Loose Change - April 2025
- Melissa M
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
The 2025 Amusement Expo International did not disappoint!
If you were there, you know exactly what I’m talking about. There was inspiring energy and excitement present from start to finish. This year’s AEI was the biggest ever breaking records in footprint and total number of exhibitors as well as several categories of attendees, and it showed. From a slate of outstanding, standing-room-only informative sessions to lively networking events, to a tradeshow floor filled with motivated individuals focused intensely on our business of fun.
And speaking of fun, when’s the last time you saw the president of “any” trade association cutting a rug the way our Beth Standlee did during the entirety of Dana Monique’s keynote presentation and musical performance? She was able to recruit several “back-up dancers,” (including this writer) to join her in front of the stage for some impromptu line dancing! Is there a better example of her commitment to our declaration that “We Make Your World More Fun!” than that? I think not.
There’s no question our industry is facing challenges which must be met with resolve and tenacity, but even when things aren’t exactly as we’d like them to be, we’re still able to come together and celebrate the good in what we do, and we do a lot of that!
Let the momentum of the show carry all of us forward as we face our challenges. We have the incredible opportunity to provide some fun at a time when it’s so desperately needed. Let us continue to provide clearings for others to enter where they let go of the worries of the day – if just for a moment – and get present to the joy and play we provide that nurture relationships, while creating memories that last a lifetime. You do that….
Play more,
Pete
🏆 Announcing the 2025 AAMA Hall of Fame Inductees! 🏆
We are honored to recognize the newest members of the AAMA Hall of Fame, celebrating their lasting impact on the industry:
✨ Tico Bonomo
✨ Faith Guthrie
✨ Albert Simon
✨ Rich Babich
✨ Peter Betti
✨ Bob Geschine
✨ George Gomez
✨ Frank Happ
✨ George Petro
✨ George Smith
✨ Humpty Dumpty
Congratulations to all our inductees! 🎉
🏆 The Winners Have Been Announced! 🏆
The AAMA 2025 Category Award winners were revealed at Amusement Expo International 2025 during the Beers & Cheers event in Las Vegas!
🎉 Congratulations to all the winners! 🎉
Joe Camarota Honored with 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) is proud to announce Joe Camarota of Alpha Omega Sales, Inc. as the recipient of the 2025 AAMA Lifetime Achievement Award.
A respected leader in the industry, Joe has made a lasting impact as a past AAMA President and a dedicated current board member. His commitment extends beyond the amusement industry, as he also serves on various charity boards, demonstrating his passion for giving back. Outside of his professional achievements, Joe is known for his selfless dedication to his community, always putting others before himself.
To celebrate this honor, a special tribute ad journal will be going on sale very soon—watch for details!
Please join us in recognizing Joe Camarota’s remarkable contributions and his well-deserved recognition with this prestigious award.
Join the AAMA Game Room at Top Trade Shows in 2025!
Partner with AAMA and showcase your products and services at some of the amusement industry's leading trade shows in the AAMA Game Room. Members can display 1–2 pieces (depending on size) within the AAMA Game Room—a professionally designed, shared booth space that saves you money on shared expenses like furnishings and common areas.
Participating trade shows for 2025 include:
Environments for Aging
Bowl Expo
Roller Skate Convention
IATP (International Association of Trampoline Parks)
Let AAMA handle the logistics, from paperwork to booth setup, making your experience smooth and hassle-free. Oversized pieces may incur additional placement charges.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with key audiences and make an impact in the industry.
Reach out to Tina at tina@coin-op.org to sign up
🚀 Coming Soon – Key Dates & Opportunities!
Stay ahead of the game with these upcoming opportunities:
📢 LAJ Ad Reservations – Details coming soon on securing your spot!
🏆 Hall of Fame Nominations – Get ready to nominate industry legends!
🎡 FEC of the Year Applications – Show off your excellence and apply!
✈️ June DC Fly-In – Sign up soon to join us in Washington, D.C.!
Stay tuned for more details! 🚀
Thank you to Betson Enterprises for being our April Loose Change partner. If your company is interested in being an advertising partner in the future, please reach out to Melissa at melissa@coin-op.org
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