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Digital Issue

Category: Business

ETF: Benefits of trackless dark ride systems in theme parks

Dark rides have become an increasingly popular way to engage a wider audience. These indoor attractions offer experiences for all ages and operate reliably regardless of weather and with high uptime. A trackless ride system expands creative potential even more and brings extra tangible benefits in cost, flexibility, maintenance and safety. Creative freedom and storytelling […]

Intercard Bowl Expo test drive and win big

ST. LOUIS — Intercard will be at Bowl Expo in Washington D.C. July 1-2 with an opportunity for one lucky showgoer to win big. Visitors to the Intercard show booth #929 who test drive the iTeller PlusXL kiosk will be entered in a drawing to win a $500 Visa gift card and a customized Intercard […]

Legacy Entertainment to create Loco Waterpark at Perfect Day Mexico

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Royal Caribbean has pulled back the curtain on the game-changing Perfect Day Mexico, revealing the first details about what vacationers can expect upon its debut in Fall 2027. Spanning over 200 acres on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast, the destination will feature seven distinct neighborhoods, complete with 12 dining options, 24 bars, and […]

Dollywood named to Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025 List

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood’s recent run of awards continued this week with Newsweek adding the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park to its America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025 list following the results of a recent survey. Dollywood is part of the “Entertainment Providers” grouping of companies and is one of only three theme park companies to be featured […]

Themed Entertainment Association announces Entertainment + Culture Advisors (ECA) and The Park Database (Park DB) join Storyland Studios as strategic research partner for the 2024 TEA Global Experience Index

BURBANK, Calif. — The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is pleased to announce Entertainment + Culture Advisors, LLC (ECA) and The Park Database (Park DB) as its research partner for the 2024 TEA Global Experience Index™, formerly the Theme Index and Museum Index Report. The annual report has served as the definitive study of attendance at the world’s top theme parks, water parks, and museums […]

Calling all builders! Are you the next Lego Master? For the first time ever… Lego Masters Audition episodes will be filmed at Legoland California Resort!

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Have you ever wanted to compete on LEGO Masters? Season five of the hit competition series airs Mondays at 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT on FOX and the next day on Hulu. For the first time ever, LEGO Masters will not only be filming audition episodes at LEGOLAND California Resort, but park guests will be able to check out the action and be inspired […]

Lost Treasure Mini Golf celebrates 30 years of adventure, fun, and family memories across the U.S.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf, the beloved adventure miniature golf company that began with a single course in North Myrtle Beach in 1995, is proudly celebrating 30 years of family-friendly fun! This year marks several exciting milestones for the company: the 30th Anniversary of its first-ever location at Lost Treasure Golf North Myrtle Beach, 25 […]

Hall U Need and Intercard partner again near Paris

ST. LOUIS — Hall U Need, the award-winning French urban entertainment chain, has chosen Intercard cashless technology for its latest location near Paris. The new FEC opened in April at the Westfield Carré Sénart mall in Lieusaint southeast of the French capital. It is Intercard’s second installation for Hall U Need, which already uses the […]

RWS Global announces plans to open Middle East headquarters

NEW YORK — RWS Global, the world’s leader in live moments across entertainment and sports, today announced its plans to open a headquarters in Riyadh, expanding the company’s significant footprint in the Middle East. This expansion shows RWS Global’s commitment to the region’s continued investment in innovation across entertainment, tourism, leisure travel and sport. The […]

WaveGarden has done it again: Unprecedented Waves arrive at Beyond The Club in São Paulo, with Gabriel Medina stoked on his first sessions

SAN SEBASTIAN — The world’s leading company, Wavegarden, redefines once again the limits of innovation in artificial waves for surfing. Its latest project at Beyond the Club, São Paulo, marks a turning point in the development of surf lagoons. With a powerful combination of cutting-edge engineering and a revolutionary technological approach, it has exceeded all expectations. […]

The Resorts Companies name John Alvarez general counsel

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The Resorts Companies, Inc., owner of Massanutten Resort and Bluestone Peak in Rockingham County, Virginia near Harrisonburg, and Wilderness Presidential Resort in Spotsylvania County, Virginia near Fredericksburg, today announced the appointment of John Alvarez as general counsel. In this key leadership role, Alvarez will oversee all legal matters for The Resorts Companies and […]

RWS Global expands leadership team with addition of Hans Vollrath as Executive Vice President of Land Production and Ashley Hong as Vice President of Licensing

NEW YORK — RWS Global, the world leader in live moments across entertainment and sports, has announced two strategic leadership appointments as part of its continued global expansion. Hans Vollrath joins as Executive Vice President of Land Production, while Ashley Hong steps into the newly created role of Vice President of Licensing. These additions emphasize the company’s […]

NRCMA: Four historic roller coaster cars saved and preserved

PLAINVIEW, Texas — The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA), the world’s largest collection of historic amusement ride vehicles and memorabilia, has successfully raised the funds to save and preserve four historic coaster cars from across North America, all thanks to ride enthusiasts from around the world. The vehicles that fans helped the museum rescue […]

