
The Amusement and Retail Entertainment Expo (ARE Expo), taking place on 28–29 April 2026 at the Cotton Sheds, Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, will once again welcome Simon Barff, our Managing Director , to its seminar programme.
Known for his insightful, data-driven presentations, Simon returns this year with a timely focus on one of the most significant shifts in the sector – the rise of cashless and contactless payments, and their impact on machine performance.
In his talk: Making Contactless Pay: Data Insights for Maximising Machine Revenue; Simon will draw on CLMS’ extensive data network, which connects tens of thousands of machines across the UK, the session will explore how payment methods are influencing machine revenue across different product types and geographic regions.
Attendees can expect a detailed analysis of:
- How cashless adoption is affecting spend behaviour
- Variations in performance between regions and venues
- Differences in impact across machine categories
- What the data reveals about optimising revenue through contactless
Commenting ahead of the show, Simon Barff said:
“I am very pleased to be returning to the ARE show in Manchester for a second year, and I’m looking forward to sharing the insights I have gleaned from data on cashless payments, which I believe could be a transformative opportunity for the industry. I hope you’ll join me at 1pm on Tuesday 28 April to hear more.”
The session will also provide practical insights into how operators can maximise the opportunities presented by contactless payments, helping venues adapt to evolving consumer expectations while maintaining strong machine performance.
Simon Barff’s sessions have become a firm fixture at industry events, valued for their clarity, relevance and grounding in real-world operational data. His return to ARE Expo reinforces the event’s commitment to delivering meaningful, actionable content for operators and suppliers alike.
The Amusement and Retail Entertainment Expo (ARE Expo) returns to Manchester for its second edition, building on the success of its inaugural event with an expanded exhibition and seminar programme focused on the future of the sector.
Make sure to register here

