who added extra Moulin Rouge energy to the arts collaboration.

The award winning Zeta Bar was going crazy, in a good way, and guys and girls lapped it up.  The bar sure did a healthy trade, and we understand a number of last minute accommodation bookings were taken in by the Hilton Hotel, which is always a good sign of a fun and hot night out in Sexy Sin City.

The 8 foot tall (on stilts) ringmaster / MC was back, which acted as quite the conversation piece and ice breaker facilitator for conversations between lads and lassies in attendance.

If you didn't already hear The Hilton's Zeta Bar will be presenting their Extreme Cabaret each Friday till the end of September, already many club goers in Sydney are being influenced into dressing up in Extreme Cabaret garb.

It's all just in time for 'Underbelly Razor' which returns to Channel Nine on Sunday August 21. Ladies, don't be afraid to dress up as vice queens Kate Leigh or Tilly Devine.

The Zeta Bar remains a  favourite of many Sydney based celebs, but no one is disclosing the names of who is showing up each and every Friday. You just have to turn up and play "name that celeb". The Extreme Cabaret "dolls" will be back, and they are looking forward to tantalising and titillating you, so don't disappoint them will you darlings.

PS: wondering what to wear? Feathers, black with red and blue and white are in, as are shades of conservative bondage fashion, but don't forget - it's Hilton, not Kings Cross, so if in doubt play it a little safe, and leave it to the performers to show off their skin.

Websites

Hilton Hotel Sydney http://www.hiltonsydney.com.au

Zeta Bar http://www.zetabar.com.au

Underbelly http://www.channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/underbelly

Human Statue Bodyart http://www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au