Earlier this month, the Amusement And Music Owners Association of New York held its annual cocktail buffet and celebration at Riccardo’s By The Bridge in Astoria, N.Y. Despite the poor economy, this event was the best turnout since it began six years ago with more than 150 attendees from the industry.

To read the rest of the story,  go to RePlay Magazine’s Instant RePlay website at RePlay Magazine .

Stinger REPORT Skinny!

(15/12/09) The fifth and final part of our extensive coverage of the IAAPA’2009 event, and we turn our gaze upon the event that shared the Las Vegas conference center. The Stinger looks at how the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) threw up some interesting developments that directly impacted on the adjoining attraction and amusement expo, with information on some of the amusement companies that also had a gaming presence at this year’s show, culminating in a round-up of the trends, observations and developments seen at both Nevada conferences.

Charitable organizations across the state of California are removing electronic bingo machines from operation following a federal appeals court ruling late last year. The court decision gave state law enforcement officials the OK to proceed with enforcement against the games. Paper bingo is legal in California, and electronic bingo proponents argued in court that the paper version of the game discriminates against people with disabilities.

To read the rest of the story,  go to RePlay Magazine’s Instant RePlay website at RePlay Magazine .

This year Foundations Entertainment University will hold four sessions, including its first international one in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Dubai event will run for two days, while most sessions of Foundations are held over three days. Here’s the lineup:

• April 25-26, Dubai, U.A.E.
• May 11-13, Kansas City, Missouri
• July 13-15, Chicago, Illinois
• September 21-23, Dallas, Texas

Foundations Entertainment University, now in its seventh year, is a comprehensive educational program for the location-based entertainment industry. To learn more, log on to www.foundationsuniversity.com . 

To read the rest of the story,  go to RePlay Magazine’s Instant RePlay website at RePlay Magazine.

The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) welcome Chris Felix of MEI and Rick Kirby of Betson Enterprises to its Board of Directors. The additions are due to a recent change in the association's by-laws, to enhance the board's overall makeup.

Felix, a 15-year coin-op veteran, began his career at MEI servicing bill validators. He has advanced from Midwest regional sales to MEI's National Amusement OEM Manager. Felix said, "I am honored and excited to serve on the board during this period of change and challenge. With the recent consolidation of the two trade shows, and a genuine focus on changes that help to promote and grow the industry on multiple levels, I am confident that this will be a very rewarding experience."

Kirby, one of Betson Enterprise's Divisional Executive Vice Presidents, has been a part of the organization for 16 years. Rick served on the board from 1990-2006--as Chairman from 1995-1997, and also serving on several committees. Kirby said, "I always enjoyed working with the AAMA, and I was a strong advocate for producing one show a year. I'm happy to see the direction the association and the industry is moving. To be frank, I missed being individually active and a part of such a great organization, I'm happy to be back." For more information, visit (www.coin-op.org).

For more of the story, visit: PlayMeter.com