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Amusement Expo News

AMUSEMENT EXPO INTERNATIONAL 2024 WRAPS

March 25, 2024

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENT

Amusement Expo International (AEI) concluded their annual conference and trade show after an exhilarating week that proved the growing interest in the power of play and profits. The resurgence of both exhibitors and attendees continues to demonstrate that face-to-face conversations and meetings are vital to the game and out-of-home entertainment industry.

AEI 2024 by the Numbers

  • Expanded 2024 trade show exhibit space by 20 percent
  • 205 exhibitors, including 60 new companies on the trade show floor
  • 4,679 attendees, breaking 2023 record-breaking event
  • 24 educational sessions, including the VR Summit and Keynote Speaker, Herm Edwards
  • 75+ leading industry speakers, panelists, and roundtable moderators
  • 6 AMOA Innovator Awards and Operator’s Choice Awards
  • 19 AAMA Awards were announced including Manufacturer, Distributor, Supplier and Allied Members of the Year, the AAMA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, and 14 AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame inductees.
  • 5 engaging networking events including the VR Reception, Industry Gala, and Beers & Cheers
  • 5 co-locating events that included: BCA Expo, VR Arcade Game Sumit, NBVA, Laser Tag Convention and Foundations University.
  • $30,000 generated by AEI’s Charity Fund 50/50 Raffle
  • $15,000 contributed to Ronald McDonald House Children’s Charities â Greater Las Vegas

AEI 2024 showed how “THE FUN NEVER ENDS” to industry thought-leaders, manufacturers, entertainment venue owners and managers, in addition to game route operators, media, and budding entrepreneurs. Throughout the show, hundreds of entertainment brands announced new products, partnerships, and services.

AEI Highlights

  • Free Roam VR area on the tradeshow floor
  • Introduction to AI and its impact on the game and entertainment industry
  • New sessions featuring entertainment opportunities for vacant retail space
  • Keynote presentation by former NFL and College Football Coach, and current NFL and College Football Analyst for ESPN SportsCenter, Get Up, NFL Live and ESPN Radio, Coach Herm Edwards
  • Over 25 awards distributed to industry-leaders and innovators

AEI-2025

  • Education: March 17 & 18, 2025
  • Tradeshow: March 19 & 20, 2025
  • Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center
  • Host Hotel: The Westgate Resort
AEI 2024 AEI 2024 AEI 2024

Congratulations to AMOA award winners!!

March 21, 2024

INNOVATOR AWARD WINNERS

  • Amusement Connect for MobileMech
  • Rocket Amusements for Claw the Rings

OPERATOR CHOICE AWARD WINNERS

  • Amusement Connect for MobileMech
  • Embed for Mobile Wallet 2.0
  • The Really Big Crane Company for Find a Key Deluxe
  • TouchTunes for TouchTunes Jukebox Builder

Congratulations to AAMA award winners!!

CATEGORY AWARDS

  • Allied Member of the Year – Trainertainment
  • Supplier of the Year – Amusement Connect
  • Distributor of the Year – Betson
  • Manufacturer of the Year – Raw Thrills
  • Lifetime Achievement Award – Ed Pellegrini

HALL OF FAME

  • Product or Entity Inductees
    • Golden Tee Golf
    • Pong
  • Legacy Inductees
    • Bill Cravens
    • Dick Hawkins
    • Don Hesch
    • Ameila “Millie” McCarthy
    • Lou Nicastro
  • Living Inductees
    • Al Alcorn
    • Rick Kirby
    • Clarence Mabe
    • Jorge Mochkovsky
    • Ed Pellegrini
    • Frank Seninsky
    • Mike Stroll

Last Day

March 21, 2024

When we said, “The Fun Never Ends”, we weren’t kidding! This week has been amazing with incredible exhibits, great sessions and lots and LOTS of fun. Just a few more hours remain until we wrap this exhilarating week featuring some of the brightest and best in the industry. 

It's Not Too Late!

March 18, 2024

The excitement begins today with informative sessions, and plenty of networking. It’s not too late to take part in what looks like one of AEI’s largest events in history. 

What to Expect at AEI

March 15, 2024

Become immersed in four days of incredible moments during Amusement Expo International, being held next week (March 18 – 21) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This unforgettable event is one you won’t want to miss!

AEI Taking Strong Stand on Trademark Infringement

March 13, 2024

Show Organizers Launch Enhanced Intellectual Property Protection Program for Upcoming Show

Owners and Management of the Amusement Expo International (AEI) today announced an aggressive campaign to help protect its exhibitors from Intellectual Property Theft.

Trade Shows play a key role in presenting new and creative products. They provide the first opportunity to view a company’s next best product or idea. That said, unsuspecting companies are often a prime target for Intellectual Property Theft.

