Amusement and family entertainment trade showTrade show with paid education
Amusement Expo International
Amusement Expo International 2027, March 15-18 in Las Vegas.
Amusement and arcade equipmentFamily entertainment centresOut-of-home entertainmentRedemption and video gamesAttractions and ridesBilliards and bulk vending
Companies exhibiting at Amusement Expo International include Brunswick Billiards Group, Cuestix International, Cuetec, DIAMOND BILLIARD PRODUCTS and GLD Products.
Brunswick Billiards Group
Cuestix International
Cuetec
DIAMOND BILLIARD PRODUCTS
GLD Products
Event overview
Overview
Amusement Expo International 2027 runs March 15-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, with education on March 15-16 and the trade show floor open March 17-18.
More than 5,500 industry professionals and 200+ exhibiting companies are expected for arcade, family entertainment and out-of-home amusement buyers.
The 2026 edition drew 246 exhibiting companies, 763 booths and 4,509 registrations.
TL;DR
1Dates: March 15-18, 2027, with education March 15-16 and the trade show floor open March 17-18.
2Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center, North Halls 1-2-3, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas.
3Scale: more than 5,500 attendees and 200+ exhibiting companies expected for 2027.
42026 result: 246 exhibiting companies, 763 booths and 4,509 registrations.
5Entry: trade-only and badge-required; 2027 attendee registration was still listed as coming soon.
Why visit
Visit to compare games, attractions, redemption technology and back-of-house systems from 200+ suppliers, then use the two education days to work through route economics, cashless payments and FEC operations. The show is trade-only, so exhibitors staff their stands with people who can discuss pricing, maintenance and distribution rather than consumer sales.
Why exhibit
Exhibit because AEI puts manufacturers and distributors in front of arcade owners, FEC operators, route operators and amusement-park buyers who specify equipment for the next season. A North Hall stand also reaches the co-located BCA and NBVA audiences, and the 2026 edition reported 246 exhibiting companies and 763 booths sold.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Arcade and family entertainment centre owners and operators
Amusement route operators and coin-op distributors
Theme park, attraction and location-based entertainment buyers
Billiards, bulk vending and hospitality venue operators
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Arcade game, redemption and video game manufacturers
Attractions, rides and immersive entertainment suppliers
Cashless payment, ticketing and FEC management software
Billiards, darts, vending and concession equipment brands
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Arcade video games and redemption equipment
Family entertainment centre attractions and rides
Cashless payment, ticketing and management systems
Billiards, darts and competitive socialising equipment
Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
Entrances & gates
North Hall entrance
North Hall 1North Hall 2North Hall 3
Main visitor entrance for the AEI show floor and registration.
Facilities
Food options
Las Vegas Convention Center concessions
On-site dining
Parking: Use the LVCC parking lots off Paradise Road and Convention Center Drive; arrive early on the opening morning because North Hall badge queues and parking fill together.
Gate: Badge pickup and the North Hall entrance are reached from the Paradise Road side of the convention centre; follow AEI signage to North Halls 1-2-3.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Trade-only
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
EducationMonday 15 March 12:15 PM – 4:45 PM and Tuesday 16 March 9:00 AM – 4:15 PM
Trade showWednesday 17 March 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Thursday 18 March 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Collect your badge at the North Hall registration desk; bring a photo ID and your registration confirmation.
Ticket notes
2027 attendee registration was listed as coming soon. The 2026 published rates were $105 early or $135 standard for additional AMOA/AAMA member badges, $199 early or $229 standard for non-members, and $149 for the education upgrade.
No 2028 edition dates have been announced. The show runs annually and the 2028 edition is expected in Las Vegas in March, but the organiser has not published a venue or dates.
Growth over time
Edition recap
Amusement Expo International 2026 moved to the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and reported 246 exhibiting companies across 763 booths, up from 228 companies and 703 booths in 2025. Total registrations reached 4,509, including 2,018 buyers, while 2025 finished with 4,554 registrations. The BCA Expo and NBVA Expo co-located again, and the 2027 edition returns to North Halls 1-2-3.
New this edition
1
North Hall return
The 2027 show returns to North Halls 1-2-3 after the 2026 edition used the West Hall.
Visitors on the Amusement Expo International show floor.Arcade and amusement exhibits at AEI.
Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
AEI matters because it is the main North American buying floor for arcade, redemption, FEC and out-of-home entertainment equipment. The 2026 edition grew to 246 exhibiting companies and 763 booths even as registrations eased to 4,509, which tells exhibitors the hall is getting more competitive while the buyer base stays roughly stable.
