Tag 4 A Cause benefits the National Domestic Violence Hotline

A Tag 4 A Cause night was recently held at Lazertag Extreme in Simi Valley, CA to benefit the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Laser tag players of all ages took part by making donations directly to the cause, enjoying special format laser tag games and participating in a high score trophy challenge throughout the event. […]
Embed celebrates innovation, industry excellence, and growth at Amusement Expo 2026

DALLAS, Texas — Following the global debut of Embed Al and the Embed Ecosystem at IAAPA Expo 2025, Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, brought its next generation of Al-enabled solutions to the North American market at Amusement Expo International 2026. Powered by infrastructure from Amazon […]
Intercard brings integration with GoTab POS to Bar And Restaurant Show 2026

ST. LOUIS — Intercard, the leader in cashless technology for the amusement industry, will be at the Bar & Restaurant Show in Las Vegas on March 24 – 25, 2026. Intercard arcade experts Todd DeMott and Joe Guccione will showcase the latest products at booth #1324 including integration with the popular GoTab platform for bars and […]
Universal Orlando unveils new details about this year’s highly anticipated 35th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights

ORLANDO — This fall, Universal Orlando Resort marks a major milestone as Halloween Horror Nights, the World’s Premier Halloween Event, returns for its 35th anniversary, celebrating a legacy of horror and unleashing terrifying, immersive experiences that continue to redefine Halloween entertainment. Today, the destination reveals the “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares” as the theme for this […]
Dollywood Parks & Resorts hiring events scheduled for this week

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — With the excitement of spring upon us, Dollywood Parks & Resorts has scheduled two additional hiring events to take place this week for those ready to join the award-winning team! The 2026 season is the perfect time to make Dollywood home, thanks to exciting perks—including 100% free tuition, competitive wages, free lunch […]
Celebtrate the winners — Recognizing achievement. Amplifying impact. Thank you, AEI community.

This year’s Amusement Expo International wasn’t just about what’s next for our industry—it was about recognizing the people and companies who set new standards and lead by example. Please join us in congratulating this year’s outstanding AAMA and AMOA award recipients, who continue to raise the bar for excellence: AAMA Award Honorees: AAMA Hall of […]
Fire destroys T.J. Schmidt & Company maintenance building; carnival to open on schedule

STANDISH, Mich. — Fire destroyed one of the maintenance facilities of T.J. Schmidt & Company on Thursday, March 12. No injuries were reported. The Schmidt and Burtch families, operators of the carnival company, posted an online statement which – in part- said: “We would like to sincerely thank all of you who reached out following […]
Kennywood to kick off 2026 season with all-new event: Celebrate Kennywood Weekends

WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — The one-month countdown to Opening Day at Kennywood Park is officially on. This year’s Opening Day begins with the debut of the park’s newest event, Celebrate Kennywood Weekends, the unveiling of two all-new food locations, and the return of the park’s iconic rides and attractions. The gates officially swing open on Saturday, […]
Six Flags Great America announces 50th anniversary celebration

GURNEE, Ill. — Six Flags Great America today announced plans to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2026. In honor of five decades of thrills and family memories, the park will host a special 50th Anniversary Celebration, running June 20 through Aug. 9, featuring new entertainment, limited‑time offerings, and guest experiences. Since first welcoming guests in 1976, the park has hosted generations […]
MEGACON participants to save $15 on single day ticket at Fun Spot

ORLANDO — Fun Spot America Theme Parks is inviting all MEGACON participants to show up and show out their best cosplay outfit for everyone to enjoy while visiting the Orlando or Kissimmee Park this weekend. Each day after the show floor closes, the party doesn’t stop at Fun Spot. Beginning Thursday, March 19th through Sunday, […]
Canton Family Fun Center assets head to public online auction

CANTON, Mich. — A unique opportunity is coming to market to the general public as all assets from The Tailgate Garage Entertainment Center in Canton, Michigan will be sold through a public online auction conducted by Orbitbid.com, Inc. The liquidation is being conducted per order of a secured creditor, offering a complete dispersal of a fully […]
International Rides Management makes late 2025 donations to needy causes

International Rides Management (IRMRides.com) now based in Somers Point, NJ, recently relocating from longtime home of Wildwood, NJ recently closed their financial books on the 2025 season, and made some community-based donations. First Baptist Church in Wildwood, NJ received $750 towards the cost of their recent roof replacement. The ASPCA and the Cape May County […]
Pleasure Beach Resort urges support for the tourism sector as it launches its 130th season

Pleasure Beach Resort is calling on visitors, residents and businesses to get behind the travel and tourism sector as it officially launched its 2026 season today – marking 130 years at the heart of Blackpool’s biggest industry. As the largest private employer in the Lancashire town’s tourism sector, Pleasure Beach used its season launch event to […]
Just days after a dreeze, Dallas’ first outdoor splash pad opens tomorrow

