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Well, it's that time of year again-convention
time! Major events will be taking place both here
and abroad over the next six months. Here at home,
the AMOA wm be kicking things off in Chicago.
While this issue was at press, the Japan show
(JAA) and the vending show (NAMA) were held.
Still to come are the parks show (IAAPA) in New
Orle·ans, the British show (ATE) in London, the
Amusement Operators Expo (AOE), also in New
Orleans, and a number of state and regional
conventions.
I cannot agree with those who say this industry
has too many shows. Every successful convention
that has been held has served a very vital purpose..
That is to bring people in this industry together.
The various sectors of this industry cannot afford to
isolate themselves from one another. Open lines of
communication and interaction between manu-
facturer, distributor, and operator are essential
elements in assuring the continued growth of this
industry. Conventions serve that purpose · and
contribute a great deal to the overall success of the
industry.
Those short-sighted ones who play down the
importance of conventions are on~y fooling
themselves by looking at only one side of the
ledger. Sure, conventions cost money-doesn't
everything that is worthwhile? If one takes the
proper attitude, there's -a great deal to be gained
from a convention. The benefits of a convention can
be both tangible and intangible.
Any manufacturer worth his salt should jump at
the chance to efCpose his products to a gathering of
thousands of operators! With the competitin so
fierce at the manufacturing level, product exposure
becomes an essential ingredient to any successful
marketing plan.
For distributors, conventions provide an
excellent opportunity to meet with the various.
suppliers they represent. A number of man-
ufacturers use conventions as a means of holding
distributor meetings and social events. By doing so,
manufacturers can show their appreciation for
successful sales performance, discuss any existing
problems, and make plans for the iuture.
For the operator, a convention offers an
excellent opportunitiy for meeting face to face with
the creators of the equipment with which he makes
his living. He is free to air his complaints as well as .
his compliments and suggestions. Since operators
are t he ones who are faced with the day to day
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business of OJ3erating equipment, they can offer a
great deal of useful information. Of equal
importance is the opportunity for operators from
different parts of the country to meet with each
other and openly discuss mutual problems and
solutions. Under normal circumstances, operators
don't usually talk shop with their local competitors.
But at a convention, there are operators from
different parts of the country who are more likely to
talk freely with each other without the fear of
aiding the competition. A vast amount of
information can be shared and learned in this
manner.
~~.
Another very important aspect of any conven-
tion is the opportunity to inspect first-hand the
latest equipment being offered. Buying the right
equipment ~t the right time is of utmost
importance. There is a big advantage in not just
knowing what is available , but also in what wiU be
available. Attending a convention is a lot like taking
a peek into the future. Games for future release are
often displayed at conventions. And knowing
what's ahead is a big advantage · in planning
equipment purchases.
The educational aspect of conventions should
also not be overlooked. Most conventions offer a
series of seminars, meetings, and workshops-all
designed to educate and promote the success of
operators. An educated operated has a much better
chance for a successful operation. The more
operators learn about their business, the better
businessmen they become. And this process
benefits the entire industry. The more successful
operators become, the more successful the industry
becomes. It's that simple.
~
. I could go on and on about the beneficial aspects
of conventions, but suffice it to say that conventions
are good and serv.e a very meaningful purpose. Too
many conventions? For all the good that come out of
a convention, I say there's not enough! Let's make
the most of the ones we do have. Support them and
do your part by communicating and sharing ideas
and information.
~~--
Ralph C. Lally II
Editor and Publisher