The AEI Conference and Trade Show is scheduled for March 18 – 21, 2024 in Las Vegas. To prevent potential pitfalls organizers have contracted legal staff to be present during the trade show and offer free advice should exhibitors feel their intellectual property rights have been infringed.

Additionally, a special exhibitor pre-show communication has been distributed to all exhibitors announcing that an IP Attorney will be on site for set up, and during the expo to investigate all claims of copy games being offered for sale on the show floor.

Signage will be strategically placed throughout the show floor calling attention to AEI’s commitment to protecting the IPR of all exhibitors.

Finally, should an IP claim be verified, show management, W.T. Glasgow, Inc., will take all necessary actions to prevent the copy product from being offered on sale, up to and including closing the booth(s) and removing the offending company from the show floor.

“We recognize the threat copy games present to our entire industry and as such, we’re taking proactive measures to stop them from being offered for sale on the tradeshow floor in both physical form and in sales collateral.” stated Brian Glasgow, Show Manager for Amusement Expo International

Next Week, Learn to Lure Customers into Your Locations!

March 13, 2024

Game culture continues to grow, and retail stores are now eager to “gamify” and engage their customers. From mega VR arcades, luxury crane machines and challenging escape rooms, the out-of-home entertainment industry is redefining customer expectations.

See the latest, hear from the greatest and enjoy the newest immersive games launching at Amusement Expo International next week. Don’t miss your chance to hear from leading entertainment experts and experience hands-on FUN! Register today!

They'll all be in Vegas next week!

March 12, 2024

From Bowling to Billiards –AI to VR – Amusement & Games and beyond, this event always promises to deliver the best exhibits, late breaking product launches, powerful education …AND FUN! Thousands of industry professionals will be in attendance to meet the cream of the crop in the out-of-home entertainment business.

One Week Left!

March 11, 2024

In just one week, hundreds of arcade operators, suppliers and developers will join thousands of amusement industry attendees to learn and experience the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in the growing out-of-home entertainment industry.

New Arcade Operator User Group Announced for VR Arcade Game Summit

March 7, 2024

Organizers of the VR Arcade Summit have unveiled the initial sponsor roster for its upcoming conference, along with groundbreaking new activities for arcade owners and operators. The VR Arcade Summit, held every year in cooperation with Amusement Expo International in Las Vegas, is North America’s largest conference dedicated to the business of location-based virtual reality entertainment. Over 500 arcade operators, suppliers and developers will join almost 4,000 amusement industry attendees to learn about the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in the growing out-of-home entertainment industry. Competition is heating up.

AEI is Excited to Present...

February 29,2024

...A PREVIEW of two of many sessions in store for you!

A Game Lover's Paradise!

February 21, 2024

Known as one of the most powerful events in the industry, AEI’s educational sessions put you side-by-side with game experts who know how to create, optimize, and expand FUN – giving you the latest insights to use for your business right away!

Early Registration Deadline Extended

February 19, 2024

We are pleased to announce that due to the surge in interest to attend the upcoming Amusement Expo International, show officials have EXTENDED Early Registration to February 28. You still have time to get special reduced rates, but only until February 28.

AEI Show Floor Expands

February 12, 2024

The buzz in the industry is true. Amusement Expo International has expanded its show floor – AGAIN – to accommodate the growing need for more companies eager to launch new games and entertainment innovations. 

AAMA Category Award Nominations Due February 16

February 9, 2024

There is one week left for all current AAMA members to nominate fellow members they do business with for the Manufacturer, Distributor, Supplier and Allied Member of the Year. Presented during Amusement Expo International’s Beers And Cheers celebration, these awards highlight the best of the best as chosen by their peers. Nomination Ballots can be found here (https://coin-op.org/category-award-ballots-2024/) and are due to Tina at tina@coin-op.org on or before Friday, February 16th.

Leverage Expert Knowledge

January 30, 2024

Consumers are hungry for engaging and immersive arcade games. From fun and competitive games to immersive experiences and more, owners and operators need to be aware of what their customers want. 

AMOA Award Nomination Deadline Approaching

January 10, 2024

AMOA Innovator Awards and Operator's Choice Award Applications Due January 19th.
Do you have an exciting new product or service that is highly “innovative” or “operator-friendly”?

The deadline for award entries for the AMOA Innovator Awards and Operator's Choice Awards programs are fast approaching! These coveted awards, presented during Amusement Expo International’s Beers & Cheers event, recognize the efforts of manufacturers and suppliers who have brought exciting and innovative new products to market for the amusement and entertainment industry. Applications for the 2024 AMOA Awards are due on January 19, 2024. Submit Your Nomination Here!

Eat, Play, and HAVE FUN!

January 19, 2024

Amusement Expo International is coming up…FAST. Among the hundreds of games and new technologies on the show floor will be plenty of Eatertainment experts presenting emerging concepts and fun ideas to meet this rapidly growing trend in entertainment. Learn how operators can leverage the latest “retro-chic” games to build engagement. Hear how to build a competitive edge for bars and restaurants with leagues and tournaments.

