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Your Guide to FEC Industry Events
Since the beginning of the pandemic, our lovely industry has, like many others, been flipped on its head. As a result, almost all of the family entertainment industry events have had to be cancelled, postponed, rescheduled or adjusted to a virtual format.
To help you keep track of the craziness, we’ve put together this resource that breaks down the important upcoming industry events. For each event, you’ll find the name, a short description, the dates of the upcoming event, and a link to find more information.
Amusement 360
Description: Amusement 360 is the premiere education event for startups and operators. It brings the best together to educate, inspire, and share. The multi-faced education approach covers all aspects of starting and operating an FEC, and empowers you to level up your business and your life.
Event Status: Virtual format for 2020. Register for free below.
Upcoming event date(s):
- October 6-7, 2020
Link for more information/register: https://amusement360.com/event/
Amusement Expo
Description: Amusement Expo International is the annual event for the coin-op and revenue-generating amusement, music and family entertainment industry.
Event Status: 2020 shows cancelled. Dates planned for 2021
Upcoming event date(s):
- March 16-18, 2021
Link for more information/register: https://www.amusementexpo.org
Birthday University
Description: Birthday University has toured internationally for over 16 years and successfully trained thousands of owners, managers, supervisors, marketing/sales and party hosts in the business of remarkable and profitable birthday party programs.
Event Status: Upcoming 2020 dates below.
Upcoming event date(s):
- September 16-17, 2020
- December 2-3, 2020
Link for more information/register:https://www.birthdayuniversity.com/
Blooloop V-Expo
Description: blooloop V-Expo is the world’s first online conference and exhibition for the global visitor attractions industry. Accessible on desktop, tablet and mobile, Blooloop V-Expo will feature world-class speakers, exhibitor halls and huge networking opportunities.
Event Status: Moved to virtual format.
Upcoming event date(s):
- October 13-15, 2020
Link for more information/register:https://blooloop.com/event/blooloop-v-expo-2020/
Bowl Expo
Description: Bowl Expo is a bowling trade show centered around helping you maximize operations and profit in the bowling industry. With a focus on education, the 2021 event will be focused on learning new skills and best practices that can be put into place at bowling centers around the world.
Event Status: 2020 event has been cancelled. Date has been set for 2021.
Upcoming event date(s):
- June 20-24, 2021
Link for more information/register:http://bpaa.com/bowlexpo
Bowling Summit
Description: Proprietors, Managers and Industry Leaders will have the opportunity to receive quality education and network with peers all the while enjoying sunny & warm Palm Springs.
Event Status: The next event is coming in 2021.
Upcoming event date(s):
- January 17-19, 2021
Link for more information/register: https://bpaa.com/bowlingsummit
Bowling University (Entertainment Center Management)
Description: ECM is perfect for those who are, or who could become, high-level operation managers in bowling-anchored entertainment centers.
During the week-long course, students cover all the complexities in operating centers that also offer a unique combination of attractions, food & beverage service and event hosting, and visit multiple sites where they have the opportunity to question the managers, operators and owners about their respective best practices.
Event Status: The next event is in October 2021.
Upcoming event date(s):
- October 3-8, 2021
Link for more information/register: https://bowlinguniversity.net/management-schools/entertainment-center-management
CinemaCon
Description: CinemaCon is the largest and most important gathering of movie theater owners from around the world.
Event Status: The next event is coming in April 2021.
Upcoming event date(s):
- April 26-29, 2021
Link for more information/register:https://cinemacon.com/
EAG
Description: EAG International Expo 2020 featured a series of high value and informative seminars addressing the key issues affecting today’s amusement and leisure industry.
Event Status: The January 2021 event has been cancelled.
Upcoming event date(s):
- TBD
Link for more information/register:https://www.eagexpo.com/
East Coast Bowling Centers Convention
Description: The East Coast Bowling Center Convention is the bowling industry’s largest regional annual convention and trade show featuring exhibits with a wide array of products and services. The ECBCC hosts a number of interactive seminars and “how-to” workshops that help proprietors’ improve their businesses and knowledge. The sessions serve to educate and expose proprietors to the latest trends, marketing ideas, profit center opportunities and new information about the industry to help build their businesses and help them to promote bowling in their own communities.
Event Status: The 2020 event has been cancelled. Please see the 2021 date below.
