The opening of the Amusement Showcase International (ASI) at the Las VegasConvention Center (March 28-30) brought over 152 exhibitors occupying 446 booths and 3,053 attendees, including 1,342 buyers, to see “what’s hot” in the amusement industry.
“Business-wise, ASI 2007 was an extremely positive show,” Mike Rudowicz, President of AAMA, said. “Exhibitors were happy with the number of leads they received and optimistic about the sales derived from the show itself. Our show management company, W.T. Glasgow, Inc., did an outstanding job working with Freeman Exhibition Services to create a good looking, well laid out show that everyone seemed to enjoy. The ‘Big Bar’ concept seemed to be a hit along with the ‘Go for the Green’ game that took place during the Big Bar on Wednesday and Thursday nights after the show.”
Jon W. Brady, AAMA Chairman, said, “We were extremely pleased with the 2007 ASI Show. There was tremendous effort from both the AAMA and W.T. Glasgow to put on a great show and I think we all accomplished that goal. We tried putting the much talked about Chicago Big Bar on the floor of the ASI Show in Las Vegas. This was one of the highlights of the show, as we saw a great turnout at this social event both nights. Once again, the Big Bar proves that networking with our industry peers is one major benefit of any trade show.
“In terms of the actual show results, we are very pleased with the turnout in attendance on the buyer category and the exhibitor turnout,” he continued. “The mood was very positive on the buyer side, as most of the exhibitors reported strong sales on the floor during the show. Many told me that on-site show orders were much higher at this year's show compared to the last three to four years. That was great news and there were some excellent new products in many booths that created quite a bit of excitement!”
Sadly, long-time industry leader Bill Cravens passed away during the show. Attendees and exhibitors gathered to remember Bill, sharing stories and memories about this great man. A moment of silence was included during the Thursday night Big Bar, led by AAMA President Mike Rudowicz who encouraged all attendees to enjoy themselves in honor of Bill Cravens, one of the forces behind the development of the show.
