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Official Australian Trade Show Exceeds Expectations
Expectations for the success of the 2004 Amusement and Vending Trade Expo held last Friday and Saturday in Sydney, Australia, were exceeded according to show organisers, who said exhibitor numbers had doubled since last year and that they had received exceptional feedback about the "buzz" of the show from exhibitors and visitors alike.
Jointly organised by the Australian National Amusement Machine Operators Association (NAMOA) and the Australian Vending Association Inc. (AVA), the show featured a wide variety of both amusement and vending products, with the number of exhibitors doubling from 29 booths in 2003 to 60 booths in 2004. Amusement products on display at the Expo included Namco's new Bayside Midnight Maxi Boost driving game, Ripley's Believe it or Not! pinball, The Lord of the Rings pinball, Golden Tee Fore! 2005, Silver Strike Bowling, Need for Speed, PGA Tour Golf, Hog Wild, P's Attack, Treasure Ship, Ranger Mission, Target: Terror, a new range of cocktail tables, digital jukeboxes and much more. The Expo also featured vending machines, counting mechanisms, music, toys, spare parts and international visitors from Stern, Global VR and Namco.
NAMOA Australia Director Andrew Savva said the response to the show was outstanding and by far exceeded expectations. Andrew said the highlight of the show was the vibe of excitement enjoyed by exhibitors and attendees. "There was a real buzz about for the whole show, everyone was optimistic and excited and there seemed to be a spring in peoples' step." Andrew said he has received great feedback from exhibitors who enjoyed the buzz of the show. Exhibitors' comments included, "best show ever been to," "well presented show, great value, easy parking and easy business" and "we will definitely take another stand next year." Andrew even said some exhibitors are requesting another show in six months.
He said he thinks the show was so good because there was such a wide range and variety of products. "I think the fact that amusement and vending were combined for the show made it extra special and really benefited everyone. The synergies between the different segments of the industry were amazing. It was a huge bonus for both segments and it was great to see the coin-mech providers got lots of business." Andrew said there were approximately 600 visitors on the first day of the Expo and about 400 on the second day, including both operators and vending specialists. Plans for next years show are already underway and there is great excitement about further growth and opportunities for the Australian amusement industry and this important event.
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