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 […]
RWS Global and OneTeam Partners join forces to bring immersive live experiences to sports venues
NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES — RWS Global, the world’s leader in live moments across entertainment and sports, and OneTeam Partners, the commercial partner to numerous Players Associations and thousands of elite athletes, today announced a strategic partnership to reimagine the fan experience at sports venues across North America. The organizations will seek to collaborate […]
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. […]
Stuart Wood appointed director of export consultant for ME, UK & EU regions at Betson Enterprises
Betson Enterprises is excited to announce the appointment of Stuart Wood as the new Director of Export Consultant for the Middle East, UK, and EU regions. Stuart brings over 28 years of experience in the Family Entertainment sector, most recently serving as Vice President of Arcades at HB Leisure. Prior to that, he held the […]
Revolutionising guest experience: Perth’s Crown Casino’s cashless locker system with VLocker
In today’s fast-paced world, a smooth guest experience is essential. Perth’s Crown Casino now uses VLocker’s cashless locker system. This helps them give their guests the best experience possible. In June 2022 Crown Casino Perth approached VLocker seeking a modern locker solution for their basement casino entry areas due to performance issues with their existing […]
AMC Theatres partners with Dippin’ Dots to offer popular frozen treats to moviegoers through a nationwide launch at every U.S. AMC location
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 […]
April 2025
The APRIL 2025 issue includes:
International Rides Management offering classic 1979 Schwarzkopf Enterprise
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 […]
AMOA transitions to new leadership for 2025-2026
CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. — During its 2025 Annual Membership Meeting in Las Vegas, AMOA elected a new class of directors. The new Class of 2028, consisting of eight operators and distributors from around the country, are: In addition, the following 2025-2026 AMOA Principal Officers, elected at its Mid-Year Board Meeting in September 2024, took the […]
Setting industry standards: Embed Named AAMA Supplier of the Year at Amusement Expo International 2025
DALLAS, Texas — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, makes it big at the Amusement Expo International 2025 with a successful innovation launch and prestigious industry achievement. MAJOR AWARDSEmbed is the AAMA Supplier of the Year Award winner, a testament to the company’s commitment to layering value […]
Amusement Today’s 2025 What’s New Guide
Amusement Today will be publishing its annual amusement industry preview in the May 2025 issue. To make certain your new-for-2025 installs are included, send a list of your 2025 projects to jseifert@amusementtoday.com. The deadline for inclusion is April 15, 2025. AT is looking for any new ride or attraction at parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, traveling carnivals […]
Rob Gavel joins AIMS International’s board of directors
AIMS International announced the election of Rob Gavel to its board of directors, effective April 1, 2025. Gavel, president of LJM & Associates and owner of GCS Safety, brings 17 years of industry experience to the board. He succeeds departing member Dr. Kathryn Woodcock of Toronto Metropolitan University, who served on the board since April […]
Bob Geschine and Peter Betti inducted into 2025 AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame
LAS VEGAS — Betson Enterprises is proud to announce that President Bob Geschine and former Chairman and CEO Peter Betti have been inducted into the 2025 AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame. The prestigious ceremony took place during the opening night of the Amusement Expo in Las Vegas, celebrating a lifetime of achievement and contributions […]
AAMA announces 2025 category winners at Beers and Cheers
CARY, Ill. — The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) proudly announced the winners of its 2025 industry awards during the annual Beers and Cheers event, held at AEI on March 19th. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding contributions to the amusement industry, with winners selected by fellow AAMA members. This year’s honorees are: Additionally, the 2025 […]
Newport Aquarium cuts ribbon for new $1.5 million exhibit
NEWPORT, Ky. — The official ribbon cutting for Newport Aquarium’s new exhibit, Jellies: Go with the Flow was held today in partnership with local and state elected officials. The new $1.5 million, 1,700 square foot exhibit represents the first physical expansion of the aquarium in more than 15 years. The space, designed to be a tranquil, […]
FACE Amusement Group receives 2025 Great Place To Work certification
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group today announced that it has received the Great Place to Work recognition for its company for 2025 for the third year in a row. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at FACE Amusement Group. “We’re proud to announce that FACE Amusement has earned the Great Place to […]
The Embed Ecosystem: marking a new era in the tech that powers the family entertainment industry
DALLAS, Texas — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, is set to introduce breakthrough innovation updates to its integrated hardware and software solutions at Amusement Expo International in Las Vegas, NV from 19 to 20 March. Like Embed’s award-winning Mobile Wallet virtual game card innovation — […]
Dollywood named to USA Today Top Workplaces 2025
