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Category: Business

Accesso to showcase AI-Powered shopping preview and new innovation at IAAPA Orlando 2025

ORLANDO — accesso Technology Group (AIM: ACSO), the leading technology partner to the leisure and entertainment industry, will spotlight the most recent advancements across its revenue-driving product portfolio at IAAPA Expo Orlando 2025. Attendees can visit Booth #5131 to experience live demonstrations across ticketing, point of sale, virtual queuing, mobile, payments and AI powered commerce. […]

FACE Amusement and Guy Fieri Foundation donate teddy bears to the 25th Annual Friends Johnson City Friends Buddy Walk

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group teamed up with The Guy Fieri Foundation and National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) for the 25th annual FRIENDS Buddy Walk®, one of the country’s largest Down syndrome advocacy and awareness events.  This past weekend, more than 1,000 participants gathered at the ETSU CPA Front Yard to celebrate community, shift perceptions and champion greater opportunities for individuals with Down […]

RES Rides celebrates 10 years of innovation at IAAPA Orlando 2025

ALTENDORF, Switzerland — RES RIDES AG, a global leader in amusement ride innovation, is celebrating its 10th anniversary at IAAPA Expo Orlando 2025 with an invitation to theme parks and attractions professionals: come explore the next generation of family entertainment at Booth 4404. This milestone year is marked by with recognition: the Pumpen Super Swing […]

Simtec Systems and The Void redefine the dark ride: real motion meets infinite worlds

ORLANDO —Simtec Systems and The VOID announce a partnership to develop a first-of-its-kind hyper-reality dark ride that merges Simtec’s proven motion simulators with The VOID’s multisensory “hyper-reality” platform to deliver cinematic worlds with theme-park-grade throughput in a compact footprint. The platform pairs motion-based vehicles with VOID-designed interactivity and tactile feedback, allowing guests to steer, target, […]

Image Engineering and Image SFX announce key leadership promotion, new strategic hire, and expansion to Rock Lititz Campus

BALTIMORE, Md. — Image Engineering and Image SFX are pleased to announce a significant leadership advancement, a new strategic hire, and the opening of a new office location within the Rock Lititz campus in Lititz, Pennsylvania. These strategic developments support the companies’ continued growth in live entertainment, touring productions, experiential design, engineering, and themed entertainment. […]

Family Entertainment Group welcomes two new executives to lead commercial strategy and accelerate growth

ITASCA, Ill. — Family Entertainment Group (FEG), a leader in developing and operating high-performing arcades and attractions across the United States, announced two strategic additions to its executive leadership team: Parisa Jalili as Chief Commercial Officer and Justin Green as Chief Growth Officer. The appointments underscore FEG’s commitment to disciplined, scalable growth and to elevating […]

AAMA announces finalists for 2026 FEC of the Year Award

CARY, Ill. —  The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) is proud to announce the five finalists for the 2026 AAMA Family Entertainment Center (FEC) of the Year Award. This year’s finalists represent the very best in creativity, customer experience, and community engagement within the amusement industry. Their commitment to excellence and innovation embodies the spirit […]

International Rides Management wraps up 2024-2025 with strong sales

International Rides Management of Wildwood, NJ (IRMRides.com) is finishing strong the combined 2024-2025 season on a busy note. “2024 was our 35th anniversary, but I think we will wait until our 40th to celebrate. IAAPA’s Mike Shelton did send the much appreciated thank you for 36 years of IAAPA membership. We were getting solicited to […]

Wild Creations marks 15 years of engineering themed environments for global attractions

WALES, U.K. — A Wales-based production company that designs and fabricates installations for leading global attractions is celebrating 15 years in business – having evolved into one of the UK’s leading producers of large-scale themed environments for Universal, Merlin and other global attractions brands. Operating from a 40,000 sq ft facility near Cardiff city centre, […]

Celebrate Veterans Day at Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown in Pigeon Forge

