UP FRONT
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let's Strive
for One Super Show
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The AOE and ASI are history. Anyone who
attended both shows knows neither one had the
support of the entire industry.
Manufacturers led by AGMA enlisted the support
of distributors and ASI had a show of manufacturers
and distributors. Operators, on the other hand ,
supported AOE and were insulted that a number of
major manufacturers and distributors ignored them .
It's a sad situation that has caused hard feelings
throughout the industry. AVMDA, the distributors '
association , was formed to address problems and find
compromises for serious industry concerns. When
confronted with AGMA deciding to stage a rival
springtime show, AVMDA joined forces with the
manufacturers instead of seriously looking at the
consequences for those who would be hurt-the
operators.
AGMA boldly stated that since manufacturers
spend the most money exhibiting at shows, they should
be able to say how a show is run. ASI had a beautiful
setup for all the big spending companies-no expense
was spared . But complaints prevailed from smaller
exhibitors who were stuck in low-traffic corners.
Come on, if there were complaints about previous
AOE shows, why didn't the sponsors hear them? AOE
listened to comments for three years so it could try to
put on a successful show for all. And it happened last
year because even manufacturers who resisted the
need for a spring show praised the success of AOE '83.
The AGMA president claimed that Play Meter has
been " persistent~y trying to drive a wedge between the
operators, distributors, and manufacturers. "
In actuality, AOE hosted free general sessions the
first several years of AOE designed to bring operators
and manufacturers together. Seminars never before
attempted were held to give operators an opportunity
to hear competent speakers . discuss vital issues.
Distributors and manufacturers were sought as
speakers. Operators were very pleased with what was
offered , and we heard no complaints from manufac-
turers and distributors . Play Meter is driving a wedge?
Quite the contrary .
AGMA ha s also questioned the " profits" derived
from AOE . " We do not have any idea what happens to
the profits generated by Play Meter or its co-sponsored
show, the AOE . Suffice it to say, both are profit
oriented organizations," AGMA claims.
For years, operators have questioned profits from
overpriced equipment. Aren ' t manufacturers profit
oriented? If not, we better sell any stock we may have in
those companies . Since when does anybody in this
industry have to apologize for making a profit? How
much of the manufacturers ' profits go back into the
industry?
Now that ASI is over, profit isn ' t exactly the topic of
conversation at AGMA/ ASI meetings. Ralph Lally went
out on a limb, hoping to break even on that first AOE
show. Those huge profits AGMA speaks of weren 't
there . However, as AOE became successful , plans were
made to reinvest money back into the industry.
So now we all look to 1985. AGMA has placed ads
in the trade publications claiming that ASI " exceeded
expectations. " However, it claimed it expected 7,000
attendees.
Surely, something can be worked out. The spring-
time is ripe for a show-AOE already proved that for
the industry. Everyone should strive for the ultimate
g~al-one super show. Why couldn ' t it be sponsored
by all associations involving operators, distributors,
and manufacturers?
The industry needs to work together-not against
itself. Can ' t we work together? The coin-op industry
has a lot of outsiders to fight without having to battle
itse If.
Valerie Cognevich
Editorial Director