Loose Change - August 2026

Hello all,

Or should I say, “All Ya’ll”!

I am fired up to welcome you right here to Dallas, TX for the AAMA Annual Meeting, August 31–September 3, at the Warwick. This is where the industry movers and shakers show up, speak up, and step up for the future of our business.

Come Ready to Bring Your Best

This year’s Annual Meeting is not a passive “sit-and-listen” event. It’s a full-contact, “bring your best and share it” experience.

You can expect:

·       Sponsors and speakers who will challenge your thinking and spark new ideas.

·       Sessions and conversations designed to help you grow your business and strengthen our industry.

·       Spectacular people, like you, who care deeply about where we go from here.

If you show up ready to participate, you’ll leave more motivated, more encouraged, and more equipped to lead in your corner of the industry.

Our Story Is Bigger Than Ever

As my term as President comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on how far we’ve come in just two years. This journey has been a big deal for me personally and professionally, and I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together.

For too long, our association has been minimized. Not anymore.

Our name might still sound like we’re “only” about machines and games, but today our reality is much bigger. We’ve emerged as an ecosystem that supports the entire industry, manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, professional services, and locations all at the same table, all working toward the same goal.

At the end of the day, we all serve the guest, those families and friends who choose to spend their time and money with us to play, connect, and create memories. That’s a meaningful mission, and it’s worth getting excited about.

Bold Moves and an Irresistible Future

In these last two years, we’ve made bold moves to elevate AAMA’s presence, impact, and brand. Our story has evolved, and our association is taking a stand.

My dream is that AAMA becomes truly irresistible:

·       A “must join” association for anyone serious about our space.

·       The home base for relationships, events, and education.

·       A powerful voice for governmental advocacy, standards, and industry support.

·       A platform for philanthropy, group buying benefits, collaboration, and growth.

We’re not just talking about that future, we’re building it. And the Annual Meeting is where we come together to push that vision forward.

Grateful For the Past, Excited for What’s Next

So many people have come to the table over the last two years. The board, the executive team, committee members, and volunteers, have donated their time, energy, and talent. I am deeply grateful for each of you. Serving as President has been one of the great honors of my career.

As we gather in a few short weeks, here’s my invitation:

Come ready to inspire and be inspired.

Come ready to encourage others and be encouraged.

Come ready to help shape what’s next for AAMA and for our entire industry.

We are so much better together. I can’t wait to see you in Dallas and see how this group of leaders continues to move our industry forward.

Warm Regards,

Beth Standlee

Missed the July 31 priority registration deadline? You can still register for the AAMA All Access Annual Meeting through August 14 and join your industry peers for an unforgettable few days of education, networking, and celebration.

While the July 31 deadline guaranteed every pre-event perk, there are still a few opportunities to take advantage of before the remaining production deadlines arrive.

Here's what you need to know:

·    Experience Guide Headshots: Register and upload your headshot in the online registration system by August 5 to be included in the attendee section of the official Experience Guide.

·    Sponsors: If you're sponsoring the Annual Meeting, August 5 is the deadline to submit logos, ads, and any other printed materials to ensure inclusion in event signage, the Experience Guide, and other event collateral.

·    Hotel Room Block: Reserve your room by August 7 to take advantage of the special AAMA group rate (subject to availability).

·    Printed Materials & Personalized Items: Some print deadlines have already passed, so certain items—such as guaranteed inclusion in printed materials, personalized event badges, and other advance-production pieces—may no longer be available.

What hasn't changed is the reason to attend.

You'll still experience the outstanding educational sessions, hear from industry leaders, make valuable business connections, enjoy exclusive networking events, celebrate the accomplishments of our industry, and leave with fresh ideas and new relationships that can benefit your business long after the meeting ends.

If you've been waiting to finalize your plans, now is the time. Registration remains open through August 14, but don't wait any longer—each passing day means fewer opportunities to take advantage of the remaining attendee benefits.

No matter when you register, we're excited to welcome you to Dallas for another incredible AAMA All Access Annual Meeting.

Register today—we can't wait to see you there!

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AAMA is excited to announce a brand-new member benefit designed to help your business save money and operate more efficiently:AAMA Purchasing Advantage powered by Foodbuy.

As North America's largest group purchasing organization (GPO), Foodbuy leverages more than $35 billion in annual purchasing power and connects over 100,000 members with competitive pricing, supplier programs, and rebate opportunities that deliver real financial impact.

And here's the best part—this program goes far beyond food.

Members gain access to 600+ suppliers across a wide range of categories, including food and beverage, equipment, office supplies, maintenance services, operational needs, and much more. Best of all, participation is completely voluntary, with no cost to join and no compliance requirements. You choose the programs that make sense for your business.

Why You'll Love AAMA Purchasing Advantage

✔ No cost to participate

✔ No mandatory purchasing commitments

✔ Access to hundreds of supplier programs

✔ Competitive pricing and earned rebates

✔ Interactive dashboards to monitor savings and purchasing trends

✔ Solutions that extend far beyond food into the everyday needs of your operation

What's Next?

The announcement has been made, and now is the time to get signed up and start saving.

AAMA and Foodbuy will also host two informational webinars to walk members through the program, enrollment process, supplier offerings, and savings opportunities:

📅 August 6 at 1:00 PM ET

Registration for the next session is available below.

Whether you're looking to save on food, supplies, equipment, services, or other operational essentials, AAMA Purchasing Advantage powered by Foodbuy is another example of how your membership continues to deliver tangible value and support the success of your business.

More savings. More resources. More reasons to be an AAMA member.

Register Here

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One Last Chance to Give Back This Summer



For many years, the American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation (AAMCF) has proudly partnered with Sunrise Association to bring joy, laughter, and unforgettable experiences to children with cancer and their siblings.

While our Philadelphia and Chicago volunteer events have wrapped up, there is still one final opportunity to make a difference.

🎡 Sunrise Day Camp – Long Island | August 11

Join us at Sunrise Day Camp – Long Island, the original and largest Sunrise Day Camp, for our final volunteer event of the summer.

We're looking for volunteers to help create an unforgettable day for campers and their families. Whether you're assisting with activities, greeting families, helping run games, or simply sharing smiles, your time and enthusiasm will have a lasting impact.

This is your last chance this season to volunteer with AAMCF and Sunrise Association. Don't miss the opportunity to experience firsthand the incredible spirit of the original Sunrise camp and help bring joy to children facing extraordinary challenges.

Be Part of Something Special

The amusement industry is built on creating fun and lasting memories. Volunteering at Sunrise Day Camp is one of the most meaningful ways we can use those talents to give back.

📅 August 11 – Sunrise Day Camp, Long Island

·    🙋 Volunteers are needed throughout the day.

·    ❤️ Help create a memorable experience for children with cancer and their siblings.

·    🎪 Be part of AAMCF's longstanding tradition of supporting Sunrise Association.

If you can give a few hours of your time, we encourage you to register today. Together, let's close out the summer by making a meaningful difference for the children and families who need it most.

Thank You for Supporting the Eugene Jarvis Lifetime Achievement Award Journal

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the Lifetime Achievement Award Journal honoring Eugene Jarvis of Raw Thrills & Play Mechanix.

Your generous contributions helped celebrate an industry legend while also supporting the mission of the American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation (AAMCF).

The journal is a special tribute to Eugene’s incredible career, innovation, and lasting impact on the amusement industry.

We are grateful to all who purchased ads, shared congratulations, and joined us in recognizing Eugene’s remarkable achievements. Your support helps make this celebration possible and continues to strengthen the work of AAMCF and its charitable partners.

Thank you for being part of this special honor!