While the Dallas-Fort Worth area shivered through a freeze warning earlier this week, the city’s whiplash weather now has families searching for a way to cool off and they’re about to get the earliest outdoor option. Tomorrow, March 19, PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas‑Fort Worth will officially open its Muddy Puddles Splash Pad for the […]
Dutch Wonderland welcomes Spring with Eggcellent Celebration & all-new Inn

LANCASTER, Pa. — A full season is hopping back in at Dutch Wonderland as the World’s Best Family Park gears up to swing open the park gates on Saturday, March 28. This year, the festivities begin with the fourth annual Eggcellent Celebration featuring spring décor throughout the park, festive food and beverage options, and visits from everyone’s favorite […]
Parks and Resorts launches search for new Group CEO

Parks and Resorts Scandinavia, Sweden’s largest amusement and wildlife park group – operating Gröna Lund, Kolmården, Furuvik, and Skara Sommarland – has initiated the recruitment process for a new Group CEO. Current CEO Christer Fogelmarck will assume the role of CEO at Visita. The search for his successor is already underway and is being led […]
Mauer Rides delivers the Spike Coaster “Sea Stallion”

Six Flags Qiddiya City is part of the vast megaproject Qiddiya City, which has been developed in the heart of the Tuwaiq Mountains, approximately 40 minutes from Riyadh. As a partnership between the Qiddiya Investment Company and Six Flags Entertainment, the park brings together entertainment, sport, and culture across six themed areas in an unprecedented […]
Play Playground hosts The Great Egg Hunt for all ages April 1, April 3 through 5

LAS VEGAS and NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Play Playground is turning Easter weekend into a full-scale, high-energy hunt with The Great Egg Hunt, an in-venue activation taking place April 1 and April 3–5, 2026, at its Las Vegas and Nashville locations. During designated hunt times, Play Playground team members will hide approximately a dozen eggs throughout each […]
Make a splash this summer: Splish Splash to hire 1,000 hosts for 2026 season

CALVERTON, N.Y. —The unofficial kick off to summer is less than 70 days. Splish Splash, New York’s Largest Water Park, is gearing up for Opening Day on Saturday, May 23. To celebrate more than 35 seasons of Long Island fun, the park is looking for 1,000 motivated hosts to join the park’s award-winning team for the 2026 […]
Albatross Entertainment takes top spot as Best New Tenpin Center in the U.S.

EDISON, N.J. — Albatross Entertainment (Albatross) in Edison, New Jersey, has been named Best New Tenpin Center in the U.S. in the 41st Annual Bowling Center Architecture and Design Awards, presented by Bowling Center Management (BCM) magazine. The center earned top honors for its standout innovation, immersive environment, and guest‑centric approach to modern bowling entertainment. From the […]
Six Flags Great Escape Resort launches 2026 hiring season

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. –– Six Flags Great Escape Resort is hiring more than 1,500 part-time and seasonal employees for the 2026 season. Job seekers are encouraged to visit jobs.sixflags.com to apply and complete interview questions remotely or in person at the Human Resources office. “At Six Flags Great Escape Resort, team members do more than fill a role, they help […]
Silver Dollar City ‘Crowns’ Resort, unveils exclusive details

OZARK MOUNTAINS, Mo. — Silver Dollar City officially “crowned” its newest chapter today, lifting the final rooftop beacon into place at the Silver Dollar City Resort and unveiling an unprecedented look inside the destination property. The design combines the natural beauty of the Ozarks with the company’s signature craftsmanship, character and charm. The heartfelt ceremony […]
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson marks 17 years of saving lives on Thursday, June 25, 2026

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Launched in June 2010, The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) is a global water safety event uniting waterparks, aquatic facilities, and community organizations across six continents. Its singular purpose: teaching life-saving water competency skills to help prevent drowning and building awareness about the vital importance of teaching children to swim. The […]
Todd Demott returns to AEI with Intercard sales team

ST. LOUIS — Todd DeMott has returned to the Intercard sales team following a sabbatical as an arcade consultant. Todd is a respected industry expert and owns his own arcades, giving him special insight into Intercard products and how they benefit arcade owners and route operators. At Amusement Expo International March 16-19, Todd will help […]
Dolly Parton kicks off adventurous 2026 season at Dollywood, details upcoming attraction and events

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dolly Parton welcomed season passholders and members of the media to the first day of Dollywood’s 41st season during a special media event today, setting high expectations for what will be the Smoky Mountain theme park’s most exciting year yet. With a brand-new, one-of-a-kind attraction set to open later this spring, the inaugural […]
Beth Bowen, former NEAAPA Secretary/Treasurer and Hall of Fame Member, passed away

