NEDERWEERT — ETF Ride Systems, part of the ETF Group (est. 1951), celebrates its 25th anniversary. The global leader in trackless dark rides and innovative ride solutions was founded in September 1998 after the company had already been indirectly active in the entertainment industry for a few years. ETF Ride Systems push the boundaries of entertainment and technology, and the company does not slow down with new rides around the world coming soon.

Over the past quarter-century, ETF Ride Systems has consistently delivered cutting-edge ride systems, elevating the amusement park industry to new heights. The company’s commitment to quality, safety, and innovation has cemented its reputation as a trusted partner in the world of theme parks, FEC’s and museums.

New Rides on the Horizon
As we celebrate this milestone, ETF Ride Systems is excited to share plans for the (near) future. We are delighted to announce the launch of a new ride in the heart of the entertainment capital, Las Vegas, later this year.

Looking ahead to the coming year, ETF Ride Systems will also be expanding its footprint in Europe with new attractions set to debut in England and Germany, among others. More details about these projects will follow as soon as possible.

Time-Tested Attractions Still Going Strong
In an industry where innovation is key, ETF Ride Systems takes immense pride in the longevity of attractions. Two of our oldest and beloved rides are currently undergoing extensive refurbishments, ensuring they continue to thrill and delight guests for another 25 years. We are committed to preserving the magic and nostalgia of these experiences while infusing them with modern technology and enhancements.

A Quarter-Century of Excellence
“Reaching 25 years in this industry is a significant achievement, and it’s a testament to the hard work, passion, and innovation of our team,” said Ruud Koppens, president of ETF Ride Systems. “We are excited about the future and the opportunity to continue creating unforgettable memories for guests around the world.”

As we celebrate this incredible milestone, ETF Ride Systems would like to express gratitude to our clients, partners, and loyal fans who have supported us throughout this journey. We look forward to many more years of experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming attractions and the latest developments in the world of ETF Ride Systems.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The International Adventure & Trampoline Park Association (IATP) held their Conference & Trade Show Sept. 10 – 12, at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas. With trampoline and indoor adventure parks at peak popularity nationwide and growing at a dramatic rate, Austin was the center of industry development, education, and fun during the interactive and innovative three-day event.

“This was my favorite IATP Conference EVER!” said Suzanne Wolfe Jewell with the Trampoline & Adventures Advisory Group (TAAG).

“This was the best show I’ve been to in years,” added Greg Spittle with ROLLER.

Attendees got the chance to learn from almost 40 industry experts across nearly 30 educational sessions on topics including inclusivity, implementing AI in parks, HR, finance, and legal issues to name a few.

Attendees noted that they chose to attend this year’s event due to the speaker lineup and educational sessions. Additionally, attendees got to try out the latest in trampoline and adventure park products with hands-on experiences and immersive booths.

“We’re so excited to hear such positive feedback on the show this year,” said Sarah DiCello, Executive Vice President of IATP. “It’s taken many months to put this together with our Board, committees and staff, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

Industry professionals can save the date for the 2024 IATP Conference & Trade Show, which will be held at the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida from Sept. 9-11, 2024.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — FlowRider Inc., a preeminent name in the stationary wave category, and Hydrostadium, subsidiary of French energy conglomerate, EDF, are proudly announcing a licensing agreement surrounding Hydrostadium’s patented “river wave” technology. The culmination of this deal was months in the making and pairs together a multi-billion dollar company with expertise in hydrodynamics with FlowRider, the decades-long leader in delivering stationary wave attractions to the world.

“We are beyond stoked” says Marshall Myrman, leader of the FlowRider team. “To have a company of this caliber reach out to us because of our reputation, is a massive compliment, and we are genuinely humbled by the opportunity. When we saw Hydrostadium’s novel solutions that dramatically reduce power consumption and water volume to industry lows, we knew the partnership was a no-brainer and we had to switch gears immediately. Pairing together the best aspects from our original FlowSurf designs with Hydrostadium’s massive achievements, we’ve truly found the best approach to “moving water” in the industry. Our collaboration is already in full swing, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us.”

The agreement covers all three versions of Hydrostadium’s existing technology including Wavestadium, Wavedock, and Wavestream. All three of these existing products can currently be surfed in venues across Eastern France in Lyon, Tencin, and Epinal respectively. Although the products already boast impressive benefits like surface smoothness and energy efficiency, both companies will leverage their collective engineering prowess to continually advance the surf experience and system performance.

