HOLLYWOOD, Calif. and JAKARTA, Indonesia — Taman Safari, Indonesia’s respected owner and operator of nine major parks and four safari resorts, has paired up with US-based Legacy Entertainment, to master plan and design its next-generation of experiences and attractions. Legacy will focus on Taman Safari Bogor – the chain’s original park, which debuted in April 1986. That park is located about an hour’s drive from the Indonesian capital of Jakarta.
“Taman Safari Bogor is an icon of Indonesia,” said Taylor Jeffs, President and Chief Creative Officer of Legacy Entertainment. “Everyone who grew up in and around Jakarta has a deep nostalgia for that park. Our team is honored to be entrusted with the task of enriching the park – which has been offering visitors a much beloved experience for nearly 40 years — with next-generation excitement.”
Built on the site of a former Tea Plantation, Taman Safari Bogor was an immediate success upon its opening in 1986. The park’s success and need for added capacity led to a series of rapid expansions over the course of time, without a unifying vision to tie them together. According to Mr. Jeffs, this has led to major new design opportunities that are now available to the creative team at Legacy Entertainment.
“Located in a lush valley near the Gede Pangrango Mountain, Taman Safari Bogor is perhaps the most beautiful site I’ve encountered in my two decades in the business,” Mr. Jeffs continued. “Not only are we working together to solve all of the operational challenges that have popped up over the last forty years, but we are also implementing next-generation designs, both in terms of animal habitats and cinematic-scale immersion.”
And what does a next-generation Safari Park look like? According to Mr. Jeffs, Legacy’s new designs for the site will dramatically deviate from the ordinary. “Since the Hagenbeck revolution (Carl Hagenbeck was a German merchant of wild animals who created the modern zoo in the late 1800’s, with animal enclosures without bars to better present their natural habitats) virtually all zoos and safari parks have sported an international theme, with zones and architecture aiming to recreate international locales. Our goal is to put the spotlight back on the animals at Taman Safari Bogor, and to create a new visual storytelling medium that honors and celebrates these magnificent creatures.”
More details about the future of Taman Safari Bogor will be revealed later this year.
RIMINI, Italy — Semnox Solutions has been honored with the ENADA Primavera Innovation District Award for Best Innovative Product at the Rimini Amusement Show. The award recognizes Semnox’s Radian Smart Wristband, an innovative RFID-based solution designed to enhance time-based access management in entertainment venues.
This marks the second major accolade for the Radian wristband, following its recognition at the IAAPI National Awards for Excellence in 2024. The product has also been awarded a U.S. patent, reinforcing its position as a pioneering solution in the amusement industry.
“We are happy to receive the prestigious Innovation Award for our Radian Smart Wristband,” says Vinayaka Kamath, Business Head for UK and Europe for Semnox. “This recognition is a testament to our relentless commitment and hard work towards innovation.”
Kamath continues, “Over the past 17 years, we have continuously introduced award-winning products that have positively impacted our industry, and the Radian Smart Wristband is one of the many innovations that exemplify this vision. We remain dedicated to pushing boundaries and delivering solutions”.
The Radian Smart Wristband is a rechargeable, RFID-based wearable that automates check-in/check-out, eliminating manual tracking and reducing staffing costs. As a sustainable alternative to paper wristbands, it enhances efficiency while supporting eco-friendly operations.
Featuring customizable LED patterns, haptic alerts, and RFID technology, Radian keeps guests informed with vibration and color-coded notifications. As time runs out, it shifts to flashing red and long vibrations, ensuring a smooth check-out process.
Beyond time tracking, Radian integrates with RFID readers and locks, offering seamless venue access control with wireless connectivity across large facilities. With its patented innovation and global adoption, Radian is setting a new standard in time-based attraction management.
NEWPORT, Ky. — Baynum Solutions, the premier amusement park, water park, commercial and industrial painting and construction provider to leading companies worldwide since 1983, today announced the upcoming retirement of Managing Director Daniel Adams and promotion of Walt Bowser to President and Chief Executive Officer. John Andrews, longtime leader of the successful commercial and industrial division, will assume the role of SVP, Baynum Solutions and Kevin Gessner joins in the role of SVP, Administration.
