Tag 4 A Cause laser tag fundraiser benefits a Path 4 Paws Dog Rescue

By | March 25, 2024

A successful Tag 4 A Cause laser tag event was recently held at Battle Blast Laser Tag in Las Vegas to promote fun, fitness and fundraising through laser tag. This fundraiser resulted in over $1400 in donations being raised for A Path 4 Paws, a Las Vegas based dog rescue organization. During the event coordinated by laser tag blogger and podcaster Laurie Jean Britton (TiviachickLovesLaserTag.com) participants were invited to donate to the cause and receive a laser tag 5K medal as thanks, which also gave them an opportunity to compete for the coveted golden phaser high score trophy during the laser tag games played during the event.

Britton (also known as Tivia in the laser tag community) has been coordinating Tag 4 A Cause events quarterly since the end of 2020 by using her laser tag blog as a way to spotlight different charitable causes. Originally started as a virtual fundraiser, it has evolved into an opportunity to raise awareness for a different cause each quarter, which she now ties in with personal visits to laser tag arenas throughout the country to host Tag 4 A Cause fundraiser nights like the one held at Battle Blast on March 20th. 

As an advocate for the benefits of playing laser tag, Britton says that “Laser tag is a great way to engage players of all ages in healthy competition while also enjoying other benefits such as fitness, social interaction and team building. Incorporating an opportunity to support a great cause while enjoying a game of laser tag makes the experience even more worthwhile. For this event we were delighted that Tag 4 A Cause became a chance to Tag 4 The Paws!”

ASTM International welcomes Andrew G. Kireta Jr. as new president

By | March 25, 2024

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — ASTM International is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew G. Kireta Jr. as the organization’s new president, effective May 1, 2024. Kireta’s background in standards development and familiarity with the organization uniquely positions him to lead ASTM International into future growth and innovation. He will succeed Katharine Morgan, who served in the role since 2017 and will retire after a distinguished 40-year career with ASTM. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Andy as president of ASTM International,” says Bill Griese, 2024 chair of ASTM’s Board of Directors. “Andy has spent years supporting ASTM International in a variety of volunteer roles and is exceptionally well-suited to lead the organization forward. He brings a strong commitment to ASTM’s mission, values, and membership. Kathie’s dedication and engagement have made it possible for us to find the right leader for ASTM’s future, and we are delighted she will help to ensure a smooth transition as Andy assumes the role in May.”

Kireta is president and CEO of the Copper Development Association and has been with the not-for-profit trade association since 1992, serving the past two decades in an executive management capacity. He has been an ASTM International member since 1998, and joined the board of directors in 2014, serving as chair of the audit and finance committee in 2017, vice chair in 2018 and 2019, and chair of the board in 2020. Kireta also previously served as vice chair and chair of the board of SEI International, an ASTM affiliate.

“I am honored and excited to serve as the new president of ASTM International,” says Kireta. “I have great respect for ASTM’s mission, staff, members, and partners, and I am humbled to lead an organization that has made such a meaningful impact on industry and society over its 125-year history. I am eager to work with the ASTM community to build upon that success as we advance our mission of helping our world work better.”

In his role as president, Kireta will lead one of the oldest and largest standards organizations in the world, overseeing 35,000 global members who work to develop and refine more than 12,900 technical standards and solutions that represent over 90 industry sectors.

Elev8 Fun Sanford wins AMOA “Family Entertainment Center of the Year” Award

By | March 22, 2024

Elev8 Fun Sanford has won the Amusement and Music Operators Association Family Entertainment Center of the year award at a ceremony held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The award comes on the heels of an annual competition in which entrants across the nation compete on a multitude of categories including design/aesthetic, application forms, customer service, secret shopping, and more. David Goldfarb, Managing Partner of Elev8 Fun, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

At press time, Goldfarb commented “I am very honored to receive this award on behalf of the entire Elev8 Organization. This is a testament to the product and service our team members continue to deliver. Without them, there would be no Elev8”. This iteration of the award, is the second in Goldfarb’s portfolio, as Xtreme Action Park won the same award in 2019. “This award keeps motivating us in delivering and maintaining the standards that have become cornerstones in our business”, said Goldfarb. Elev8 Fun will look to follow up the award with more entries, as more of its locations are due to open in the coming months and years. 

JW Winco: Cleaning-optimized leveling feet

By | March 22, 2024

When strict hygiene standards are in place, it’s essential to use the appropriate optimized parts. However, even in less sensitive areas, optimized parts are just as valuable, starting with the leveling feet.

