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Category: Business

Knoebels announces next Park President & President Emeritus

ELYSBURG, Pa. — Knoebels Amusement Resort, America’s largest free-admission amusement park, is proud to announce the next chapter in its nearly century-long legacy. Following a shareholder decision, Brian Knoebel has been named the fourth president in the family-owned park’s history, succeeding his father, Richard ‘Dick’ Knoebel, who has served in the role since 1988. “I […]

Beach Volleyball world champs unveils epic festival and entertainment program in partnership with RWS Global

NEW YORK — Volleyball Australia today announced the appointment of RWS Global, the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sport, to deliver the full event presentation, entertainment, and festival program for the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, Adelaide 2025, this November. The appointment also marks the official release of the festival and entertainment […]

U.K. firm delivers show integration package for Six Flags Qiddiya City

Scruffy Dog Creative Group has revealed details of its work on an extensive show integration package at Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia. The package included large-scale scenic features, animatronic encounters, and kinetic sculptures, each developed to support the park’s storytelling environments. Elements were fabricated from reinforced composites and engineered frameworks, with finishes specified […]

New Embed Ecosystem innovations to debut at IAAPA Expo Orlando 2025

DALLAS, Texas — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, is set to unveil the latest upgrades to its Embed Ecosystem at IAAPA Expo in Orlando, FL next month. With the Embed Ecosystem’s successful launch at the Amusement Expo International (AEI) and being named AAMA’s Supplier of […]

Dutch Wonderland unveils plans for all-new Dutch Wonderland Inn

LANCASTER, Pa. — Dutch Wonderland, The World’s Best Family Park, is inviting families to make it a night fit for a knight beginning next spring as the park unveils plans for the new Dutch Wonderland Inn. Located just steps away from Dutch Wonderland theme park, the Inn will offer a place where families can sit back, relax, […]

DAFE celebrates 25 years

VIENNA, Ohio —The Dark Attraction & Funhouse Enthusiast (DAFE) celebrates 25 years in the dark in October. DAFE (pronounced “daffy”) Was founded in 2000 by Rick and Sue Davis, and Joel Styer. All were members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) and the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) who enjoyed visiting amusement parks around […]

Disney Resort UFCW members win back pay in historic settlement

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Last week, a judge in Orange County, Calif., approved a $233 million settlement of a class action lawsuit against Disney for underpaying its workers in violation of Anaheim County Measure L. This is the largest settlement of its kind in California history and marks the end of a lengthy legal battle to hold […]

CommandCentr and Six Flags Qiddiya City partner to build the future of theme park operations

CommandCentr, the purpose-built operational software solution for the attractions industry, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Six Flags Qiddiya City, a landmark theme park at the heart of Qiddiya City, the world’s first city built for Play. This collaboration represents a bold step forward in theme park innovation, integrating CommandCentr’s platform from the […]

AAMA and AAMCF announce 2025–2026 slate of officers

CARY, Ill. — The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) and the American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation (AAMCF) are proud to announce their respective Boards of Directors have officially approved the slate of officers for the upcoming 2025–2026 term. The leadership of both organizations plays a vital role in advancing the mission of supporting and strengthening […]

Give Kids The World: A Refreshing way to get back

Give Kids The World is excited to announce a partnership with PATH Water, a sustainable bottled water company, to offer a way to support wish families at Give Kids The World Village. You can help make that partnership a success AND score the first refillable and 100% recyclable bottled water, packaged in a sleek and sturdy […]

Rogue Rides announces first trackless dark ride system at Hunderfossen

BARCELONA — Rogue Rides proudly announces at IAAPA Expo the first installation of its trackless vehicles at Hunderfossen in Norway. The BoldMove engineering and design team selected the innovative trackless vehicles for this exciting new media dark ride, slated for Spring 2026. Meanwhile the new Kamino show control is on its way, with a sleek design […]

