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Save the dateSeptember 12 - 15, 2023 (CDT) Add to Calendar
Venue Location
Venue Location

Renaissance Chicago North Shore

933 Skokie Blvd.
Northbrook, Illinois

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Organizer
Organizer
Contact Person: Tina Schwartz
Event Details
Event Details

CELEBRATING OUR PAST - CRAFTING OUR FUTURE

The American Amusement Machine Association is holding its Annual Members Meeting at the newly renovated Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel, from Tuesday, September 12 to Friday, September 15 and you're invited! The event will be attended by leaders from every segment of the Amusement Industry including Manufacturers, Distributors, Suppliers, Professional Service Providers, and Entertainment Venue Owner/Operators.


The week will be filled with opportunities to network with like-minded peers, share best practices and ideas, learn about emerging trends, nurture existing and create new relationships, and preview the industry's latest products and services all in the company of people who, like you, are in the business of fun! Sponsorship opportunities are also available online.


MEMBERSHIP

AAMA's Annual Meeting & Gala is a members-only event, so please be sure your membership is current prior to registration.

Not a member? Apply Here! There has never been a better time to be a part of AAMA. Your membership entitles you to one complimentary attendee badge for admission into all of the week's events. Questions? Contact AAMA at 847.290.9088 or email tina@coin-op.org for assistance.


HOTEL ROOM BLOCK

Book your room at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore by August 28th to receive our discounted rate.

Book your group rate for AAMA 2023 Annual Meeting


AIRFARE DISCOUNT ON UNITED AIRLINES

Book your flight through United Airlines with our United Meetings discount code:

You must click the link below and use the discount code: ZN3D633230

Book your discounted United flight here.

This discount code will not work on the standard United.com site.


PLEASE NOTE: The online agenda is subject to change.


SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The chart below shows the sponsorship levels and their benefits by comparison. To see the benefits of each level in detail, Review the full Sponsorship Levels and Benefits page.

For those companies wishing to display equipment at the Gala, please select the Gala Arcade Product sponsorship for your first piece at $1,995. If you would like to show additional pieces, add them under the Gala Arcade Additional Pieces for $250 for each additional piece. There is no limit to the number of games you can display, however, we ask you limit games to one title each, unless they are linked games and require two or more to display functionality.


Want to sponsor multiple events, contact Tina Schwartz at 847.290.9088 or tina@coin-op.org to discuss bundle discounts.

Agenda
Agenda
  • Day 1

    September 12, 2023

  • Day 2

    September 13, 2023

  • Day 3

    September 14, 2023

  • Day 4

    September 15, 2023

  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    AAMA Executive Board Meeting

    AAMA Executive Board Meeting

    AAMA Executive Board Only - You must be an AAMA Executive Board member to attend.

    1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

    AAMCF Board of Directors Meeting

    AAMCF Board of Directors Meeting

    Open to All AAMA members - Come join us and learn about our charitable fundraising initiatives and charity partner relationships.

    5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    Member Mix & Mingle Event

    Member Mix & Mingle Event

    Join us for an evening of food, cocktails, and fun while getting to know the who's who of the amusement industry!
  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    AAMA Board & Members Meeting

    AAMA Board & Members Meeting

    Open to All AAMA Members. The AAMA Board and Members meeting is for all AAMA members. Learn what your association is doing for you and your business. Be there for the election of new Board members and take part in the conversations shaping our industry.

    2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

    Hall of Fame Inductee Panel- Celebrating Our Past

    Hall of Fame Inductee Panel- Celebrating Our Past

    Eugene Jarvis (President at Raw Thrills)

    Eugene Jarvis

    President at Raw Thrills

    Gary Stern (Stern Pinball, Inc.)

    Gary Stern

    Stern Pinball, Inc.

    AAMA's Annual Meeting Education begins with a Celebration of our Past. In March 2023, AAMA launched the Amusement Industry Hall of Fame. We are excited to bring members of the inaugural class to share stories and answer questions on their contributions to building this great industry.

    3:10 PM - 4:00 PM

    Virtual Reality Panel

    Virtual Reality Panel

    Anthony Martinez (Sales Executive at LAI Games)

    Anthony Martinez

    Sales Executive at LAI Games

    How to Monetize VR.

    This panel of VR experts will share ideas/opportunities to add revenue streams to your business using virtual reality. Additional topics to cover standardization efforts.