Aardman joins forces with Peel X to elevate immersive experiences for attractions sector

BRISTOL, U.K. — Aardman, the multi-award-winning independent animation studio has today announced a strategic collaboration with leading digital experiences studio, Peel X, to support the expansion of its immersive augmented reality (AR) experiences to more visitor attractions across the UK and beyond. Peel X will deliver development and technical support, providing the robust and scalable […]

WhiteWater to open more than 60 extraordinary new projects worldwide in 2025

VANCOUVER, Canada — Another year of exciting project openings is ahead for WhiteWater’s diverse clients across indoor and outdoor water parks, at hotels and resorts, and on cruise ships. Over 60 new projects are opening across the globe in 2025, featuring record-breakers, world’s firsts, as well as tried-and-true guest favourites, taking WhiteWater’s team from bustling urban […]

SBI Americas partners with PB Amusement to expand U.S. presence

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Since its inception SBI Americas LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of SBI Sweden, has emerged as a leader in innovative and reliable kiddie rides in America. An Orlando warehouse was recently opened to better serve U.S. customers, and many new notable customers have been secured including Cherry Crest Adventure Farm and Knoebels Amusement Resort just to […]

Urge Congress to protect funding for BridgeUSA J-1 Program

IAAPA supports the Alliance for International Exchange in its campaign urging members of Congress to protect funding for international exchange programs. On Friday, May 2, the Trump Administration released its FY26 “skinny” budget—a preliminary outline of the president’s priorities for the next fiscal year. The proposal includes a drastic 93% cut to the U.S. State […]

Pinkfong and Baby Shark join SeaWorld in the global launch of its first educational sing-along video showcasing the wonders of marine life

ORLANDO — SeaWorld celebrates 10 years of Baby Shark with today’s debut of “Happy, Happy SeaWorld!” – a vibrant new animated music video that spotlights marine life and SeaWorld’s dedication to ocean conservation. The video will stream on YouTube as part of a nationwide collaboration between SeaWorld and Pinkfong, the creators behind the global Baby Shark phenomenon, […]

Chance Rides welcomes Travis Lane

Travis Lane joins Chance Rides as Project Management Director, bringing deep experience from Spirit AeroSystems. He’ll lead the company’s PM team and report to President & CEO Aaron Landrum.

Texas takes the global stage as Meow Wolf Grapevine and houston earn Top Awards At IAAPA Honors 2025

GRAPEVINE, Texas —This week, Meow Wolf’s Texas-based exhibitions have achieved international acclaim at IAAPA Honors 2025, one of the most prestigious award programs in the global attractions industry. Announced this week at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany, Meow Wolf Grapevine was named 2025’s Top Location-Based Experience (LBE) in the world, while Meow Wolf Houston received global recognition for Best Food & […]

Intercard to SEA Expo with award-winning iQ System

ST. LOUIS — Intercard, the world leader in cashless technology, will exhibit at this year’s 7th annual SEA Expo. The company will feature the latest version of its award-winning iQ reader at the show, which runs from May 20-22, 2025 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center in Riyadh. Intercard’s CEO Scott Sherrod and Alberto Borrero, senior […]

MSC Cruises unveils new family entertainment for Summer 2025

GENEVA, Switzerland — This summer, MSC Cruises is redefining family fun at sea with an enhanced entertainment lineup designed to create unforgettable memories for guests of all ages. From high-energy game shows and interactive experiences to dazzling parades and dynamic parties, the updated program offers something for everyone, from the youngest cruisers to teens and their parents. Beginning […]

Roller Coaster Museum rolls out fan-based fundraiser to rescue historic coaster icons

PLAINVIEW, Texas — The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA), the world’s largest collection of historic amusement ride vehicles and memorabilia, is launching a fan-based capital campaign to save and preserve four historic coaster cars from across North America. The vehicles the museum hopes to preserve are: “Without the tireless work of the museum’s […]

North American Midway Entertainment welcomes Dan Sawyer as director of business development

FARMLAND, Ind. — North American Midway Entertainment (NAME), the leading provider of carnival entertainment in North America, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Sawyer as its new Director of Business Development. A seasoned executive with over 26 years of experience in fairs, festivals, live events, professional sports, and advertising, Sawyer brings a powerful […]

May 2025

The MAY 2025 issue includes:

Sacoa embarks on global tour in May 2025, showcasing innovation and industry leadership

Sacoa Cashless System, the world leader in cashless management solutions for the entertainment industry, is proud to announce an ambitious world tour during May 2025, with simultaneous participation in five major international trade shows. This bold initiative underscores Sacoa’s ongoing commitment to innovation and global engagement. Key stops on Sacoa’s global tour include: Throughout the […]

Azamara Cruises sets the stage for elevated entertainment lineup in 2026 through expanded partnership with RWS Global

NEW YORK and MIAMI — Azamara Cruises, the small-ship cruise line renowned for its signature Destination Immersion experiences and Extended Destination Days, today announced an exciting new phase in its long-standing partnership with RWS Global to deliver 13 new and exclusive-to-Azamara, world-class entertainment experiences across its fleet starting in 2026. This next chapter underscores Azamara’s […]

