360 Event

Amusement Education for Startups and Operators

Learn The Tools To Build A More Profitable Business

September 10-12, 2024

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Connect With Entrepreneurs And Business Owners

The family entertainment industry is about more than just making a profit. You create a place where people can celebrate together, escape together, and make memories together. You make a difference in people's lives!

But, here’s the reality. In the stress (and sometimes chaos) of day-to-day operations, it’s easy to lose sight of your impact. The Amusement 360 Event 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 in the industry. There’s a reason 100% of attendees would recommend this event to industry colleagues. Whether you’re looking to open your first venue or you're a veteran operator, you WILL learn valuable tools and meet amazing people.

Real Results From Real People

Revenue Growth

100%

of attendees learned something that grew their top-line revenue.

Leadership

98%

of attendees learned something that helped them become a better leader.

Profitability

98%

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 the April 2023 and September 2023 events, and completed by 68 attendees.

Is The 360 Event Right For You?

New Startups

As you look to open your first venue, there is so much to learn. How much space do you need? What attractions make most sense for your goals? What are the best ways to get financing? How do I hire the right employees? At this event, experts will answer all these questions for you. In fact, we have an education track specifically catered to you as a new startup.

Plus you'll get the opportunity to watch interviews with existing operators, network with others in the industry, watch valuable panel discussions, and more. The things you'll learn at this event will help you avoid mistakes, save money, and create long-term success.

Existing Operators

At this event, you have the opportunity to meet with operators face-to-face for education, networking, and fun! We all know there's something special about being in the room, being focused and present, and growing the industry together. There will be so much valuable content that you don't want to miss: risk mitigation, PR and marketing strategies, avoiding hidden costs, improving profitability, employee productivity, operator interviews, and much more.

Plus we have an amazing keynote speaker and additional leadership presentations designed to help you become a better business owner, a better leader, and a better communicator.

Agenda

We are finalizing 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 10 and ends at 2:30pm Eastern on Thursday September 12.

Time Speaker Topic
2:00pm - 2:15pm Danny Gruening Be a HERO to Your Community
2:15pm - 2:45pm Danny Gruening
Russ Van Natta
FECs Today and the Future of Entertainment
2:45pm - 3:15pm Jerry Merola Is Now The Time to Grow Your Brand?
3:15pm - 3:30pm Networking Break
3:30pm - 4:00pm A&A Global
Embed
Redemption Plus
Semnox
Panel Discussion - How to Create a Profitable Arcade Ecosystem
4:00pm - 4:30pm Jenny Emley
Keri Little
Operator Interview - High Five
4:30pm - 5:00pm Networking Break
5:00pm - 6:00pm Scott Harvey Keynote - Silence Kills: Communication Tactics with a Hostage Negotiator
6:00pm - 7:30pm Theme Factory Tour
7:30pm - 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 Betson
Delta Strike
QubicaAMF
Shaffer
Panel Discussion - The Evolution of Attractions and Games
9:45am - 10:30am Networking Break
10:30am - 11:00am Frank Price Guest Engagement: Give Your Business a Heart
10:30am - 11:00am Dave Wallace The Big Picture: What to Expect from Start to Finish
11:10am - 11:40am Beth Standlee How to Hire, Compensate, and Incentivize a Group Sales Pro
11:10am - 11:40am Jerry Merola How to Secure Project Financing
11:50am - 12:20pm Kevin Lonzo How to Scale: Additional Locations vs Licensing vs Franchising
11:50am - 12:20pm Jason Wistreich More Than Drawings: The Unexpected Value of Architects
12:20pm - 1:30pm Networking Lunch
1:30pm - 2:00pm Kashif Ahmad The Story of Data and How it Can Drive Business Growth
1:30pm - 2:00pm Adam Kleinhenz
Britannie Betti
Arcade 101: The Science Behind the Game Room
2:10pm - 2:40pm Sherry Howell 5 Simple Ways to Increase Revenue by a Million Dollars
2:10pm - 2:40pm Sarah Vigil The Ingredients of a Successful Grand Opening Marketing Plan
2:50pm - 3:20pm CenterEdge Software
Party Center Software
ROLLER
Panel Discussion - How to Maximize Software Tools
3:20pm - 4:15pm Networking Break
4:15pm - 5:00pm Chris Albano Operator Interview - Stars and Strikes
5:00pm - 5:30pm Danny Gruening Create Fulfillment as a Business Leader
5:30pm - 9:30pm Off-Site Trip for Networking, Food, and Fun!
Time Speaker Topic
9:30am - 9:45am Russ Van Natta
Kimberly Schilling
Day 3 Kickoff
9:45am - 10:15am Dennis McIntire Operator Interview - B&B Theatres
10:15am - 11:00am Networking Break
11:00am - 11:30am Dave Wallace The Power of Food and Bar in Your FEC
11:30am - 12:00pm Armando Lanuti Grow your Business with a Vivid Vision
12:00pm - 1:00pm Networking Lunch
1:00pm - 1:45pm Kimberly Schilling
Armando Lanuti
Generosity Fuels your Growth
1:45pm - 2:15pm Kevin Loughery How to Boost Your Business with Local Media Coverage
2:15pm - 2:30pm Danny Gruening Event Review and Next Steps

