Archive for Recent Newsletters

News Flashes from Tourist Attractions & Parks Magazine

April 25, 2012 No Comments

Laserforce Opens its Fifth Site with Australia’s Largest Boutique Bowling Chain Laserforce recently opened its fifth state-of-the-art Laserforce facility with Australia’s largest privately owned bowling chain – Strike Bowling. Strike currently owns 12 boutique bowling bars throughout Australia that provide customers with a high-end bowling experience in a sophisticated bar-type atmosphere. Strike has integrated Laserforce ...

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Business Strategies:
Making the Admissions Process Fast and Easy

April 10, 2012 No Comments

For most, if not all visitors to leisure entertainment facilities, few things are more aggravating than experiencing a delay or other hassles at the entrance. Owners and operators can take several different approaches, technology-oriented and otherwise, in order to minimize such problems. Ensuring that information pertaining to admission prices, packages, extras and rules and regulations ...

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Business Strategies:
Top Tips For Handling Tokens and Redemption Tickets

April 3, 2012 No Comments

The handling of tokens and/or prize redemption tickets is a “necessary evil” for most, if not all, family entertainment centers, as well as for other leisure venues that have coin-operated games and attractions. Control over both components is most easily achieved through a few simple “best practices.” On the token side, operators whose facilities use ...

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Business Strategies:
Using Lighting to Improve the Appearance of Leisure Entertainment Facilities

March 27, 2012 No Comments

Increasingly, owners and operators of leisure entertainment facilities are taking into account that lighting, like most design components, plays a significant role in “making” or “breaking” the appearance of their venues and, in turn, the visitor experience. Consider the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, N.Y., where an outdoor lighting installation ...

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Business Strategies:
Top Tips for Maintaining Foodservice Equipment

March 20, 2012 No Comments

Foodservice equipment represents a sizeable investment for any leisure entertainment facility that offers freshly prepared snacks or meals rather than those that come out of a vending machine. Protecting and leveraging this investment necessitates proper equipment maintenance. Such maintenance starts with regular cleaning. Almost every manufacturer provides a recommended cleaning schedule for each piece of ...

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Business Strategies: Adding Profits with New Attractions and Rides

March 12, 2012 No Comments

It’s no secret that adding even one new attraction or ride to a leisure entertainment facility necessitates what could be a sizeable financial outlay. However, such a move offers significant payback in the form of return on investment and increased profits. For some owners and operators, the enhanced profit potential comes from the ability of ...

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Business Strategies: Theming Your Leisure Entertainment Facility for Maximum Impact

March 5, 2012 No Comments

“Theming” is a great way for leisure entertainment facilities to enhance their guests’ experience and distinguish themselves from similar operations, providing it is well thought out and thoroughly executed. While there is nothing inherently wrong with selecting a theme based at least in part on instinct or personal preference, other considerations can, and probably should, ...

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Business Strategies: Obtaining the Proper Insurance Coverage

February 22, 2012 No Comments

Purchasing and maintaining the right insurance coverage has always been a must for owners and operators of leisure entertainment facilities and rental concerns, but is now more important than ever given society’s increasing tendency to initiate lawsuits at seemingly every turn. While it may be tempting to sign on the dotted line with the first ...

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Business Strategies: Finding and Maintaining Relationships with the Best Food and Food Equipment Vendors

February 14, 2012 No Comments

Food service now ranks as such an integral component of, and profit generator for, many leisure entertainment facilities, making it more important than ever to offer high-quality fare. Finding the best food and food equipment vendors, as well as cultivating and maintaining long-term relationships with these entities, will help venues of all kinds to attain ...

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Business Strategies: Appealing to Couples at Leisure Entertainment Facilities

January 30, 2012 No Comments

January 30, 2012 Over the past few years, women’s interest and other lifestyle magazines have been publishing articles that urge married and unmarried couples alike to engage in activities other than restaurant dining and movie-going when out on a date. Owners and operators of leisure entertainment facilities can make their venues the site of such ...

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Business Strategies: Attracting More Group Business to Leisure Entertainment Facilities

January 24, 2012 No Comments

January 24, 2012 While individual guests clearly generate a significant chunk of leisure entertainment facilities’ business, group sales can open up a nice alternative revenue stream for venues of all kinds. What’s more, successfully playing the group sales card isn’t as difficult as operators may think; a bit of ingenuity and beyond-the-box thinking go a ...

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Business Strategies: Increasing Food Revenues at Leisure Entertainment Facilities

January 16, 2012 No Comments

January 16, 2012 While most consumers will purchase food, beverages or a combination thereof when visiting leisure entertainment facilities, there is much that owners and operators can, and should, do to sell more items and boost revenues in this category. Offering “signature” foods tops the list of possibilities. Such items need not be fancy or ...