Adams, who joined Baynum Solutions in 2006, has served as Managing Director since 2022, leading the company through a period of significant growth. Lauren Adams, Director of Human Resources, will also be retiring from the company after 28 years of service.
“Dan and Lauren have been a remarkable part of our success and have helped build a fantastic team here,” said Baynum Solutions Founder Chris Baynum. “Our company is better and stronger than ever thanks to them, and I wish them the very best.”
Bowser, a former Six Flags Entertainment Corporation executive, joined Baynum Solutions in 2016, expanding the company’s Amusement Solutions division to include painting, construction, theming and maintenance. In his new role as President and Chief Executive Officer, he will assume responsibility for all divisions of the company.
“Baynum Solutions has experienced stellar growth in the past decade, expanding and diversifying our services to meet the exacting standards of our top tier clients,” stated Bowser. “I am honored to be part of this fantastic team with more than forty years of world-class service behind us, and a limitless future ahead.”
Reporting in a new role of SVP, Administration, Kevin Gessner joins Baynum Solutions to lead finance, human resources, marketing and operations. A Kentucky native, Gessner has spent more than 25 years leading multi-disciplinary programs at the nation’s top healthcare organizations.
Baynum Solutions recently completed marquis projects for Samuel Adams Brewery, PNC, DHL Express and Xavier University. The company’s amusement division has been busy giving a fresh coat of paint to more than a dozen iconic roller coasters including Millennium Force, Pantherian, Goliath
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Goliath Six Flags Over Georgia and Titan. Additional 2025 projects soon to be on display include painting and construction jobs at Dollywood, SeaWorld, Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park, Wild Adventures, Kalahari Sandusky Ohio and Splish Splash.
SINGAPORE — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries, inspires to #AccelerateAction by forging gender equality in the tech sector for International Women’s Day 2025.
According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women held only 35% of tech jobs at the end of 2023 in the US alone. Women are also the minority in major tech companies, where the proportion of female staff is less than 45%. The percentage of women in leadership positions in these top companies fa11 below 35%. Th is gap in tech employment of women becomes more pronou need at the top of the corporate ladder.
Putting an end to gender inequality in the tech sector
‘This year’s global International Women’s Day theme is Accelerate Action, a theme emphasising the urgency of making progress towards gender equality to enable women in reaching their full potential. At Embed, we’re proud to be the change we want to see in the world, which is why you can #ExpectHERinTech and everywhere else in the business of fun,” says Embed Solutions Group CEO Renee Welsh.
“At Embed, we believe in the value of diversity in our talent pool. We have a shared commitment to gender parity at all levels of the organisation because we believe in the boundless intellectual, leadership, cultural, and commercial strength that results from harnessing and realising the talent capital of gender and cultural equality We take great pride in not only being gender-equal but putting an end to gender inequality in our tech sector,” she continues.
CMO & Chief Growth Officer Sara Paz adds, “With a Chief Executive Leadership team made up of 50% women, Embed is proud to be an example of what other companies, large and small, aspire to achieve.”
Embed is known to gravitate towards female leaders in the FEC industry for collaboration and support. “We’re proud of the sisterhood we have with the industry’s female icons, like Beth Standlee, Founder & CEO of Trainertainment and Chairman of the AAMA Board of Directors; Holly Hampton, Bay Tek Games VP & Director of Innovation and Chairman of the AAMCF Board; Amy Hedrick, Founder & CEO of Cleanbox Technology; and industry trailblazers like Lori Schneider, Executive Vice President of AMOA; Vicky Peek of Tilt Studios; Paula Rinker, Merchandise & Programs Director at Coast to Coast Entertainment, and more… like Joy Park, GM of LAI Games, Em bed’s sister company. We celebrate all these women with gustol” commends Paz. “We’re also amazed by Embed customers who are new impact players trailblazing in the industry, like Jennifer Donner of Game Over Arcade. These accomplishments of women with their unstoppable professional and personal velocity are an example of the change we want to see in our industry,” concludes Welsh.
