AAE2001 Official Report

AAE2001 Official Report

"WOW! Real buyers with real cash! We sold everything in 2 hours of the first day!" exclaims Bob Cooney of Global VR.

"The show consistently delivers new prospects and opportunities." voiced John Wood of the American animatronics and dark rides company, Sally Corp.

"The Asian Amusement Expo proves to be a high profile exhibition to promote products to the Asian market." summing it nicely is Jim Levesque of Advanced Animations.

Even first time exhibitor Kevin Murphy of Electrosonic Asia Pacific couldn't agree more, "Our first time exhibiting … very worthwhile with some excellent new contacts."

These were the sentiments running through exhibitors, conference participants and visitor alike.

Bagging their 10th successful year is the Asian Amusement Expo (AAE) 2001, which was held in Hong Kong. The recently concluded AAE2001, Asia's premier exhibition and conference for the amusement industry was attended by more than 2,000 visitors, from nearly 50 countries worldwide. Overseas visitors made up almost 40%. The event was co-organised by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) and Terrapinn, a leading conference and exhibition management firm.

The event was covered extensively in the regional media from the opening ceremony through to the last day. The Opening Ceremony was graced by Mr. Mike Davis, General Manager of Universal Studios and by the Chief Commercial Consul of Commerce of the US Department of Commerce, Mr. Barry Friedman. The Hong Kong Police Band charmed the crowd with their repertoire, adding to the occasion and led the VIPs, which also included the President of IAAPA, Mr. Bret Lovejoy and president of AAMA, Mr. Mike Rudowicz into the exhibition hall.

The Leisure & Entertainment Asia conference, which ran parallel to the exhibition, introduced the Experience Economy to the leisure and entertainment arena. The predominantly overseas delegates were treated to seasoned practitioners who have successfully employed the Experience Economy to generate repeat business, from theme parks to retail, hotels to restaurants. IAAPA's respected Asian Amusement Management School provided 5 training modules with practical interactive expertise from its seasoned operators. Each of them was an experience of their own!

The social nights organised exclusively for exhibitors, speakers, delegates and media proved to be hits. On the opening night, guests were invited to get "Up Close & Personal with the Stars". Guests had the opportunity to mingle with the ‘stars' and snapped pictures (kindly sponsored by Kodak) with their favourites at the Madame Tussaud's. They were also treated to a delightful cocktail, generously sponsored by Movenpick. Situated atop the Peak, guests were also spoiled by the stunning view of the Victoria Harbour and Kowloon Peninsula at night.

On the second night, guests were treated to a night out literally in the fast lane. Sponsored by the world's largest indoor racing venue, the Karting Mall, guests raced, bumped, skidded and spin their way to the finishing. 120 racers were narrowed down to just 10 with the fastest timings. The top three winners earned themselves trophies and popped champagne to celebrate their victory!

The exhibition covered almost 6,000 square meters and featured 133 exhibiting companies. There were over 100 conference and workshop participants. With 30% of hall space already booked for next year's show, it is not a surprise that the 2002 show is set to be even bigger, even better!

In the words of Steven Kline of The Magic Connection, "AAE2001 granted me the opportunity to showcase to the world – Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!."

So who says doing business cannot be fun?

Asian Amusement Expo 2002 will move back to Singapore, from 17-19 July 2002. Further details can be found on the websites at www.aae-expo.com, www.iaapa.org and www.coin-op.org.