Wednesday, February 28, 2007

ASI 2007

The Amusement Showcase International 2007 is less than a month away. Planners are optimistic about a slight spike in exhibitors and registrants perhaps due to moving the locale back to Las Vegas.

Do you share that optimism? Why are you attending, or why not? Are there particular manufacturers and product that you want to check out? Will this show follow the lead of last year's event -- that is, a more intimate, boutiquey tradeshow with a healthy showing of FEC and arcade managers?

Planners are foregoing the traditional reception for what they are calling the Big Bar -- a recreation of the Chicago Hyatt's lobby bar, the bustling center for after-hours industry activity -- erected on the show floor. Do you think this will spark interaction among tradesters, or will people flock to leave the space they've been in all day?

Share your thoughts and expectations about these or any other issues.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Operator Interface: How do you get your party on?

We're turning our focus to the cash cow of arcades and family entertainment centers: birthday party programs. What was your learning curve in launching and profitably running a party system? How many do you throw during the week and weekend, respectively? What do your packages include? Have you branched out into corporate events?

Get this party started by sharing what works and what doesn't in professionally throwing a festive bash.

Also, feel free to continue grading RePlay (see previous post). Inquiring minds want to know.