Hygienic Design standard parts are essential in the production process of sensitive areas like food, medical, and pharmaceutical industries. These parts facilitate the manufacturing of preservative-free products while ensuring a longer shelf life, product safety, and consumer protection. Hygienic design standards simplify the cleaning process by providing high surface quality/finish, freedom from dead spaces to ensure proper fluid/cleaning agent run-off, non-concaved/dished outer surfaces, and sealed bolting areas. This design also reduces the time and materials required for regular cleaning, thereby lowering operating costs. As a result, companies in less sensitive areas also find these parts vital to their processes.

We start with stainless steel leveling feet GN 20 with a turned foot plate, firmly vulcanized bottom surface, and spindle seals. Designed with mounting holes, these leveling feet satisfy the requirements of EHEDG, the 3-A Sanitary Standard, and the DGUV testing principles, especially when pairing with the hex head screw or nut GN 1580.

The alternative model GN 19 is designed for lower loads, covers the same range of applications (except for floor mounting), and complies with the 3-A Sanitary Standard and the DGUV testing principles. The foot plate is stamped and/or formed from a stainless steel AISI 316L sheet rather than machined, and it is lined on the bottom with a blue silicone elastomer. As a result, this part also forms a tight seal against the floor. The formed sheet metal foot offers a cost advantage over the GN 20 leveling foot. The two leveling feet, GN 17 and GN 18 are new to the lineup. While they don’t meet strict Hygienic Design requirements, they still utilize FDA compliant materials and satisfy the requirements of EU 1935-2004. These two parts are used in applications where wet cleaning is not required, such as the packaging of dry goods.

The materials used have been selected accordingly: the GN 17 features stainless steel AISI 304 for the plate, the spindle adjustable by six degrees, and the height-adjusting hex nut. Instead of the blue silicone elastomer, the floor seal consists of plasticizer-free, vulcanized black NBR rubber.

The GN 18 also features stainless steel in AISI 316L, while both leveling feet offer optimized inclined angles, easy-to-clean surfaces, and an absence of concave geometry. With these two leveling feet, JW Winco has extended its range of standard parts for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries and beyond.

New Magical Care Bears Experience unveiled

By | March 22, 2024

International themed attraction design company, Katapult, has partnered with children’s entertainment studio, Cloudco Entertainment, to create a new Care Bears family entertainment centre concept.

The attraction is a ticketed play cafe experience where guests can explore a range of themed zones, before enjoying a super sweet Care Bears treat. Aimed at the ever-growing ‘tweens’ market who love cute, sweet, and colorful, it’s a place where caring is cool and sharing amplifies the experience.

Care Bears, which recently celebrated its 40th birthday, has millions of fans across 120+ territories. The brand’s strength was demonstrated recently in License Global’s “The Leading Licensees” 2023 report, where industry insiders voted Care Bears the number-three top new license signed last year. Popularity has surged since the launch of TV programme Care Bears: Unlock the Magic in 2019 – airing across multiple channels, including its own YouTube channel. Katapult and Cloudco Entertainment are now seeking project partners to license and deliver the visitor experience in key markets.

Speaking about the Experience, Katapult’s Chief Creative Officer Phil Higgins, said: “The new family entertainment centre has been designed to create a memorable, fun, and heartfelt experience where guests can indulge in the most delicious sweet treats. As fans of Care Bears ourselves, we are excited to take this concept to market to interested operators, investors, and real estate owners around the world.”

Cloudco Entertainment’s International Licensing Director Charlotte Payne added: “We’re delighted to have worked with Katapult to create this ready-to-go family entertainment centre concept, bringing the heartwarming world of Care Bears to life in an immersive and enchanting experience for fans of all ages.”

The launch of the Experience follows a successful 2023 for Care Bears, which saw three new activations open across Asia. A pop-up experience in Hong Kong’s Langham Place Mall has welcomed 2,000 visitors per day since November, with the store averaging even higher numbers on the weekend. The location also quickly surpassed its revenue goal.

Meanwhile, cafe activations in Seoul (South Korea) and Bangkok (Thailand) continue to thrive in the region. Seoul’s Care Bears themed Baskin and Robbins store, has become the number one performing location across 1800 stores across South Korea.

Interested parties can hear more about the opportunity from Katapult and Cloudco Entertainment teams at key industry events this summer. Katapult will be at IAAPA Latin America and Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo, while Cloudco will be in attendance at Licensing Expo Las Vegas. Both will be attending IAAPA Europe in Amsterdam.

Dollywood named to Top Workplaces USA 2024 winners

By | March 21, 2024

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood Parks & Resorts has been named a 2024 USA Today Top Workplaces USA award winner. Dollywood placed 86th on the national list of organizations with more than 2,500 employees. The company was the only one from the theme park industry to make the list.   

The Top Workplaces program has a 15-year history of surveying more than 20 million employees and recognizing the top organizations across 60 markets for regional Top Workplaces awards. Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. More than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners of the Top Workplaces USA list are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey. Companies were chosen based on the results of surveys taken over the course of 12 months in 2023.

