Amusement Expo 2015 Attendance And Exhibitor Upswing Continues

LAS VEGAS -- The 2015 Amusement Expo, which concluded last week at the Las Vegas Convention Center, witnessed an industry rally not seen by the amusement sector in more than a decade. In 2013, there were 2,763 total participants for the last three-day show; in 2014, there were 2,963 showgoers for the first two-day show; and in 2015, the official count is expected to break the 3,000 mark.

For the second time, the trade show followed its new two-day format, running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 25 and 26, preceded by an educational program. Show manager Brian Glasglow of W.T. Glasgow Inc. will release 2015's official figures next month. However, first day number comparisons, 2,840 this year and 2,672 in 2014, suggest a 3,000+ estimate is likely.

Amusement Expo is owned by the American Amusement Machine Association and the Amusement and Music Operators Association. It has been cosponsored by the National Bulk Vendors Association for the past five years, which collocates its trade show. This year, the expo welcomed the first Laser Tag Convention; it was organized by the Laser Tag Museum (Louisville, KY) for laser tag facility operators.

March 24 was Expo Education Day, with the amusement associations, NBVA and the Laser Tag Convention organizing separate programs for their respective member interests. AAMA and AMOA's program began with a keynote address by Bryan Dodge, Dodge Development (Duncanville, TX), who addressed professional and personal development, success habits of the wealthy and leadership principles. His presentation was followed by 10 sessions that focused on management, FECs and street operations. More than 250 industry members took part in the amusement program.

Exhibitor bookings also continued to climb. This year, 151 goods and services companies occupied 407 booths, compared with 133 in 382 booths last year. And there were 44 first-time exhibiting companies this year, compared with 31 in 2014.

NBVA's 2015 pavilion on the expo show floor consisted of 20 exhibitors in 40 booths, compared with 22 in 43 booths the year prior. At the conclusion of the first day of this year's show, 300 bulk-vending professionals had registered, compared with 224 for both days last year.

During the show, AMOA held its annual membership meeting. Jerry Johnston, Amusement Unlimited Inc. (Eugene, OR), succeeded Bobby Hogin, Hogin Amusement Co. (Dickson, TN), as AMOA president. AMOA also presented its coveted Innovator Award for two new machines: LAI Games' Snapshot 2 photobooth and S&B Candy and Toy's Prize Express. AAMA presented its "best of year" awards, and bestowed its Lifetime Achievement Award on Gary Stern. | SEE STORY

The 2016 Amusement Expo will be held March 16 and 17 (Wednesday and Thursday), once again at the Las Vegas Convention Center in North Hall 1. A daylong education program will be held on Tuesday, March 15. NBVA will continue its collocation agreement and the Westgate Hotel, adjacent to the convention center, remains the official lodging and meetings host.

In 2017, Amusement Expo and its pre-show education day will move to Dallas, from March 14 to 16. The Sheraton Dallas Hotel will host.

Show owners AAMA and AMOA also signed a renewal contract, making several changes, including name change. The new Amusement Expo International reflects the exposition's global appeal, particularly in North and South America.