It's that time of year again. If you're like me, you've received information for numerous fall trade shows, it's sitting on your desk and you're trying to decide to go to one of them, two, or all three. If you are in other businesses, you're decision is probably even more complicated. It's become a difficult decision not only for the exhibitors, but for attendees as well. I've been to all of them regularly. Let me give you a layman's overview of how I view each show:
AMOA SHOW: Atlanta, GA, October 23-25 This show has been around many years, and has evolved with the industry. This year evolution makes a big jump ahead at the AMOA show, in technology. Everyone is looking for the answer to the future of the amusement industry. Universally, most agree that it will be driven by technological change, as has always been the case. The AMOA show for 1997 has a large number of technology companies that have never shown at any traditional industry convention. Intel makes it debut at this years AMOA. There is a new "developers row". This is an area dedicated to software developers of game software. These are not the traditional developers that we're are accustomed to. These are developers that, because of the future of generic platforms, and downloading capabilities, will be able to develop a game, and make it available for much less than we are currently paying, in theory.
There are still the traditional exhibitors, the backbone of the show. Manufacturers, Distributors, suppliers of all kinds, pool and dart league suppliers, will all be in attendance. There will be the same number of exhibitors as last years show, if not more, but it will look different. A small number of exhibitors have decided not to show this year, but I can assure you they'll be on the floor, looking for answers, just like everyone else.
Seminars are always a key part of any convention. The typical AMOA seminar attendee is already an industry member, and has a specific area that he would like to expand in to, or perhaps get a refresher course in an area he is already involved in.
The AMOA's strength is that you can be assured that 1700 (the AMOA membership) of the largest, and most successful operators in the country will be in attendance. That in itself tells me where I need to be.
IAAPA: Orlando, FLA, November 18-22 This is the Consumer Electronics Show of the amusement industry. It's enormous. If you are an operator primarily in amusement parks, or large FEC installations, this may be the only show you really need to attend. There is everything from games, to laser tag, photo booths, plush suppliers, softplay suppliers, roller coaster manufacturers, and everything you have ever seen in a amusement park.
Just over the last few years have you began to see amusement operators attend IAAPA in greater numbers, myself included. Some have accused the ASI and AMOA show attendees as having lackluster enthusiasm levels. At the IAAPA show, they are dancing in the isles. However, unless you are interested in expanding into park operations, or just having an all around good time, there isn't much for the traditional street operator at IAAPA.
FUN EXPO, Las Vegas, NV, September 23-26 If the AMOA is perceived as the show for the old time operators that have been in the business for decades (which in reality isn't true), then the Fun Expo is perceived as for those that aren't currently in the business, but want to be (which in reality, isn't totally accurate either). It has a combination of something for everyone. Frankly, it is the show that the AMOA, ASI, and or the IAAPA, should have been. If I'm thinking of opening an FEC, or other large game room operation, I'm at the Fun Expo. It is sponsored by the IFECA organization, which is a very successful upstart trade association.
The venue of Las Vegas is the most popular site for a trade show. Surveys have confirmed that. The seminars cover a wide range of all topics for the FEC operator.
PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW, Orlando, FLA, January, 1998 This is the annual golf show for the entire golf industry. One million square feet of golf stuff. A "one time" must for any avid golfer. Absolutely no reason or benefit whatsoever for an amusement operator to attend, unless you want to improve your golf game. I went last year with some friends and it was really awesome.
I won't get on my soap box for too long, but these shows (less the golf show) should all be under one roof, at one venue, in some fashion or another. It's unfair to manufacturers, but mostly to the small businesses that must spend a disproportionate amount of money, and time, to attend all of these industry shows, plus two more in the spring (ASI and Leisure Expo), when it should all be able to be done in one trip. For now though, each show has an undeniable nitch that if it fits you, you should go. Trade shows are the lifeblood of any industry.