With growth at the nationally-recognized Dollywood Parks & Resorts properties occurring at an unparalleled pace, a number of positions are available throughout the company. Awards like the Top Workplaces recognition reinforce the brand’s strong reputation for stellar customer service and attract top talent to work in the company’s thriving culture.

“The awards we’ve received during the last several years really are humbling,” said Susan Loveday, Dollywood Vice President of Human Resources. “We take pride in our host culture, and we seek to provide our team with great benefits that show them we appreciate the work they do to make Dollywood the most unique and welcoming theme park experience in the entire world. When you consider that the results of this award are derived from survey results of our own hosts, it illustrates their belief in our host culture and their pride in the place they work.”

Energage, a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to help build top workplaces, administers the survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 “culture drivers” that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks. 

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

Dollywood’s award-winning host experience translates directly to the guest experience. In December 2023, Forbesranked Dollywood Parks & Resorts in the top 1% (#27) or more than 3,000 US brands rated for exemplary customer service. Dollywood was the second-highest ranked travel company on the Forbes Best Customer Service 2024 list, placing two spots behind Hawaiian Airlines. The only other theme park in the top 300 was Legoland parks (#179).

Positions are available on several teams including Dollywood’s award-winning culinary and merchandise teams, park operations positions including ticketing, transportation, house and grounds, and more. Among the openings at Dollywood’s Splash Country are house and grounds, lifeguards and culinary services positions. Dollywood’s lodging properties also have a number of openings available including food and beverage, front desk, bell/valet and housekeeping positions.

Interested applicants may view opportunities, as well as job descriptions and basic requirements for each position, at dollywoodjobs.com.

Jorge Mochkovsky inducted into AAMA’s Amusement Industry Hall of Fame

By | March 21, 2024

Jorge Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa Cashless System and Sacoa Entertainment, has been honored with induction into the American Amusement Machine Association’s (AAMA) Amusement Hall of Fame. This accolade celebrates individuals that have made exceptional contributions to the entertainment and amusement fields.

Jorge’s journey in entertainment spans over six remarkable decades. Expressing his gratitude, Jorge stated, “This induction is not just a personal accomplishment; it’s also a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the entire Sacoa team. It’s an honor to be recognized by the AAMA, and I accept this induction with immense gratitude.”

Starting his career at the age of 10, Jorge actively contributed to his father’s business by assisting in the operation of jukeboxes. The family’s venture into the U.S. in 1960 fostered strong ties with industry luminaries and the establishment of Sacoa family entertainment centers long before the term “FEC” gained popularity.

Under Jorge’s leadership, Sacoa Entertainment operated over 50 FECs simultaneously in the 1990s, providing thousands of Argentine families with steady employment. Jorge’s visionary drive continued with the creation of the Sacoa Cashless System in 1992, revolutionizing traditional payment methods with a digitized solution.

Reflecting on his industry impact, Jorge remarked, “I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to develop several products and ideas that I believe will continue to service the entertainment and amusement industries for several decades to come, and I am certain that my sons, Sebastian and Pol, as well as their kids, will continue to contribute to the industry I grew up in for as long and as effectively as I did.”

Jorge hopes this achievement will inspire his family and industry newcomers alike. “Our journey from humble beginnings to a four-generation family enterprise showcases the resilience and innovation defining our industry,” he added.

Jorge Mochkovsky’s induction into AAMA’s Amusement Hall of Fame epitomizes his steadfast dedication to industry evolution, leaving an enduring legacy in the realms of amusement, entertainment, and leisure.

Family Entertainment Group welcomes Gregory Bacorn as account executive

By | March 21, 2024

ITASCA, Ill. — Family Entertainment Group (“FEG”) is excited to announce the addition of Gregory Bacorn to its team as an Account Executive, effective immediately.

With years of experience in the entertainment industry, Bacorn joins FEG with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for driving growth through strategic partnerships.

In his previous role as founder of Barron Games International, Bacorn introduced innovative products that captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. Notably, Bacorn’s Birdly VR experience earned the prestigious AMOA Innovator Award, showcasing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of entertainment and technology.

In his new role at FEG, Bacorn will spearhead efforts to research and identify strategic partnerships within the resort, amusement park, water park, and tourist destination segments to support the expansion of FEG’s outsourced revenue share business. He will work closely with team members and vendors to plan, design, and integrate best-in-class entertainment concepts that deliver exceptional guest experiences and financial outcomes for partners.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gregory Bacorn to our team,” said Ray Smith, Vice President of Business Development for FEG. “His experience and proven track record make him the ideal candidate to help drive our strategic partnership initiatives and support our continued growth.”