Moving forward under the terms of the agreement, all products will be branded ‘FlowSurf’, yet another innovation within FlowRider’s diverse product portfolio.

Stanislas Lequiller, CEO of Hydrostadium, comments: “We are proud to announce this licensing agreement with FlowRider, the world’s leading player in surf waves. For several years now, Hydrostadium has been investing in and developing a technology that is efficient and consistent in terms of energy consumption, and which enables a surfing experience that is now recognized worldwide. By teaming up with FlowRider, we’ll be able to promote this technology and know-how, while continuing to innovate and continually perfect the technology”.

With 200+ sheet wave installations worldwide, FlowRider has fueled the global surf craze for decades by creating a complimentary surf experience that is accessible for both consumers as well as venue owners and operators. As natural progression within its product line, FlowSurf will continue to build on the company’s legacy of bringing the joy of riding a wave to anywhere in the world, but now with real surfboards.

“As aspirations for surfing are at an all-time high across the planet, there’s no better time to kickstart a partnership as monumental as this. With our longstanding history of bringing surf attractions to nearly any venue type, we’re thrilled to add a new surf experience to our quiver that helps developers capitalize on the untapped demand for surfing that continues to grow. Plus, as a San Diego-based company rooted in the surf culture, and Hydrostadium’s passion for aquatic/board sports, the companies match up well in lifestyle DNA” states Andrew Yathon, VP Business Development at FlowRider, Inc.

Coming off the heels of this agreement, FlowRider is announcing 4 new FlowSurf projects coming across North America and the Middle East. These entertainment venues will showcase FlowSurf’s state-of-the- art technology as anchors to their masterplans. Stay tuned as more details on these specific projects are released within the coming months.

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando is excited to celebrate Halloween with families and children of all ages once again at this year’s Spooktacular. From showing off their dance skills at the Scarecrow Halloween Dance Party to decorating witchy-good cookies in Sesame Street Land, the days will be overflowing with activities to get the whole family in the Halloween spirit. Kids will love collecting ghoulish goodies as they explore SeaWorld Orlando’s fun-filled trick-or-treating trail and meet colorful characters along the way. The days will also be full of other immersive and family-friendly activities to get the whole family into the Halloween spirit.

This daytime event takes place every Saturday and Sunday starting September 16 and extends to Friday through Sunday from October 6 through the day of Halloween. SeaWorld Orlando’s Spooktacular is included with park admission. 

All-New Entertainment and Family-Friendly Fall Activities
Spooktacular will feature a variety of fun, family-friendly Halloween activities perfect for a spooky fall day! New this year, the entire family can bust a move at the Scarecrow Halloween Dance Party, located in Journey to Atlantis Plaza. DJs will fill the air with music while Scarecrows show off their dance moves at select performance times throughout the day.

Families can also enjoy the All-New Spooktacular Scavenger Hunt. Guests can purchase a scavenger hunt map and follow the clues to win amazing prizes. There will also be an all-new cookie decorating and craft area located at Journey to Atlantis Plaza. Crafts are included in park admission but the cookie decorating kit will be an additional purchase.

SeaWorld Spooktacular’s Halloween Activities include:

• Trick-or-Treat Candy Trail: Children can don their favorite costumes and go trick-or-treating throughout the park, collecting a variety of candies and snacks at 12 different candy stations along the way. To participate, grab a SeaWorld trick-or-treat bag, available for purchase at the entrance of the Trick-or-Treat Trail.
• Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast: Park guests can start their day at SeaFire Grill with Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast, where they can get photos, hugs, and autographs from their favorite Sesame Street characters. There is an additional cost for this exclusive part of Spooktacular.
• Costume Contest: Each Friday in October, costume enthusiasts can join a costume contest at the Journey to Atlantis Plaza, with a chance to win exciting prizes.
• Meet-a-Mermaid: Guests can meet a friendly Halloween mermaid along the trick-or-treat trail. Kids of all ages will love meeting and taking special photos with the mermaids as they walk through the trail collecting candy.
• Pumpkin Storyteller: Wander through the Pumpkin Garden to see how many friendly pumpkin fish you can spot. During your travels, you may even run into the Pumpkin Queen as she reads stories in the garden, happening at select times throughout the day.
• Halloween Storytime with Big Bird: Gather around Big Bird’s nest to hear some of his favorite Halloween stories during Storytime with Big Bird, happening at select times throughout the day.
• Build-your-own Cookie Bar: Adults and kids can enjoy our build-your-own cookie cup bar, featuring mini cookie cups filled with fun selections of goodies and topped with candy, sprinkles and whipped cream.

