Visitor numbers were slightly down on previous years, however, on the first afternoon of the show, the aisles were packed and it would have been difficult to differentiate this show from any others of previous years.

As Sega's Justin Burke pointed out after the show: Sega's Justin Burke commented after the show "The figures are in as best they can at this early stage and yes we are pleased with the outcome, it is up on last year. Aside from UK business we also did good trade with many of our European visitors. Whilst no one can deny it was not the busiest show ever, I ask anyone to recall the last packed show they visited in any territory in recent years. Unfortunately times have changed and whilst it is disappointing that many faces were not there to see the efforts all the exhibitors had gone to you have to address that contact in other ways. The second day was certainly busier than last years and it was a well presented and well run show as ever."

Certainly those who made the effort to attend this year's Preview could not be disappointed when it came to product. On the Sega stand, alone (which had relocated to the Champagne suite) there was Sega Rally 3, Rambo, Shoot This Win This and Sponge Bob Ticket Boom.

Harry Levy Amusements had a plethora of amusement product led by the latest 12 player pusher It's A Cracker (also available as an eight-player). Other highlights have got to include the redemption piece Big Bass Wheel. Electrocoin were showing the latest incarnation of the golf series from Golden Tee, called Power Putt. Designed to be more "female friendly" and attract the casual bar player and their friends, the game is much less complex and follows a crazy golf format. Also worth a mention was the latest Batman pinball from Stern, which is undoubtedly going to be a hit.

Brent's focus was most definitely on family amusements at this year's show, as John Brennan commented, "Exhibitions are extremely useful in that they act as a snapshot of the business and if we see Preview as providing an accurate insight to the domestic industry, then the emphasis is most definitely on family amusements." He continued: "From what we gathered in detailed conversations with a cross-section of operators both on and off the stand, that trend and level of demand is likely to intensify through ATEI and the remainder of 2009." Brennan reported that the star of his stand was Clena-Flex, which was shown with a myriad of new merchandising and vending set-ups, and the hugely successful Barber Cut skill-based prize vendor, which is now available to purchase in a single player version.

Gordon Crompton and his team from Game Concepts showed its latest theme for the innovative Galaxy 21 (which is not into its second season). Deep Sea Treasure, with its marauding sharks and dangerous sea creatures looks set to continue the success of the concept.

Undoubtedly one of the busiest stands at Preview was that of Sound Leisure, who held a small drinks reception on the second day of the show in order to mark the 20th anniversary of company founder Alan Black unveiling digital jukebox technology at the very same show. The original box was recreated, and required two computers to contain just 30 tracks. Kevin Weir was on hand as he had been 20 years ago when Alan made the original presentation. Luckily technology has moved on a long way since then and Preview saw the first unveiling of The Jukebox - Sound's latest wall-mounted model which boasts the most cutting-edge software to be found on any jukebox, effectively making it an entertainment centre, able to provide everything from bingo to a What's on Guide to customers. As ever, Sound Leisure shared the stand with the team from Soundnet who were showing their lowest-ever priced music packages

Upon entering the Preview on the top level, one might be forgiven for thinking that Cosmic Video had taken over! The company dominated the entrance hall once again this year and operators had their pick of some of the world's leading video product, including the new Nascar II and Need for Speed Carbon. Terry and the team, including newly-wed Jonathan Mays were in their usual irrepressible form and seemed buoyed up by the success of their Heads-Up Challenge poker game which they are selling into Europe.

Continuing the amusements theme, TAB Austria held a commanding position at the head of the Chablis suite with its range of touchscreen games, video AWP terminal and popular Max Fire jukebox and successful Virtual Pinball. The motto, "Better games through innovation," continues to hold true for the Austrian giant, which had also enjoyed considerable success in the betting terminal sector.

Nobody can pretend that the UK AWP sector hasn't struggled in recent months with consolidation and redundancies affecting some of the biggest names in the industry. Many we spoke to at the Preview were waiting with bated breath for the government's decision on stakes and prizes, due to be announced as this issue goes to press. Despite this, the mood among exhibitors was surprisingly upbeat and the quality and variety of product very high.

Reflex Gaming, which showed its Peter Stringfellow licensed titles (Party Nights for the single site sector and Pole Position and Angels for the club market) believes that operators are becoming more adventurous in their choice of machines, due to changes in the sector. "Although sales volumes are way down in the single site Category C sector, the operators who have benefited from the Leisure Link Gaming fallout are looking further afield than the traditional big manufacturers in that sector. Providing the review of stakes and prizes is good, then I feel there are some opportunities to be had in this area," said Reflex's Quentin Stott.

Astra Games had one of the most impressive stands at the show, dominating the Champagne Suite and launched two new multi-game compendiums. Preview was also the first UK show for new Managing Director Zane Mersich, who professed to be impressed with the layout and organisation.

"The show went very well, we received a considerable amount of interest in Astra's new products and an excellent response to the innovative edge that Astra's games offer," said Richard Barr of Astra Games. "At a difficult time for the UK market, Astra's focus on developing entertaining and compelling games means that we are well positioned to take advantage of any opportunities by supporting our customers with first class product," he added.

Barrie Knighton of Gemini Games was also pleasantly surprised at how positive this year's show was. "Our portfolio of Digital product was received exceptionally well at this year's Preview, visitors to the stand and the interest shown exceeded all expectations," he said. "A realistic pricing structure, coupled with a unique compendium of digital games for all sectors of our business were the prime factors in this result. Without doubt our two new SWPs ‘Nearest the Pin' and ‘Cash Stacker' generated a lot of interest from single site operators looking for digital product without the commitment of ongoing fees."

Games Warehouse had a private room on the mezzanine floor and showed its Pragon TT and its latest GamePack SMART software which was launched at the show. The company also showed its new offering for the Category C and B3/B4 sectors called Infiniti.

Games Media also showed on the mezzanine floor in a private room and shone its spotlight on the new SWP cabinet, the IND:E II which made its debut at the show. It features a 32 game menu for greater consumer choice as well as a stylish and ergonomically designed cabinet with impoved high-resolution touch screen.

Finally, although it is impossible to mention everyone in a post-show report, mention must be made of SMS VIP - a newcomer to the exhibition. Managing Director Philip Closier enthusiastically demonstrated his mobile SMS/Text marketing service which was developed with AWP operators and his Bluetooth proximity direct marketing equipment designed for the entertainment industry.

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