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Business Strategies: Keeping Food Costs Down at Leisure Entertainment Facilities

January 10, 2012 No Comments

January 10, 2012 By many industry estimates, a well-thought-out food service component can account for 25 percent or more of total revenues generated at leisure entertainment facilities. However, achieving such a feat is a double-edged sword for operators these days. On one hand, economic pressure is leading visitors to demand more affordable fare, meaning that ...

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Business Strategies: Catering to Children at Leisure Entertainment Facilities

December 19, 2011 No Comments

December 19, 2011 When it comes to catering to children at leisure entertainment facilities, being a bit different goes a long way, whether in terms of the menu, projects or programming. On the foodservice front, novelty appears to be a big selling point. Last summer, Albuquerque, N.M.-based Albuquerque Biological Park, which encompasses the Rio Grande ...

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Business Strategies: Innovations in Coin-Op Games for Leisure Entertainment Facilities

December 7, 2011 No Comments

December 6, 2011 Offering the latest options ranks among the best ways for leisure entertainment facilities to win big with coin-operated games. Vendors continue to innovate in this area, so there is no shortage of new possibilities from which to choose. For some vendors, innovation comes in the form of games with next-generation interactive features ...

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Sponsors

Safari Ltd.

Leading manufacturer of innovative educational toys.

Wisdom Industries, Ltd.

Amusement ride manufacturer, new and used rides.

National Rock & Sculpture

Dedicated to the conceptual design and development of themed environments.

Rio Syrup

Over 250 flavors, syrups and concentrates for shaved ice, sno cones, shushes, food colors. Now featuring Hawaiian Flower Cups.

Barron Games

Redemption air hockey games.

Qubica

Sells capital equipment to bowling centers.

Laser Star

Laser shooting galleries, laser tag, dark ride target systems, overhead target ranges.

Harris Miniature Golf Course

Design and construction of miniature golf courses and water rides.

Chestnut Identity Apparel

Uniform supply, embroidered apparel and flag manufacturing.

Rides-4-U, INC.

New and used rides, kiddie, family, major and thrill.

Cost of Wisconson

Creators of simulated environments, duplicate structures, sculpted figures, exhibits, water features, mini-golf and more.

Art Attack

Theming, miniature golf, parade floats, 3D props, air-brushed murals, signage and art panels.

R&R Creative Amusement Design

Designers of unique themed parks, attractions and environments for the entertainment business.

Precision Dynamics (PDC)

Wristbands with no hidden costs, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Wristband System.

Klopp International, Inc. (Playmeter)

Quality coin counters and sorters.

Penny Press

Penny souvenir machine, great for parks, FECs, bowling and skating centers, museums and tourist attractions.

Ride Development Corp.

Electric floor, gas and battery-powered bumper cars.

Tokens Direct

A wide variety of tokens.

Aquaventronics

Research and development of interactive water games for use in the commercial amusement industry.

Formula K Raceways

Go-karts, kiddie cars and bumper boats, go-kart parts and tires.

Amusement Entertainment Management (AEM)

Premier entertainment consultants.

Brunswick Bowling

Entertainment bowling center developer and manufacturer of bowling equipment and entertainment products.

Hamilton Manufacturing Corp.

Manufacturer of unattended entry systems and change machines.

Namco

Namco America is a premier manufacturer of coin-op arcade attractions, ranging from the hottest titles like Crazy Typhoon and Jumpin’ Jackpot to classic game-room experiences such as the Pac-Man 25th Anniversary upright that features Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga. Specialized pieces such as Wonka Sweetland and Flamin Finger are favorites too! For arcade gaming fun, Namco America is your answer.

Jane Farrell Turf and Carpets, Inc.

Commercial carpet, printed and decorative patterns, loop and cut-pile construction. Wall coverings in fluorescents, Class A fire rated. Colored turf, both traditional and neon colors.

Family Fun Corp.

Waterpark walls for rivers, bumper boat and splash down pools.

Poly Products

Tables, benches and related products. Green products for a green world.

Tear Repair

Tear-Aid industrial strength patches to repair holes and tears.

Comstock - Castle Stove

Commercial cooking equipment.

Flagship Carpet

Custom carpets and rugs.

Zebec Water Sports

Large variety of waterpark needs

Water Wars (T&D Enterprises of Brainerd)

Water Wars water balloon game, portable or startionary.

Midway Concepts (Circus Tops)

Premier designers of stainless steel food service equipment.

Muncie Novelty Co., Inc.

Admissions, financial equipment, printing and tickets.

CFX Composite & Effects

Special effects make-up and prosthetics

Enchanted Castle Studios

Fiberglass statuary and figures for restaurants, mini-golf, theme parks and other attractions.

Davis & Davis, Inc.

Planning consultants for wet/dry attractions, mini-golf, go-kart tracks and laser arenas.

Tube Pro

Waterpark tubes.

A'maze Ventures, Inc.

Mazes for every location, new and used.