    4:10 PM - 5:00 PM

    Industry Challenges & Threats - Town Hall Session

    Industry Challenges & Threats - Town Hall Session

    Joe Camarota (Chief Operating Officer at Alpha Omega Sales)

    Joe Camarota

    Chief Operating Officer at Alpha Omega Sales

    Howard McAuliffe (VP at Pinnacle Entertainment Group)

    Howard McAuliffe

    VP at Pinnacle Entertainment Group

    6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

    Welcome Dinner & Awards

    Welcome Dinner & Awards

    Jeff Blair (President at Sureway Games)

    Jeff Blair

    President at Sureway Games

    Pete Gustafson (EVP at AAMA)

    Pete Gustafson

    EVP at AAMA

    For the first time, AAMA will be presenting the Joe Robbins Award and Shining Star Award during the Annual Meeting Welcome Dinner. Come out and enjoy an evening of celebration, good food, and entertainment.
  • 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

    Registration and Kickoff

    Registration and Kickoff

    Russ Van Natta (VP of Business Dev at Creative Works Inc)

    Russ Van Natta

    VP of Business Dev at Creative Works Inc

    This dynamic duo is better than a pot of coffee in getting the energy pumpin'. They'll be bringing you a demonstration on new technology you won't wanna miss!

    9:30 AM - 10:10 AM

    Create Fulfillment as a Business Leader

    Create Fulfillment as a Business Leader

    Danny Gruening (VP of Marketing at Creative Works)

    Danny Gruening

    VP of Marketing at Creative Works

    10:15 AM - 10:55 AM

    Location Owner/Operator Member Panel Discussion

    Location Owner/Operator Member Panel Discussion

    What is working and How are you Evolving? How are you using AI?

    This panel of industry location owner/operators will touch on today's technologies and best practices, including how you are using artificial intelligence (AI) within your business.

    11:00 AM - 11:40 AM

    Manufacturer Member Panel Discussion

    Manufacturer Member Panel Discussion

    Andrew Eloff (Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at Raw Thrills Inc)

    Andrew Eloff

    Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at Raw Thrills Inc

    Bringing the Product to Market with the Operator in Mind.

    11:45 AM - 1:30 PM

    Government Relations Luncheon

    Government Relations Luncheon

    John Russell, IV (AAMA Government Relations Lobbyist at Dentons US LLP)

    John Russell, IV

    AAMA Government Relations Lobbyist at Dentons US LLP

    Happenings on the Hill and How It Affects Your Business.

    2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

    Distributor Member Panel Discussion

    Distributor Member Panel Discussion

    Rich Babich (President at Game Exchange of Co)

    Rich Babich

    President at Game Exchange of Co

    Tony Shamma (Vice President of Sales at AVS Companies)

    Tony Shamma

    Vice President of Sales at AVS Companies

    What Business Are You In? How is the Value of Distribution Changing?

    This panel of distributor members will discuss the benefits of distribution in today's market, and the programs and services you may be missing out on.

    3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

    Keynote- Crafting Our Future

    Keynote- Crafting Our Future

    Using Your Business Legacy to Envision a New Future.

    4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

    Cocktails

    Cocktails

    Enjoy a cocktail while we gear up for the wonderful evening ahead.

    5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    Gala Dinner

    Gala Dinner

    A Celebration Honoring Allen Weisberg and Our Charity Partners

    Join us as we celebrate Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Allen Weisberg of Apple Industries, and our amazing charity partners, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, KEEN USA, and Sunrise Association. Be there when we present our annual donation checks and honor Allen's contributions not only to the industry but to AAMA's Charitable Foundation. It'll be a night to remember.

    7:30 PM - 11:00 PM

    Gala Arcade

    Gala Arcade

    Preview the latest and greatest in amusement games at the annual AAMA Gala Arcade. You'll have the opportunity to meet with our sponsors, see their newest offerings, and network over cocktails. This is the must-attend event of the year!
  • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

    KEEN Kids Arcade

    KEEN Kids Arcade

    Each year, AAMA's Charitable Foundation hosts the KEEN Kids Arcade, bringing children with disabilities from KEEN Chicago (and their families) to play games in a safe environment. This event is a wonderful opportunity for association members to see firsthand the impact of your donation dollars. By attending, you can meet the children and families who benefit from your generosity and learn more about the important work KEEN does. We hope you'll join us for this meaningful event!
Speakers
Speakers
  • Rich Babich (President at Game Exchange of Co)

