Anna Whelchel of Indiana State Fair elected as IAFE Zone 3 Director
DENVER, Colo. — Anna Whelchel, CFE, of the Indiana State Fair, has been elected Zone 3 Director of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). The election took place during the association’s annual business session at the 2025 IAFE Convention & Trade Show in Denver, Colorado. Whelchel serves as the Chief Revenue & Marketing […]
Brett Warder of Calgary Stampede elected as IAFE Zone 7 Director
DENVER, Colo. — Brett Warder of the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alberta, has been elected Zone 7 Director of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). The election took place during the association’s annual business session at the 2025 IAFE Convention & Trade Show in Denver, Colorado. “I look forward to supporting fairs and […]
Play Social Inc. announces Phil Royle as new Chief Executive Officer
LAS VEGAS — Play Social Inc., the creator of the Play Playground social game experience with locations in Las Vegas and Nashville, announces the appointment of Phil Royle as its new chief executive officer, beginning Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. A veteran of Merlin Entertainments with more than 25 years of international attractions development experience, Royle will […]
Jayme Buttke of Wisconsin Association of Fairs honored with IAFE Top Recruiter Award
DENVER, Colo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) proudly honored Jayme Buttke, IFMG, CFE, Wisconsin Association of Fairs, with the 2025 IAFE Top Recruiter Award. This distinguished recognition was announced on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the IAFE Convention and Trade Show held in Denver, Colorado. “Jayme brought 23 new fairs from […]
Ray Allison of Indiana State Fair elected 2026 IAFE Board Chair
DENVER, Colo. — Ray Allison, CFE, Chief Operating Officer of the Indiana State Fair, has been elected Chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Board of Directors during the association’s annual business session at the 2025 IAFE Convention and Trade Show in Denver, Colorado. “It has been a privilege to work in […]
Alicia Shoults of Ohio State Fair elected as IAFE Second Vice Chair
DENVER, Colo. — Alicia Shoults, CFE, of the Ohio State Fair in Columbus, has been elected Second Vice Chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). The election took place during the association’s annual business session at the 2025 IAFE Convention and Trade Show in Denver, Colorado. “I am deeply honored and humbled […]
Dr. Michael Lariscy of Savannah Exchange Club Fair Association honored with IAFE Heritage Award
DENVER, Colo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) proudly presented Dr. Michael Lariscy of the Savannah Exchange Club Fair Association in Savannah, Georgia, with the prestigious Heritage Award. The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, during the IAFE Convention and Trade Show in Denver, Colorado. “The Heritage Award celebrates the […]
Jenni Axelson of Sherburne County Fair honored with IAFE Heritage Award
DENVER, Colo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) proudly presented Jenni Axelson, IFMG, CVFM, of the Sherburne County Fair in Elk River, Minnesota, with the prestigious Heritage Award. The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, during the IAFE Convention and Trade Show in Denver, Colorado. “The Heritage Award celebrates the […]
Kelly Collins of State Fair of West Virginia honored with IAFE Rising Star Award
DENVER, Colo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) proudly recognized Kelly Collins, IFMG, CFE, of the State Fair of West Virginia in Lewisburg, with the prestigious Rising Star Award. The announcement was made on Monday, December 1, 2025, during the IAFE Convention and Trade Show held in Denver, Colorado. “Our industry thrives […]
Jessica Underberg inducted into the International Association of Fairs and Expositions Hall of Fame
HAMBURG, N.Y. — The Erie County Agricultural Society (ECAS) is proud to announce that Chief Executive Officer and Fair Manager Jessica Underberg has been inducted into the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Hall of Fame, the highest honor awarded by the organization. Underberg received the recognition on Monday, December 1, during the IAFE Convention and Trade […]
Pete Owens, attractions industry veteran, accepts nomination as new museum chairman
PLAINVIEW, Texas — The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA), the world’s largest collection of historic amusement artifacts, has selected Pete Owens, a 26-year veteran of the attractions industry, as its new chairman. He succeeds Jeff Novotny, also an industry veteran, who served as chairman for seven years. “It is an honor to be […]