Celebrating the Women in Tech
To celebrate the amazing contributions and achievements of women in the industry, Embed will be giving away exclusive International Women’s Day pins at Amusement Expo International.
Catch the Embed team and the roster of integrated hardware and software solutions such as the Mobile Wallet, STATS, smartTOUCH™+ KIOSK+, TOOLKIT suite, and a showcase of game cards and wearable media at booth #647, Amusement Expo International (79 to 20 March, Las Vegas Convention Center, NV).
The MARCH 2025 issue includes:
- 2025 Amusement Expo poised to shatter records
- Slick City’s growth isn’t slowing; new location opens in Houston
- Warner Bros. Movie World opens The Wizard of Oz-themed land
- Sally Dark Rides introduces fresh concept with its Mini Dark Ride
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Wild Oasis readies for spring 2025
- Urban Air Adventure Parks add slide complexes in two locations
- Soft Play works with Thanksgiving Point, opens Jurassic Jungle
- Meow Wolf opens fifth location in Houston, focuses on music vibe
- Sandy Creek Mining Co. supplies interactive fun for 35 years
- Attendance up 120,000 at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
- Nearly 400,000 attend Florida State Fair, midway revenue solid
- Splash, play, repeat: Tech behind Splash Lagoon’s arcade success
- Adventure Bay adding Hyperlight Slide for 2025
- IISF Super Extravaganza and Trade Show lives up to its name
- Attractions industry gathering draws 200 women, inspires future
- Focus on the Horizon: Fun Spot America’s Frank Hamedl
- More than 1,600 attend Pennsylvania Showmen/Fair convention
- E&A’s International Aquatic Safety School excites and educates
- International Ride Training IROC Camp sees significant growth
- NWSC Safety Seminar concludes with good results, compliments … and much more!
As part of its ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all, SeaWorld Orlando is proud to introduce American Sign Language (ASL) Saturdays. Partnering with American Sign Language Services (ASLS), SeaWorld Orlando will be providing seamless access to SeaWorld’s popular shows and attractions with live ASL interpreters. Beginning on March 1 and recurring on the first Saturday of every month, this program aims to cater specifically to deaf and hard-of-hearing community members visiting the park.
ASL Saturdays will include:
- ASL-Interpreted Shows: Select performances will feature live ASL interpretation, ensuring an inclusive experience for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing guests.
- Dedicated Guest Services: Team members will assist with accessibility needs, including wheelchair seating and flexible arrangements for late arrivals.
- Reserved Seating for Interpreted Shows: Special seating areas will provide clear sightlines to ASL interpreters for an optimal viewing experience.
From exciting animal presentations to spectacular performances, SeaWorld Orlando’s ASL Saturdays ensure every moment is accessible and that all guests can enjoy SeaWorld’s world-class entertainment.
ST. LOUIS — At the 2025 Amusement Expo International March 19-20, Intercard will feature its award-winning iQ system of readers and kiosks that leverages QR codes, setting the new standard for unattended amusement center payment technology. iQ devices use built-in scanners to read customer presented QR codes for payment and redemption point collection. This enables customers to use mobile devices or paper receipts instead of play cards to activate games, reducing costs for route operators and owners of unattended arcades.
Intercard received a Best New Product Award at IAAPA Expo 2024 for the innovative iQ system, which was recognized in the category of Technology Applied to Amusements – Product or Service used by Facilities. The judges praised the iQ system as a “QR code reader for games allowing easy way to play. Can sell online or at kiosk on-site. Easy way to get to the fun.”
“With the iQ system, customers can purchase or recharge game play and use a mobile device or paper receipt with QR code to play games, collect points and even redeem prizes,” says Scott Sherrod, CEO of Intercard, “all without the help of a center employee. That helps lower costs for operators, and iQ system customers have reported an ROI of as little as 90 days.”