    Rich Babich

    President at Game Exchange of Co

  • Jim Bennington (Vice President of Games & Entertainment at Lucky Strike Entertainment)

    Jim Bennington

    Vice President of Games & Entertainment at Lucky Strike Entertainment

  • Britannie Betti (Northeast Regional Sales Director & Business Development Manager of Betson Enterprises)

    Britannie Betti

    Northeast Regional Sales Director & Business Development Manager of Betson Enterprises

  • Jeff Blair (President at Sureway Games)

    Jeff Blair

    President at Sureway Games

  • Jon Brady (Owner at Sports Connection)

    Jon Brady

    Owner at Sports Connection

  • Joe Camarota (Chief Operating Officer at Alpha Omega Sales)

    Joe Camarota

    Chief Operating Officer at Alpha Omega Sales

  • Mark Conlon (Plant Manager at Innovative Concepts in Entertainment (ICE))

    Mark Conlon

    Plant Manager at Innovative Concepts in Entertainment (ICE)

  • Andrew Eloff (Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at Raw Thrills Inc)

    Andrew Eloff

    Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at Raw Thrills Inc

  • Danny Gruening (VP of Marketing at Creative Works)

    Danny Gruening

    VP of Marketing at Creative Works

  • Pete Gustafson (EVP at AAMA)

    Pete Gustafson

    EVP at AAMA

  • Jesse Heath (Vice President of Operations at Incredible Technologies)

    Jesse Heath

    Vice President of Operations at Incredible Technologies

  • Eugene Jarvis (President at Raw Thrills)

    Eugene Jarvis

    President at Raw Thrills

  • Adam Kleinhenz (Director of Business Development at Shaffer Distributing Company)

    Adam Kleinhenz

    Director of Business Development at Shaffer Distributing Company

  • Anthony Martinez (Sales Executive at LAI Games)

    Anthony Martinez

    Sales Executive at LAI Games

  • Howard McAuliffe (VP at Pinnacle Entertainment Group)

    Howard McAuliffe

    VP at Pinnacle Entertainment Group

  • Terry Moss (Moss Distributing)

    Terry Moss

    Moss Distributing

  • Jeff Pierce (Owner at Atomic City)

    Jeff Pierce

    Owner at Atomic City

  • Mitchell Poythress (The Rabbit Hole VR)

    Mitchell Poythress

    The Rabbit Hole VR

  • John Russell, IV (AAMA Government Relations Lobbyist at Dentons US LLP)

    John Russell, IV

    AAMA Government Relations Lobbyist at Dentons US LLP

  • Jose Santiago (CEO & Founder of Reboot Imagine)

    Jose Santiago

    CEO & Founder of Reboot Imagine

  • Ken Schmidt

    Ken Schmidt

  • Tony Shamma (Vice President of Sales at AVS Companies)

    Tony Shamma

    Vice President of Sales at AVS Companies

  • Beth Standlee (CEO/Founder of TrainerTainment)

    Beth Standlee

    CEO/Founder of TrainerTainment

  • Gary Stern (Stern Pinball, Inc.)

    Gary Stern

    Stern Pinball, Inc.

  • Russ Van Natta (VP of Business Dev at Creative Works Inc)

    Russ Van Natta

    VP of Business Dev at Creative Works Inc

  • Allen Weisberg (CEO of Apple Industries Inc.)

    Allen Weisberg

    CEO of Apple Industries Inc.

Sponsors
Sponsors
Community
Community

Connect with 121 people attending this event

Registration
Registration

ATTENDEE REGISTRATION (NON-SPONSOR) INSTRUCTIONS

All current AAMA members receive (1) complimentary badge which allows access to all Annual Meeting events.  Additional attendee badges per company should be registered at the rate of $249 per person which allows access to all Annual Meeting events.


SPONSOR REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

Badge Registration

Sponsors must also register to attend using the AAMA Member Complimentary Badge for their first badge. All sponsors will receive a discount code for additional complimentary badges based on their sponsorship(s). 

 

  • Important Registration Detail - When registering multiple attendees, be sure the box at the bottom of your registration marked "Use this attendee's information for all tickets below" is unchecked so you may input the additional attendee name(s) and the sessions they will be attending.  


