The team at Embed said they had quite a busy IAAPA Expo, kicking off the week with their first Connect Summit, hosted at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Orlando. “We’re so humbled with the amazing turnout at our first-ever Embed Connect Summit, exclusive to members of the Embed family of FECs,” said CEO Renee Welsh. “The participants had different reasons for attending, and everyone enjoyed the fantastic keynote speakers, freebies from our Bonus Bar, breakout sessions covering tips and tricks to maximize their Embed system, all-day complimentary food and beverages, and the magic of networking with the industry’s best…
Author: Matt Harding
Apple Industries and their Face Place photo booths enjoyed a terrific trade show, the company reported, having unveiled their latest Peppa Pig Photoma photo booth at the event. “We are thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response we received at the Expo,” said Scott Avery, president of Apple Industries. Visitors got an exclusive preview of the 2025 photo booth content as well, which included holiday-themed Disney photo strips and “revolutionary AI filter technology.” With their Disney license, the company also has fully themed Frozen 2 and Inside Out 2 photo booths. Contact sales@appleindustries.com to learn more about their full offering.
There’s a new Mr. Gatti’s Pizza location in Fort Worth, Texas, where the family entertainment center chain is headquartered. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the location features a 7,500-sq.-ft., 40-game arcade, a pizza buffet, salad bar and a party room that can accommodate 60 guests. Owners spent more than $3 million on the new center and brought some 50 jobs to the community. “This new family entertainment center represents more than just an expansion of Mr. Gatti’s – it’s a commitment to enriching the Fort Worth community,” said franchise owner Kirk Jefferies. “I am deeply invested in creating spaces…
The commercial real estate firm Bedrock recently announced that the immersive sports watching venue Cosm will be opening a location in Detroit. It’s set to open in 2026. CBS reports that the venue will feature an 87-ft.-diameter dome with technology designed to blend the virtual and physical worlds with cutting-edge visuals. Cosm, which already has three locations, has partnerships with the NFL, NBA, UFC, TNT Sports, ESPN, FOX Sports and others. “I can’t think of a better place for our fourth venue,” said Jeb Terry, Cosm’s president and CEO. “Detroit embodies the right mix of sports fandom, enterprising spirit and…
Stern Pinball recently posted new code updates for 23 different games in anticipation of the upcoming Insider Connected Pinball Cup. More details are coming soon on the “epic pinball global showdown.” Operators can automatically download and update game code installation through the Insider Connected platform. Visit www.insider.sternpinball.com for more information. Code files are also available at www.sternpinball.com/support/game-code.
Henry Dorrbaker’s Pub & Play recently opened in Beloit, Wis., with attractions new and old. Guests can enjoy duckpin bowling, a retro arcade, mini-golf, a racing simulator, shuffleboard and many more activities, including some out on the patio like Connect 4, Giant Jenga and cornhole. The name honors Henry Dorrbaker, who opened the city’s first bowling alley back in 1899. Visit www.henrydorrbakers.com to learn more.
Five Star Parks & Attractions has launched The Wishing Tree, a holiday program aimed at giving back to children and families in need from Nov. 8-Dec. 15. All the brand’s entertainment venues across the country will be offering a list of experiences guests can choose from and donate to a family in need. The company will match each donation through Dec. 15. Participating organizations include Big Brothers Big Sisters, Salvation Army and Toys for Tots. “We wanted to think of a unique and joyful way to give back this year and connect with the communities we serve,” said John…
AMI has published their annual chart of the most-played jukebox songs, artists and music videos of 2024. Chris Stapleton’s hit song “Tennessee Whiskey” once again led the list. Other songs in the rock and country-dominated jukebox plays include Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” and Toby Keith’s “I Love This Bar.” Other fan favorites included Jelly Roll, Luke Combs and Garth Brooks. This year, AMI introduced more than 230,000 songs, 41,000 albums and 6,800 music videos to its jukeboxes. See the full charts at www.amientertainment.com/2024-music-charts.
Asia’s leading trade show dedicated to amusements, attractions and other entertainment parks will be held May 10-12 at the China Import and Expo Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China. With 1,500 exhibitors on hand, the massive expo expects to draw more than 150,000 visitors. The exhibits will reportedly cover Games & Amusements, Indoors & Outdoor Amusements, Theme Parks, AR/VR and similar sectors of the industry.
IAAPA Expo wrapped up in Orlando last week and officially brought together 41,429 attendees, which the association says is a new record. The trade show also featured more than 1,100 exhibitors. “This year’s IAAPA Expo was truly a celebration of community and collaboration within our industry,” said Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of IAAPA. “Bringing together professionals from every corner of the globe, we saw firsthand the power of shared passion, knowledge and creativity. IAAPA Expo is more than just an event; it’s a place where ideas come to life and where lifelong connections are made. Watching the energy and…