HOW TO DO IAAPA 2019 RIGHT

840 560 laigames.com

7 tips to get the most out
of your IAAPA trip this year

Whether you’re a first-timer or you’ve been to the IAAPA Expo before, these tips will go a long way towards helping you maximize your time at the show and make sure you get a great return on your investment.

IAAPA Expo

 

#1 – GET YOUR FREE TICKET

Our number one tip?  Get your ticket before attending the expo. Why? So, you can jump in the express lane to get your badge and get in (because who likes waiting in line?).

If you haven’t registered yet, you still have time to visit the trade show as our guest. Each pass gives you access to the IAAPA trade show floor* for the full four days from November 19 to 22 and will save you up to $598 for a pair.

Request your free passes here. Get in quick as we’ve given out over 70% of our available free passes!

*Attendees who are IAAPA members may also attend the education program free of charge.

 

#2 – START RESEARCHING BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Planning ahead can save you time and money, and with the tools that are available at IAAPA Expo 2019, there’s no reason to show up unprepared.

Ask yourself some questions: Who do you want to meet with? What kind of games and attractions do you need to add to your location? What do you need to learn? Spend some time and come up with a few main objectives for the show. Once you have established your goals, plan your educational seminars and booth meetings around these goals.

Know what you want and arrive ready to find it. With so much going on during the event, having some clear goals in mind makes the whole experience so much easier. If you just show up and wander aimlessly without any sort of plan, you will end up wasting your time (and money).

BONUS TIP: Download the IAAPA Mobile App on your phone and use the map feature to help find your way around.

 

#3 – SCHEDULE BOOTH MEETINGS

We highly recommend making appointments to meet with your distributor and manufacturers ahead of time, so they’ll be able to give you their undivided attention at the show. IAAPA is crazy busy, and without an appointment, you run the risk of your contact at the company being busy when you stop by.

To set up a meeting with a member of the LAI Games sales team, just shoot us an email at sales@laigames.com!

 

#4 – REGISTER FOR THE EDUCATION SESSIONS

IAAPA has a huge variety of educational seminars specific to arcade and FEC operators.  The educational team has designed compelling sessions that address timely topics and provide useful information to help you be more successful. These sessions aren’t included in the standard trade show registration ticket (they cost extra). But if you’re an IAAPA member, these conference events and activities are free.

Here are our picks for any arcade/FEC operator:

FEC: Arcade – Super or Right Size It? – Learn ways to determine the optimal number and mix of games for your operation.

Driving Revenue and Attendance with Themed Events – Learn from industry case studies how to create successful events specific to your unique venue to drive revenue and attendance during non-peak times.

FEC: Redemption Strategies for Today’s World – Explore choices and trends in merchandise, various prize center and display configurations, and proven operating procedures.

For those operators looking to explore adding an adult beverage offering to their facility: 21 and Up: The Basics of Adding an Adult Beverage Program to Facilities

Thinking about adding a VR attraction for your guests? We also recommend the 2 VR sessions:

FEC: VR – Is It Right For Your Business?

FEC: VR at Location-Based Entertainment – Today and Tomorrow

And don’t miss the industry’s first unattended VR attraction, Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride in LAI Games booth #1034.  Be sure to add this MUST-SEE ride to your show agenda and come try the brand new premium Virtual Rabbids experiences we have just released!

Finally, IAAPA has some great human resources sessions that have been well-reviewed year after year:

Before you travel to the expo, review the schedule, decide which seminars you want to attend and register online. Then add these to your calendar so you don’t forget.

 

#5 – GET THERE EARLY AND TAKE A BREAK TO PONDER YOUR OPTIONS

Arrive early to beat the crowds and give yourself all day to look, plan and really consider all of your options. 

Need a break? Or just some time to flick through brochures and contemplate all the possibilities? There’s an International Business Lounge available on the South Concourse so you can sit down, relax, take in all the information and chat through your options. This space is open and free to all IAAPA attendees. Amenities include internet access, charging stations, plenty of seating areas, a private meeting room, translation services, free WIFI – a nice spot to relax and conduct business. 

 

#6 – GROW YOUR NETWORK

Some of the best ideas and collaborations happen outside of show hours. Attend the networking events to develop relationships with others in the industry and reconnect with old friends and industry peers. Quite often guest speakers will also attend the social events of the show, which gives you the opportunity to gain insight from them you wouldn’t have in a large lecture.

Here are some ideas…

Connect with colleagues from your region at some of the networking events specifically for your market:

 

#7 – HAVE SOME FUN!

This may seem silly, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself.  You’re there to expand your experience and contribute to your business but you also get to spend a few days away from the daily routine at work. Try to attend some of the parties that many vendors are hosting during the expo and make some friends while you’re at it.

We look forward to seeing you in Orlando!

 

Like this story? Share it!