Audience quality
High-value decision-makers
The audience is trade-only and concentrated among operators who buy equipment for revenue-generating venues: arcade and FEC owners, route operators, distributors, attractions buyers and hospitality venues. The 2026 split of 2,018 buyers against 2,491 non-buyers and exhibitors shows a large share of the hall is commercial rather than public.
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
ROI depends on demo space and follow-up. Machines and attractions need room to be played, so a 9 sqm booth suits software or small products while cabinets and rides need 36 sqm or more. Exhibitors who book buyer meetings before the show and follow up within a week will get more from the two-day floor than those relying on walk-ups.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
North America
Why it matters
Amusement Expo concentrates North American demand for arcade, redemption, attraction and FEC equipment into two buying days. Operators use it to compare machines before the spring and summer season, and the co-located billiards and bulk vending shows widen the buyer mix without diluting the core amusement audience.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
01
Cashless play and connected machines
Operators are replacing coin and token systems with card, wristband and mobile payment, and they want game data that shows which cabinets earn best.
What it changes: Payment and management software vendors can sell alongside cabinet makers and turn a single stand into a full floor solution.
02
Experiences beyond the arcade
FECs are adding competitive socialising, immersive attractions, food and beverage and party packages to lift dwell time and spend per visit.
What it changes: Attractions and rides suppliers can position products as a way to differentiate a venue rather than as standalone machines.
03
Equipment refresh and financing
After several strong post-pandemic years, operators are refreshing aging cabinets and looking for financing, leasing and revenue-share options.
What it changes: Exhibitors that offer clear total-cost and financing packages reduce the buying friction for multi-site operators.
The amusement and attractions trade circuit
Book AEI space in the fourth quarter, then plan IAAPA Expo in November and EAG in January as the adjacent global showcases.
AEI anchors the North American spring buying season. Buyers also use IAAPA Expo in the autumn and EAG in London in January to compare global product launches and set their annual equipment plans.
16–19 Mar 2026
Amusement Expo International 2026
Las Vegas, United States
Previous AEI edition in the West Hall; 246 exhibiting companies and 4,509 registrations.
March in Las Vegas is mild and dry, with daytime highs around 21-24°C (70-75°F) and overnight lows around 9-11°C (48-52°F). Rain is uncommon but a light jacket is useful for cool evenings.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Wi-Fi is available in LVCC public areas and most hotels; use a mobile hotspot for live machine demos and card-terminal tests.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18-20%, bartenders $1-2 per drink and rideshare drivers a tip in the app.
Business pace
Las Vegas meetings are informal but scheduled tightly; book booth appointments in advance and keep demos short.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LAS
Book 4-8 weeks ahead for March show week; Friday and Sunday are the busiest arrival and departure days.
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Rideshare or taxi from LAS takes 10-15 minutes and costs about $25-40; the Monorail does not serve the airport.
Hotel → venue: Stay at the Westgate or Resorts World to walk or take a short rideshare; Monorail from Westgate to Convention Center station is the car-free option.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across Las Vegas; expect surge pricing after large evening events.
Public transit: The Las Vegas Monorail links the Strip and Convention Center but does not reach the airport; RTC buses are slow with luggage.
Parking: LVCC operates paid on-site parking; hotel guests may prefer to leave the car and walk or use the Monorail.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March
Temperature: 48-75°F (9-24°C)
Seasonality: Dry and mild, with cool desert evenings and low rainfall.
Packing: Light layers for the hall, a jacket for evenings and comfortable shoes for the concrete show floor.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Wednesday, March 17
Wednesday combines the opening ceremony, the first full trade show day and the Beers & Cheers networking hour, so a visitor gets the widest product and contact access in one day. Thursday is shorter and better for follow-up meetings.
T-14
Register for a badge and decide on the education upgrade — 2027 registration opens on the official site; the 2026 education upgrade cost $149.
T-10
Book the hotel and check the official AEI room blocks — Westgate and Resorts World are the official bases; March rates rise closer to the date.
T-7
Build an exhibitor shortlist and book three meetings — Use the floor plan and exhibitor list to group North Hall aisles.
T-3
Book flights and download the show app or badge confirmation — LAS is the main airport; allow 15 minutes for the rideshare to the venue.
T-1
Pack business cards, a charger and a floor plan — Wear comfortable shoes; the North Hall floor is large and concrete.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
08:30
Badge pickup and coffee
North Hall registration
09:30
Opening ceremony and ribbon cutting
North Hall
10:00
Tour arcade and redemption stands; book three supplier meetings
North Hall 1-2
14:00
Education session or keynote and networking
LVCC meeting rooms
Side trips
2
Hoover Dam
Engineering Landmark
About 45 minutes by car
A half-day trip before or after the show with dramatic desert scenery and guided dam tours.