RWS Global finalizes board of directors and bolsters advisory board with new appointments to fuel next phase of growth
NEW YORK, N.Y. — RWS Global, the world’s leader in live moments across entertainment and sports, today announced it has bolstered its Board of Directors and Advisory Board with a series of transformative new appointments. Joining as Directors are Ariel Granoff and Janshaaz Khan; Jack Ross was appointed to the Advisory Board and Rema Awad […]
Dippin’ Dots splashes into Kalahari Resorts nationwide
PADUCAH, Ky. — Dippin’ Dots, the Original Beaded Ice Cream, announced today a new partnership with Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, home to America’s largest indoor waterparks. Beginning this month, guests can enjoy Dippin’ Dots at every Kalahari location nationwide, adding extra delight to the resort experience families already love. “We are proud to grow our partnership with Kalahari Resorts, […]
Legacy Entertainment launches “The Safari Park Company”
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Legacy Entertainment, a globally renowned entertainment design and production studio, has announced the launch of a new dedicated division – the company’s seventh — The Safari Park Company. This new specialized business unit has been established to meet the major global demand for Legacy to not only design all-new Safari Parks, but also for […]
Vekoma Rides and Mobaro announce strategic partnership to elevate safety and maintenance standards in the amusement industry
ORLANDO — Two of the amusement industry’s most trusted and premium brands, Vekoma Rides and Mobaro, are proud to announce a strategic partnership aimed at transforming safety and maintenance operations across theme parks worldwide. At IAAPA Expo in Orlando, both companies have formally signed the partnership agreement. This strategic alliance represents a major leap forward […]
Intercard’s Happy Hoedown brings cowboy style to IAAPA Expo
ST. LOUIS — Yee-haw! Intercard’s annual IAAPA Expo Customer Appreciation Party rounded up more than 400 of the company’s global family for a rip-roarin’ cowboy-style hoedown on November 18, 2025. Guests hit the trail from as far away as Asia, Australia, the Middle East and South America to celebrate the launch of the year’s biggest […]
BenQ launches BR9708 4K Projector bringing true cinema color and realism to hyper-realistic Entertainment environments
ORLANDO — BenQ, a world leader in visualization and display technology, today announced its BR9708, a purpose-built 4K projector designed for dark rides, immersive attractions, escape rooms, and themed environments that demand cinematic realism at an accessible price. Unveiled at IAAPA Expo 2025, the BenQ BR9708 delivers the color performance of high-end projectors at a fraction […]
GoPhoto LLC announces agreement to acquire Capturelife
ORLANDO — GoPhoto LLC today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Capturelife, a leading provider of digital photo delivery and engagement solutions. This strategic move strengthens GoPhoto’s commitment to delivering innovative experiences for consumers and businesses in the photography industry, expanding its capabilities in mobile-first photo sharing and digital content monetization. Capturelife has built […]
FACE Amusement Group celebrates Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown named a finalist for the 2026 AAMA FEC of the Year Award
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group is proud to announce that Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has been selected as one of five national finalists for the 2026 AAMA Family Entertainment Center (FEC) of the Year Award. Presented annually by the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA), this industry-leading honor recognizes family entertainment centers that […]
Universal Orlando Resort receives huge honors at 2025 Thea Awards – taking home four Outstanding Achievement Awards for its new theme park, Universal Epic Universe
ORLANDO —Universal Orlando Resort continues its historic year with incredible recognition for its groundbreaking Universal Epic Universe theme park from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) – presenters of the annual Thea Awards, which are considered the highest honor in the global themed entertainment industry. Universal earned a total of four “Outstanding Achievement” awards, including: Plus, […]
Wavegarden partners with race track designers Tilke to launch a new sports lifestyle resort concept
SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain — Wavegarden, a world leader in artificial wave technology and surfing lagoon design, has partnered with Tilke, the German engineering and architecture company renowned for racetrack design and the largest network of private racing circuits worldwide, to develop world-class surfing destinations for a new generation of lifestyle resorts. This collaboration will create […]
