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Digital Issue

Category: Business

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 […]

RWS Global partners with North Carolina Zoo to launch groundbreaking AR tracking experience in upcoming Asia expansion

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Today, RWS Global, the world’s leader in live moments across entertainment and sports, announced an exciting partnership with the North Carolina Zoo to create a first-of-its-kind augmented reality (AR) tracking adventure debuting with the Zoo’s highly anticipated Asia expansion in summer 2026.   The innovative experience, designed exclusively for the North Carolina Zoo, will transform guests into […]

Chance Rides unveils trade-in programs, highlights all-electric eTram

WICHITA, Kans. — Chance Rides, a leading manufacturer of amusement rides and people movers for more than 60 years, is rolling out new initiatives to better serve its customers. For the first time, the company is offering trade-in and refurbishment programs for Sunliner II and Tramstar™ HD models—giving customers powerful new options to upgrade, modernize […]

Dippin’ Dots now available at Urban Air Adventure Parks nationwide

PADUCAH, Ky. — Fun just got cooler. Dippin’ Dots, the original beaded ice cream, today announced it is the exclusive frozen treat provider at Urban Air Adventure Park, the nation’s leading indoor adventure destination for families. The new collaboration brings Dippin’ Dots to all participating Urban Air locations nationwide, introducing a fan-favorite treat to the experience families already […]

Kissel Entertainment returns to the Kentucky State Fair “Elevating how fun is done”

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kissel Entertainment, one of the nation’s leading family entertainment providers, is thrilled to announce its return to the Kentucky State Fair, running from August 14-24, 2025, at the Kentucky Exposition Center. “Kissel Entertainment strives to bring new experiences to the fair every year,” said R.A. Kissel, CEO of Kissel Entertainment. “And this […]

Merlin Entertainments unveils two attractions making global debut in North America to awe and inspire

CHICAGO and MINNEAPOLIS — For the first time ever, two all-new attractions — Super Neon and WONDRA — are bursting onto the global stage, designed to amaze guests with larger-than-life visuals, interactivity, and unforgettable storytelling. Conceived, designed, and brought to life in under a year, these first-of-their-kind worlds quickly went from imagination to reality by Merlin Magic Making, […]

TEA SATE Asia-Pacific 2025 arrives in New Zealand for the first time

BURBANK, Calif. — For the first time ever, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is bringing its popular TEA SATE Asia-Pacific Conference to New Zealand. To bring this incredible event to life, TEA has partnered with Wētā Workshop, the award-winning creative services company, and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), the region’s cultural, events and destination agency. Taking place 24-29 August (NZST)[JG1] , the conference will […]

Aardman at IAAPA Expo Europe 2025

As Aardman prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in 2026, our Attractions and Live Experiences team is heading to IAAPA Europe in Barcelona next month ready to showcase our dynamic portfolio of immersive experiences that bring our iconic and globally loved brands to life in unforgettable ways. To kick off the 50th celebrations, we’re bringing our characters to The Festival […]

J&J Amusements celebrates 50 years of fun, innovation, and safety

SALEM, Oregon — J&J Amusements, a leader in the design and manufacturing of high-quality family entertainment attractions, proudly marks its 50th anniversary in 2025. Since opening its doors in 1975, the company has been at the forefront of creating safe, innovative, durable go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, and entertainment solutions enjoyed by families around the […]

Golden Ticket Awards deadlines fast approaching

Charity golf event still open, new tour added at Carowinds CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Amusement Today’s annual Golden Ticket Awards, scheduled for Sept. 5 & 6, 2025, and hosted by Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C., is fast approaching as are numerous deadlines. All event and registration information can be found at GoldenTicketAwards.com. The deadline to register is […]

Image Engineering acquires The Attractions Services Company (TASC) expanding capabilities

BALTIMORE, Md. — Image Engineering, a leading company in special effects production and custom effect engineering announced today the acquisition of The Attractions Services Company (TASC).   TASC is a leading expert in design, fabrication and installation of cutting-edge special effects, motion-based platform rides, ride vehicles and show action equipment, for clients in the themed entertainment […]

Gateway Ticketing Systems and Milwaukee County Zoo set stage for smarter, streamlined guest access

GILBERTSVILLE, Pa. — Gateway Ticketing Systems, a global authority in ticketing, admission control, and guest experience technology, is proud to announce that Milwaukee County Zoo has formally selected its Galaxy product suite to lead a transformational upgrade in zoo operations and guest engagement.  Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attracting over 1.3 million visitors annually, the […]

BoldMove reveals the all-new Smash & Reload 2.0 interactive dark ride

BRUSSELS — BoldMove Nation proudly introduces a major update to its new Smash & Reload compact dark ride, with a next-level experience for all ages. This upgraded version of the awarded interactive attraction adds smart innovations to the original strengths of high throughput, compact footprint, smooth operations and immersive storytelling. The new Rogue Rides trackless […]

FACE Amusement group appoints Kashif Ahmad to lead next phase of growth, bringing 30 years of global experience and operational expertise

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group, a leading operator of entertainment experiences and hospitality brands across the U.S., is proud to announce the appointment of Kashif Ahmad as Vice President of Business Development. A respected leader in the global family entertainment industry, Ahmad brings 30 years of expertise in operations, technology integration, and guest experience innovation. “Kash brings […]

