Play Meter

UP FRONT A pool tab le manufacturer recently called. Although his company had fallen on hard times , it is under new management and re-emerging into the marketplace. The manufacturer called to say he was interested in exhibiting at a trade show. Like everyone else in the industry, he heard that the manufa cturers had sche duled a show (Amusement Showcase International) only weeks before the operators ' show (Am use ment Operators Expo) . But, like others in the industry, his company can not afford to go to both shows. I explained that since Play Meter is an AOE sponsor, I would not want him to think my comments were one-sided. I explained honestly that some of the major manufacturers had canceled plans to exhibit at the AOE in order to support their own show. But I also informed him that the AOE has more exhibitors than the manufacturers' show. " Look," he said. "I really don't care what manufacturers are at a show. I want to be where the operators are." This simple statement has so much truth that it really hit home . The AOE owes its success to the operators, not to the manufacturers though several major manufacturers supported and will continue to support the show. The seminars are one reason operators support the AOE. Seminars are planned carefully around subjects imperative to operators in their continued quest for success and information. These seminars have drawn operators to the AOE, and their quality will continue to attract operators. This year the seminars are stronger than ever, and we sincerely believe they will bring thousands of operators to the AOE once again. AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84 "Look,," said the manufacturer. "/ really don"t care what manufacturers are at a show. I want to be where the OPERA TORS are." AOE84AOE84AOE84A0l84AOE84AOEMAOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84AOE84 Be sure to read the stories in this issue that give more information on the AOE. On page 8, Rufus King, Pla y Meter' s counsel, explains the AOE-AGMA lawsuit. In " Operators Continue to Support the AOE," on page 13, you will read facts that prove operators show an interest in AOE '84. You ' ll also be able to compare AOE and ASI projected attendance and exhibitor figures. And what could a little red hen have to do with the industry and the AOE? See page 14. Since Pla y Meter is still the leading industry publication , it will cover the manufacturers' show. When the AOE started in 1980, Play Meter's chief competitor did not even list the show in its calendar of events nor did it cover the show for three consecutive years because Play Meter sponsored the AOE. We heard numerous complaints from operators saying they felt it highly irresponsible of any trade publication to ignore a major event in the industry. Other trade magazines did cover the show, though they were co mpetitors also . The Play Meter staff believes it is our duty to report fairly any industry event. The manufacturers' show is an industry event, and, even with Play Meter's lawsuit in effect, you will read a fair assessment of happenings at the ASI show and all other shows. Valerie Cognevich Editorial Director 6 PLAY MITTR. February 15. 1984