According to pre-registration numbers, the attendance for the 2012 AAMA-AMOA Amusement Expo is right on pace with last year's solid turnout.

Nearly 500 decision-makers from the operating and distributing segments were signed up. The small decline in distributor registrants has been offset and surpassed by a modest increase in operators who have filled out their paperwork to attend.

That translates to action in Las Vegas, which translates to positive "traction" for the industry, which of course, leads to everyone's sheer satisfaction, when the stars align in the coin-op trade.

The show is set for March 14-16, 2012 in Las Vegas. If you haven't made your plans yet to participate, the show will be wrapping up about this time exactly one month from today. Procrastinate no more. Sign up today at: www.amusementexpo.org.

A special educational program, targeted at the family entertainment center community, will be conducted in conjunction with the March 14-16, 2012 AAMA-AMOA Amusement Expo in Las Vegas.

Beginning March 12, Foundations Entertainment University will bring you six leading consultants under one roof for a two-day, one-evening comprehensive educational workshop and seminar program. The sessions will cover all aspects of planning, designing or redesigning, developing and operating a location-based entertainment business for long-term success.

For a special one-time price of $399, you will receive the FEU classes — including lunches and dinner; entrance into the Amusement Expo; a free seminar program during the trade show; the FEU Alumni Program and presentation of the "Excellence in Family Entertainment Center Awards."

To register, please visit www.amusementexpo.org or for more information please contact Tracy Sarris at 717-533-1945.

The AMOA-Notre Dame Management Program started in 1972. This continuing education program has furthered the careers and contributed to the professionalism of hundreds of coin-op executives.

Unlike broadly-focused curriculums, the AMOA-Notre Dame courses are specifically designed for those engaged in the commercial amusements business sector. Students commit to attend five weekend sessions over two and one-half years and graduates receive a "Certified Business Executive" certificate upon completion of the program.

Beyond the learning and camaraderie among classmates is the college setting. The South Bend, Ind., campus offers the perfect backdrop for the AMOA education program.

Patterned after Notre Dame's executive MBA program and taught by top Notre Dame faculty, the program focuses on business issues directly related to operators. Seminar topics have included Business Law, Marketing, Communications, Finance and Leadership Management.

Overwhelmingly, the alumni who have attended this program heap high praise on this special association initiative.

Now entering its fourth decade, the AMOA-Notre Dame Management Program has not only withstood the test of time. It has gotten better with age!

And, this fall, another group of industry executives will be the beneficiaries of this evolution, when Class XVI gets started. The dates are Oct. 26-29.

For more information or to register please contact Lori Schneider at 1-800-937-2662, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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.