Fast Corp Vending

Frozen food vending machines

U.S. Bowling

Award-winning independent company brings bowling to your venue.

Bulbtronics

A premier source for lamps, LEDs, batteries and lighting-related and electrical products.

Look Solutions

Fog machines.

Money Tree - ATM

ATM machines.

Lil Orbits Inc.

Food equipment, donut machines and vendor carts.

Adventure Glass

Unique paddleboats.

Richie's Italian Ice

Italian Ice Kiosks and Carts

American Changer

Bill and coin dispensers and counters, ticket machines and more.

Sureshot Redemption

One-stop source for prize redemption counters at entertainment centers.

Embed

Provides innovative IT products and services with a primary focus on card-based solutions and database applications for the leisure and retail industries.

Sippers By Design

Design and manufacture of specialty custom-shaped drink containers.

Deltronic Labs Inc.

Ticket dispensers.

Action Lighting Co.

Lighting supplies.

Master Pitching Machine

Batting cages and pitching machines.

Soft Play

Leader in designing, manufacturing and installing soft contained playground equipment.

Omega Carpets

Printed carpeting for all your facility needs.

West Coast Netting, Inc.

Experienced netting manufacturer on the leading edge of innovation.

Birthday University

Concept development, training and birthday party touring seminars.

Castle Golf, Inc.

Planning, design and construction of miniature golf courses and family fun parks.

Martin Professionals

A lighting supplier of choice for the entertainment industry.

Nieco Corp

Nieco automatic broilers.

Center Edge Software

Facility Management Software Solutions

Splashtacular

Manufacturer of waterslides

Knight Equipment

Drive cables for ferris wheels, Tilt-A-Whirls, Rock-O-Planes and many others.

SnowMasters

Evaporative snow systems.

California Portable Dance Floor Company

Quik N' Crispy (QNC)

Quik n’ Crispy greaseless fryer.

See Coast Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Coin-operated binoculars and telescopes.

Weldon, Williams & Lick

Admission systems and wristband ticketing.

GloCones

Flashing cotton candy cones.

Store on Wheels

Importer and distributor of quality toys, lighting and novelties. Cater to the amusement, retail and entertainment industries.

Adventure Golf

Miniature golf courses, consultants, architecture and design.

Berk Paper & Supply

Concession supplies.

Wells Fargo

Commercial insurance for inflatables and event planners.

Belson Manufacturing Co.

Park and recreation outdoor furniture and equipment.

Tarobots

Boxerjocks robotic boxing amusement ride game attraction.

Thomco Insurance (Fun Pro)

Fun Pro is an insurance program especially designed for party planners and party rental businesses.

Broaster Co., The

Food programs and food service equipment.

Mahoning Valley Mfg.

A complete line of Imperial strollers, wagons and safari utility vehicles.

Lakeshore Merchandise (Smart Vending)

Premier vending supply for all of your vending equipment and supply needs.

European Body Arts

Airbrushed temporary tattoo products and systems.

Gold Medal Products Co.

Concession equipment, foods and beverages, popcorn, pretzels and snack foods.

Sacoa

Designed and manufactures PlayCard, the rechargeable debit card system.

Challenger Industries

Sports surfaces, carpets and mini-golf surfaces.

Hoffman Mint

Tokens, medals, coins and key tags.

Spectrum Sports

Climbing walls, ropes courses, go-karts and more.

Friedman Group Ins.

Insurance for amusement devices.

Perfect Fry

Innovative and simple-to-operate countertop deep fryer Perfect Fryers.

Xtreme Inflatables

Repair and service for all inflatable products.

Price Chopper, Inc. Wristbands

Admission, financial equipment and wristbands.

Northeast Insurance (NIC)

Insurance programs.

Gerber Manufacturing, Ltd.

Outdoor furniture, benches, picnic tables and grills.

Coast to Coast

Coin-operated entertainment, crane machines.

International Special Events (ISERA)

Risk purchasing group, a better way to purchase liability insurance, specializing in inflatables and much more.

Funovation

Laser maze challenge

Wapello Fabrications

Inflatables and portable amusements.

Gould Manufacturing, Ltd.

Concession trailers and Antique, Jeep and Grand Prix auto rides.

Extreme Engineering

Mobile and stationary climbing walls and adventure products.

Subway

Fresh food and sandwich options.

Lazer Runner

Laser Tag Systems

Kay Park Recreations Corp.

Picnic tables, grills, park benches, planters, trash containers and more.

Playsmart

Patented soft play design, soft playgrounds.

Empex Water Toys

Aquatons Water Toys

Beckman Insurance Agency

Amusement attractions insurance.

Max Flight

Manufactures interactive virtual reality motion-platform game systems including networkable flight and roller coaster simulators.

S&S Worldwide

Large Park amusement rides.

FunProInsurance
Funovation
Commercial Zone
Cannonball Blaster
CCI
Spectrum Sports
Empex Water Toys
Foundations Education University