Ottawa Pinball Arcade maven Mike Loftus is working to transform a former rock bar into a family-friendly pinball bar with Canada’s biggest collection of pinball machines, Ottawa Citizen reported. Called Experience Social, it will house more than 60 games, topping the 55 at Vancouver’s VanCity, which is currently considered the biggest pinball arcade in Canada. Loftus also owns Pinball Medics, a pinball repair, parts and service business, as well as Pinball Museum, a showcase of vintage machines near the village of Alfred. Learn more about the plans at www.ottawapinballarcade.ca.
Author: Matt Harding
The Amusement & Music Operators of Texas will celebrate their 52nd anniversary at this year’s trade show and convention. The event is scheduled for the Archer Hotel in Austin from May 28-30. The agenda includes a golf tournament, board of directors meeting, the president’s reception buffet dinner, a silent auction, casino night and awards banquet. Contact [email protected] for additional details or call 512-472-1043. Those interested in sponsoring an event can get in touch with the association’s Toni Silcox.
Calling all operators in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest! The Oregon Amusement and Operators Assn. is taking their meeting game to the next level. The group will gather on May 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Portland’s Next Level Pinball Museum, one of the world’s largest arcades with over 640 pinball and other games on free play. (A location tour will be part of the activities.) The spring meeting’s agenda will also include lunch (sponsored by AMI Entertainment and TouchTunes), a presentation by lobbyist Kelsey Wilson, remarks by OAMOA President Jeff Whiteley and representing the national AMOA will be…
FLB, an entertainment center in Folsom, California, has plans to expand and modernize its location, Sacramento Business Journal reports. Their proposed project includes a new arcade, an upgraded kitchen and a large outdoor entertainment area. The goal is to “revitalize an aging recreational facility and transform it into a vibrant, family-oriented entertainment destination that better serves the community.” Learn more at www.flb365.com.
The agenda is now set for IAAPA Expo Asia, which will take place from June 9-12 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. More than 300 exhibitors are expected at the show, which draws executives and professionals from theme parks, water parks, resorts, FECs and other such venues. The new “Connections Hub” will serve as a networking and knowledge-sharing space “designed to encourage collaboration among industry professionals.” Organizers added: “Developed with operators in mind, the hub will host interactive discussions, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and conversations focused on solving real-world operational challenges facing attractions across the region.” Click here to…
“How to Launch a VR Attraction Like a Movie Premiere” will be the subject of an upcoming LEXRA webinar. Host Bob Cooney will be joined by the team at Hololabs on April 30 at 2 p.m. Eastern time. They will give virtual attendees a behind-the-scenes look at Rebellion: First Wave, a global, synchronized VR launch event that’ll run May 29-31. Nicole Sorochan, the marketing strategist behind the campaign, will walk through exactly how to turn this game release into a premiere event your venue can capitalize on. Click here to register for the event and learn more at www.lexra.org.
Level Up Arcade in Limerick, Ireland, is celebrating nearly 10 years of operating with their tech provider Semnox Solutions. Their arcade features about 60 games powered by Semnox’s RFID tap-to-play Lumin game readers. “Before we decided to switch arcade systems, we spent a significant amount of time researching different providers and weighing our options carefully,” said Alan O’Grady, the director at Level Up Arcade. “What stood out with Semnox was not just the technology, but how straightforward they made the entire process. We were able to transition without disrupting our operations or our customers’ experience, which was huge for us.…
AAMA’s FEC Connect will be at their FEC of the Year – Star Lanes Polaris in Columbus, Ohio – from May 4-5. Those still interested in registering may do so by April 30. Organizers call it “the event for both new and seasoned family entertainment center operators looking to elevate their business.” What better than an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look into the award-winning FEC to learn the secret to success? From operations and attractions to revenue strategies and guest experience, attendees can connect with and learn from the best at FEC Connect. Click here to register or visit www.coin-op.org for more details…
Veteran amusement industry sales leader Brian Conway has joined TouchMagix as their new national sales manager for North, Central and South America. He brings nearly three decades of experience to the role. “TouchMagix is bringing some of the most exciting and innovative products in the industry right now,” Conway said. “I couldn’t be more energized to represent this brand and get these experiences in front of operators across the country.” Added the company’s COO Varun Mahajan: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Brian Conway to TouchMagix. Brian’s strategic acumen and his focus on delivering outstanding customer experiences align well with…
Two Lazy Dogs, a bar and grill with arcade games, darts, pool, foosball and a TouchTunes jukebox, will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, April 27, at 6 p.m. KDVR reported that the business will have a dog theme, as its name indicates, and host adoption events and offer free beer Thursdays – if they drink it out of a dog bowl, that is. For a look at the full food and drink menu, visit www.twolazydogs.com.