360 Event

The Amusement Education Event for Startups and Operators

Learn The Tools To Build A More Profitable Business

September 19-21, 2023

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Grow Together and SERVE Your Community

The family entertainment industry is about more than just making a profit, it’s about serving your communities. The expectations from customers are higher than ever, but the rewards for meeting them are even greater.

The Amusement 360 Event is the best place to learn how to SERVE your guests and employees, create more memories, and build a more profitable business. This event features dozens of presentations, networking, personal and professional development, site visits, and a whole lot more. We're ready to help you dominate your market now and far into the future. Remember, your business matters. Your staff matters. Your community matters. We want to help you SERVE all of them at the highest level.

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 Sept 2023 events, completed by a sample of 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 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 19 and ends at 2:30pm Eastern on Thursday September 21.

Time Speaker Topic
2:00pm - 2:15pm Danny Gruening SERVE Your Business and Your Community
2:15pm - 2:45pm Danny Gruening
Russ Van Natta
Demographics and Business Strategy for Growth
2:45pm - 3:15pm Kevin Loughery How to Boost your Business with Local Media Coverage
3:15pm - 3:30pm Networking Break
3:30pm - 4:00pm Delta Strike
Funtastic
Laser Blast
QubicaAMF
Panel Discussion - Gamification of the Attraction Experience
4:00pm - 4:30pm Trent Coggins Operator Interview - How to Create Success in a Small Market
4:30pm - 5:00pm Networking Break
5:00pm - 6:00pm Maureen Zappala Keynote - How to Overcome the Self-Doubt of Imposter Syndrome
Time Speaker Topic
9:00am - 9:15am Russ Van Natta
Kimberly Schilling
Day 2 Kickoff
9:15am - 9:45am Betson
Embed
Semnox
Shaffer
Panel Discussion - Healthy Game Room Performance Indicators
9:45am - 10:30am Networking Break
10:30am - 11:00am Beth Standlee Their Work Ethic Does NOT Suck!
10:30am - 11:00am Jerry Merola A Market Feasibility Study is the Path to Success
11:10am - 11:40am Frank Price "Habit Building" Should Replace Traditional Training
11:10am - 11:40am Howard McAuliffe Place Games and Attractions to Maximize Guest Engagement
11:50am - 12:20pm Rebecca Metzner Can I Really Benefit from Influencer Marketing?
11:50am - 12:20pm David Wallace Food & Beverage is a Must Have in Today's Entertainment Environment
12:20pm - 1:30pm Networking Lunch
1:30pm - 2:00pm Sheryl Bindelglass Don't Miss Out on Revenue from Sponsorships
1:30pm - 2:00pm Kevin Williams Immersive Entertainment's Place in Today's FECs
2:10pm - 2:40pm Kevin Lonzo How to Scale Your Business: Additional Locations vs Licensing vs Franchising
2:10pm - 2:40pm Jackie Hoegger You Get 1 Shot at Marketing a Grand Opening
2:50pm - 3:20pm Russ Van Natta
Danny Gruening
Wheel of Business - Create Sustainable Business Transformation and Growth
2:50pm - 3:20pm Armando Lanuti
David Wallace
Wheel of Business - The Moving Pieces of a Successful New Venue
3:20pm - 4:15pm Networking Break
4:15pm - 4:45pm Russ Van Natta
Danny Gruening
Team Culture: The DNA of Guest Service
4:45pm - 5:30pm Craig Wescott
Jeff Gebhart
Operator Interview - How to Approach Selling or Taking on Investment
5:30pm - 9:00pm 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 CenterEdge Software
Party Center Software
Trifecta
Redemption Plus
Panel Discussion - Strategic Operations and Maximizing your Tools
10:15am - 11:00am Networking Break
11:00am - 11:45am Scott Logan Operator Interview - Focus on Culture and Maximize your Staff's Talent
11:45am - 1:00pm Networking Lunch
1:00pm - 1:30pm Danny Gruening Create Fulfillment as a Business Leader
1:30pm - 2:15pm Kimberly Schilling
Armando Lanuti
The Business of Generosity
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

Jeff Gebhart

Jeff Gebhart

Five Star Parks

Craig Wescott

Craig Wescott

Five Star Parks

Scott Logan

Scott Logan

Grand Station Entertainment

Trent Coggins

Trent Coggins

Recoil Trampoline Park

Maureen Zappala

Maureen Zappala

High Altitude Strategies

Kevin Loughery

Kevin Loughery

Prospr Communications

David Wallace

David Wallace

Turfway Entertainment

Jerry Merola

Jerry Merola

Amusement Entertainment Management

Beth Standlee

Beth Standlee

TrainerTainment

Frank Price

Frank Price

FL Price

Howard McAuliffe

Howard McAuliffe

Pinnacle Entertainment Group

Sheryl Bindelglass

Sheryl Bindelglass

SherylGolf

Rebecca Metzner

Rebecca Metzner

Trifecta Management

Kevin Lonzo

Kevin Lonzo

Lonzo Law

Jackie Hoegger

Jackie Hoegger

Hoegger Communications

Kevin Williams

Kevin Williams

Spider Entertainment

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!

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

“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

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
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 3:00pm, 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 successfully open and operate attractions. 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 Monday dinner through Wednesday 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 4:00pm. 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.

Amusement Products Logo
Betson Logo
Mini Melts
Mini Melts
Mini Melts
Mini Melts
Mini Melts
Mini Melts
Qubica AMF Logo
Qubica AMF Logo
Semnox
Shaffer Distributing Company Logo
TrainerTainment Logo

Speakers

Educational content is one of the driving forces for Amusement 360. These are the companies who will be providing educational presentations during the event.

The Full List of Speakers is Coming Soon