You and your business partner, spouse, son/daughter or employee were inspired by the previous article and now want to attend this year's show.

But, your company has not renewed its AMOA membership, or perhaps let it lapse for a few years.

If you're looking for just one reason — a tangible rationale — for re-joining or connecting with AMOA as a member, consider that each and every operator and distributor member firm receives two complimentary Expo admission badges as part of their membership.

If your company is not a member, the "early-bird" cost for those two badges is $250 ($125 each) or $300 onsite ($150 each) at the show.

Since the dues for many of AMOA's members is as little as $250, doesn't it make sense to join your national trade service association and reap the many benefits — tangible and intangible — that AMOA has to offer?

'Course it does! Why not renew/sign up ... right here, right now?

We look forward to having you (back) as a member ... and to seeing you at Expo.

In a mere 61 days, the AAMA-AMOA Amusement Expo will commence in Las Vegas. The March 14-16, 2012 is coming together: The exhibits, registration, the seminar programs, the fundraising activities, the special FEC educational session, the second colocation with the National Bulk Vendors Association, the social/networking events, etc.

Sure, you will be able to read all about it in the post-show electronic and print editions of our industry's outstanding trade press (and Off-The Top, of course), but learning about the highlights of the event after the fact falls far short of experiencing it "live" for yourself.

If you haven't checked out the lineup for this year's Expo, please visit the show's official website: www.amusementexpo.org.

Don't watch from the sidelines; get In the game: Attend the only annually-conducted national trade show targeted for the coin-op and out of home entertainment industry: The Amusement Expo.

Okay, if you must make a resolution to feel fulfilled as we usher in the new year, why not make it one that is achievable and valuable: "I will attend the Amusement Expo this year?"

Set for March 14-16 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, it is a "target-rich environment" for gleaning new ideas, securing exciting equipment and establishing/growing relationships with trade partners.

The theme of the 2012 show is: "Your Keys To Real Value," and supporting it will be a series of FREE pre-show seminars on March 14. Among the topics to be covered are: ATM 101; Security Tips For Your Route; Applying Social Networking Tools; Gaming Trends, Redemption for the Street; and Sharing Ideas for Operator Survival.

A new educational program, directed at the family entertainment center sector, will be conducted as part of this year's Amusement Expo by Foundations Entertainment University. It will be held March 12-13, and also will include FREE sessions aimed at all attendees to be held in conjunction with the show.