The 11th annual Asian Amusement Expo 2002 ended successfully in Singapore last Friday, with the smell of money finally back on the floor. Indeed, after a reasonably tough time being felt by the global amusement industry, exhibitors were looking for some positive signs from Asia.
Over 4,000 participants descended upon Asia's premier trade exhibition and conference for the amusement industry, from over 40 countries. The show experienced an unprecedented 45% increase in visitors from the previous year, when staged in Hong Kong. Significantly more international buyers made up an impressive 40% of the total.
This was definitely felt on the floor with 'most of our members happy with not just the increase in traffic, but also in the quality of people they met' according to David Lee, Vice President, Conventions of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions).
'We had more visitors on the morning of the first day than the last two years combined. It's great to see the industry healthy,' said Keith James of Jack Rouse Associates.
George York of YFX Studios, a first time exhibitor was very pleased with the amount of sales leads. He added that the show gave him 'an excellent opportunity to increase customer base'.
Said John Wood of Sally Corporation, 'The market in Asia is definitely revitalised and the AAE attracted many of the operators and owners who are planning to be part of the revitalisation.' Mr. Yeo Khee Leng, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board officiated the opening with David Lee and Mike Rudowicz, President of AAMA (American Amusement Machine Association). Representatives from the US, Italian, German and Australian embassies toured the floor and were warmly welcomed by their exhibiting countrymen.
Visitors were pleased with the show, such as Roger Khoo of Tech-Venture System whose aim was to meet suppliers / manufacturers from overseas. Mok Jo Han of ACTZ Entertainment felt that it is 'a must for all involved in Entertainment.' For Leong Sook Ming of Des D Mel Promotions, 'This is the first visit and I am impressed!' 'The attractions sector is fuelled by long-term investments and it's great to see a strong revival' remarked Richard Ireland, MD of co-organiser Terrapinn.
With the leisure sector perturbed by issues of security and survival, the Leisure & Entertainment Asia conference, which ran parallel to the exhibition, introduced solutions and case studies to the leisure and entertainment arena. The predominantly overseas delegates heard from world-renowned theme parks and attractions who have not only faced myriad challenges, but more importantly succeeded in attracting and engaging their audiences during these tough economic times. IAAPA's respected Asian Amusement Management School provided 10 training modules with practical interactive expertise from its seasoned operators. Both were well received with each commanding a good 40% increment in delegate numbers.
In keeping with its theme, exhibitors, speakers and delegates, visitors, press and media were entertained with evening functions hosted by Sentosa and Insomnia, a bar 'that never sleeps'. Attendance at both events was over-whelming, as over 300 guests enjoyed exclusive hospitality.
The exhibition covered 6,000 square meters and featured 150 exhibiting companies. With 40% of hall space already booked for next year's show, AAE2003 looks sets to continue serving as a valuable meeting place for the theme and amusement industry in the region. With the Asian region showing glimpses of recovery, in the words of Scott Forbes of International Play Company, 'Thanks to the AAE! Asian Amusement business is making a comeback.' Asian Amusement Expo 2003 is set for the 16-18 July 2003 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. More information can be found at
www.aae-expo.com
SOURCE: Press Release