Roller acquires BookNow Software, accelerating mission to help operators transform guest experiences

AUSTIN, Texas — ROLLER, the all-in-one venue management platform, today announced it has acquired UK-based BookNow Software, a CRM-native booking and operations platform. The acquisition accelerates ROLLER’s mission to bring more joy to the world by helping venue operators grow faster and deliver exceptional guest experiences. The move strengthens ROLLER’s support for European customers with more […]

WhiteWater showcases global growth across resorts, water parks, and cruise lines

BARCELONA, Spain — At a press conference during IAAPA Expo Europe 2025, WhiteWater, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of water parks and attractions, unveiled news surrounding its latest projects and products. From first-of-their-kind surf experiences to landmark resort and cruise openings, these developments showcase how WhiteWater continues to shape the future of aquatic entertainment […]

Lumos lights up New Caney this October

NEW CANEY, Texas — A new era of immersive entertainment is coming to the Greater Houston area just in time for seasonal gatherings and celebrations. Lumos, a next-generation entertainment and private event venue, promises to deliver elevated experiences and economic growth in the region. The fun officially begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. […]

Fort Wayne Zoo and Blue Jacket to announce an exciting partnership

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne Zoo and Blue Jacket invite members of the media for a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 25th at Franke Park Pavillion 1 to announce a partnership that is sure to excite the local community. Rick Schuiteman, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Zoo, and Anthony Hudson, […]

IATP hosts successful Annual Conference at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort in Maricopa, Arizona

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The International Adventure & Trampoline Park Association (IATP) concluded its 2025 Annual Conference, held September 8–10 at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort in Maricopa, Arizona. The event brought together park operators, suppliers, and industry leaders from across the globe for three days of learning, networking, and celebration. The conference kicked off with a dynamic […]

Laser Tag Tournament players raise funds for Epilepsy Foundation

Laser tag players from across six states participated in Tag 4 A Cause, helping to raise over $1100 to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation. This was included as a side event during the September Laser Storm regional draft tournament held at Skyway Laser Storm in Warren, Ohio with the fundraiser portion of the event organized by laser tag […]

Industry professionals raise $5,000 for Coaster Museum

PLAINVIEW, Texas — The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) is proud to announce that over $5,000 was raised recently at the annual Golden Ticket Awards Golf Tournament, held this year in Charlotte, NC. These funds will go towards the purchase of the museum’s electrical system, the next major project as the facility’s construction […]

Embed chosen as cashless tech provider for Six Flags Qiddiya City

DUBAI, UAE — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, is proud to announce its partnership with Six Flags Qiddiya City. This next-generation theme park makes history as the first-ever Six Flags park to be designed and built from the ground up outside North America since 1971, redefining […]

TEA announces 2025 TEA Masters inductees 

BURBANK, Calif. — Today, TEA, the Themed Entertainment Association, announced the 2025 TEA Masters of their Craft honorees.   The TEA Masters recognize the achievements of individuals – creators, managers, designers, writers, producers, engineers, and craftspeople – who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the themed entertainment industry through innovation, design, craftsmanship, leadership, and/or […]

Play Playground Aanounces Sunday Football offers, Industry Nights

LAS VEGAS — Play Playground, Las Vegas’ most playful social game experience and bar, announces two new weekly promotions designed to bring together football fans and hospitality workers alike. Every Sunday through December, Play Playground transforms into a sports fan hub with game day promos that make it the ultimate pre- and post-game destination. Football fans […]

DOF Robotics takes its global success story to the stock market

DOF Robotics, which has revolutionized the robotics industry with high-tech simulation systems and educational stories, is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and is going public. The IPO represents a strategic step on DOF Robotics’ sustainable growth path and will play a significant role in investing in high-value-added projects, increasing production capacity, and expanding into […]