Sponsorship Registration

Many sponsorships are on a first-come first-serve basis. You can select as many sponsorship levels as are available.  SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - PDF VERSION


  • Gala Arcade Product Preview - To secure space in the Gala to show a game/product, you must select Gala Arcade Product Sponsorship for $1995 for the first piece. If you wish to show additional pieces, select Gala Arcade Additional Piece(s) for $250 each piece.
  • Sponsors can add additional pieces at a later date and your badge sponsor allotment coupon code will be updated t reflect additional complimentary badges.


EXAMPLE:

ABC company has 3 staff members attending, would like to sponsor the Gala Dinner and also show 2 games. Here is how they would register....

(1) AAMA Member Complimentary Badge (FREE)       

(2) Sponsors - Additional Badge(s) Over Member Complimentary Badge (FREE BASED ON SPONSORSHIPS)

(1) Gala Arcade Product Sponsor ($1,995)                     

(1) Gala Arcade Product - Additional Pieces ($250)                

(1) Gala Dinner Sponsorship ($3,000)                                            


Your company must be an AAMA member to attend the AAMA Annual Meeting. All badge registrations are subject to approval. Employment verification may be required. For information on joining AAMA, please contact Tina Schwartz at tina@coin-op.org, visit www.coin-op.org, or APPLY HERE.


Questions on sponsorships, badge allotments, or any other event details? Contact the AAMA office at 847.290.9088 or tina@coin-op.org.

AAMA Member Complimentary Badge - 1 Per Member Company

Each member company receives (1) complimentary badge, which allows access to all Annual Meeting events. Additional badges over your one complimentary badge allotment should be registered as additional badges and will be invoiced at a rate of $249 per badge. Sponsors will receive a discount code based on their sponsorship level and should use the sponsor addtional badge item to register for those badges.

Complimentary

Additional ATTENDEE Badge(s)

Badges for NON-SPONSORING member company employees over the (1) member complimentary badge

$249

Additional SPONSOR Badge(s) Over Complimentary Allotment

Badge(s) for Sponsor company employees over the (1) member complimentary badge based on sponsorship level. Must Use sponsor code for allotted complimentary badge(s).

Sponsors will receive a discount link with their designated allotment of complimentary badges.

$249

Trade Press - Approved Partner

Trade Press Partner Member

Complimentary

Center Stage Sponsor - 1 AVAILABLE (Sold Out)

Member Price $10,000

Spot Light Sponsors - 2 AVAILABLE

Member Price $5,000

Gala Dinner Sponsors - 3 AVAILABLE

Member Price $3,000

Welcome Dinner Sponsor - 3 AVAILABLE

Member Price $2,000

Government Relations Lunch Sponsors - 2 AVAILABLE (Sold Out)

Member Price $2,000

Gala Bar Sponsors - 2 AVAILABLE (Sold Out)

Member Price $2,000

Gala Arcade Product Sponsor - UNLIMITED

Gala product sponsors will receive an email that will include information and forms to submit the equipment details (specs & electrical needs).

Member Price $1,995

Member Mix & Mingle Event Sponsors - 2 AVAILABLE

Member Price $1,500

Welcome Dinner Bar Sponsors - 2 AVAILABLE (Sold Out)

Member Price $1,500

Welcome Dinner Entertainment Sponsor - 1 AVAILABLE

Member Price $1,500

Event App Sponsor

Member Price $1,500

Table Sponsors - 3 Tables - LIMITED

Tables with your logo displayed on each during the education/speaker/panel sessions, not during the Gala Arcade.

Member Price $1,500

Table Sponsors - 2 Tables - LIMITED

Tables with your logo displayed on each during the education/speaker/panel sessions, not during the Gala Arcade.

Member Price $1,250

Member Mix & Mingle Bar Sponsors - 2 AVAILABLE

Member Price $1,200

Keynote Sponsor - 1 AVAILABLE (Sold Out)

Member Price $1,200

Gala Arcade - Literature Sponsor - UNLIMITED

You receive a table inside the Gala Arcade for literature or to display parts/merchandise.

Member Price $1,000

Table Sponsors - 1 Table - LIMITED

Table with your logo displayed during the education/speaker/panel sessions, not during the Gala Arcade.

Member Price $1,000

Gala Arcade Product - Additional pieces - UNLIMITED

Add-On to Gala Arcade Product Preview sponsorship - Must select Gala Arcade Sponsor first
Display additional pieces over the 1st piece during Gala Arcade Product Preview

Member Price $250