Gregory Bacorn’s appointment as Account Executive underscores FEG’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships. With Bacorn’s expertise and leadership, FEG is poised to expand its presence in key markets and continue to set the standard for excellence in the entertainment industry.

Palace Entertainment strengthens its leadership team with new Director of Engineering and Maintenance

By | March 19, 2024

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Palace Entertainment, a leading leisure park operator with more than 20 major entertainment venues across the United States and Australia, today announced the appointment of Michael Reitz as Director of Engineering and Maintenance across all Palace Entertainment venues.

Michael Reitz brings more than 30 years of engineering experience to Palace Entertainment. He has a background in mechanical engineering and began his career with Mercedes Benz in 1992. Since then, he has worked for key leaders within the amusement industry including LEGO Engineering and Premier Rides Inc. Most recently, he spent more than 20 years at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation working across all domestic and international properties including Canada, Mexico, China and Dubai. Michael was also instrumental in the opening of several iconic attractions throughout his tenure with the theme park operator including The Texas Giant and Kingda Ka, the tallest roller coaster in the world.

“We are pleased to announce the addition of Michael to our support center team,” said Interim Chief Operating Officer Anil Rao. “His diverse experience with some of the industry’s most well-known attractions makes him the perfect fit to help lead our ongoing maintenance projects across each of our unique properties.”

Michael will be responsible for leading the maintenance teams across all properties with a specialized focus on increasing ride-up time, providing direction and standards for training and facilities maintenance and increasing guest experience through additional capital maintenance projects. He will also work alongside the Palace Entertainment Director of Construction to help oversee all major new ride construction projects.

Throughout 2023 and into 2024, Palace Entertainment has committed to growing its support center staff and leadership roles within the organization by adding top-tier talent from across the industry to the team. The appointment of Michael Reitz comes on the heels of three industry veterans being promoted to General Manager positions within the organization, at the Dutch Wonderland resort property, Sea Life Park Hawaii and Story Land Theme Park.

Lake Compounce gears up for Opening Day with several new additions 

By | March 19, 2024

BRISTOL, Conn. — Spring is in the air and that means Opening Day, April 27, at Lake Compounce Amusement and Water Park is just over one month away. America’s First Amusement Park is celebrating its 178th season as the longest-running amusement park in the United States as it continues its long-standing legacy, the park has also continued to make park-wide updates and improvements in the off-season while also growing its unique event lineup.  

New for the 2024 season, thrill-seekers are invited to hop on a new ride experience on the nearly 100-year-old Wildcat roller coaster. During the 2023 season and the park’s off-season, Wildcat has gone through the first phase of a two-year wood re-tracking project in partnership with Gravity Group. Throughout this process, more than 800 feet of the coaster’s wood track have been completely replaced with Gravity Group’s signature vertically stacked track, meaning wood pieces have been vertically stacked on top of one another instead of horizontally. This process allows for less bouncing on the track creating an overall smoother and more enjoyable ride.  

“This season, our new park leadership team of industry veterans is focused on enhancing the overall guest experience throughout the park,” said General Manager Doug Hemphill. “We are proud to have restored the Wildcat coaster while also maintaining its integrity as an all-wood roller coaster as the ride celebrates nearly 100 years.”   

In addition to upgrades on Wildcat, the park’s award-winning Boulder Dash roller coaster has also gone through a transformation with more than 1,000 feet of steel Titan Track being added to the ride throughout a two-year project. Other new improvements are centered around the park’s food and beverage and retail stores. On Opening Day, guests can grab a pick-me-up at the park’s new 1846 Coffee Co., enjoy a sweet treat with new milkshakes at Johnny Rockets and check out the new retail location, Toy Store.  

This year, parkgoers can also expect to be delighted by a full lineup of seasonal events including the re-introduction of Kids Fest every single weekend in June. The young and young at heart are invited for a pint-sized party to meet their favorite characters like Pete the Cat™, enjoy roaming performers and check out kid-friendly shows on the park’s Kiddie Land Stage. Then in July the park’s Summer Concert Series returns headlined by nationally touring acts featuring the sounds of summer guests know and love including Good Vibrations, a celebration of the music of the Beach Boys, Bruno & the Hooligans, a full experience Bruno Mars tribute act and Adventures in Parrotdise, a tribute to Jimmy Buffet. The beach is bouncing all August long as the all-new Beach Bash takes place every Saturday and Sunday. The 2024 season will wrap up with the return of Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights. 

Those interested in joining the fun all summer long can grab a 2024 Season Pass now during the park’s Spring Sale. Right now, future visitors can pay for just one day at $64.99 and get the whole summer season. Season Passholders will enjoy a variety of new perks in 2024 including 50% off cabanas in June and the opportunity to be among the first to ride Wildcat on Opening Day.