Miziker Entertainment to produce the 32nd Annual TEA Thea Awards Gala

BURBANK, Calif. — Today, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), is proud to announce it has selected Miziker Entertainment, a global leader in the design and production of live shows, parades and memorable guest experiences, to provide creative direction and production services for the 32nd Annual Thea Awards Gala. The TEA Thea Awards honor the outstanding spaces, places, […]

Holland Fiberglass welcomes Samuel Mailender as vice president of operations

TAMPA, Fla. — Holland Fiberglass, an affiliate of the Ralph S. Alberts Company, Inc. is pleased to announce the hiring of Samuel Mailender as the company’s new Vice President of Operations. With more than 20 years of experience in operations, engineering, and project leadership, Samuel joins Holland Fiberglass after a successful career at Universal Orlando […]

Alterface unveils new Interactive Concept Design Service

WAVRE, Belgium — Alterface, a global leader in interactive attractions, is launching a new Interactive Concept Design service to help operators, designers, and suppliers develop attractions where interactivity is built in from day one. The attractions marketplace is increasingly competitive, with guests demanding immersive storytelling, personalization, and re-playability. To meet these expectations, interactivity must be […]

Hauntrepreneurs announces turnkey ‘Mayhem Manor’ haunted attraction for rapid deployment rental

OCOEE, Fla. — Hauntrepreneurs, the internationally recognized themed attraction design firm led by industry veteran Leonard Pickel, today announced the availability of its popular Mayhem Manor haunted house for seasonal and short-term rental. The 1,400-square-foot, Victorian house-themed attraction is a complete, turnkey solution designed for event operators seeking a high-quality, professional haunt without the significant capital investment […]

FACE Amusement and Guy Fieri Foundation bring teddy bears to Central Park for the annual New York City Buddy Walk

NEW YORK, N.Y.— FACE Amusement Group joined forces with The Guy Fieri Foundation and National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) for the 30th Annual NYC Buddy Walk® at Times Square, one of the country’s largest Down syndrome advocacy and awareness events.  Gathering in Times Square, more than 2,500 participants joined the Buddy Walk to celebrate community, shift perceptions, and stand for greater opportunities for individuals with Down […]

Major economic impact of fairs and fairgrounds across South highlighted in new national report

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Today, the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) shared detailed information and results following a recent national study on the overall economic impact of fairs and fairgrounds across the United States, which illustrates a significant influence across the South. Earlier this year, the IAFE announced the launch of a 2025 Economic Impact Study that […]

Universal Orlando Resort wins big at Amusement Today’s 2025 Golden Ticket Awards – taking home five industry awards

ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort received huge honors at this year’s Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards – taking home a total of five awards recognizing its innovative and immersive experiences.  Awards include Universal Volcano Bay being named the Best Water Park – becoming the first new winner in this category in 26 years – and four awards for experiences within […]

AMCbid to auction all indoor attractions and equipment of Houston FunPlex

HOUSTON, Texas — One of the largest indoor entertainment centers in Texas is opening its doors for the final time–not for adventure, but for auction. Auction Management Corporation (AMCbid,) in partnership with ThreeSixty Asset Advisors (ThreeSixty), will conduct a two-day online auction Sept. 24–25, 2025, of the complete contents of Houston FunPlex, a 200,000 square-foot […]

Embed aims to consolidate its presence in Euro 8.77 billion FEC market as it goes global

BARCELONA, Spain — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, will showcase its latest innovations at IAAPA Expo Europe, Booth #7707, Fira Barcelona Gran Via (September 23-25, 2025). Visitors will be among the first to experience the global debut of the Embed Ecosystem, the launch of eSHOP […]

Accesso names Mike Evenson as Chief Commercial Officer

ORLANDO — accesso Technology Group (AIM: ACSO), the premier technology solutions provider for the leisure, entertainment, attractions and cultural markets globally, has named Mike Evenson as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Evenson will be responsible for leading accesso’s global commercial strategy and ensuring alignment across sales, marketing and business development, while driving market expansion […]