Sherrod also invites booth visitors to meet Chris Barker, the newest member of the Intercard account team. “Chris has been in the amusement industry for 25 years and has experience in installing, operating and maintaining arcades for amusement and water parks, FECs and route operations,” says Sherrod. “Chris joins Intercard after a successful tenure as a district manager for industry leader Family Entertainment Group.”
Visit Intercard in Booth #1027 at the Amusement Expo. To schedule a demo of the iQ system and other industry-leading Intercard products during the show please contact Rob Geiger, North American sales manager at [email protected]
Betson Imperial Parts & Service will showcase Javelin Displays, a leading OEM manufacturer of high-performance monitors, touchscreen solutions, and components, at Amusement Expo 2025 on March 19th & 20th in Las Vegas, NV. The company will showcase its latest display technologies designed specifically for the arcade and amusement industry, offering manufacturers and operators enhanced visuals, durability, and interactive features that elevate the gaming experience.
As a trusted supplier of monitors for arcade cabinets, redemption games, gaming, vending, and kiosk applications, Javelin Monitors focuses on innovation, reliability, and customization. Attendees visiting Booth #1712 will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how Javelin’s cutting-edge monitors and responsive touchscreens can enhance their products and services.
“We are excited to bring Javelin’s latest display solutions to Amusement Expo 2025,” said Richard Zayas-Bazan – President at Betson Imperial Parts & Service. “Javelin Displays are engineered to meet the demanding needs of manufacturers and operators, providing exceptional image quality, durability, and seamless integration for an unparalleled user experience.”
Javelin Monitors offers a wide range of screen sizes, custom configurations, and advanced technology features, making them an ideal partner equipment manufacturers and location owners.
CARY, Ill. — On Thursday, February 13, a dedicated group of eleven members from the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA), led by AAMA Executive Vice President Pete Gustafson, spent the day on Capitol Hill advocating for issues crucial to the amusement industry. The delegation, supported by John Russell IV, a Partner with the Government Relations division of the DGA Group and a multiple-time recipient of The Hill’s Top Lobbyist award, and DGA Associate Adriana Santoni Vicens, met with representatives from fifteen congressional offices to discuss four key industry concerns.
AAMA Member Attendees included:
- Rich Babich – Founder and Owner of The Game Exchange of Colorado
- Britiannie Betti – Business Development Manager & Northeast Regional Sales Manager for Betson Distributing
- Jonathan Durst – Sales Representative for Pyramid Technologies
- Chris Felix – Regional Account Manager for Touchtunes
- Amy Hedrik – CEO of CleanBox
- Denise Killian – Training Specialist for TrainerTainment
- Keitha McBride – Account Manager for A&A Global
- George McAuliffe – President of Pinnacle Entertainment Group
- Howard McAuliffe – Vice President of Pinnacle Entertainment Group
- Michael Nowak – CEO of Rhode Island Novelty
- Nick Sarioglou – General Manager of Betson Distributing
Congressional Offices visited:
Maryland Senator – Angela Alsobrooks
- Arizona Senator – Ruben Gallego
- New Jersey Senator – Andy Kim
- South Carolina Senator – Tim Scott
- Georgia Senator – Rev. Raphael Warnock
- Massachusetts Senator – Elizabeth Warren
- Colorado 2nd District Congresswoman – Diana DeGette
- Tennessee 7th District Congressman – Mark Green
- Pennsylvania 6th Congresswoman – Chrissy Houlahan
- Illinois 8th District Congressman – Raja Krishnamoorthi
- California 49th District Congressman – Mike Levin
- Maryland 2nd District Congressman – Johnny Olszewski
- Illinois 9th District Congresswoman – Jan Schakowsky
- Missouri 8th District Congressman – Jason Smith
- Texas 24th District Congresswoman – Beth Van Duyne
Attendees split into two groups to maximize outreach, ensuring that each member had the opportunity to meet with their respective congressional offices in both the House and Senate.
