Build a Business That Thrives When The Market Slows Down
The event for owners who are tired of guessing and want to build a roadmap for growth.
August 25-26, 2026
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Prepare For A Successful Future
The location-based entertainment industry has changed. The post-COVID surge has leveled off. Labor is harder to find. And “good enough” service doesn’t cut it anymore. Whether you’re trying to open your first venue without a $1M mistake, or you’re a veteran watching your revenue dip, you don’t need more guesswork. You need a strategy.
The Amusement 360 Event (hosted by Action Lab Leadership and Creative Works) is the perfect place to learn the best strategies, connect with others in the industry, and create momentum in your business. Limited to 120 attendees to ensure you get direct access to every speaker and veteran operator in the room.
Two Journeys, One Goal: A Profitable, Sustainable FEC
Existing Owners/Operators
You’ve weathered the storms, but the 2026 market is different. You’re here to plug the revenue leaks, revitalize your culture, and find the improvements that turn a flat year into a record-breaking one.
- 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
New Startups
You have the dream, but you know the stakes are high. You want to make sure your first location isn’t a learning experience, it’s a home run. Learn exactly what the veterans know before you break ground.
- 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
Real Results From Real People
Revenue Growth
100%
of attendees learned something that grew their top-line revenue.
Leadership
100%
of attendees learned something that helped them become a better leader.
Profitability
100%
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 2 Amusement 360 events in 2025, and completed by 58 attendees.
Agenda
No half-mile trade show floors. No high-pressure sales pitches. Just 120 peers, 2 days, and the exact tactics you need right now. We highly recommend you travel in Monday evening and head home Thursday morning so you don’t miss any of the amazing content on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Monday Night Gathering
On Monday night, join us from 7pm to 8:30pm for an informal gathering at the Embassy Suites hotel bar. You’ll have an opportunity to get your badge early, meet some of the other attendees, and make connections before the event starts!
| Time | Topic |
| 8:30am – 9:30am | Attendee Check-In |
| 9:30am – 9:45am | Welcome to Amusement 360 Presented by Danny Gruening |
| 9:45am – 10:15am | How to Solve Problems When Everything Feels Urgent Presented by Danny Gruening and Michelle Gruening |
| 10:15am – 10:45am | How to Make Smarter Attraction Decisions for your Goals Presented by Armando Lanuti and Russ Van Natta |
| 10:45am – 11:15am | Break |
| 11:15am – 12:00pm | Social Entertainment: Creating the Right Mix Presented by Kevin Williams |
| 12:00pm- 12:30pm | Panel Discussion – Arcade Technology Presented by A&A Global, Embed, and Intercard |
| 12:30pm – 2:00pm | Networking Lunch |
| 2:00pm – 2:45pm | Operator Interview TBD |
| 2:45pm – 3:15pm | Panel Discussion – Software Technology Presented by CenterEdge Software, Party Center Software, and ROLLER |
| 3:15pm – 4:00pm | Vendor/Networking Break |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm | Keynote: I Love It Here – How Great Leaders Create Organizations Their People Never Want To Leave Presented by Clint Pulver |
| 5:00pm – 6:30pm | Behind-the-Scenes Theme Factory Tour |
| 6:30pm – 10:30pm | Dinner, Drinks, and Casino Night |
| Time | Topic |
| 9:30am – 9:45am | Day 2 Kickoff Presented by Kimberly Schilling and Russ Van Natta |
| 9:45am – 10:15am | Panel Discussion – Arcade Games & Layout Presented by Betson and Shaffer Distributing |
| 10:15am – 10:45am | Vendor/Networking Break |
| 10:45am – 11:25am | The Revenue Recovery Blueprint: AI-Powered Local Marketing for FECs Presented by Jackie Hoegger |
| 10:45am – 11:25am | State of the Industry 2026: Why This Is The Year To Make Your Mark Presented by Jerry Merola |
| 11:30am – 12:10pm | Annual Budgeting and Weekly Forecasting to Improve Profits Presented by Jeremy Hoyum |
| 11:30am – 12:10pm | From Start to Finish: The Steps to Open a Venue Presented by Dave Wallace, Jason Wistreich, and Mik Oca |
| 12:15pm – 12:45pm | Panel Discussion – Attractions Presented by Delta Strike, Laserforce, and QubicaAMF |
| 12:45pm – 2:00pm | Vendor/Networking Lunch |
| 2:00pm – 2:40pm | Topic TBD Presented by TBD |
| 2:00pm – 2:40pm | How To Secure Project Financing For A New Or Expanded Venue Presented by Jerry Merola |
| 2:45pm – 3:25pm | Topic TBD Presented by TBD |
| 2:45pm – 3:25pm | How to Structure Your Management Staff Presented by Dave Wallace |
| 3:30pm – 4:10pm | How to Make Your FEC’s Next Million Presented by Sherry Howell |
| 3:30pm – 4:10pm | Build It Once: Designing Staff Training That Sticks Presented by Genevieve Sullivan |
| 4:10pm – 4:45pm | Vendor/Networking Break |
| 4:45pm – 5:30pm | Operator Interview TBD |
| 5:30pm – 6:15pm | CRAFT Your Leadership Mindset and Create Momentum Presented by Danny and Michelle Gruening |
| 6:15pm – 8:30pm | Dinner, Drinks, and Socializing |
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
Clint Pulver
Keynote Speaker
Operator Interview
TBD
Operator Interview
TBD
Dave Wallace
Turfway Entertainment
Jerry Merola
AEM
Jackie Hoegger
Hoegger Communications
Kevin Williams
The Stinger Report
Jeremy Hoyum
Urban Air
Jason Wistreich
JKRP Architects
Mik Oca
US Design Lab
Genevieve Sullivan
TrainerTainment
Sherry Howell
CenterEdge Software
Testimonials
Here’s a small sample of the amazing feedback we received previous Amusement 360 events!
The Cost of Doing Nothing vs. The Price of a Ticket
In this market, a small dip in revenue can be the difference between a profitable year and a crisis. Amusement 360 isn’t just an “event,” it’s your strategy to plug the leaks and set yourself up for success in 2026 and beyond. If you find just one operational shift or one marketing tactic that saves you $2,000 this year, this trip has already paid for itself. Most attendees find tens of thousands (if not more) in cost savings or revenue boosts. Are you ready to join your peers for the most important event for your business?
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
Event Hotel
Embassy Suites Hotel – Book Now
Book by July 24 for discounted group rate of $177/night
6089 Clarks Creek Rd, Plainfield, IN 46168
Other Hotel Options
Other Event Details
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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 9am. 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?
Your On-Site Advisory Partners
Forget high-pressure sales pitches. Our partners are hand-selected industry experts who are here to help you solve specific problems. At this event, you’ll have 1-on-1 access to the best in the business for two full days.
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
Supporting Partners
