Amusement Expo International 2020 Seminars

AEI Education Day: Monday, March 9, 2020
Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside, New Orleans, LA

“Valuating and Selling Your Route“ – 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Presenters/Panelists: Joe Jacobson, Amusement Devices, Inc.; Phil Webb, PDQ Merchant Enterprises Inc.; Jim Hines, Univest Capital Inc.
Moderator: Sam Westgate, J&J Ventures

When it comes to succession planning many small businesses don’t have one in place, yet it’s vitally important to your future and the future of your company. Two important components in putting a succession plan together involve asking the questions “What is the Current Value of My Route?” and potentially, “Am I Looking to Sell My Route?”.

This session will begin by addressing some of the key areas that need to be in order when valuating your route especially when you are looking to sell. The second part of the session will explore possible options when it comes to selling your route. Given the diversity of today’s route operator, you’ll learn selling a route is not always “one size fits all”.

“Pinball in 2020…Not Your Daddy’s Pinball Game” – 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Presenters/Panelists: Ryan Cravens, Stern Pinball; Bob Burnham, Paradise Pinball; Chris Campbell, Captain’s Auction Warehouse
Moderator: Jamie Meyer, JLM Entertainment

The new era of pinball has taken the world by storm and its resurgence has created new opportunities for operators in providing their customers with a great entertainment experience.

During this session you’ll hear from industry experts who are making the most of pinball in 2020. Panelists will share their expertise and success in areas such as marketing, setting up and running tournament play, and of course, technical service for today’s machines.

 ATM Best Practices and a Peak at the Future – 2:45 to 3:45 p.m.

Presenters/Panelists: Michael Guthrie, Cypress Advantage; Randy Cesco, Venco Business Solutions; Dan Lieberman, Lieberman Companies; TBD, Payment Alliance International
Moderator: Michael Martinez, N2 Industries

Our expert panel will be back in New Orleans and will discuss best practices for today’s ATM environment. Topics to be addressed include working with your bank to create the best working relationship possible, best practices for reconciling your books and how to best prepare in protecting your ATM business from the modern-day ATM criminal.

In addition, the panel will share information on the future of ATM technology such as bitcoin and popmoney.

Cyber-Security: Protecting Your Business…What You Need to Know – 11 a.m. to 12 noon

Presenters/Panelists: John Hickey, Tech 2 Success
Moderator: Jeff Prescott, Valley Vending Service Inc.

The question is not “if” you’ll fall victim to a cyber-attack but “when”. Cyber attacks become increasingly more sophisticated each, and every day. While the nature of our business has required us to put the proper security in place for accepting cashless payments, many have not given their company computer systems the same required attention.

During this session attendees will learn what types of events make their company technology vulnerable to attack AND what they can do today to best protect themselves from such an event.

Small Footprint FECs – You’ll Find Them in the Least Suspecting Places – 11 a.m. to 12 noon

Presenters/Panelists: Tim Zahn, American Amusement Arcade; Jerry Johnston, Amusement Unlimited; Jordan Barberio, Barberio Music Company
Moderator: Luke Adams, Pioneer Vending

As technology evolves, so does the small footprint FEC. During this session you’ll hear from a panel of industry experts who have embraced these new technologies and put them to work in untraditional small footprint locations.

Card-Stored/Cashless Systems 2.0 – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Presenters/Panelists: Sheri Burnham, Flippers; Frank Licausi, Amusement Connect; Shawn Dean, Dean Superior Vending
Moderator: Brian Brotsch, Knox Amusement

You’ve heard about the benefits cashless/card-stored systems can provide your business, but once they’re installed, how do you really make them work for you?

This session will take a deep dive into how to analyze the data your system is collecting and use it to optimize results through player reward programs and more.

Operator Round Tables 2:45 to 3:45 p.m.

Topic #1 – Top Tips for Running Remote Leagues
Table Moderator: Bob Burnham, Paradise Pinball

Topic #2 – What’s Hot in Cranes/Redemption
Table Moderator: Greg Young, Pinnacle Amusements

Topic #3 – Industry Trends
Table Moderator: Tim Turnquist, National Entertainment Network

Topic #4 – Solutions to Operator Pain Points
Table Moderator: Tommy Hendley, B and H Vending and Amusements

Topic #5 – Games at End of Life Cycle
Table Moderator: Tom Graham, Games Unlimited/Valley Video Games