Upcoming event date(s):
- October 18-20, 2021
Link for more information/register:http://bpaa.com/ecbcc
FEC Connect
Description: FEC Connect isn’t for everyone, it’s for industry leaders – just like you. You’ll be with people who are passionate, intelligent, engaged and striving to make a difference. By the end of the day, you’ll have made connections, created relationships and been given the opportunity to think differently.
Event Status: Postponed 2020 events.
Upcoming event date(s):
- TBD
Link for more information/register:https://coin-op.org/fec-connect-registration/
FEC Success
Description: The 2-day seminar is conducted at the Amusement Products manufacturing facility and covers a variety of topics to educate both new and existing FEC operators. Experienced industry experts share their knowledge and insights on subjects such as feasibility, financing, zoning, design, construction, attractions and much more, with each segment including a Q & A session.
Event Status: Postponed 2020 events. Next event scheduled for February 2021.
Upcoming event date(s):
- March 9-10, 2021
Link for more information/register:https://fecsuccess.com/
Foundations University
Description: Foundations Entertainment University is a comprehensive 3-day educational seminar program covering all aspects of market & financial feasibility, planning, design, financing, development, marketing and managing a location-based entertainment business for long-term success.
Event Status: Virtual format for 2020
Upcoming event date(s):
- September 22-24, 2020
Link for more information/register: https://www.foundationsuniversity.com/
IAAPA Expo
Description: IAAPA Expo is the premier worldwide event for the attractions industry.
Event Status: Moved to a virtual format.
Upcoming event date(s):
- Virtual conference November 16-18
Link for more information/register:https://www.iaapa.org/expos/iaapa-expo
IAAPA Expo Asia
Description: Similar to IAAPA Expo, it’s the premier event for the attractions industry, taking place in Asia.
Event Status: 2020 event postponed. The 2021 event will take place in June. Actual dates TBD.
Upcoming event date(s):
- June 2021
Link for more information/register:https://iaapa.org/expos/iaapa-expo-asia
IAAPA FEC Summit
Description: Join us for the IAAPA FEC Summit 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona at the WeKoPa Resort & Conference Center Jan. 24 – 26, 2021. Taking place in Arizona, Family entertainment center (FEC) operators from around the globe will gather at this yearly event to learn the latest best practices and share ideas.
Event Status: Next event is coming Jan 2021
Upcoming event date(s):
- January 24-26, 2021
Link for more information/register:https://www.iaapa.org/events/connections/summit/iaapa-fec-summit-2021
IATP Europe
Description: The International Association of Trampoline Parks aims to serve our membership by promoting optimally safe operations, facilitating commercial success and stimulating growth of the trampoline park industry.
Event Status: Cancelled 2020 Event.
Upcoming event date(s):
- TBD
Link for more information/register: https://www.indoortrampolineparks.org/
IATP North America
Description: The International Association of Trampoline Parks aims to serve our membership by promoting optimally safe operations, facilitating commercial success and stimulating growth of the trampoline park industry.
Event Status: Cancelled 2020 Event.
Upcoming event date(s):
- TBD
Link for more information/register:https://www.indoortrampolineparks.org/
ShowUp
Description: ShowUp is the new social convention and trade show for FECs. It’s a virtual event that creates the positive feelings you get at a physical trade show, without getting on a plane, putting on a mask, and spending 14 days in quarantine.
The Event allows everyone in the family entertainment business including operators, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, media, and associations to participate.
Event Status: Upcoming event in October.
Upcoming event date(s):
- October 27-29
Link for more information/register: https://showup.events/
TrainerTainment Conferences
Description: During the two-day in-depth training sessions, attendees will receive the sales and business development tools needed to produce serious results that can be implemented in your center immediately and collaborate with others in the industry to learn more.
Event Status: Changed to virtual events
Upcoming event date(s):
- December 2-3, 2020
Link for more information/register: https://trainertainment.net/events/
WWA Show
Description: During the two-day in-depth training sessions, attendees will receive the sales and business development tools needed to produce serious results that can be implemented in your center immediately and collaborate with others in the industry to learn more.
Event Status: Changed to virtual events
Upcoming event date(s):
- TBD
Link for more information/register: https://www.wwashow.org/
Further Educational Information
Are you interested in more information about how operators are adapting to changing times? We conducted a survey of operators around the world, and asked them how they are adapting to the new normal. We focused on operational practices and the ways that FECs are adjusting their facilities during this time. To view the data from the survey, click below!
