Amusement 360 Event
Learn The Tools To Build A More Profitable Business
September 16-18, 2025
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The Place Where Ambitious People Keep Growing
Connect With Entrepreneurs And Business Owners
Running a business (or opening a new one) is hard work, and at times it can feel lonely and overwhelming. The Amusement 360 Event (hosted by Action Lab Leadership and Creative Works) is the perfect place to clear your head, connect with others in the industry, and create energy and momentum in your business.
This is not a typical educational event. It’s an EXPERIENCE unlike anything else. There’s a reason 100% of attendees would recommend this event to industry colleagues. Whether you’re looking to open your first location-based entertainment venue or you’re a veteran operator, you WILL learn valuable tools and meet amazing people.
“The people you meet and connect with here can change your life!” Stephanie Moxley, Pins &Wheels
Real Results From Real People
Revenue Growth
100%
of attendees learned something that grew their top-line revenue.
Leadership
99%
of attendees learned something that helped them become a better leader.
Profitability
99%
of attendees learned something that improved their profitability.
Recommendation
100%
of attendees would recommend this event to industry colleagues.
*Results based on surveys conducted at 4 Amusement 360 events in 2023 and 2024, and completed by 142 attendees.
Is The Amusement 360 Event Right For You?
New Startups
If you’re opening your first family entertainment center, here’s what you’ll get from this event:
- Gain access to 14+ hours of educational content: presentations, panels, interviews, and more
- Meet and learn from owners who have been operating for years
- Network with other startup entrepreneurs from across the country
- Understand the common pitfalls of opening a venue and how to avoid them
- Learn attractions, operations, marketing, and leadership best practices
- Meet with some of the best industry vendors to help you plan your venue
Existing Owners/Operators
If you already own and operate an FEC brand, here’s what you’ll get from this event:
- Gain access to 14+ hours of educational content: presentations, panels, interviews, and more
- Step away from the day-to-day stress and create a plan for growth
- Join a community of peers who are helping each other succeed
- Learn the tools to help you become a better leader for your team
- Reconnect with your WHY and return to your venue feeling invigorated
- Meet with some of the best industry vendors to plan for the future
Agenda
We have an amazing lineup of content for you at this event. Everything from leadership and business growth strategies to operational and marketing tactics. The event starts at 2:00pm Eastern on Tuesday, September 16 and ends at 2:30pm Eastern on Thursday September 18.
| Time | Speaker | Topic |
| 1:00pm – 2:0pm | Attendee Check-In | |
| 2:00pm – 2:15pm | Danny Gruening | Welcome to Amusement 360 |
| 2:15pm – 2:45pm | Danny Gruening Michelle Gruening |
Embrace This Mindset to Overcome Any Business Challenge |
| 2:45pm – 3:15pm | Jerry Merola | Is Now The Time to Grow Your Brand? |
| 3:15pm – 3:30pm | Networking Break | |
| 3:30pm – 4:00pm | Armando Lanuti Russ Van Natta |
Understand the Factors That Impact Attraction Decisions |
| 4:00pm – 4:30pm | CenterEdge Software Party Center Software ROLLER Semnox |
Panel Discussion |
| 4:30pm – 5:00pm | Vendor/Networking Break | |
| 5:00pm – 5:30pm | TBD | Operator Interview |
| 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Scott Harvey | Keynote – Silence Kills: Communication Tactics with a Hostage Negotiator |
| 6:30pm – 10:00pm | Dinner, Drinks, and Fun! |
| Time | Speaker | Topic |
| 9:00am – 9:15am | Russ Van Natta Kimberly Schilling |
Day 2 Kickoff |
| 9:15am – 9:45am | Delta Strike DFX Laserforce QubicaAMF |
Panel Discussion |
| 9:45am – 10:30am | Vendor/Networking Break | |
| 10:30am – 11:00am | Jackie Hoegger | Location-Based AI Marketing Is The Future: Don’t Get Left In The Past |
| 10:30am – 11:00am | Dave Wallace | What to Expect When Opening a New FEC |
| 11:10am – 11:40am | Courtney Drahos | Digital Growth Strategies: Boosting Birthday Party Revenue and Beyond for FECs |
| 11:10am – 11:40am | Jerry Merola | How to Secure Project Financing for a New or Expanded Venue |
| 11:50am – 12:20pm | Kevin Williams | Future-Proofing Your Entertainment Venue |
| 11:50am – 12:20pm | Jason Wistreich | More Than Drawings: The Unexpected Value of Architects |
| 12:20pm – 1:30pm | Networking Lunch | |
| 1:30pm – 2:00pm | Adam Kleinhenz | Arcade 201: Advanced Strategies to Boost Profits |
| 1:30pm – 2:00pm | Britannie Betti | Arcade 101: The Science Behind a New Game Room |
| 2:10pm – 2:40pm | Dave Wallace | The Power of a Great Food and Bar Program in Your FEC |
| 2:10pm – 2:40pm | Genevieve Sullivan | From Day One to All-Star: Streamlining Onboarding for Maximum Impact |
| 2:50pm – 3:20pm | A&A Global Betson Embed Shaffer |
Panel Discussion |
| 3:20pm – 4:15pm | Vendor/Networking Break | |
| 4:15pm – 5:00pm | Craig Erlich Heather Dolhi |
Operator Interview – Launch Family Entertainment |
| 5:00pm – 5:30pm | Danny Gruening | Beyond Achievement: Create Fulfillment in Business and Life |
| 5:30pm – 7:00pm | Theme Factory Tour | |
| 7:00pm – 10:00pm | Dinner, Drinks, and Casino Night |
| Time | Speaker | Topic |
| 9:30am – 9:45am | Russ Van Natta Kimberly Schilling |
Day 3 Kickoff |
| 9:45am – 10:15am | TBD | Operator Interview |
| 10:15am – 10:30am | Vendor/Networking Break | |
| 10:30am – 11:00am | Bart Burger | The 7 Key Factors of Social Gaming |
| 11:00am – 11:30am | Armando Lanuti | Grow Your Business With a Vivid Vision |
| 11:30am – 12:00pm | Danny Gruening Michelle Gruening |
The Journey to Becoming an Influential Leader |
| 12:00pm – 1:15pm | Final Networking Lunch | |
| END OF EVENT | ||
| 1:30pm – 3:00pm | Danny Gruening Michelle Gruening |
Event Add-On: Leadership & Goals Workshop
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Speakers
This event showcases some of the best experts in the amusement industry, and they will share action items you can apply to every aspect of your business.
