Karen Cooke on 10 Years of ACOS: What’s Changed, What’s Next, and Why It Still Matters

As ACOS prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in London this October, we caught up with Karen Cooke, organiser of the show, to reflect on a decade of industry connection and to look ahead at what’s coming next.

2025 marks the 10th edition of ACOS – a significant milestone! How has the show evolved over the past decade?

Karen Cooke: It’s been incredible to see ACOS grow and mature over the years. When we launched the show, our aim was to create a focused, friendly, and cost-effective space for the industry to come together ahead of the busy winter season. That ethos still holds true today, but the scale and professionalism have grown significantly. We’ve introduced new initiatives, brought in fresh exhibitors, and constantly listened to feedback – and that’s what’s helped ACOS stay relevant and rewarding.

What do you believe sets ACOS apart from other shows?

Karen Cooke: Without question, it’s the atmosphere. ACOS has always been about networking in a relaxed, sociable setting, and I think people really value that. It’s a compact show with high impact – you can meet the right people, see the latest developments, and do it all in a really welcoming environment.

This year, we’re trialling a new meeting table booking system, which allows exhibitors to pre-book tables for meetings and lunch. It gives them a bit more structure without losing the informal spirit that defines ACOS.

Can you share any new developments we can expect for ACOS 2025?

Karen Cooke: Alongside the table booking initiative, we’re continuing to build on the elements people love - good hospitality, an easy venue, and a strong exhibitor lineup. We’re also working behind the scenes to evolve the experience in terms of visitor flow and creating space for more focused conversations. The aim is to help people get the most value from their time at the show.

How have partnerships contributed to the show’s success over the years?

Karen Cooke: They’ve been absolutely crucial. We work closely with key trade bodies, media partners, and exhibitors to ensure the event reflects what’s going on in the market. These relationships help us shape the content and make sure we’re always adding value—not just running an event, but creating a space where business really gets done.

How do you ensure ACOS stays fresh and relevant in such a fast-moving industry?

Karen Cooke: We stay close to the ground - talking to exhibitors, walking the show floor, visiting venues, and keeping our eyes on trends. ACOS might be smaller than some international events, but that’s its strength. It’s agile. We can respond quickly to shifts in the market, whether it’s cashless technology, player data, machine innovation, or new entertainment formats.

Finally, what keeps you motivated year after year?

Karen Cooke: The people. This industry is full of passionate, creative, and genuinely lovely individuals. Seeing them come together at ACOS and catching up, sharing ideas, doing business, it’s incredibly rewarding. I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.

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31 July 2025

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