On Wednesday, March 11, former Whalom Park owner and manager, former NEAAPA Secretary/Treasurer and Hall of Fame member along side her husband John, Beth Bowen passed away peacefully at home. Beth started working at Whalom Park in 1976, handling promotions, advertising, and public relations. She was named General Manager of the park on 1996. She […]
Six Flags announces strategic partnership with NFL legend Travis Kelce

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) today announced a new strategic partnership with NFL legend and three-time Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce, under which he will serve as a brand ambassador for North America’s largest regional amusement park operator. The partnership unites one of the NFL’s most dynamic and influential personalities with Six […]
Kings Dominion opens March 21 for the 2026 season

DOSWELL, Va. –– Kings Dominion will open its gates for the 2026 season on Saturday, March 21 and today revealed its events lineup featuring the new SPLASH! Water Parade. The high‑energy procession arrives in June, bringing colorful floats, lively performers, and interactive water elements to the midway, offering guests a refreshing way to cool off during Virginia’s hottest months. […]
Enchanted Parks selects Vantage to unify systems across all eight parks and drive guest engagement

VANCOUVER, Canada — Enchanted Parks, the newly formed entity backed by EPR Properties, who acquired 6 Six Flags parks to create a total portfolio of eight parks across the US, today announced the selection of Vantage as its enterprise-wide guest engagement and unification platform. The deployment, spanning all eight Enchanted Parks venues, represents one of […]
Six Flags Great Adventure announces major transformation of The Boardwalk and March park opening

JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure opens to the public March 28 and today it announced a major transformation of The Boardwalk, the park’s reimagined take on a classic shorefront escape. With additional details to be released soon, the 2026 project is expected to open late spring and will include new ride experiences, refreshed dining and additional enhancements. This marks the latest project in a multi-year investment plan […]
Universal Orlando Resort makes a splash this summer as Universal Volcano Bay Nights, the exclusive after-hours event, returns on select nights May 3 through August 21

ORLANDO — This summer, Universal Volcano Bay Nights returns to Universal Orlando Resort on select nights from May 3 through August 21 – inviting guests to enjoy an exclusive party after dark at the breathtaking water theme park, complete with special in-park experiences, an exclusive menu, access to Volcano Bay’s most popular attractions, and more. The limited-capacity, […]
Six Flags Darien Lake to kick off major hiring event tomorrow

DARIEN CENTER, N.Y. — Six Flags Darien Lake and Hurricane Harbor will launch their spring hiring season tomorrow as they begin a search for more than 1,500 employees for the 2026 season. The park seeks motivated and enthusiastic individuals with a passion for guest service to join the team. Seasonal positions are available across multiple departments including […]
Lake Compounce hiring more than 1,000 Employees for 2026 Season

BRISTOL, Conn. — As America’s First Amusement Park prepares to celebrate 180 years of fun, Lake Compounce is seeking more than 1,000 employees to join the team for its milestone 2026 season. The park is currently hiring across all positions including Food and Beverage, Lifeguards, Rides, Guest Experience, and more. Hosts at Lake Compounce will enjoy several employee perks including pay rates up to […]
Carowinds expands 2026 special events lineup

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carowinds returns March 14, welcoming guests back for a season of family-friendly fun, world-class attractions and a newly expanded lineup of special events that stretch from spring to winter. From new festivals to recharged fan favorites, the 2026 season represents one of the park’s most diverse event offerings to date. “Our special events continue to grow […]
Six Flags Over Georgia opens for the 2026 season on March 14

MABLETON, Ga. — Six Flags Over Georgia opens for its 59th season on Saturday, March 14, welcoming guests for another year of immersive events, world-class attractions and a new dining location. New this season, the park debuts Georgia Sandwich Company, a dining concept that features fresh ingredients, large portions and delicious sandwiches, seasonal soups, salads, house-made chips and succulent […]
Two returning fan-favorite races now unite under an official 2026 run series

ORLANDO — SeaWorld Orlando is bringing back two fan-favorite 5K races and officially launching its 2026 5K Run Series, uniting its signature spring and fall runs under one official series. The series includes the Seven Seas Food Festival 5K on April 25, 2026, at 7 a.m., and the Howl-O-Sprint 5K on Sept. 18, 2026, at […]
Embed celebrates the courage, resilience and impact of women in the business of fun and beyond

SINGAPORE — In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Embed proudly presents Rise & Renewal: Women’s Stories of Strength- a tribute to the extraordinary women who continue to step into their power; rising, adapting, and redefining what’s possible across technology, business, and beyond. Rise & Renewal honours the courage, perseverance, and leadership […]
Ellis & Associates hosts 40th annual “International Aquatic Safety School” in Phoenix, Arizona, and Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