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood Parks & Resorts has added another employment-related award to its list of recent honors by being named a 2025 USA Today Top Workplaces award winner. Dollywood made the list of organizations with more than 2,500 employees. Millions of employees were surveyed to recognize the top organizations across 65 markets for regional Top Workplaces awards. […]
Liseberg comments on the Swedish Accident Investigation Board’s report on the fire at Oceana
The Swedish Accident Investigation Board has concluded the investigation of the fire at Oceana on February 12, 2024 and has today presented its final report. It is a thorough and well-founded report with important lessons for all parties involved. The Accident Investigation Board states in its report that the fire probably started in connection with […]
Six Flags Great Adventure announces Jeremy Hacker as first Executive Chef in park’s history
JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure is proud to introduce Jeremy Hacker as the park’s first Executive Chef. Chef Hacker’s leadership and culinary expertise marks a new chapter in Six Flags Great Adventure’s commitment to elevating the park’s dining experience. Chef Hacker’s career has been defined by a passion for creating innovative, high-quality dishes at popular establishments […]
Atlanta firm acquires neighboring mall of Elev8 Fun Sanford
The Seminole Towne Center Mall, an enclosed shopping center originally owned by Simon Property Group and later owned and operated by Hollywood-based 4th Dimension Properties, that serves as the first location for Elev8 Fun, has been sold. Atlanta-based “The Ardent Companies”, an asset-management firm with multiple divisions including real estate development, has acquired The Seminole […]
New act set to bring more entertaining energy and excitement To Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — The swashbuckling and adventurous crew from Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge veer slightly off course this spring and find themselves docked in an unknown port in their never-ending search for more treasure. This new experience for the pirates, “South Pacific Celebration,” adds even more excitement and fun to […]
Herschend to acquire Palace Entertainment’s U.S. attractions from Parques Reunidos
ATLANTA, Ga. — Herschend and Parques Reunidos have signed a definitive agreement under which Herschend will acquire all of Palace Entertainment’s U.S. entertainment properties from Parques Reunidos. This agreement represents a significant milestone for both organizations—supporting Herschend’s strategic expansion in family entertainment and hospitality while allowing Parques Reunidos to reinforce its strategic focus on its core European market. “This […]
Ann-Kathrin Mack to become Managing Partner of Europa-Park
Ann-Kathrin Mack, daughter of Marianne and Roland Mack, has been appointed as an additional Managing Partner of Europa-Park. The 35-year-old architect, who has held a leading position in the company for nine years, is already responsible for the Mack Solutions/Construction Management division. In her new role as Managing Partner, she will additionally take on responsibility […]
Pudgy Penguins & Pipeline Games unveil new claw machine at Amusement Expo 2025
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Pudgy Penguins, the digital-first brand making waves in toys, gaming, and entertainment, is partnering with Pipeline Games to introduce the Pudgy Penguins Claw Machine, debuting at Amusement Expo International 2025. This state-of-the-art 31” claw machine features: More than just an arcade game, this machine connects to Pudgy Penguins’ expanding entertainment ecosystem. Winning a plush isn’t just a […]
Wooster Products names New Regional Sales Manager
WOOSTER, Ohio — Wooster Products, the industry leader in anti-slip safety stair treads and walkway products, has added Sean Brown as a new Regional Sales Manager. In his new role, Brown will work with sales channel partners to promote the entire line of Wooster Products safety stair nosings and treads, anti-slip tapes, and coatings to […]
RWS Global acquires Harmony Helper App, a virtual rehearsal tool for singers
NEW YORK — RWS Global, the world’s leader in live moments, today announced it has acquired Harmony Helper, a patented app which helps singers learn their part of a song. Through the acquisition of Harmony Helper, RWS Global’s clients will unlock significant rehearsal cost savings, while thousands of singers in productions around the world will […]
Intercard brings award-winning IQ System to Cinemacon April 1-3
ST. LOUIS — Intercard, the world leader in cashless technology for the amusement industry, will exhibit at the cinema industry’s CinemaCon 2025 at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas from April 1-3. Account executive Joe Guccione will be at booth 319J to showcase Intercard’s cashless payment systems for use in cinemas. Featured this year is Intercard’s award-winning iQ […]
Introducing The GrowthPro Group: a new era of growth solutions, led by the 20th birthday of TrainerTainment
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — The GrowthPro Group, an emerging innovator in business growth solutions, proudly announces its official launch. With a foundation built on proven strategies and a forward-thinking approach, The GrowthPro Group is ready to empower businesses across a wide range of industries. This exciting announcement coincides with the 20th birthday of TrainerTainment, […]
NEAAPA hosts successful 112th Anniversary Education Conference & Annual Meeting
MYSTIC, Conn. — Over 140 industry professionals from across the NEAAPA region and beyond gathered to learn, network, and celebrate distinguished contributors to the attractions industry at the 112th Anniversary Education Conference & Annual Meeting, held at the Hilton Mystic Hotel. A Gathering of Industry LeadersNEAAPA – The Northeast’s Entertainment Association – represents the attractions industry across Connecticut, […]