“F2FEC: Imagine” closed out last night (March 7) at The Broadmoor resort’s Cheyenne Lodge, capping off a conference that was full of inspirational talks from presenters covering topics such as bias, how they grew their own companies, crafting and reinforcing company culture, providing play opportunities to the mentally and physically challenged and more. In surprising news, the Amigos – Rick Iceberg, George Smith and Ben Jones – announced that they were hitting the pause button to do their own reflection on the conference itself, not intending to hold F2FEC next year (something hinted at in the presentation of a “pause” symbol…

Expected to ship by June, the latest game from Raw Thrills brings a wildly popular toy into the arcade sphere. Developed with toy manufacturer Hasbro, Nerf Arcade is a fast-paced game for kids of all ages where players grab hold of two nerf blasters to shoot as many targets as possible – resulting in winning tickets or reaching a high score. According to Betson Enterprises, Raw Thrills’ veteran distributor, the skill-based game has four levels, two patented blaster guns, a 65” commercial-grade LCD screen, LED lighting effects and a 500W sound system. Raw Thrills itself said income reports on the game…

Inviting guests to “bowl in the ocean,” Bass Pro Shops has partnered with Player One Amusement Group on a series of arcade additions. Starting in late 2018, Bass Pro began opening a series of underwater-themed arcades inside their Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill restaurants, which have bowling alleys to accompany the food. The move is part of Bass Pro’s efforts to be “destination experiences” rather than just stores. The latest underwater-themed arcade is expected to open March 12 in Altoona, Iowa, and will have about 50 games including Tomb Raider, Jurassic Park and Halo, according to the Des Moines Register.…

Arachnid’s BullShooter Tour continued its travels around the country with a recent stop at the Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park in Knoxville, Tenn. from Feb. 22-24. The qualifier was co-sponsored by Betson Southeast, Legacy Coin Distributing and Player One Amusement Group. Players competed in 11 main events with more than $12,000 awarded in cash and plaques. Joseph Walker was the weekend’s biggest winner, taking home three championships – 1st in Men’s Cricket Singles, Mixed Doubles Cricket with Kristy Nelson and Men’s Doubles 501 with Donovan Aromy. Jennifer Cleveland won the Women’s Singles event; partners Tammy Kasperzick and Tammie Hurley-York teamed…

A partnership between two industry leaders was announced at the F2 Conference this week. Rhode Island Novelty added Pinnacle Entertainment Group to its team for sales support and corporate development. “We have a vision for advancing our company in the next five years,” said Bob Nowak, CEO of Rhode Island Novelty. “Looking forward has always served us well, and Pinnacle’s perspective on the marketplace will add to our team’s resources and capabilities.” Pinnacle partner Howard McAuliffe added, “Understanding the powerful player that Rhode Island Novelty is in the redemption marketplace, along with its wide reach into amusement parks, retail and…

Creative Works hosted their largest-ever LaserTAG360 event last month, which is an educational boot camp started in 2011 for operators who want to add immersive attractions to their entertainment centers. Held Feb. 4-6 in Indianapolis, the most recent event had more than 65 existing and aspiring operators in attendance. It kicked off with a keynote presentation from Jason Barnaby, founder of Fire Starters, Inc. To learn more and register for the next LaserTAG360, held June 10-12, visit www.lasertag360.com.

A recently-posted blog, written by Betson Enterprises’ director of operations Rob Zigmont, gives some tips on how operators can keep their games running smoothly. The straightforward approach includes cleaning the cabinet’s exterior using a soft rag like a microfiber towel, checking and cleaning cabinet vents and fans, vacuuming it occasionally, using compressed air to blow out the sensor on ticket dispensers and more. Betson also offers an in-depth maintenance class called Betson Technical University, where they do two days of hands-on training. Read the full post here.

LAI Games recently promoted Tabor Carlton to the position of marketing director, replacing Mark Easte, who recently assumed the role of managing director. Carlton will develop marketing strategy, maximize the department’s ROI and continue to build brand awareness in the industry. He previously held the position of brand marketing manager for Helix Leisure. “Having worked across multiple Helix Leisure companies for the past decade, Tabor has a very good understanding of the industry and he also brings a fresh perspective to what we’re doing at LAI Games,” Easte said. More information about the company is available at www.laigames.com.

“The Three Amigos” of F2FEC – George Smith, Ben Jones and Rick Iceberg – opened their fifth conference at The Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs, Colo., yesterday (March 5) with the program’s trademark energy and relationship-building as attendees gathered for cocktails and dinner. With the theme of “Imagine,” F2 gets fully underway today (concluding Thursday) and RePlay’s Ingrid Milkes and Key Snodgress are “in the room” to take it all in. Having attended the previous events, Snodgress said, “Each year, the Amigos curate a program that is incredibly relevant, inspiring and meaningful. I can’t wait to see what they have…

The City of Brotherly Love is showing some love to ATM operators, with Mayor James Kenney recently signing into law a measure that would ban cashless retail establishments. With Kenney’s signature on Feb. 28, Philadelphia became the first major city to require stores, restaurants, and other retailers to accept cash. Set to go into effect on July 1, violators of the new law will be penalized up to $2,000. Exceptions will include parking garages, wholesale clubs, and rental agencies, as well as sales made online and by phone. The law, which was hotly debated, passed the city council by a…