4 May 2012 

 

Dear AMA Members,

 

The Association’s executive committee at a meeting on May 2 have resolved to postpone the 2012 AMA Convention at Jupiters Casino to a date to be fixed for 2013. There were a number of factors driving this decision. Most importantly that the AMA has received a considerable amount of feedback that the current economic climate is not conducive to suppliers investing in a trade show, or for retailers to take time away from their stores. In addition, whilst we had considerable interest from a number of AMA member suppliers we had insufficient exhibitor support from a large number of major suppliers. The trade show needs the majority of these major suppliers to be involved to attract the retail delegates needed.

 

Accordingly, the AMA Executive committee has come to the conclusion that these factors would jeopardise this important event. The committee was certain that proceeding with the event could have severely compromised the financial viability of your association for this year. 

 

During the restructure of the AMA’s operations last year, our members overwhelmingly indicated that the core activities of the association should include developing a trade show model that was more affordable. Hence the offer of a smaller trade show/convention at Jupiters on the Gold Coast. As planning was well progressed the time and effort will be valuable in formatting the next event. 

 

The committee thanks those members that had already committed, and shares your disappointment. The financial risk to the AMA was too great and the responsible decision was to postpone AMAC.  Confirmed exhibitor’s payments will be refunded forthwith.

 

The committee will continue to work on your behalf to find a satisfactory way forward from this point. An Annual General Meeting is planned to take place in the last quarter of this calendar year. This will give an opportunity for further input and discussion of the format for next year. In the meantime the Association will continue its drive into Music Education, Government relations and new benefits for members.

 

Sincerely,

 

Robert Walker. AMAC sub-committee chair.

Bernie Capicchiano. Association President.