Attendees felt encouraged by a strong showing of new products and services for their locations, particularly software produced for jukeboxes and countertops.

The show’s 4,600 attendees were able to evaluate products at 511 booths. Including the attendance at adjoining Fun Expo, the total increased to 6,000. The buyer numbers increased to 2,050 this year, up 50 from the 2005 total. The show organisers also happily recorded higher financial returns. From the expectation of a 10 per cent drop in revenue, they were pleasantly surprised at a profit of US$50,000-US$60,000. They credit the profit to increasing booth sales while decreasing overheads.

The Jukebox Licensing Office scored a coup on the first full day by negotiating an extended agreement for another five years, with only minor adjustments. AMOA also inducted its new slate of officers, including President Howard Cole of North Carolina, First Vice- President Lloyd Williamson of Minnesota, treasurer Russ Mawdsley Jr. of Massachusetts, and secretary Gray Brewer of Tennessee.

The bylaws were amended to change the time when new officers assume their duties. This was switched from the annual membership meeting, which takes place midway through the show, to the close of Expo. Another bylaw change allowed proxy votes via regular US mail. Association leaders aimed to guarantee that all members have a voice in the AMOA even if they do not attend the Expo.

AMOA’s treasury is financially solid, reporting a balance of US$4.3m in bank and investment accounts as of September 18. The AMOA reserve fund now stands at more than US$2m.

The AMOA and Fun Expos have co-located their trade shows for eight years. This year, they incorporated a third convention, the Las Vegas Souvenir and Resort Gift Show. Although this was held in another section of the building, the organisers agreed it was a good arrangement and plan to continue the programme in 2007. The 2007 shows will also take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from September 27-29.

The AMOA event provided the opportunity for a top pinball player to win the first industry competition at the international trade show. The AMOA joined with the reconstituted International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) to sponsor the first AMOA International Expo Pinball Championships. The tournament featured selected machines from five eras – the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. The promoters awarded a US$500 cash prize to the winner, the title of AMOA Expo Pinball Champion and a winner’s plaque. The second, third and fourth-place players will also receive a plaque.

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