Plus, don’t forget to support the Teal Pumpkin Program for those with allergies – guests with food allergies can collect teal tokens at candy stations and redeem them for allergy-friendly items at Coconut Bay Traders in the Key West area of the park.

Rules for Halloween Costumes
All guests are welcome to dress up in Halloween costumes. Guests who are ages 13 and older may not wear costume masks or hoods, and all costumes are subject to the normal dress code for the park. In addition, face painting is not permitted on any guests unless it is done by park artists.

Howl-O-Scream Returns to Take Over the Night
When the sun goes down, SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream returns promising skull-shivering scares beyond your worst nightmare giving you more screams than any other theme park. From a petrifying pier to a toxic wasteland, experience the shadow-stalking fears that lie around every corner and reimagined frights all through the night. Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando is intended for mature audiences and takes screams to the extreme. This year’s event features 5 haunted houses, 7 scare zones along with several bars, roaming haunts and shows. For thrills alongside chills, guests can soar to death-defying heights on fan-favorite attractions such as Manta, Mako, Pipeline, and Ice Breaker. SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream will take place on select dates from September 8 – October 31, 2023.

Best Way to Play
One of the best ways for guests to experience SeaWorld Orlando’s Spooktacular is with a SeaWorld Orlando 2024 Fun Card, which offers park admission through December 31, 2024, for one low price of $131.99. Guests who purchase a Fun Card right now will have the opportunity to attend Spooktacular and the award-winning Christmas Celebration this year. Guests will also have admission to SeaWorld Orlando for a full calendar year to experience thrilling rides, amazing animal encounters and energizing entertainment while also getting the opportunity to be part of all the seasonal events happening in 2024. For even more unbeatable benefits, guests can purchase a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass for as low as $14/month + tax with no down payment. With an Annual Pass, guests will enjoy 12 months of visits with special benefits like free parking, free guest tickets, access to special VIP events, savings on merchandise and more! Some restrictions and blockout dates apply. Annual Passes and Fun Cards can be purchased at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Intercard, the world leader in cashless technology, has hired Steven Guignon as its house accounts manager. He will work on the inside sales team along with key accounts manager Chris Deusinger.

An experienced small businessman, Steve has expertise in growing B2B sales from existing accounts. A US Coast Guard-certified boat captain, Steve most recently handled sales for Alaska Luxury Tours, a company he co-founded. In 2022 the company made $1.7 million in sales providing luxury whale watching tours for eleven major cruise lines. Prior to Alaska Luxury Tours, Steve was a cruise ship captain in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

Steve also has extensive experience in tech sales. For several years he was an area sales manager for AT&T, managing five retail stores across the Midwest.

“Steve has over 20 years of experience in sales and relationship building as a sales executive and business owner,” says Bill Allen, North America sales manager for Intercard. “His skill in growing sales with existing customers will be a great asset to Intercard as we continue to expand our inside sales operation.”

A native of St. Louis, Steve is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in business management. As a child he fell in love with arcade games on family visits to Six Flags Amusement Park St. Louis. His favorite games are Skee Ball and Pop-a-Shot Basketball.

Steve is available at sguignon@intercardinc.com to answer questions from customers about Intercard’s popular products and services for amusement operators.

From Saturday 7 October, theme park Toverland is all about Halloween with sixteen family-friendly Halloween Days at daytime and thirteen terrifying Halloween Nights in the evenings. During those Nights, 160 scare actors will scare the hell out of visitors across five thrilling scare zones and six horrifying Haunted Experiences. New this year is a haunted house called ‘Now You’re Mine’, whereby a tour of a mining museum gets a very mysterious twist. Scare zone ‘Cirque’ is also renewed, with large circus grounds that stretch beyond the gates of Toverland. More information about the programme can be found on toverland.com/halloween.

New Haunted House: Now You’re Mine
Visitors of Mining Museum Sevenum are able to admire a temporary exhibition about Mijndert Müller, a striking mining director who went into the dark tunnels of the mine to search for the Magnum Opus, a stone that is supposed to give you eternal life. But he disappeared, never to be seen again. For those who are daring enough to investigate the secrets of this mining director, a tour awaits of Now You’re Mine which lasts around 20 minutes. Tickets are € 9.50 each and available, as long as stocks last, via Toverland’s website.