Grand Canyon West and Skywalk
National Landmark
About 2.5 hours by car
A full-day add-on for international visitors; book a tour or helicopter trip in advance.
Networking spots
2
All Industry Gala Reception
Official AEI event
Tuesday evening from 17:00 to 19:00; the main cross-association networking event.
Beers & Cheers Celebration
Official AEI event
Wednesday afternoon from 17:00 to 18:00 on the show floor; a relaxed end to day one.
First-timer guide
Follow-up playbook
Sort leads within 24 hours into buy-now, quote and nurture.
Send a personalised email referencing the machine or attraction you tested.
Attach the quote, spec sheet and delivery lead time within three business days.
Log the contact and consent status in your CRM.
Follow up once more after two weeks, then move the contact to a quarterly nurture list.
AEI produces high-intent conversations in a compact two-day window, but operators compare several suppliers after the show. Exhibitors who send a quote and a clear delivery date within a week are more likely to stay in the buying conversation.
Budget
Costs & budget
Shell scheme
USD 500–750 / m²
Raw space
USD 226–344 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
The printed space rates come from the organiser 2027 exhibitor information: member $20.95-$25.95 and non-member $26.95-$31.95 per square foot depending on application date. Shell build costs are an estimate.
Amusement Expo International 2027 runs March 15-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Education sessions take place on March 15-16, with the trade show floor open March 17 from 10:00 to 18:00 and March 18 from 10:00 to 16:00. The opening ceremony starts at 09:30 on March 17.
Where is AEI 2027 held?
AEI 2027 is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, in North Halls 1-2-3. The venue is on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip and is served by the Las Vegas Monorail, taxis and rideshare from resort hotels.
Is Amusement Expo International free to attend?
No. AEI is a trade-only show and every visitor needs a badge. The 2027 registration page was still listed as coming soon at the time of writing. In 2026, non-member badges cost $199 early or $229 standard, while additional member badges cost $105 or $135.
How much does it cost to attend AEI 2027?
The 2027 attendee rates had not been published when this listing was prepared. The 2026 rates give a guide: $199 early or $229 standard for non-members, $105 or $135 for additional AMOA/AAMA member badges, and $149 for the education conference upgrade. Registration is required for everyone.
Is Amusement Expo International trade-only?
Yes. Amusement Expo International is open only to industry professionals, and the organiser markets it as a trade show with no public admission. Children under 17 may enter the show floor free during show hours if accompanied by an adult and issued a badge, but they are not allowed during setup or teardown.
Who should exhibit at Amusement Expo International 2027?
Exhibit if you sell arcade games, redemption equipment, rides, attractions, cashless payment systems, ticketing software, billiards products, bulk vending machines or FEC supplies. The hall reaches arcade owners, route operators, distributors, family entertainment centre operators and attractions buyers, and more than 200 companies are expected in 2027.
What are the opening hours for AEI 2027?
Education runs Monday March 15 from 12:15 to 16:45 and Tuesday March 16 from 09:00 to 16:15, including a keynote lunch and the All Industry Gala. The trade show floor opens Wednesday March 17 from 10:00 to 18:00 and Thursday March 18 from 10:00 to 16:00.
What is co-located with Amusement Expo International?
The BCA Expo for billiards and the NBVA Expo for bulk vending are co-located with AEI. Both are complimentary with an AEI badge, so one registration covers the amusement, billiards and bulk vending floors. In 2026 the BCA pavilion had about 56 companies and the NBVA pavilion had 14 exhibitors.
How many exhibitors and attendees does AEI have?
The 2026 edition reported 246 exhibiting companies, 763 booths and 4,509 total registrations, including 2,018 buyers. For 2027 the organiser expects more than 5,500 industry professionals and over 200 exhibiting companies. The 2025 final figures were 228 companies and 4,554 registrations.
Glossary
1
FEC
Family entertainment centre: a venue combining arcade games, attractions, food and party space for families.
2
Redemption game
An arcade game that awards tickets or points redeemable for prizes, rather than cash.
3
Route operator
A business that owns and services amusement machines placed in third-party locations such as bars, restaurants and stores.
4
Cashless system
A card, wristband or mobile system that replaces coins and tokens for game play and redemption.
5
Bulk vending
Coin-operated vending of small products such as gumballs, nuts and capsule toys, represented by the NBVA.
6
Out-of-home entertainment
Leisure experiences delivered outside the home, including arcades, FECs, theme parks and location-based attractions.
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.