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown is honoring those who have served our country with a special Veterans Day offer. Veterans and active-duty military personnel are invited to enjoy their choice of Chicken Wings or Pretzel Bites—on the house—as a small token of appreciation for their service. Offer valid for dine-in guests only. Beverage, tax, and […]

Celebrate Veterans Day at Guy Fieri’s Kitchen and Bar Branson

BRANSON, Mo. —  On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Guy Fieri’s Kitchen and Bar Branson is honoring those who have served our country with a special Veterans Day offer.  Veterans and active-duty military personnel are invited to enjoy their choice of Chicken Wings or Pretzel Bites—on the house—as a small token of appreciation for their service. Offer valid for dine-in guests only. Beverage, tax, and gratuity not included. […]

Connect with RES Rides at IAAPA Expo inOrlando – booth #4404

Celebrate with RES RIDES at IAAPA Orlando Expo – Booth 4404! We’re thrilled to mark our 10th Anniversary at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando—and we’ve got plenty to celebrate! Our PUMPEN Super Swing at Gröna Lund (Parks and Resorts Scandinavia) just earned the prestigious European Star Award for Europe’s Best New Big Attractions 2025 […]

Roller introduces Roller iQ, the AI assistant built for the attractions industry

AUSTIN, Texas — ROLLER, the all-in-one venue management platform for the leisure and attractions industry, has announced ROLLER iQ, a revolutionary AI assistant that helps operators turn their venue’s data into instant insights, making intelligence a competitive edge for ROLLER’s customers.  Unlike general-purpose AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, ROLLER iQ is grounded in real-time operational […]

See the future of ticketing and guest management at IAAPA booth #4847

Are you ready to take your guest experience to the next level? Join Gateway Ticketing Systems at IAAPA Expo 2025, Booth #4847, and see how our Galaxy Platform continues to transform the way attractions manage admissions, retail, and guest engagement. Whether you’re already part of the Galaxy community or exploring new solutions, you’ll discover powerful tools designed to help […]

Hupalipa family entertainment centers

Founded in 2019 to become a leading family entertainment brand, HUPALUPA has rapidly grown by meeting the needs of the retail ecosystem. With its sub-brands—HUPALUPA EXPO, GO, and STORE—it has strengthened its umbrella identity through vertical and horizontal expansion. Offering interactive play areas where families bond and children develop physical and social skills, HUPALUPA blends […]

The next frontier is here: Embed AI to rise at IAAPA Expo 2025

DALLAS, Texas — Embed sets another industry standard as the global transformation thought leader in the amusement and leisure space with the launch of Embed AI, solidifying its position as the world’s FEC tech partner of choice. “In true Embed tradition of introducing industry-firsts at IAAPA Expo, we are excited to announce the debut of […]

Learn from Intercard’s arcade experts at IAAPA expo november 17-21, 2025

ST. LOUIS — At IAAPA Expo 2025 in Orlando attendees have the opportunity to learn from Intercard’s arcade experts during two essential EDUSessions. On Monday November 17 at 12:00 pm Chris Barker will speak on “Level Up: Three Strategic Moves for Growing a Successful Arcade.” On November 20 at 8:30 am Jason Mitchell will participate […]

Intamin: Super Gyro Tower

Standing an impressive 53 metres tall from the ground the Intamin Super Gyro Tower is an observation tower offering visitors unparalleled panoramic views over Balneário Camboriú, the surrounding natural landscape of the Atlantic Ocean and the lush local forest. Situated at the very peak of Morro da Aguada and designed with a compact footprint to […]

Former AAMA and AAMCF President David Cohen and his wife Jane Taubenfeld Cohen to be honored at Sunrise Association’s Dare to Dream Benefit

CARY, Ill. — The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) and the American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation (AAMCF) proudly celebrate David Cohen, past President of both AAMA and AAMCF and recipient of the 2017 AAMA Lifetime Achievement Award, and his wife Jane Taubenfeld Cohen, as they are honored with the Sunrise Champion Award at the Sunrise […]