Horrifying Halloween Nights
During the Halloween Nights (age advice 12+ years), terrifying monsters take possession over Toverland. Once they’ve shown themselves to the visitors in an impressive parade, they disappear off to five free scare zones and six paid Haunted Experiences. Bigger than ever this year is scare zone Cirque. Courageous visitors can walk across the circus grounds to encounter freaky circus performers, step on board nostalgic fairground attractions, play Dutch games of the past and indulge their appetites at the food trucks. ‘Fiesta de los Muertos’ sees the return of the Mexican dead, Trojan zombie warriors roam around in ’DesTroy’, ice witch Morgana takes reigns in ‘Morgana’s Frozen Knights’ and mutant crew members terrorise the seabed in ‘Shadows of the Sea’.

Visitors are required to book a ticket and a time slot for the six Haunted Experiences (€ 5 – € 9.50). Besides the new Haunted House Now You’re Mine, daredevils can also enter a forest containing dark witches in ‘The Witches Forest’, find their way amongst giant rats in a maze called ‘Trapped’ and go explore the mysterious mansion ‘Maison de la Magie’. Visitors come across lifelike dolls in a place called ‘The Dollhouse’ and they can search for the lost forest keeper in ‘Fear the Woods’.

All-in Fear Pass
Visitors who want to experience all of the Haunted Experiences have the option to buy an all-in Fear Pass. This Fear Pass costs € 49.50 and gives one-off access to all six Experiences. Owners of a Fear Pass do not have to book a time slot and are even allowed to skip the queues. The Fear Pass is also a real collectors’ item: it consists of a unique lanyard with a physical pass.

Family-friendly Halloween Days
During the Halloween Days (age advice: up to 12 years) are two thrilling family shows and five remarkable Halloween experiences great opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. New this year is the indoor experience Magic Forest. In this remarkable forest, visitors will explore a magical lime tree. Toos Toverhoed and Morrel are having their scary party in a show called ‘Toos & Morrel go scaring’. Also returning again is Dr. Fool, who loves to test the fears of our youngest guests. Finally, do not forget to pay a visit to the Pumpkin Farm, where visitors can admire a total of 40,000(!) pumpkins this year.

Practical information
The Halloween Nights take place on 7 October, 14 until 16 October, 18 until 22 October, 27 until 29 October and 4 November. Toverland remains open until 23:00 hours during the Halloween Nights with a fireworks display at 22:45 to mark the end of the day. All other attractions are also open. Visitors can enjoy the Halloween Days on 7 and 8 October, 14 until 22 October, 27 until 29 October and 4 and 5 November. Tickets are available via tickets.toverland.com/halloween.

Thrill or family – the question that so often stands at the beginning of roller coaster planning has been answered: Maurer Rides presents the Speed Chaser. Passengers determine their own speed, 8-seater and 2-seater racers can be used alternatively or simultaneously on the track, plus tilting seats, boosters, gaming, shooting, light gates … the Speed Chaser can do a lot in a small area if required.

The Speed Chaser layout is fresh from the think tank of Maurer Rides in Munich. The biggest wow effect: The layout can accommodate two different vehicle types. Racer as a two-seater or Train for up to eight passengers, and not alternatively, but also simultaneously. This opens up new flexibility for operators: they can use different vehicles depending on visitor frequency or give passengers the choice: Everyone loves options!

Experiences packed close
Whatever Spike vehicle chosen; the Speed Chaser is characterized by a high level of know-how. There is no boring technology here, because the basis of the Speed Chaser is the spike drive, which has been tried and tested hundreds of times, but is still unrivalled. The formula is “on the move at all times” and it means that any ride figure is possible at any point. The drive can be engaged anywhere on the track with acceleration and braking. Maurer Rides has conjured up a very compact layout on a small footprint (60m x 50m) from these possibilities – and at the same time opens up the space for maximum planning freedom: whether thrill coaster with spectacular loops and boosts or “just” family coaster without inversions.

Gaming on Board
The icing on the cake of the Speed Chaser are the interactive features: get in and step on the gas – or would you rather enjoy it gently? Either way, the passenger controls the speed. A throttle and boost button provides additional thrust, bright brake lights alert, and the engine sound is speed-dependent and freely configurable.

Unrivalled high-tech vehicle
Gone are the days of the passive co-pilot. The co-pilot activates the track light gates, with the integrated targets on top, and with the shoot button it’s time to collect points. The onboard video system (with touchscreen display, of course) can generate additional income for the park. More equipment can hardly be squeezed into a vehicle.