ORLANDO — Since 1983, Ellis & Associates (E&A) has been the leader in aquatic safety and risk management. For the past 40 years, the firm has hosted “International Aquatic Safety School” (IASS), the world’s largest and most comprehensive aquatic safety training program. The 2026 school took place in Phoenix, AZ and Abu Dhabi, UAE hosted […]
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort celebrate The Super Mario Galaxy Movie with limited-time experiences in Super Nintendo World from March 10 through April 13

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. and ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort invite guests to power up their visit with limited-time experiences within the imaginative and interactive SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and at Universal CityWalk in celebration of Nintendo and Illumination’s highly-anticipated film, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The limited-time experience, which launches on MAR10 Day, Tuesday, March 10, […]
Safer Skies Act strengthens drone protections for parks

IAAPA’s Public Affairs team has long supported federal policies that allow fixed-site amusement parks to work with state and local law enforcement to protect their airspace from unauthorized drone activity. A significant milestone in that effort was reached with the enactment of the Safer Skies Act. The new law expands counter-drone authority for state and […]
Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R and Toyota Supra Complete the dynamic ride vehicle line-up for “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift”

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Universal Studios Hollywood unveils the remaining three ride vehicles joining the previously announced Dodge Charger that will comprise each of the “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” trains as the theme park puts on final touches for this innovative, first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster, opening this summer. The ride, which pays homage to the […]
TEA announces INSPIRE the Night is heading to Universal Epic Universe

BURBANK, Calif. — The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA)s is thrilled to announce the 2026 INSPIRE the Night event will take place at Universal Epic Universe on Thursday, 30 April featuring exclusive access from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Winner of four Thea Awards, the groundbreaking theme park is the perfect location for members of the themed entertainment […]
Breaking News! Enchanted Parks acquires multiple Six Flags properties

ORLANDO — Industry rumors had been in the wind, and now Six Flags and Enchanted Parks have made it official. Enchanted Parks has acquired several Six Flags parks. At the helm is James Harhi, who is no stranger to the amusement industry. Having been CEO for Innovative Attraction Management (2013 – present), StarGuard Elite (2013 […]
Movie Park Germany celebrates 30 years of park and film history as “Hollywood in Germany”

BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN — When the spotlight shines particularly brightly, one action-packed scene follows another, and movie magic is filling the air, then the most Hollywood-like birthday party of the year is on the production schedule: Movie Park Germany is celebrating 30 years of park and film history this year! An anniversary season full of highlights is […]
Dollywood Parks & Resorts partners with Allegiant for second fan flight

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — After Allegiant’s inaugural fan flight to Dollywood Parks & Resorts sold out within days of being announced, Allegiant and Dollywood have partnered to provide more Orlando travelers with an exclusive opportunity to visit one of the nation’s leading vacation destinations, the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Flight #925 was one of […]
Color Line partners with RWS Global to bring new shows to cruises, beginning with Color Magic

NORWAY — Color Line today announced it has entered into a partnership with RWS Global, the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports, to develop unique and engaging onboard entertainment concepts. The collaboration will begin with the full-scale production of two shows on Color Magic, set to premiere in September. With extensive […]
Holding firm where it matters: standard parts with increased clamping force

In any situation requiring repeated fastening by manual screwing, speed and a secure hold are critical. That’s why JW Winco has upgraded its proven hand knob nuts, star knob screws and adjustable hand levers with increased clamping force. Their clamping surface with ball bearing doubles the clamping force while protecting the surface from damage. Numerous […]
Six Flags Darien Lake to host major hiring event March 11 to 13

DARIEN CENTER, N.Y. — Six Flags Darien Lake and Hurricane Harbor are hiring over 1,500 employees for the 2026 season. The park seeks motivated and enthusiastic individuals with a passion for guest service to join the team. Seasonal positions are available across multiple departments including lifeguards, ride operators, food and beverage, hotel hospitality, security and a variety […]
WingZ of Wonder opens at Morgan’s Wonderland: Zamperla’s new all-access ride delivers inclusive fun for guests of all abilities

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — After being introduced to the industry during IAAPA Expo Orlando 2025, WingZ of Wonder is now ready to be experienced where it was always meant to live: as a permanent attraction in Morgan’s Wonderland theme park, where families and groups with diverse needs can ride together and share moments of pure […]
Peppa Pig Theme Park “Turns One” celebration kicks off with big opening moment

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas–Fort Worth turned one, and there’s much more fun on the way! Peppa and her family kicked off the “Turns One” Celebration weekends this morning Friday, February 27 with a festive kick‑off show at the park entrance, confetti countdown, and cheering young families to begin the Peppa Pig Theme […]