Let me be the last one to congratulate the AMOA on a great 2006 tradeshow. My kudos should have been a little more timely, but my day job at Coinstar is keeping me quite busy these days. I'm a little late, but I'd like to chime in anyway.
The AMOA is not just another industry tradeshow. Through hard work and loyal membership support, it has become the industry tradeshow to attend. This hasn't always been the case. Just a few short years ago, even the existence of the AMOA show was not a certainty. It's been very enjoyable to watch the AMOA board turn it around and in a very impressive fashion. Congratulations to a very hard working board. It wouldn't have happened without your efforts.
Time of year: In this age of long manufacturing lead times and year round business cycles, I think the timing of a tradeshow has become secondary to impacting attendance. Our industry doesn't come out with the new hit every month as it used to. If you've got a good piece of equipment, it's going to sell no matter what time of year you debut it. It's more the place and the product rather than the timing.
City: I hope we can stop talking about where to have this tradeshow. Las Vegas is the only choice. Lock it up and make a long-term deal.
Co-locating: This appears to be one of the most important decisions the AMOA has made over the years. Having the Fun Expo side by side the AMOA has made this convention come alive and appears to have ensured the viability of both shows. I'm not sure about the gift expo. I didn't see much there I needed, although I probably should have done some Christmas shopping if I had been smart.
Operator pool party: I'm glad the jukebox anniversary only comes around every few years. Bring back the live bands, please!
Hotel: It was a nice change from the Las Vegas Hilton, and the tram connecting us to the convention center wasn't a problem at all. I saw places at the south end of the strip I'd never been to. How about that Margaritaville?
Mood: It was the most festive show I've been to in a number of years. The AMOA board's worked hard to bring some great programs and functions to the convention. It shows.
Size: Until I saw the data, I would have sworn the attendance was up 50% over prior years. It wasn't. I think it was up just slightly. Maybe it was the layout or venue, but the aisles were full and the show looked much bigger.
Golf tournament: We all work too hard all year long to have to play Angel Park. Maybe it's because I lost and didn't play well, but I hope we find a nicer golf course in the future. The AMOA tournament has great attendance, and it's a great way to start off the week. The Las Vegas area is full of great golf courses I'd like us to consider.
Seminars: Every year I put two or three seminars on my schedule as must attends, and every year I don't make it to any of them. The AMOA puts a lot of effort into this quality schedule. Maybe next year.
Favorite sighting: Ken Anderson, a long time industry vet, told me about another can't miss game. Ken, news flash: some of those can't miss games over the years have been dogs.
New pet peeve: Does it irritate anyone else when the show is referred to as Amoa (pronounced "am-o-a")? It's the A.M.O.A. show, please.
Favorite company uniform: No question, Namco bowling shirts.
Booth that was the biggest hit with our accountants: Betson. Something to do with the staff demo team on the Super Bikes.
Guy I most miss seeing: Mark Chan (formerly with Midway Games, now selling for I.G.T.).
Best of luck in 2007 to a great slate of AMOA officers and board members. I can't wait to see what you come up with next year.
Randy Chilton is a third generation operator from Kansas. Upon graduation from the University of Kansas in 1982 he went to work in his family business, Chilton Vending. Chilton's expertise is in FEC arcade operations in street locations, from design to installation and operations. He's served on the AMOA Board of director's beginning 1985, and served as AMOA President in 1995-96. In June 1998, Chilton sold their 1,800 piece family amusement business to American Coin Merchandisers, dba Sugarloaf Creations, a nationwide amusement vending company. Randy is Vice President of Amusement Games Development for Sugarloaf. He can be reached at 316/262-3538, or by email via rchilton@sugarloaf-usa.com.
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