Welcome ithkrall,
I have some suggestions;
To speed game play-try optional rule;
All Axis move at once in one round, then all Allies move at once in one round, that completed one turn. Rinse Repeat;Players are always involved-no waiting.
This convinced my gaming group to play, they now love the game.
I have posted this idea before, it is not my idea, comes from AAHRE, the historic version of AA(see House Rules this forum.)
Print up some optional rules (see House Rules) or National Advantages listed in AARevised rule book, ask the players if any of those ideas would appeal to them,
this allows the players to customize the game to their own play style and
gives them a stake in how the game is played.
Provide a 3 minute timer, for conferences prior to each move- provides a team feel for your two Alliances.
weekends leading up to the game you may _view some old war movie_s to provide atmosphere, topics of what if.
Props are good, have any- can be models, minis or objects from time period.
We have found it is not just the game, but the time period, what was going on, its a weekend or several hours of stepping back in time-have fun.