Fairway Social goes cashless with Intercard

ST. LOUIS — Intercard has installed its cashless technology in the arcade at Fairway Social in Alpharetta, Georgia, modernizing what had been a coin-op location. Fairway Social is an innovative eatertainment experience where customers can play competitive games including golf, soccer, football, pitching and hockey on world-class augmented reality (AR) simulators in private bays. The venue […]

Dollywood named to Forbes’ Best Customer Service list

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood has long been recognized as one of the best theme park guest experiences in the entire world, with the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, destination regularly earning honors celebrating its unique brand of hospitality. Another of those accolades was recently bestowed upon Dollywood Parks & Resorts, as it has been named to Forbes’ Best […]

ADG wins two 2025 WWA Leading Edge Awards for Design/Build Projects

COHOES, N.Y. — Aquatic Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce that their specialty aquatic design/build work on both OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark and Bavarian Blast Indoor Waterpark was recognized with Leading Edge Awards at the 2025 World Waterpark Association (WWA) Show in Orlando, Florida, during the conference’s opening general session today.  The WWA […]

Four WWA Leading Edge Awards 2025 for WhiteWater projects

VANCOUVER, Canada – At the World Waterpark Association Show in Orlando, Florida, WhiteWater received Leading Edge Awards for outstanding work in the following global projects: Water Slides AND Water Ride Headline Bold Yas Waterworld ExpansionThe most anticipated water park expansion project of 2025 opened at Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi, adding 20 new rides and […]

Ellis & Associates and Mobaro announce the new EllisDocs powered by Mobaro

ORLANDO — Two of the attractions industry’s most respected safety organizations, Ellis & Associates (E&A) and Mobaro, today announced a partnership that delivers a powerful and easy-to-use aquatic facility operations app now available to all aquatic facilities. Backed by E&A’s unmatched aquatic safety expertise and Mobaro’s leading digital solutions, the intuitive app transforms how aquatic […]

Sesame Place Philadelphia welcomes back Michael Taylor as new park president

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Sesame Place Philadelphia proudly welcomes back Michael Taylor as its new Park President. Taylor brings more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality and entertainment industry, beginning his journey at Sesame Place as a seasonal team member in 1998. Over the years, he has held several key leadership roles, including nearly a […]

JW Winco “Firm Footing”

Sometimes it takes stable foot plates, sometimes slim casters, sometimes hygiene-friendly leveling feet. And JW Winco has them all – because every creation needs a firm basis. Every machine, every test system and every filling station – even high-tech devices like professional 3D printers: none of them floats suspended in the air. They all rest […]

Ride Entertainment promotes industry veteran Amanda Mercado to chief executive officer

STEVENSVILLE, Md. — Ride Entertainment Corp., the attractions-industry leader in sales, service, operations, and financial partnerships, today announced that veteran executive Amanda Mercado has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ed Hiller, Founder and current CEO, will focus on the continued growth of the company’s financial partnerships, where they are considered to be the […]

IAAPA Give Kids The World Charity Golf Outing — tee-off for a cause that makes a difference!

Tee-off for a cause that makes a difference! Join industry peers for the 21st Annual IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament, supporting Give Kids The World Village—a nonprofit resort that creates magical weeklong vacations for children with critical illnesses and their families. Enjoy a morning on the green, connect with fellow professionals, and make an impact. Shotgun […]

Ed Connor, NEAAPA Legend, passes away at 85

Ed Connor, who in his decades of working in the attractions industry, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, surrounded by family. Ed worked at Riverside Park, now Six Flags New England, and at the Eastern States Exposition and The Big E. For decades he volunteered for NEAAPA, serving on the board of directors before becoming […]

