A pre-Super Bowl segment that aired on WGN featured Super Bowl XXXVII champion QB Brad Johnson and his quest to win another big game… this time the Pop-A-Shot National Championship. Johnson, who played the original Pop-A-Shot dating back 30 years, competed in the 2025 National Championship on ESPN and is back vying to qualify for the 2026 championship (in August) under the name BIG BAD BRAD. “When a Super Bowl-winning quarterback is featured on major news outlets competing for our championship, it validates what operators already know – Pop-A-Shot drives serious player engagement and repeat visits,” said Ryan Cravens,…
Author: Matt Harding
The IAAPA Brass Ring Excellence Award for the Best Talent Acquisition Program recently went to FACE Amusement Group. “This award is a powerful affirmation of our people-first philosophy,” said Bucky Mabe, CEO of FACE Amusement Group. “We’ve been intentional about creating recruiting strategies that go beyond filling positions as we focus on building long-term career paths, investing in leadership development and fostering a culture where our team members can thrive. To be recognized by IAAPA on a global stage is an incredible honor.” FACE went on to say their business “emphasizes a workplace culture that is welcoming, engaging and growth-focused, while…
The Entertainment and Education Group (TEEG) was awarded an IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Best Training for its Guest U-Connect training program. The program is rolled out across its brands, including Timezone, Zone Bowling, Kingpin and Play ‘N’ Learn. “We are incredibly proud of this recognition from IAAPA,” said Belinda Falzon, the group chief people officer at TEEG. “Guest U-Connect meets our teams where they are, giving them the confidence and practical skills to feel comfortable starting conversations and creating meaningful guest interactions. With more than 6,500 (75%) of our team identifying as Gen Z, the program reflects how our…
Jamie Turnbow is now vice president of the Americas for VenueSumo, an all-in-one venue management software platform for the attractions and leisure industry. Turnbow was previously in senior operational roles at Altitude Trampoline Park and Sky Zone, where she led large, multi-site portfolios across the United States. “Jamie has lived and breathed the day-to-day realities of running large, high-volume family entertainment venues,” said Alex White, the director at VenueSumo. “She understands exactly what matters most to operators on the ground. That experience is invaluable as we continue to scale globally and serve our customers.” Learn more at www.venuesumo.com.
It’s officially “coming soon.” On Feb. 6, Stern Pinball released the teaser trailer for their highly-anticipated Pokémon pinball machine. “Folks, it’s the battle you’ve been waiting for,” a voiceover says as the silverball turns into a reveal of the Pokémon logo with the famous “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” tagline. Click here to go to the Stern Pinball webpage where the game will be revealed soon. Pro, Premium and Limited Edition versions of the game will be available.
AMOA’s annual State Council Meeting took place this year from Jan. 28-30 at the Renaissance Orlando Airport in Florida. The event, themed “States Empowering Progress, Together,” was attended by 67 state council members and sponsors. This year, 25 states were represented. AMOA Executive Vice President Lori Schneider noted, “AMOA serves as the conduit for bringing state associations together annually from around the country to share successes, challenges and opportunities.” With that in mind, the meeting kicked off Wednesday evening with an engaging cocktail reception where attendees gathered to make introductions, network and catch up since last year’s event in San…
The immersive VR maker Hero Zone just released Monkey Madness to its exclusive content lineup. The new virtual reality experience was created in partnership with Knucklehead Studios, Blooloop reported. Click here to watch the game’s trailer. Monkey Madness is designed for younger players and offers 25 “quick, engaging mini-games that are easy to learn and highly replayable.” Players enter a colorful jungle setting where “reflexes, rhythm, coordination and luck determine who wins, whether popping balloons, avoiding obstacles, smashing targets or throwing fruit with accuracy.” Learn more about the fun at www.herozonevr.com.
ATM operators, grab your calendars and mark off Oct. 13-15 for NAC2026, which will be at the Paris Las Vegas. The “ATMs Across America” event is the only trade show dedicated exclusively for “America’s independent ATM deployers and suppliers.” It’ll have industry-focused education, meaningful networking with peers and decision-makers and the latest products and services in the business. Registration will open soon. The organizing National ATM Council reports that NAC2026 will celebrate its 15-year anniversary at the event. Contact NAC to become a member today. More info: [email protected] or call 904-683-6533.
BPAA’s School for Bowling Center Management, part of their Bowling University program, will be April 19-24 in Arlington, Texas. The weeklong school, which happens once a year at the International Bowling Campus, is meant for managers or owners of traditional centers who want to increase profitability and improve their own skills. Topics range from marketing, food and beverage and human resources to annual planning strategies, leadership and time management. Click here to register or get the full scoop on the agenda, or go to www.bowlinguniversity.net for additional information.
David McKillips has stepped down as president and CEO of CEC Entertainment, which has appointed Scott Drake in his place, effective Feb. 13. CEC Entertainment is the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza. Drake joined the company in 2024 as its chief financial officer, following senior leadership roles at Farmer Brothers Coffee Co., GameStop and 7-Eleven. “We are pleased to announce Scott Drake’s appointment,” said CEC board chairman Joshua Acheatel. “Under Scott’s financial leadership, CEC strengthened its balance sheet, refinanced its capital structure and delivered growth through key strategic initiatives, and today, the company is in…