Tilt and fly
Not digital, but immediately noticeable, is the 45° tilt function of the Speed Chaser seats. They can be triggered anywhere on the track (by the passenger or program- controlled) and when they tilt backwards, e.g., at the camelback, they catapult you visually into the sky and you fall into weightlessness.

“Weightless in the sky” …
.. that’s how the Speed Chaser feels with its many possibilities and countless combinations. Not only for passengers, but also for operators. The question is no longer: What works? But rather: How would you like your next roller coaster to be? Thanks to the spike drive, roller coaster planning has become a concert of wishes for operators.

ITASCA, Ill. — Family Entertainment Group (FEG) is thrilled to announce that PrimeTime Amusements has joined the Family Entertainment Group portfolio of businesses.

Founded by David Goldfarb in 1992, PrimeTime Amusements, a globally recognized operator of arcades, has entered into a transformative partnership with Family Entertainment Group. This partnership signifies a significant milestone for both companies, as FEG adds the operations of 20 arcades and entertainment centers across premier resort and hospitality locations within the Central Florida market.

This strategic collaboration significantly expands FEG’s footprint within the pivotal Orlando market, reinforcing the Company’s position as the foremost outsourced provider of family entertainment, games, and attractions for resort, waterpark, and amusement park operators nationwide. FEG’s proven track record in delivering top‐tier entertainment experiences aligns seamlessly with PrimeTime Amusements’ legacy of excellence, promising an exciting evolution in the industry landscape.

“We are thrilled to welcome David and the talented members of PrimeTime Amusements into the FEG family,” stated George Smith, Founder and CEO of FEG. “This combination not only strengthens our position within Orlando but also demonstrates our unwavering commitment to elevating entertainment offerings for families and visitors. Together, we are poised to create unforgettable experiences that resonate with audiences of all ages.”

David Goldfarb shared his excitement, stating, “We are absolutely thrilled to join forces with George and the remarkable FEG team. This collaboration uniquely positions PrimeTime Amusements to provide unparalleled arcade experiences to its patrons across its multiple locations.”

The combined company will invest nearly 100 pieces of new equipment in PrimeTime’s existing sites including video, virtual reality and redemption games. As these exciting enhancements roll out, guests can anticipate new games, experiences, and unmatched fun across Orlando’s most sought‐after resort destinations.

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Universal Studios Hollywood marked the highly anticipated opening of Halloween Horror Nights with a feverish flurry of excitement last night, beckoning in 38 terrifying nights that feature eight scary haunted houses, including “The Last of Us,” “Stranger Things” and “The Exorcist: Believer,” three original scare zones, two new live experiences and the popular Terror Tram.

Halloween Horror Nights continues on September 8-10, 14-17, 21-24, 27-30; October 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29 and 31, 2023.

This year’s Halloween Horror Nights lineup includes:

• “The Last of Us” lets guests step into the world of Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game, as they venture alongside Joel and Ellie through an overgrown Pittsburgh and survive against Clickers, Hunters and more.
• “Stranger Things 4” brings season 4 of Netflix’s original series to life, transporting guests to Hawkins, Indiana, where they will encounter the newest villain, Vecna, hell-bent on obliterating the volatile barrier between the Upside Down and the real world in an attempt to reign supreme.
• Face an evil reawakened in “The Exorcist: Believer,” inspired by the Universal Pictures’ terrifying new horror film from Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Entertainment.
• “Universal Monsters: Unmasked” expands on the Universal Monsters legacy with horror icons The Invisible Man, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Phantom of the Opera and The Hunchback of Notre Dame coming together for the first time in a chilling new story. The haunted house features an original score from GRAMMY® Award-winning musician, SLASH.
• “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count,” inspired by the hit USA & SYFY series and cult classic films, features the infamous slasher doll and his best kills throughout the series and films.
• “Evil Dead Rise” brings guests to a new twisted tale in the Evil Dead franchise, based on New Line Cinema’s 2023 box office hit.
• “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” includes Latin American folklore’s most terrifying ghosts and creatures.
• “Holidayz in Hell” takes visitors on a petrifying trip through a series of psychotic seasonal celebrations.
• “Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz” puts guests on the world-renowned Universal backlot and in the middle of an insect uprising led by the devious Larry Larva whose goal is to exterminate humans from planet Earth. Horror fans will also walk along the Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope where they will encounter The Tethered from Us in an epic crossover from two of director Jordan Peele’s epic blockbusters.
• “Blumhouse: Behind the Screams” is an original concept that showcases a selection of Blumhouse horror films, including the highly anticipated films Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Exorcist: Believer, as well as fan-loving hits like M3GAN and The Black Phone. This unique experience breaks the fourth wall and invites guests to explore these films as they step through the silver screen for an up-close look at authentic film props, costume displays and terrifying character encounters.
• For the first time, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” takes the blockbuster film franchise into an entirely new environment…open waters, in an all-new live show. Located within the WaterWorld venue and featuring adrenaline-filled action sequences, stunts, spectacular lighting and laser effects, high fall fire burns and massive explosions, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” celebrates an evening of anarchy without thought of punishment or fear of retribution.

