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

  • Pinpoint your 2 highest-impact growth opportunities for your business
  • Identify the 2 most critical shifts you must make as a leader to unlock your next level
  • Build a clear, practical ACTION plan to tackle these 4 high-leverage priorities right away

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

Danny Gruening

Action Lab Leadership

Russ Van Natta

Russ Van Natta

Creative Works

Armando Lanuti

Armando Lanuti

Creative Works

Kimberly Schilling

Kimberly Schilling

Creative Works

Michelle Gruening

Michelle Gruening

Action Lab Leadership

Scott Harvey

Scott Harvey

Speaking of Harvey

Craig Erlich

Craig Erlich

Launch Entertainment

Heather Dolhi

Heather Dolhi

Launch Entertainment

David Zorn

David Zorn

Bravoz

Laura Zorn

Laura Zorn

Bravoz

Dave Wallace

Dave Wallace

Turfway Entertainment

Jerry Merola

Jerry Merola

AEM

Jackie Hoegger

Jackie Hoegger

Hoegger Communications

Courtney Drahos

Courtney Drahos

Party Center Software

Kevin Williams

Kevin Williams

The Stinger Report

Adam Kleinhenz

Adam Kleinhenz

Shaffer Distributing

Britannie Betti

Britannie Betti

Betson

Genevieve Sullivan

Genevieve Sullivan

TrainerTainment

Jason Wistreich

Jason Wistreich

JKRP Architects

Bart Burger

Bart Burger

QubicaAMF

Testimonials

Here’s a small sample of the amazing feedback we received previous Amusement 360 events!

5
{Creative Works put on one of the most energizing, educational programs we’ve attended. The learning opportunities and networking experiences were outstanding. We can’t thank you enough.{
Rebecca Garza
5
{Amusement 360 is such an amazing, well run, well organized event. The attention to detail is not lost on the attendee. The quality of speakers, interviews, and sponsors is top notch! This has become a don’t miss event.{
Sandy Johnson
5
{The value of the knowledge received can’t be assigned a monetary value. The amount of mistakes that result in a loss of time and money will absolutely be prevented/limited by attending.{
Chris Bowles
5
{I would encourage any and every person that is opening an FEC to attend, no matter the distance, price, or convienence to attend. It has saved me tens of thousands of dollars in missteps and do-overs.{
Brent Faulk
5
{What I learned in 2 1/2 days would have taken many years of real world trial & error experience to achieve and understand.{
Jeremy Hamilton
5
{The show was executed beautifully. The content was relevant, personal, and has the ability to be applied to any style of FEC.{
Grady Hinchman
5
{Every speaker had valuable information that I could put into play immediately with my team to provide a better experience for our guests or for our team members.{
Jared Harrelson
5
{I recieved my money’s worth in the very first session! It has been fantastic to network with so many professionals and operators. Everyone is so willing to share information. It feels like a ridiculously fun family.{
Jenni Trimble
5
{If you are just starting out, don’t just come once. Each 360 will build on each other. You will meet new people, and learn so much!{
Tim Pokorski
5
{Creative Works puts on the best event for new and existing operators. There is something for everyone, regardless of experience, to learn.{
Jim Webber

Register

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 HotelBook Now
Book by August 15 for discounted group rate of $179/night

6089 Clarks Creek Rd, Plainfield, IN 46168

Other Hotel Options

Here are more hotel options in walking distance of the event space:

Homewood SuitesBook Now
2264 East Perry Road, Plainfield, Indiana, 46168

Hampton InnBook Now
2244 East Perry Road, Plainfield, Indiana, 46168

Sonesta EssentialBook Now
6109 Cambridge Way, Plainfield, IN 46168

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

You’ll receive an informational binder in which you can take notes of everything you learn during the event.

Participate

You’ll get out what you put in. So show up on time, engage in the content, and meet new people.

Clothing

Please bring a light jacket or wear layers as the conference room will be quite cool and we want you to stay comfortable.

FAQ

Will the event sell out?
The 360 Event has grown in popularity over the years, and it almost always sells out. To make sure you don’t miss it your chance, register today!
What if I have a scheduling conflict and can't attend the upcoming event?
We completely understand. As a business owner, you have a lot on your plate. That’s why we host this event multiple times each year. If you can’t attend the upcoming event, take a look at our future dates.
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?
A positive mindset! This event is packed with information, so make sure you’re ready to learn and engage. As mentioned in the previous FAQ, we provide just about everything else you need, but bring a jacket or wear layers as the conference space will be quite cool. If you have site designs, business plans, or any other materials, bring them. These will be helpful during your 1-on-1 meetings with our team and the other vendors.
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?
Yes! You’ll learn a lot of practical operations, marketing, and leadership info that will improve your staff, your facility, and your profits.
If I want to open my first center, is this the right event for me?
Yes! You’ll learn about finding the right location, funding your project, designing your site, and selecting the right attractions. Plus you’ll get a ton of practical operations, marketing, and leadership info that will set you up for success when you open.
What partners/vendors will you have at the event?
We pride ourselves on working with the best vendors in the industry. You can see the full list of partners attending this show in the next section on this page.

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

Betson Logo
Betson Logo
Mini Melts
Mini Melts
Qubica AMF Logo
Semnox
Shaffer Distributing Company Logo

Silver Partners

Betson Logo
Mini Melts
Mini Melts
Qubica AMF Logo
Semnox

Supporting Partners

Mini Melts
Mini Melts
TrainerTainment Logo
US Design Lab
TrainerTainment Logo