The meetings centered on four primary concerns affecting AAMA members and the broader amusement industry:
Tariffs and Supply Chain Challenges
While AAMA acknowledges the importance of strategically imposed tariffs to support American-made products, broad tariff applications have had unintended consequences. Many critical components essential to the amusement industry—such as plush and prizes, computer boards, chips, and display monitors—are exclusively manufactured in China. As a result, tariffs have led to increased costs, with some suppliers imposing a 10% price hike on existing orders. These added expenses place significant strain on small businesses, limiting their ability to grow and compete effectively.
Making the Main Street Tax Credit Permanent (Section 199A)
Section 199A, enacted in 2017, provides crucial tax relief to small businesses. However, while corporate tax cuts were made permanent, this provision is set to expire at the end of this year. If Section 199A sunsets, small businesses will face a severe disadvantage compared to large corporations, potentially leading to business closures. The AAMA delegation emphasized the importance of maintaining a level playing field to ensure the survival and success of small enterprises in the amusement industry.
Repealing the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)
The CTA, which requires businesses to report their Beneficial Owner Information (BOI), was recently reinstated after a court injunction was lifted. With a compliance deadline of March 21, AAMA members argued that the CTA places an undue burden on the more than 33 million legitimate small businesses across the country.
While intended to prevent criminal enterprises from hiding behind shell companies, the act imposes excessive regulatory requirements on honest business owners instead of directly targeting illicit activities.
Passing the Credit Card Competition Act
In 2024, U.S. retailers paid an astonishing $170 billion in credit card processing fees, with Visa and Mastercard controlling 80% of the market. With profit margins exceeding 50%, these companies wield significant power, raising fees at will and limiting competition. This places an immense financial strain on small businesses, hindering their ability to expand and hire new employees.
AAMA members urged lawmakers to support the Credit Card Competition Act, which would foster a fairer financial landscape for businesses of all sizes.
A Passionate and Unified Voice
Reflecting on the day’s events, attendees expressed their enthusiasm for advocating on behalf of the amusement industry: “It was a great experience being part of democracy in action for a day. Even better was watching the AAMA team of staff, officers, and members doing the work, and seeing their dedication to our industry,” said George McAuliffe, President of Pinnacle Entertainment Group.
“The passion for our industry that came from this group was inspiring. I learned a lot,” added Michael Nowak, CEO of Rhode Island Novelty.
Keitha McBride, Account Manager for A&A Global, shared, “I love that we are all so passionate about our industry and are willing to take the time to speak to our representatives about the issues that affect our industry partners, our businesses, and us personally. I walked out of the Senate building saying to myself, I just spoke to individuals who make changes within our government, and I was a part of that democratic process.”
Nick Sarioglou, General Manager of Betson Distributing, emphasized the importance of continued advocacy: “AAMA 2025 D.C. Fly-In—a day where members took the lead in shaping the policies that impact our communities, work, and future with one voice advocating for our industry growth and business prosperity. It is truly the American Way!”
Ensuring a Seat at the Table
Pete Gustafson, AAMA Executive Vice President, highlighted the importance of these efforts, stating, “Our group did a fantastic job advocating for AAMA, the Amusement Industry, and small businesses across the country. We shared how choices made in D.C. don’t just impact Fortune 500 companies—they also affect America’s 34 million small businesses. These visits demonstrate the importance of engaging with policymakers to ensure we’re on their minds when they’re considering new laws and regulations.
Perhaps AAMA Past President John Margold put it best when talking about the importance of these visits, saying, ‘You’re either at the table, or you’re on the menu.’ It was good to be at the table.”
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests and fans of the Fast & Furious franchise to experience “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” one last time before the world-famous Studio Tour attraction closes on March 10, 2025. A thrilling new experience will arrive at Universal Studios Hollywood when “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” launches as the destination’s first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster in 2026.
“Fast & Furious—Supercharged,” inspired by the popular Fast & Furious franchise, launched in 2015 as the grand finale to the Studio Tour and has entertained millions of guests, taking them on an exhilarating, virtual high-speed 3D chase to save one of their own from an international crime cartel.
The closure of this attraction will pave the way for an exciting all-new Studio Tour attraction to be announced soon.