Hodell-Natco Industries acquires Merit Fasteners

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Hodell-Natco Industries, a leading industrial fastener distributor and solutions provider, announced its acquisition of Merit Fasteners on October 1, 2025. Kevin Reidl, President of Hodell-Natco Industries, collaborated with the owners of Merit Fastener, Linda Anderson, Donna Best, and Laura Napoleon, on a mutually beneficial deal that will expand Hodell-Natco’s nationwide footprint, broaden […]

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines announces new entertainment partnership with RWS Global

LONDON and NEW YORK — Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today unveiled exciting plans to further elevate its onboard entertainment offering through a new partnership with global entertainment leaders, RWS Global. By actively listening to guests’ verbal and written feedback, Fred. Olsen is evolving its entertainment programme to better reflect what guests want and expect. […]

Loretta Louise (Pfizenmayer) Aldrich — 1940-2025

ORLANDO — Loretta Louise (Pfizenmayer) Aldrich passed away peacefully at her home on October 10, 2025. Born in Glens Falls, New York, on April 12, 1940, to parents Arthur Raymond Pfizenmayer and Margaret Welch Pfizenmayer, Aldrich graduated from Glens Falls High School Class of 1959 with a New York State license in cosmetology. The following […]

NEAAPA to induct two industry legends into Hall of Fame

NEAAPA – The Northeast’s Entertainment Association is proud to announce that two of the organization’s long-time members will be inducted into the NEAAPA Hall of Fame on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Joel Golder, owner of Palace Playland Amusement Park in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, has spent more than 60 years in the amusement industry. Growing […]

Alterface captures the magic at IAAPA Expo Europe

WAVRE, Belgium — Alterface, a leader in interactive attractions, closed a truly magical week at IAAPA Expo Europe. The event was marked by prestigious industry awards, exciting new prospects, and the launch of promising new creative collaborations. The company’s success was highlighted by multiple major industry recognitions, showcasing Alterface’s continuous impact and innovative spirit in themed […]

Mobaro adds Megan Gannon as Solution Sales Manager

Mobaro, a leading provider of safety, maintenance, and operations software, is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan Gannon as its new Solution Sales Manager. In this role, Megan will contribute to growing Mobaro’s presence in the North American market, helping parks and attractions elevate their safety, maintenance, and operations. Prior to joining Mobaro, Megan […]

Sacoa Entertainment celebrates the opening of its new venue at Ronda DOT Baires Shopping

Sacoa Entertainment, the iconic Argentine company with more than 65 years of leadership in the amusement and family entertainment industry, is proud to announce that it celebrated the opening of its newest venue at Ronda DOT Baires Shopping in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This new location marks an exciting milestone in the brand’s expansion, blending Sacoa’s deep legacy of family […]

Har Kupers honored with ASTM’s 2025 Cavanaugh Award

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Har Kupers, corporate executive officer with Sansei Technologies Inc. (and chairman of Vekoma Rides and S&S), was awarded the William T. Cavanaugh Award at ASTM International’s April 2025 Board meeting. Kupers will receive the award in person at the upcoming F24 meeting in Scottsdale, AZ on Friday, October 17th. The Cavanaugh Memorial […]

Efteling and Vekoma present ‘seat-on-wheels’ concept for wheelchair-accessible attractions

Efteling and ride manufacturer Vekoma join forces in social sustainability. Together with experts and representatives of the Dutch association de Zonnebloem, theme park resort Efteling and ride manufacturer Vekoma have developed an innovative concept to increase inclusivity in theme parks, specifically aimed at guests who use wheelchairs. The concept introduces certified seat-on-wheels that can be […]

Seven States Power Corporation and Sevier County Electric System unveil 14 EV charging ports at Dollywood

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Seven States Power Corporation (Seven States), in partnership with Sevier County Electric System (SCES) and Dollywood Parks & Resorts, is proud to announce the ribbon cutting and official unveiling of seven new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations with 14 charging ports and 10 solar-powered umbrella charging units at Dollywood, one of the nation’s leading […]