Gilbert Gerst named Chairman of the Board of Directors for the State Fair of Texas

DALLAS, Texas — The State Fair of Texas Board of Directors has appointed Gilbert Gerst as its new chairman of the board during their annual meeting for the nonprofit organization. Gilbert succeeds Bruce Sifford following the completion of his three-year term. By accepting this position, Gilbert continues the legacy of the many distinguished community leaders […]

Merlin Entertainments partners with RWS Global to deliver premium entertainment experiences

Merlin Entertainments today announces the appointment of RWS Global, the world leader in live moments, as its preferred entertainment production partner for six global destinations. RWS Global will collaborate with Merlin to produce, deliver and operate premium guest entertainment experiences, beginning with leading Merlin locations on both sides of the Atlantic: The partnership will complement Merlin’s core […]

Global coaster manufacturer Vekoma Rides expands Americas operations in Orlando, creating new jobs

ORLANDO — Vekoma Rides, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of roller coasters and attractions for theme parks, opened their new and expanded office in Orlando, Florida. This strategic move highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing its presence and delivering exceptional products and services to its growing customer base in the region. Vekoma Rides selected Orlando […]

Todd Cravens named president of Betson Gaming Division

HENDERSON, Nev. — H. Betti Industries Inc, the leading distributor of amusement and gaming equipment and parts, is proud to announce the appointment of Todd Cravens as President of Betson Gaming. In this expanded leadership role, Cravens will oversee all aspects of its growing gaming division, with a focus on expanding market share, building the […]

International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) designates eight industry leaders as a Certified Fair Executive (CFE)

CALGARY, Alberta, Canada — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) is proud to announce that eight members of the IAFE were designated as a Certified Fair Executive (CFE) during the 2025 IAFE Management Conference. The newly certified individuals are: This certification program provides incentives for professional improvement in fair management, recognizes those who […]

IATP Continues exclusive vendor partnership with The Insurance Center for discounted rates on trampoline and adventure parks insurance

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The International Adventure of Trampoline Parks (IATP) is pleased to announce the continuation of its exclusive partnership with The Insurance Center, offering IATP members access to discounted insurance rates tailored specifically for trampoline and adventure parks. This ongoing collaboration ensures that IATP members continue to receive competitive rates and comprehensive coverage for […]

Embed named AAMA Supplier of the Year at Amusement Expo International 2025!

Embed is the AAMA Supplier of the Year Award winner, a testament to the company’s commitment to layering value for members of the Embed family through constant innovation of solutions FEC operators can trust and maximise to enable, empower, and ease their business of fun. “We are honoured to be recognised for this esteemed award. […]

AMC Theatres partners with Dippin’ Dots to offer popular frozen treats to moviegoers through a nationwide launch at every U.S. AMC location

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LEAWOOD, Kan. — AMC Theatres, the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and the world, today announced that moviegoers seeking a frozen treat can now enjoy Dippin’ Dots, America’s original and number one beadedice cream brand, during their movie at AMC theatres across the country. This announcement and rollout follow a highly successful test of Dippin’ Dots products in select AMC markets […]

Slick City Action Park celebrates highest average unit volume and growth in 2024, plans more aggressive expansion in 2025

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — Slick City Action Park, the world’s first indoor slide park featuring proprietary dry-slide technology, has disrupted the active Family Entertainment Center (FEC) space. The company has achieved rapid growth in 2024, becoming the fastest-growing business in the active FEC industry, with the highest Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $4.96 million AUV and 41.04% average […]

IAFE announces new legal counsel and honors industry legend

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) announces that it has appointed Foster & Fuchs as its new legal counsel, replacing industry legend Jim Tucker, who has retired after an extraordinary career serving IAFE for more than four decades. Tucker has been an integral part of the IAFE, providing legal counsel […]

The Embed Ecosystem begins a new erain the Middle East family entertainment

DUBAI, U.A.E. — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, is set to bring the freshest updates to its breakthrough innovations to the Middle East for back-to-back tradeshows DEAL Expo (Dubai World Trade Centre, 8 to 70 April, booth #ZS-770) and the SEA Expo (Riyadh International Convention […]

Intercard will feature the award-winning IQ Reader at DEAL Show April 8-10

ST. LOUIS — Intercard will exhibit at this year’s DEAL, the Dubai show that has been guiding the theme park and amusement industries in the MENA region for more than 30 years. Intercard will feature the latest version of its award-winning iQ reader at the show, which runs from April 8-10, 2025 at the Dubai […]

International Rides Management offering classic 1979 Schwarzkopf Enterprise

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This may just be the deal of the summer! International Rides Management (IRM) is offering an INCREDIBLE deal for one of our clients. It’s a classic 1979 Schwarzkopf Enterprise, sold through Intamin as a ‘Wheelie’. We have listed this ride for about a year, and now the owner’s replacement ride has arrived and is ready […]