As reported by both industry associations, “MOKENA, IL – May 22, 2019 – The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) and the Amusement and Music Operators Association (AMOA) are pleased to announce their continued partnership in Amusement Expo International (AEI), the leading Spring trade show and educational summit in North America for the In-Venue Amusement and Entertainment Industry.
“Amusement Expo International has experienced year-over-year growth since debuting in 2010,” stated AAMA President Holly Hampton. “AAMA looks forward to continuing that trend working together with our joint partner AMOA.” AMOA President Emily Dunn added, “Leadership from both organizations have been working closely together over the past year to draft a new agreement symbolizing a renewed commitment to our industry to produce an exceptional event for exhibitors and attendees.”
‘Since its debut, AEI has been on a non-stop quest to deliver a high-quality experience to its evolving roster of attendees and exhibitors. Among the major changes/enhancements during its first decade: shifting to a three-day, mid-week event that now includes one full day of education and a two-day exhibition; colocations with the National Bulk Vending Association, Laser Tag Museum and now the Virtual Reality component; and the expansion into the family entertainment center (FEC) and other allied areas.’
“We covered a lot of ground and had some great conversations throughout our discussions,” said AMOA executive vice president Lori Schneider. “Those conversations explored some new concepts and AMOA looks forward to further developing those concepts with AAMA over the coming months and year.”
AEI 2020 New Orleans – For 2020, Amusement Expo International will move to the Hilton New Orleans Riverside and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Education day will take place on Monday, March 9 with the trade show being held Tuesday, March 10 and Wednesday, March 11.
“What better way to kick off the next decade for AEI than in ‘The Big Easy’” remarked Pete Gustafson, AAMA executive vice president. “We’ve made great strides in enhancing the AEI experience for both exhibitors and attendees over the past couple of years. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with AMOA to build an even better product for the future.”
Amusement Expo International is managed by show management firm W.T. Glasgow, Inc.
Contact Show Manager Brian Glasgow at 708-226-1300 or [email protected], or visit the show’s official website: www.amusementexpo.org.
For more information from either or both AEI Partners contact:
- Peter Gustafson, AAMA Executive Vice President
- (847) 290-9088, [email protected]
- Lori Schneider, AMOA Executive Vice President
- (815) 893-6010, [email protected]
ABOUT AMUSEMENT EXPO INTERNATIONAL
The Amusement Expo International is the annual North American gathering of the coin-operated and revenue generating amusement, music, and family entertainment industries. In its 11th year, it is the largest trade show in the region focused on pay-to-play entertainment for family entertainment centers, arcades, bars and restaurants, and other locations where people seek out fun diversion out of the home. The Amusement Expo International is sponsored by industry trade associations, AAMA and AMOA.
ABOUT AAMA
The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) is an international, not-for-profit 501(c)6 trade organization representing the manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and location owner/operators for the coin-operated amusement industry. Our mission is to preserve, protect and promote our industry through legislative advocacy, education, events, networking, and member programs.
ABOUT AMOA
The Amusement and Music Operators Association (AMOA) is a national not-for-profit 501(c)6 trade association. For 71 years, AMOA has been the voice of, and advocate for, those individuals and companies engaged in the currency-activated amusement, vending, music and family entertainment equipment business.
For more information on the Amusement Expo International, please contact Show Manager Brian Glasgow at 708-226-1300 or [email protected], or visit the show’s official website: www.amusementexpo.org.
What this could mean? Extending the equal Partnership Agreement for a 2nd 10 years in the AEI is a win-win-win-win-win (that is 5 wins) for our OOH leisure entertainment industry, AMOA, AAMA, AEI, and all of the general public that plays our games and attractions. Industry unity could be the 6th win. There has been a lot of buzz and rumors about why it was taking so long for the two industry association Partners to make this announcement. Well, now the buzz can focus on thousands of our industry looking forward to AEI 2020 in New Orleans.
Why New Orleans and not Las Vegas for 2020? The answer is most likely very simple. The LVCC had an opportunity to lease a large chunk (maybe all) to a huge show and WT Glasgow was not able to secure the regular AEI space (North or South Hall) for 2020 for the dates our industry is used to. So, we are off to New Orleans for one year, another great city that has everything AEI needs for another successful Expo.
Also, note that Foundations Entertainment University has for the past two years held a 1.5-day Program prior to the AEI that were very well-attended. I am looking into doing the same in New Orleans but have to consider a Saturday-Sunday program not to overlap with the AEI’s now Monday Educational Seminar Day. Saturday is a big revenue day in the FEC sector. Let me know what you think about that at [email protected]