François Danhaive promoted to COO to drive operational excellence at Alterface

WAVRE, Belgium — Alterface, global leader in interactive attractions, today announces the promotion of François Danhaive to Chief Operating Officer. Having been with the company since 2008, François has guided projects from concept to completion, ensuring smooth delivery and high-quality experiences. His promotion strengthens Alterface’s operational leadership and supports the company’s ongoing international expansion, following […]

The 2025 Golden Ticket Awards honor 27 winners, presented live from Carowinds

Industry changes impact park and ride recipients CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Golden Ticket Awards were established by Amusement Today in 1998 to shine a spotlight on the amusement park industry and attractions by recognizing the “Best of the Best.” Today, they are among the most recognized awards among theme parks, amusement parks, family entertainment centers […]

ASTM expands access to Compass Platform

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — To meet increasing customer demand for sophisticated digital formats and workflows, ASTM International is broadening its direct sales efforts and will not be renewing its long-standing and healthy reseller relationship with Accuris (formerly IHS).  “We have been listening to the voice of our customers and users and are excited about collaborating more […]

VEX Solutions expands beyond VR with the launch of VEX HyperDash, the first mixed-reality arcade game

CORBAIS, Belgium — VEX Solutions, a leader in free-roaming virtual reality attractions, is proud to announce the release of its first arcade game: VEX HyperDash. This marks a major milestone for the company, expanding its portfolio beyond VR and into the broader Mixed Reality space. VEX HyperDash is an attendant-free, high-visibility arcade machine that combines mixed-reality gameplay with active gaming thanks to two massive […]

Family Entertainment Live & Mattel continue the heat and announce 2026 Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live U.S. & International Tour with all new truck

NEW YORK — Family Entertainment Live, one of the world’s leading presenters of family-oriented live events, and Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, have announced the return of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire Tour coming in 2026. Following the […]

KMI International appoints Emily Popovich as global director of business development to advance growth across diverse market sectors

ORLANDO — KMI International, a leading full-service construction consultancy specializing in project management, cost estimating, and project controls, is proud to announce the appointment of Emily Popovich, ICAE, as Director, Global Business Development. In this new role, Emily will spearhead strategic growth initiatives across KMI’s full spectrum of market sectors—including hospitality, themed entertainment, marine and port, as […]

JW Winco: Precise, compensating and articulated

Wherever forces must be transmitted precisely while simultaneously compensating for installation tolerances or the like, ball joints are a popular solution. Even in high-end applications such as robotics and automation, these accommodating connectors are indispensable. JW Winco has now expanded its range to include the new axial ball joints GN 71802.1. When axes meet at […]

Betson Enterprises expands into Nebraska, bringing new skill & amusement games to the state

LA VISTA, Neb. — Betson Enterprises, a leading provider of amusement and skill games, is expanding its national footprint with a new office in La Vista, Nebraska, to meet the growing demand for skill games in the state. Having successfully established a strong presence in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, Betson is poised to replicate its success in Nebraska with […]

Let’s ride! Join RES Rides at Barcelona Expo – September 23–25

RES Rides is rolling into IAAPA Europe Expo Barcelona with big energy, bold ideas, and the most innovative ride concepts you’ve ever seen! We’re on the heels of celebrating our Super Swing M20 installation at Gröna Lund and the World’s Tallest Roller Ball at Conny-Land Switzerland. Swing by our booth 1-547 to meet the team behind the magic, explore our newest attractions, and […]

accesso and PayPal deepen collaboration to deliver seamless payment options for clients

ORLANDO — accesso Technology Group (AIM: ACSO), the premier technology solutions provider for the leisure, entertainment, attractions and cultural markets globally, is deepening its collaboration with PayPal to deliver trusted, flexible, and guest-friendly payment options. This next-generation integration builds on accesso’s original PayPal Checkout support and introduces a significantly more powerful, flexible, and conversion-optimized payment […]