Gilroy Gardens releases first-ever impact report

GILROY, Calif — Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, a beloved community treasure and California’s only horticultural theme park, today announced the release of its first-ever Impact Report, marking a milestone on the park’s 25th anniversary.  The 2024 Gilroy Gardens Impact Report details the park’s profound contributions to education, the local economy, youth development, and the Gilroy community […]

Gatemaster Technology and Intercard make FEC management easier

ST. LOUIS — Intercard is proud to announce a new integration with Gatemaster Technology, a leader in all-in-one attraction management solutions. This partnership brings powerful arcade and game card functionality directly into Gatemaster’s POS and mobile tools—streamlining operations for family entertainment centers, arcades, and attractions. With this integration, operators can now manage every aspect of […]

Citywave USA & Aquatic Development Group forge partnership to elevate deep-water surfing in North America & Caribbean

COHOES, N.Y. — Citywave USA and Aquatic Development Group (ADG) are joining forces in a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating deep-water standing wave surfing across North America and the Caribbean. By bringing together two industry leaders, this collaboration delivers the most recognized deep-water surf wave system to a rapidly growing market—enhanced by best-in-class sales, service, […]

World’s first interactive indoor roller coaster: Maurer Rides revolutionizes the ride experience in Chongqing

CHONGQING, China — Maurer Rides is setting a new milestone in the amusement industry: The world’s first interactive indoor roller coaster featuring innovative SPIKE technology is being installed in the spectacular new indoor park HI SPACE in Chongqing. This groundbreaking attraction redefines roller coaster riding and offers each guest a unique, self-determined experience. Revolutionary SPIKE® […]

Altitude Trampoline Park debuts new location in Schaumburg

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. —Altitude Trampoline Park, the leading family-friendly entertainment franchise, is expanding its footprint with a grand opening in Schaumburg, IL on Friday, August 1, further solidifying the brand’s presence across the globe. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in partnership with the Schaumburg Business Association at 10:30 a.m. at the park’s new location at […]

Megaplex Cinemas and Intercard team up at Utah AAA ballpark

ST. LOUIS — The Megaplex cinema chain has teamed up with Intercard to launch its first-ever arcade, a feature of its new luxury concept, the Cinema Entertainment Center. The new venue opened in July 2025 and is located in the Downtown Daybreak entertainment district in South Jordan, Utah. “Megaplex is very pleased with the performance […]

Construction-themed adventure park Dig World coming to Dallas-Fort Worth

DALLAS — Fresh off their debut on the hit TV show, Shark Tank, Dig World—the first construction-themed adventure park in Texas—is teaming up with Simon, to open its second location at Simon’s Grapevine Mills in Grapevine, TX, recently named a Top Ten Mall in America by USA TODAY. Partnering with family-friendly entertainment powerhouse Dude Perfect, the park will feature […]

Roller reinforces customer-first strategy with major global support investments

AUSTIN, Texas — As part of its ongoing commitment to exceptional client service, ROLLER, the all-in-one venue management platform for the leisure and attractions industry, has announced several initiatives aimed at providing faster, flexible support for its global customers. This includes opening a new Support Center of Excellence in Costa Rica, expanding the customer support team by […]

Understanding IAAPA’s Intellectual Property Program

ORLANDO — 2025 marks the thirteenth year of IAAPA’s Intellectual Property (IP) Program. Established in 2012, the program was created in response to growing concerns from IAAPA members about the risks associated with copied designs and products in the attractions industry. IAAPA responded by developing an initiative aimed at promoting lawful practices and encouraging fair […]

Dippin’ Dots celebrates National Ice Cream Day with its largest giveaway yet

PADUCAH, Ky. — Dippin’ Dots, the original beaded ice cream, is gearing up for its biggest National Ice Cream Day celebration to date. On Sunday, July 20, fans nationwide can enjoy free Dippin’ Dots at 120 participating Dippin’ Dots locations and at all Chuck E. Cheese locations throughout the country. Cinemark joins the celebration with giveaways and […]

Hylite launches with Great Wolf Lodge nationwide to bring real-time employee recognition to over 13,000 employees

CHICAGO — Great Wolf Lodge, North America’s largest family of indoor water park resorts, has partnered with Hylite, a leading web-based platform for frontline employee recognition, to relaunch the High Paws Recognition Program as a fully digital employee engagement program. Now live across all 22 U.S. resort locations and the corporate support center, the program empowers over […]

Merlin reaffirms £70 million investment in North American Legoland Resorts as it unveils new space-themed experiences

Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in branded entertainment destinations, has today unveiled the first details of the space-themed experiences being developed at its LEGOLAND Resorts in Florida and California, including groundbreaking indoor rollercoasters. This marks the next milestone in the £70 million investment already announced for the two resorts. The news, which closely follows the […]

Roller’s 2025 Pulse Report reveals consumer spending plans and preferences

AUSTIN, Texas — ROLLER, the all-in-one venue management platform for the leisure and attractions industry, has released the 2025 Pulse Report, a first-of-its-kind deep dive into the behaviors, expectations, and pain points guests experience when visiting attractions in the USA, UK, and Australia. The commissioned report highlights insights from 2,000 guests across three continents. Along […]