Danny Gruening
Action Lab Leadership
Russ Van Natta
Creative Works
Armando Lanuti
Creative Works
Kimberly Schilling
Creative Works
Michelle Gruening
Action Lab Leadership
Scott Harvey
Speaking of Harvey
Craig Erlich
Launch Entertainment
Heather Dolhi
Launch Entertainment
David Zorn
Bravoz
Laura Zorn
Bravoz
Dave Wallace
Turfway Entertainment
Jerry Merola
AEM
Jackie Hoegger
Hoegger Communications
Courtney Drahos
Party Center Software
Kevin Williams
The Stinger Report
Adam Kleinhenz
Shaffer Distributing
Britannie Betti
Betson
Genevieve Sullivan
TrainerTainment
Jason Wistreich
JKRP Architects
Bart Burger
QubicaAMF
Testimonials
Here’s a small sample of the amazing feedback we received previous Amusement 360 events!
Register
Amusement 360 Event Registration
Location: Indianapolis- Printed Event Booklet and Attendee Welcome Bag
- Door Prize Raffles
- Networking With Entrepreneurs and Operators
- Educational Presentations, Operator Interviews, and Panel Discussions
- Keynote Presentation
- Behind-the-Scenes Theme Factory Tour
- Meals During Event
- Transportation During Event
Still not sure if you’re ready to attend? Click here to ask a question!
Location and Travel
The Amusement 360 Event takes place at the Embassy Suites Event Center near the Indianapolis airport. The hotel is attached to the event center, so you can experience the entire event without needing to drive anywhere.
Event Location
Embassy Suites Event Center
2353 Perry Road, Plainfield, IN, 46168
Event Hotel
Embassy Suites Hotel – Book Now
Book by August 15 for discounted group rate of $179/night
6089 Clarks Creek Rd, Plainfield, IN 46168
Other Hotel Options
Event Details
Event Start
Check-in begins Day 1 (Tuesday) and the event will start promptly at 2:00pm
Event Conclusion
The event will conclude on Day 3 (Thursday) around 2:30pm, but we encourage you to stay through the night for other networking opportunities. The attendees who fly out Thursday afternoon/evening usually miss the final few presentations. If you’re investing the time and money to attend, you probably don’t want to miss anything.
Meals
We will provide snacks and dinner on Day 1 (Tuesday), lunch and dinner on Day 2 (Wednesday), and lunch on Day 3 (Thursday). You receive complimentary breakfast every morning if you stay at the Embassy Suites Hotel.
Take Notes
Participate
You’ll get out what you put in. So show up on time, engage in the content, and meet new people.
Clothing
FAQ
Will the event sell out?
What if I have a scheduling conflict and can't attend the upcoming event?
What will I learn?
In short, you’ll learn everything you need to operate a more profitable location-based entertainment venue. This includes design & development topics (site design, real estate negotiations, funding strategy, etc) and marketing & operation topics (attraction operations, hiring and training, marketing, etc). Plus you’ll have the opportunity to meet fellow operators from across the country.
What's included in my registration cost?
We take care of just about everything you need. We cover all meals from Tuesday dinner through Thursday lunch. In addition, we provide a custom event binder where you can take notes, along with a welcome bag with lots of goodies. Your registration does not include travel or lodging.
What should I bring?
What time does the event start?
The event starts on Day 1 at 2:00pm. For full details on the times and schedule, please see the Agenda section of this page.
If I already operate a center, is this the right event for me?
If I want to open my first center, is this the right event for me?
What partners/vendors will you have at the event?
Partners
This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing Partners. All of these companies will be present at the event, so you can schedule 1-on-1 time to ask questions and learn about their products and services.
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
Supporting Partners