Live! Game Room Design at AEI

January 4, 2024

Happy New Year! Amusement Expo International is excited to announce a powerful slate of engaging educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and endless possibilities to spark transformation in your business.

Capitalize on Market Demand for VR

December 20, 2023

Hundreds of participants attend Amusement Expo International’s compelling education sessions each year to learn to experience the next generation solutions for expanding profits within their businesses. Part of this series includes the popular VR Summit conducted during AEI’s education conference and trade show. The summit will feature Bob Cooney, a leading expert in location-based virtual reality. 

AEI Registration Open!

December 4, 2023

Start an exciting journey into the dynamic realm of immersive entertainment and lucrative possibilities, shaped by cutting-edge technologies and the soaring popularity of out-of-home experiences. It’s time to register for Amusement Expo International (AEI). This incredible four-day event features two days of powerful education, two days of hands-on exhibits and unlimited networking. 

Coach Herm Edwards Announced as Keynote!

November 22, 2023

Amusement Expo International is proud to announce Coach Herm Edwards as its keynote speaker for 2024. In his address, Mr. Edwards will shine a spotlight on how small accomplishments help execute vision in tackling everyday goals. As an ESPN football analyst and former NFL and college head coach, Herm Edwards, will take attendees through his unique football journey as a player and coach to uncover the life lessons learned along the way.

What’s stopping you from harnessing the power of games?

November 7, 2023

Interactive games promote positive feelings, build engagement, and reduce a ton of stress. But what about the people who build and distribute the games? And what about those on the front lines who serve the clients? That’s your team! Working extra hours, trying hard to provide good customers service, servicing equipment and launching new promotions can be stressful for a team and sometimes lead to burnout. Fortunately, there are simple ways to build a strong team and mitigate burnout. This topic, and much more will be featured during Amusement Expo International.

Taylor Swift Impacts AEI

October 12, 2023

No doubt about it, Taylor Swift holds star status when it comes to customer engagement. She’s dominated the charts and taken hold of jukeboxes around the world. Although we most likely won’t see her in person at Amusement Expo International, you can bet we’ll be hearing her tunes in exhibits displaying the latest in jukebox technologies on the trade show floor. 

Coin-Op Solutions: Time to Start Watching!

September 20, 2023

Booth space assignments begin next month, and the initial lineup of speakers and sessions for the Amusement Expo International is currently being prepared. Everything you need to conquer your toughest amusement game and entertainment challenge will be at AEI in Las Vegas, March 18-21, 2024. Last year, the event generated record numbers of exhibitors and attendees. Judging by exhibit registrations, 2024 will be another banner year.

The Fun Never Ends

August 21, 2023

The way we work is changing. So is the way we play! This year’s Amusement Expo International theme explores the latest technologies, business models, and strategies for success to keep the fun alive…and profitable! Join us in March!

New perspectives in trade show marketing bring growth to AEI 

Posted: August 17, 2023

93% of exhibitors reported new concrete sales leads after 2023 event.
As the industry continued to ease back into face-to-face events, officials from Amusement Expo International were pleased to see increased numbers of exhibitors and attendees in 2022. Yet 2023 figures generated even further growth, surpassing previous records. Today, initial exhibit registration for the 2024 event remains strong with predictions of yet another banner year in Las Vegas in March for AEI.

AEI 2023 post show surveys list 93% of AEI exhibitors reported new concreate sales leads. More compelling evidence why AEI continues to grow.

  • The quality of the event generated noticeably higher quality leads due to solid conversations with potential buyers who had purchasing authority. 
  • Attendees were serious about attending, rather than just “kicking the tires”. 
  • Quality leads built strong sales pipelines .
  • Exhibitors and attendees enjoyed convenient access to events providing one-on-one networking. 
  • Targeted B2B digital marketing helped promote both education and tradeshow offerings to the right audience.
  • Companies and their executives were eager to meet the new business generation. 

Exclusively focused on advancing products and services feeding into the amusement and entertainment market, Amusement Expo International continues its upward trajectory in serving the needs of the industry. 

Call for Speakers Now Open

Posted: July 28, 2023

Each year, the Amusement Expo International (AEI) brings the industry together to present solutions to common challenges that impact our industry. We invite you to share your expertise on the business of play for the expanded AEI education program, Monday and Tuesday, March 18 & 19, 2024. Read more...

Setting a Game Plan for AEI 2024

Posted: July 24, 2023

The Amusement Expo Board of Directors recently gathered in Chicago, along with WT Glasgow Event Management and JMS Marketing, Inc. to review results from the 2023 event and to discuss strategic direction for AEI 2024 and beyond. Read more...