The seventh edition of the annual IAAPA FEC Summit took place this year at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort, January 27-29, Austin, Texas.
Over 200 family entertainment centre (FEC) industry professionals from 35 states and 10 countries gathered to be a part of the industry’s leading international conference for operators and owners – a two-day event organised and hosted by IAAPA.
“The continued success of our annual IAAPA FEC Summit is a true testament to the growth of the family entertainment centre (FEC) community — IAAPA’s largest facility constituency around the world,” said Leslie Hutcheson, senior manager of constituency programs and services at IAAPA. “We are proud to host this inspiring event each year so industry owners, operators, manufacturers, and suppliers can come together to connect with each other and learn new strategies to positively impact their businesses’ bottom lines.”
Attendees heard from keynote speaker, Jeff Butler, millennial generation expert and technology speaker, who discussed providing authentic customer service and attracting the millennial market. Additional education and breakout sessions covered topics important to the FEC industry and entrepreneurs such as food and beverage, birthday parties/groups, risk management, games, capital investments and return on investment, and digital marketing.
Attendees also visited Austin’s Park ‘n Pizza for a day of small group breakout sessions, mini-golf, rides, and dinner. Post-event facility tours included visits to SpareTime Texas, High Five, Epic Fun, and Blazer Tag Adventure Center.
Plans are already underway for IAAPA FEC Summit 2020, which will be held in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Attendee Quotes:
“Traveling on a flight for more than 10 hours was worth it to attend this year’s IAAPA FEC Summit. I’m on the other side of the pond, but we all have the same issues, and it’s interesting to learn how we fix them. I’m leaving with a stack of business cards from people to keep in touch with.” Simon Hynd, Bubbles World of Play, Liverpool, England.
“This is our third IAAPA FEC Summit, and it’s always interesting to talk to people from different parts of the world to learn what they are doing, what games they have, and what works and doesn’t work for them. People at IAAPA FEC Summit are always willing to share.” Sandra Manougian, Fun World, North Andover, Massachusetts, US.
“The post tour is like school — it takes theory and puts it into practice. I was able to see places, go behind the scenes, talk to owners, and it all came together and made sense.” Trina Gordon, The MAX Family Entertainment Center, Orangeburg, South Carolina, US.
“I learned how FEC owners and operators are looking to evolve with changing times, and that was helpful for me. I made many connections with a lot of great people, and I look forward to attending IAAPA FEC Summit again.” Kristin McGuinness, Sparklicious, Mount Krisco, New York, US.
