The IAAPA FEC Summit comes to a close today, with holdover attendees in the midst of an optional, post-event tour of multiple FECs in the SoCal area. The event was a success with plenty of familiar faces present and even more newbies looking to set up their first FEC, full of ideas, energy and excitement about the growing industry.
Attendees were treated to sunny skies and warm weather in Laguna Beach, Calif., bouncing between information-packed seminars and networking events focused on spreading a congenial community and sharing revenue-producing knowledge.

Yesterday (Jan. 30) kicked off with a Government Relations update from IAAPA’s Austin Gold. Gold detailed a host of issues, including J-1 Student Visas, ADA Compliance for websites, food menu labelling and IAAPA’s PAC, that are relevant to the industry today.

Annika Chase, VP of Disneyland’s Resort Marketing Strategy, followed with a breakdown of marketing ideas for the 21st century and how Disneyland has capitalized on its extensive IP to continue encouraging and exciting their many guests. According to Chase, Walt Disney came up with the idea for Disneyland because he wanted a special place to spend time with his young daughters.“It’s fascinating to look at what this nugget of an idea turned into, and how that dream of a father turned into a magical place for everyone,” Chase said.

Jeffrey McNeal of Fessel International followed with an extensive breakdown of how technology is revolutionizing the food and beverage business today. After lunch, the Summit concluded with Nick DiMatteo of Dave & Buster’s sharing his expertise on the state of arcade games.

Attendees had a few drinks, and as the sun went down, enjoyed a farewell fiesta overlooking the Pacific Ocean. IAAPA Organizers are already hard at work on next year’s FEC Summit, which will be held Jan. 27-29, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines in Austin, Texas.