Experts

Several members of our own team are speaking, and we love sharing our extensive attraction knowledge with operators from around the world. We also work with the best speakers, experts, and consultants in the amusement industry. These experts will provide action items you can apply to every aspect of your business.

Armando Lanuti

Armando Lanuti

Creative Works

Russ Van Natta

Russ Van Natta

Creative Works

Danny Gruening

Danny Gruening

Creative Works

Kimberly Schilling

Kimberly Schilling

Creative Works

Jenny Emley

Jenny Emley

High 5

Keri Little

Keri Little

High 5

Chris Albano

Chris Albano

Stars and Strikes

Dennis McIntire

Dennis McIntire

B&B Theatres

Scott Harvey

Scott Harvey

Speaking of Harvey

David Wallace

David Wallace

Turfway Entertainment

Jerry Merola

Jerry Merola

Amusement Entertainment Management

Beth Standlee

Beth Standlee

TrainerTainment

Kevin Lonzo

Kevin Lonzo

Lonzo Law

Kevin Loughery

Kevin Loughery

Prospr Communications

Frank Price

Frank Price

FL Price

Kashif Ahmad

Kashif Ahmad

Embed

Sherry Howell

Sherry Howell

CenterEdge Software

Sarah Vigil

Sarah Vigil

Trifecta Management

Jason Wistreich

Jason Wistreich

JKRP Architects

Britannie Betti

Britannie Betti

Betson

Adam Kleinhenz

Adam Kleinhenz

Shaffer Distributing

Recap Video

We work hard to create events that are educational, valuable, and FUN! Check out some of the highlights from our last event in April 2024!

Testimonials

Here's a small sample of the amazing feedback we received from attendees at last year's events!

"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

"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

"The value of the knowledge recieved 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

“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 misteps and do-overs.”

Brent Faulk

“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

“The show was executed beautifully. The content was relevant, personal, and has the ability to be applied to any style of FEC."

Grady Hinchman

"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

"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

“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

“Creative Works puts on the best event for new and existing operators. There is something for everyone, regardless of experience, to learn.”

Jim Webber

“I’ve been in the industry 16 years, I really appreciate the higher level topics and the topics that apply across and outside of our industry.”

Scott Logan

“This event just saved me massive headaches I never would have seen coming. My confidence to suceed in this industry is through the roof! “

Willie Blount

Register

Still not sure if you’re ready to attend? Click here to ask a question!

Location and Travel

The 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 22 for the discounted group rate of $172/night

6089 Clarks Creek Rd, Plainfield, IN 46168

Other Hotel Options

Here are more hotel options across the street (in walking distance) from the event space:

Homewood Suites - Book Now
2264 East Perry Road, Plainfield, Indiana, 46168

Hampton Inn - Book Now
2244 East Perry Road, Plainfield, Indiana, 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.

Clothing

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

Language

Some adult language will be used during the event. Attendees should be at least 18 years old and involved in the business.

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
Qubica AMF Logo
Semnox
Shaffer Distributing Company Logo

Silver Partners

Betson Logo
Mini Melts
Mini Melts
Qubica AMF Logo
TrainerTainment Logo
Semnox
Semnox

Supporting Partners

Mini Melts
Mini Melts
Semnox