Amusement Expo International 2021 Seminars

AEI Education Day: Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Location: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

Note: the information below is subject to change.

9:45-10:45 a.m......Pinball 2.0: Creating Success on the Street

Panelists: Bob Burnham, Paradise Pinball; Ryan Cravens, Stern Pinball

Back by popular demand is Pinball 2.0 to answer all of your questions in detail such as how to run tournaments and launch parties; getting the player community more involved; and engaging the casual player. Our pinball specialists will also discuss alternative revenue opportunities, such as home rentals and making the most of used equipment.

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m......Business Resilience Built for the Future

Panelists: Luke Adams, Pioneering Vending; Greg Trent, Beyer & Brown; Tim Zahn, American Amusement Arcade

"Resilient" is a word often heard these days as the route operating community moves towards recovery. Our panel of "resilient" route operators will share how having built a diversified route portfolio along with employee cross-training tactics enabled them to not only weather the pandemic, but strengthen operations moving forward. The group will also explore new technologies in location-based entertainment worthy of keeping a pulse on, and what it could mean for the route operator moving forward.

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m......Top Tips for Maintaining a Positive Reputation in the Digital World

Presenter: Taylor McGlamery, Trustworkz

Does your business have a positive reputation in today's digital landscape? In a world where customers are far more likely and can easily share negative feedback, as a business owner it's important to pay attention and maintain your digital reputation. In this session, Marketing expert Taylor McGlamery will share top tips for maintaining a positive reputation and keeping your business highly rated.

1:30-2:30 p.m.....Payment Options Come in All Forms, Are You Taking Full Advantage of Them?

Panelists: Frank Licausi, Amusement Connect; Jonathan Durst, Pyramid Technologies; Tracy DeZarate,USA Technologies

Payment options continue to evolve at an exceedingly rapid rate, not to mention COVID further accelarating the adoption of digital payment technologies. During this session our panel will explore what this means to the route operator specifically in the bar environment. Our panel will identify and provide an overview of alternative payment technologies and how they can be utilized in bar accounts to maximize revenue. The panel will also explain how these newer technologies integrate with traditional payment forms.

1:30-2:30 p.m......Maximize Your ATM Route for Better ROI

Panelists: Michael Guthrie, Cypress Advantage; John Newberry, Venco Business Solutions; Phil Webb, PDQ Merchant Services; TBD, Payment Alliance International

Our expert panel is back to provide information crucial to your ATM operations. During this session the panel will drill down on important best practices to include reconciling bank statements and updated security procedures. The panel will also explore additional revenue sources to include DCC and ideas for searching out new alternative locations. In addition, they will provide a look into the future with an update on bitcoin ATMs and how COVID has impacted ATM operations moving forward.

2:45-3:45 p.m......Security Preparedness…Don't be Caught Off Guard

Panelists: Gaines Butler, Metro Distributors; Matt Sager, Smart Software

With an increase in crime throughout the country, now more than ever it's crucial for businesses to have not only a security plan but protections in place to protect your business should a crime occur on- premise or off-premise. This highly informative session will address security camera options and benefits; next steps should a theft occur; cash security; insurance; and loss prevention.

2:45-3:45 p.m......Operator Round Tables - Topics

  • Topic #1 -- Keeping It Clean...Machine Safety in the Current Environment.
    Presenter: Jeff Prescott, Valley Vending. 
    Best Practices being employed in the current COVID environment. What's temporary, what's here to stay.

  • Topic #2 -- Take Advantage of Equipment Rentals and Mobile Events.
    Panelists: Chi Babich, Babich Interactive Group; JJ Babich, Game Exchange. 
    Learn how corporate, charitable and residential events can provide solid ROI on your equipment.

  • Topic #3 -- League Management 2021.
    Panelists: Luke Adams, Pioneer Vending; Bob Burnham, Paradise Pinball. 
    Shorter seasons, remote leagues and expectations/guidelines for players, this is what league management 2021 looks like.