Kissel Entertainment purchases first of its kind ride for USA from Gosetto at 2025 IAAPA
Kissel Entertainment, one of the leading traveling amusement providers in the nation, is proud to announce the purchase of a super thrill ride at the 2025 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The family-owned business is no stranger to being the “first” when it comes to innovation and expansion in the carnival […]
Water parks, surf, and tech: WhiteWater showcases global momentum at IAAPA Expo 2025
ORLANDO — WhiteWater’s press conference at IAAPA Expo 2025 was all about momentum, spotlighting bold new projects across a wide range of venue types as well as innovative attractions that will be coming to life in 2026/2027. The update from the world’s leading designer of water parks and attractions concluded with a few corporate announcements. […]
Sally Dark Rides and Doha Quest announce partnership to bring “Guardians of the Hidden Chamber,” the first-ever Mini dark ride to Qatar
ORLANDO — Sally Dark Rides, a global leader in immersive dark rides, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Doha Quest, Qatar’s largest indoor theme park at the heart of Doha Oasis, to deliver “Guardians of the Hidden Chamber,” a first-of-its-kind Mini dark ride coming soon to the award-winning theme park. The partnership was […]
Triotech unveils three breakthrough new attractions each opening their first location in Montreal Summer 2026
ORLANDO — Triotech, a global leader in immersive attractions and interactive experiences, today announced the upcoming launch of three groundbreaking entertainment concepts: Electric Funfair, Energize!, and Krazy Karts. All three attractions will debut in Montreal in Summer 2026, marking one of the most ambitious multi-attraction launches in the company’s history. Together, these attractions redefine Competitive […]
GoPhoto keeps growing — 20 new locations opening this November
ORLANDO — It’s a big month for GoPhoto. Attractions from the United States to Chile, Germany, Spain, Australia, Argentina, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom are rolling out GoPhoto’s photo platform this November. GoPhoto builds smart photo systems that make life easier for attractions and more fun for guests. Our setup improves photo quality, reduces […]
Morgan’s unveils first-of-kind ride with Zamperla at IAAPA Expo 2025 and announces IAAPA partnership
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Morgan’s, the nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals of all ages and abilities through fully-inclusive, Ultra-Accessible™ initiatives, is proud to announce the debut of a new inclusive ride for Morgan’s Wonderland and developed in partnership with Zamperla at IAAPA Expo 2025. “Our partnership with Zamperla shows […]
Adventure Golf & Sports introducing PongBoard MiniGolf
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — “Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS) has now combined a popular beer pong game into two, fun, mini-golf putting games; one for venues who desire a pong beer party event and another for children and families who can enjoy the same fun putting concept without the beer,” says Scott Lundmark president and […]
See it first: Embed AI’s exclusive launch
Where hardware and software solutions powered by Apple, Google, and Amazon Web Services integrate, Embed now automates. Intuitive reports. Automated operations. Agile pricing. Smart staffing. Revenue predictions. Personalised guest experiences—and we’re just getting started. From receiving 6 months of intensive professional services, AI training, and Google Cloud credits to accelerate AI adoption in the business […]
Intercard and Mobilozophy offer mobile loyalty solution
ST. LOUIS — Intercard, a global leader in cashless technology for the amusement industry, and Mobilozophy, a provider of AI-powered marketing automation software, are proud to announce a new mobile loyalty solution designed to transform how amusement centers engage, reward, and retain their guests. By integrating Intercard’s POS and redemption software with Mobilozophy’s Marketing Automation […]
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 […]
Author Timothy A. Hill celebrates the 50th anniversary of Old Chicago with My Wild Ride!
BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — The roar of roller coasters under one roof. The shimmer of lights on a domed skyline. The concerts, the shops, the memories that refused to fade. Fifty years after the world’s first indoor amusement park opened its gates, author Timothy A. Hill is bringing the story back to life with his new book, My Wild […]
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 […]