AT: B. Derek Shaw
RIVERVIEW, Fla. — Heralded as the largest carnival trade show in the Unites States, the International Independent Showmen’s Foundation (IISF) annual Super Trade Show & Extravaganza delivered to the delight of more than 7,300 attendees. Held early each February, the show provides four days of outdoor and indoor exhibiting rides and suppliers along with other ancillary products and services all designed to help get showmen ready for the upcoming season.
Despite a few early snags — poor drainage in the parking lots, the registration process being slowed by a new system — things ran rather smoothly during the event. Outdoors, there were more than 30 rides from a few dozen manufacturers with new companies in attendance, including numerous suppliers from the Czech Republic.
“Attendance has been pretty good, despite a little bit of wetness in the parking lots the first couple of days,” said 2019 IISA president, Jeffrey Richards. Providing perspective, he added “There are more and more ride manufacturers from overseas. It helps gives us more exhibitors.”
One of the larger items outside was a four-story fun house built by Fun Light Amusements. After acquiring it, Adam Swika, principal of Adam Swika Shows talked about his investment. “It’s the second one ever built. It takes a good while to get through it. I dedicated it to my grandfather, the late Steve Swika, Jr. and Jackie Swika (grandmother).”
Dubbed “The Jurassic Excape,” it features 21 tricks with eight being mechanical, themed to the dinosaur era. With a four person crew, set up takes four hours and tear down three hours, depending on the spot. Swika, fourth generation in the business, explained the reason for this particular attraction, “I just always wanted to have my own fun house. When my grandfather purchased the Owen Trailers Monkey Maze, I was made the manager and foreman. I just wanted to top that. I’ve now been able to realize my dream of owning a big, gigantic, fun house.” With this purchase, Swika now offers five rides.
Wadkins Expo Wheels did sell a few rides, however, its president, Roger Wadkins, Sr., feels sales could be stronger. “There’s a lot of interest. Everyone is shy on pulling the trigger.” Much of the buyer insecurity may be due to the extremely wet 2018 season and the uncertainty of getting enough foreign workers through the H2B program.
“As far as sales, 70 percent of the industry was here. I think you do have to be here,” said Len Soled, president, Rides-4-U, summing up the show from his perspective. “We did sell a number of pieces here, so we’re happy about that. Based on H2B, that issue [regarding] employment, people are holding back. We’re hoping that clears up. If that does, we see a lot of other future sales here in the next 30 to 60 days. We’re optimistic.”
Amusement Entertainment Risk Insurance Associates (AERIA), Concept 1900 Entertainment (from France), Cool-A-Zone, Eye Candy Inflatables, Jung-Max Rides, Kingpin TV, Midway Magazine, and Total Insight Screening were all new exhibitors as part of the show this year.
With topics including “Digital Marketing, Online Ticketing and Websites,” “H2B Apocalypse – Strategies for Industry Survival,” and “Is Your Carnival Ready for a Visit from OSHA?”, workshops were great for attendees to catch up on the latest news or refresh themselves on specific subjects.
The IISF, the fundraising arm of the IISA (International Independent Showmen’s Association), reported 137 exhibitors, down slightly from 2018. The cocktail reception fundraiser showed an increase, while the golf tournament (which had additional sponsors) was down slightly. The museum fundraiser showed significant growth and the banquet was on par with the previous years. Three people were inducted into the IISL Hall of Fame during the banquet: Gloria Myers, Myers International Midways, Inc.; Larry Habeck, an independent concessionaire; and Gene Siefker, founder of Showmen Supplies, Inc. Both Myers and Habeck are past presidents of the organization.
Throughout the week, other related organizations held events. The Showmen’s League of America had five meetings/events including Long Range Planning/Capital Preservation Committee, Scholarship Committee, Nominating Committee, Board of Governors annual meeting and a social at the Gibtown Club.
Also, the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) held a champagne reception for award inductees and their families mid-week at the IISA Museum. At the end of the week, at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon hotel, formal inductions were held at the 54th annual OABA member meeting and chairman’s reception. Michael Wood, OABA Hall of Fame, owner of Wood Entertainment Co. was among the recipients. Also being honored was Bill Dillard, the late owner of Bill Dillard Expositions. The OABA Industry Pioneer recognition was awarded to Stephen Swika, Jr. (deceased), former owner of S & S Amusements. Family members accepted in honor of the posthumous recipients.
A special presentation was made to Bob Johnson, retiring president and CEO of OABA, for his 24 years of dedicated service to the organization. Incoming President Greg Chiecko was then introduced and made a few remarks.
“Everything turned out well. This was one of our better ones. The exhibitors seemed to be happy,” said Theresa Rimes, trade show secretary, feeling everyone enjoyed a positive experience.
“It’s been a good week. We’ve seen a lot of folks,” said Scott Kunz, president of Galaxy Amusement Sales. Reflecting on the trade show, he summarized, “The weather has been fantastic. We’re expecting a good year. This is our Super Bowl. This is what we prepare for all winter, for this one event.”
This article appears in the MARCH 2019 issue of Amusement Today.
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