MARKETPLACE
NEWSLETTER
PAGE 7, JUNE 30, 1973
One Industry
•
One Convention
We've already heard from some coinmen that, because both conventions this year,
MOA and NAMA, are a month apart, both in Chicago, that they don't plan to attend
either convention.
One well known coinman advised, "We're very much interested in venders as well as
music and games. When both conventions were held in Chicago and ran concurrently, we
attended because we could spend a few days at each convention. We can't see ourselves
flying to Chicago to attend one convention and then flying back to Chicago a month
later to attend the other convention."
This may well be the sentiment of many operators and distributors. It's not just
a matter of the expense involved, it is also the time taken away from their businesses
which, they advise, they can no longer afford because of the lack of good help.
•
There are few, if any, who don't agree with the headline appearing here which was
first published in "Marketplace" in the early 1 60s. This is predominant for an indus-
try that bases itself on money saving efficiency. An industry that constantly cuts
away inefficient fat that may arise in operating, distributing or manufacturing •
Yet, this very same industry tolerates the heavy expense and horrible inefficiency
of two conventions. Conventions where the same men meet each other all over again to
do the same thing they could have accomplished at one convention. Manufacturers go
thru the expense of setting up exhibits twice to greet the same people.
Over 30 years ago afew vending machine manufacturers walked out of the CMI (Coin
Ma.chine Industries,Inc.) convention at the Sherman Hotel in Chicago with the complaint
they did not want to display where punchboards and slot machines were also being ex-
hibited. These men were led by the late Nathaniel Leverone of Canteen. The ironic part
of this is that the very first Canteens were manufactured by Mills Novelty Co., largest
of the slot machine manufacturers. Furthermore, the late Fred Mills was on the Canteen
Board of Directors.
"
...
Those men who walked out formed NAMA (National Automatic Merchandising Association)
and held their own conventions. Today, as can be proved by the coin machine conglom-
erates, vending, music and games are intermixed. In short, almost every leading firm
operates every type machine. The large conglomerates are put thru the same double
expense as the smallest, independent operator. They, too, attend both conventions •
This is one industry. An industry that detests expensive inefficiency. And because
this is One Industry, there should be , One Convention. "One Industry - One Convention".
National associations cannot lose their individual identities by coming together once
during the year in convention.met. Can bring about, instead, one huge meet to impress
all American industries. Can save all participants money. Can be assured of a greater
future. "One Industry - One Convention".
What do you think?