Elaut Group USA recently announced that Kern Jennison has been tapped to be the company’s executive vice president of product development, bringing more than 24 years of amusement equipment operations, distribution, sales, marketing and game design experience with him. The company said Jennison is tasked with leading development of all future amusement products that carry the Benchmark Games International and Coast to Coast Entertainment logos. He will also play a key role in Elaut Group’s future by “guiding design through innovation, imagination, new licensing and partnerships.” “Kern’s vast world amusement experiences will greatly benefit our R&D team, specifically the Elaut Group…
Author: Matt Harding
Betson Enterprises just announced a milestone 1,000th unattended virtual reality game was recently sold through the company. This includes games such as Raw Thrills’ King Kong of Skull Island VR, LAI’s Virtual Rabbids, Triotech’s Storm and titles from other suppliers. “Virtual reality has been a buzzword in our industry for several years,” said Kyle Berger, Betson’s vice president of sales and purchasing. “As a distributor, finance company and an organization focused on our customer’s success, we took our time onboarding these new VR products. The result is that the VR games we’ve sold have been long-term top earners in their locations…
Globe Newswire recently reported that Bowlero Corp. has purchased two bowling centers – Manatee Lanes near Tampa, Florida, and Fat Cats in Westminster, Colorado. Manatee Lanes features 30 lanes and an interactive arcade. It opened under Bowlero management on May 5 and is the company’s 28th location in Florida. Fat Cats has 29 lanes, glow golf, an interactive arcade and neon bowling. The center is one of nine Fat Cats locations and now operates under new management as Bowlero Promenade. It’s the company’s 13th location in the state (seven Bowlero centers and five AMF centers). Learn more at www.bowlerocorp.com.
Through June 15, AMI will celebrate the rise of country rock newcomer Warren Zeiders in their latest giveaway. A single winner will receive a signed acoustic Baby Mahogany Taylor guitar. Fans can enter via the AMI Music app (on iOS and Android) or on any AMI jukebox. “AMI is very excited to offer fans the opportunity to win this autographed acoustic guitar,” they said. “For a limited time, AMI jukeboxes will also be featuring a playlist of his songs. All are encouraged to explore the playlist, listen to the songs and enter the contest using the AMI Music app or…
AAMA is now accepting first round applications for the 2022 AAMA FEC of the Year Award. The first round deadline is June 30. You must be a current AAMA member to apply. There’s still time to become a member; simply click here to do so.) The award is based on several criteria including games and attractions, prize center, food service, marketing, social media, charitable activity, safety and security, staff engagement, interior and exterior design and a secret shopper visit. Click here to apply. The second round deadline will be July 29; Aug. 4 will be the final review for the…
Kyle Berger has been promoted to vice president of sales & purchasing at Betson Enterprises, according to the company. Berger has been an integral part of their sales team since 2004. He most recently managed several national accounts along with equipment purchasing and inventory management. “Kyle has been a major contributor to the continued success of Betson and the evolution of our business,” said Jonathan Betti, senior vice president of sales and business development. “Kyle loves games and this industry. That passion is evident in his relationships with both customers and factories, and he is well-respected for his deep knowledge…
UNIS was at the recent Licensing Expo, held May 24-26 in Las Vegas, and had an exceptional time at the trade show, whose theme was “location-based experiences.” The company was showcasing its Wicked Tuna and Bigfoot Crush. “The show exceeded all our expectations,” said UNIS general manager Steven Tan. “It was very well-attended, and everyone was excited about securing new license deals and bring new brands and products to market. In fact, we will be announcing a new license deal soon!” In partnership with Cronus Global, UNIS hosted a Wicked Tuna Cocktails & Competition event during the show, where players…
The Chandler City Council recently approved preliminary plans for a new Andretti Indoor Karting and Games facility in Arizona. Plans call for a 96,000-sq.-ft. venue with Andretti’s custom go-kart track, a bowling alley, arcade and laser tag arena. The location is slated to open by the summer of 2023. “Andretti Karting facility will not only have one of the best and most challenging indoor karting tracks in the world, but will include restaurants, bars, bowling, new and virtual reality games and large event spaces,” a release said. Learn more at www.andrettikarting.com.
A bird-themed mini-golf course at Douglass Park in Chicago reopened for the season on June 4, along with a concession stand and dining area for visitors. According to Block Club Chicago, the 18-hole course was in shambles for more than a decade until community members banded together to resurrect the attraction, which relaunched last year as Douglass 18. This year, the facility will expand with a concession stand that was funded by a $100,000 grant from the Mars Wrigley Foundation and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. For more information, visit: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/douglass-golf-facility.
IAAPA’s Support Hometown Attractions Coalition recently shared its thoughts about the failure of the Small Business COVID Relief Act of 2022 (S. 4008), which would have provided $48 billion in federal grant relief assistance to restaurants and some other sectors. The coalition urged members to contact their senators and lobby for an amendment to the bill that would include the same provisions as the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act of 2021 (H.R. 3807), which if passed by the Senate will provide $13 billion to FECs, parks and other similar businesses. The voting down of S. 4008 likely means H.R. 3807…