All-new scare zones taunt and torment guests as they navigate the darkness from one terrifying haunted house to the next. These include:

• “El Terror de las Momias” is a Latin-themed scare zone and an extension of the “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” haunted house that takes guests on a desperate attempt to escape an ancient army of unearthed mummies.
• Located on New York Street, the “Toyz” scare zonedares guests to play in the toy box of terror where a wicked toymaker uses dark magic to bring his evil toys to life.
• A welcome wagon of “Ghostz” featuring a horde of blood-soaked, chainsaw-wielding ghosts gather at the entrance to Halloween Horror Nights to rattle nerves.

Select theme park attractions also remain open during the run of event, including “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride.™”

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” is also open during Halloween Horror Nights, inviting guests to experience some of their favorite attractions, including “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff.™”  As part of the event, guests will encounter Death Eaters™, a group of Voldemort’s most devoted followers, roam Hogsmeade™ village in search of others willing to show loyalty to the Dark Lord’s cause.

Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of Halloween Horror Night ticket options, including General Admission, Universal Express, After 2 P.M. Day/Night, the premium R.I.P. Tour, the new Early Access Ticket, which provides access to select haunted houses prior to the scheduled event opening (starting at 5:30 p.m., subject to change),and the popular Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass. For more information about each ticket type and Terms and Conditions, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Guests can also unlock six months of Peacock Premium with the online purchase of single-night event tickets or the popular Frequent Fear and Rush of Fear Passes. Limited time offer. Eligibility restrictions and Terms Apply.

Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights from Thursday, September 7 through Tuesday, October 31 at Universal Studios Hollywood and Friday, September 1 through Saturday, November 4 at Universal Orlando Resort.

ST. LOUIS — Cashless technology innovator Intercard will attend the 2023 IAAPA Expo Europe, the leisure industry’s largest trade show in Europe, to be held September 26-28 in Vienna. CEO Scott Sherrod and Alberto Borrero, senior vice-president of international sales, will be on hand for the European debut of Intercard’s new tappable version of the Impulse hybrid card reader that takes credit cards as well as play cards.  

The Impulse reader makes payment even easier for amusement center customers, especially the increasing number who prefer credit cards to cash. “Operators tell us that credit card use is up substantially at FECs and BECs, and I believe the trend is here to stay. Operators find that credit card users spend more in their centers,” says Borrero. “The ability to use credit cards right at the reader will revolutionize our industry.”

Impulse readers help proprietors increase revenues by capturing the business of “impulse” players who just want to play a few quick games without buying a game card. The Impulse gives these customers the same ease-of-use as game card users by swiping or tapping their credit card.

“In testing at arcades the Impulse has increased overall game revenue by as much as 20% by capturing the business of impulse players,” says Borrero. “They have traditionally used cash but that’s becoming rarer as FECs increasingly move from coin-op to cashless technology.”

Visitors to booth #B1912 can learn why such trend setting European FECs as France’s Hall U Need and Spain’s Ozone Bowling rely on Intercard for innovative and dependable payment and management technology that boosts revenues and improves customer service. “Don’t be fooled by copycats,” says Borrero. “Intercard is the only cashless provider that designs, develops, and manufactures all hardware and software under one roof in the USA and sells it around the world.”

Intercard will also showcase its contactless e-commerce platform that enables guests to buy game cards in the safety and comfort of their home. They print out a QR code and scan it at the Intercard iTeller in the FEC to receive a game card. There’s no need to interact with center staff. Operators can increase revenues by selling packages and memberships online and can capture customers’ contact information for future promotions. Intercard’s e-commerce platform is easy to install on a venue’s website and can be customized to fit the operator’s brand.