Unleash the Fun: Highlights and Tips for Amusement Expo 2024 in Las Vegas!

Unleash the Fun: Highlights and Tips for Amusement Expo 2024 in Las Vegas!

Amusement Expo International 2024

Hey, thrill-seekers and industry enthusiasts! The countdown has officially begun for one of the most exciting events of the year—Amusement Expo 2024, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it. Get ready to dive into the heart of all things fun, games, and jaw-dropping innovations. Las Vegas is calling, and Amusement Expo is ready to turn up the excitement!

Why Attend?

First things first, why should you attend Amusement Expo 2024? Aside from being an excellent opportunity to engage with TrainerTainment®, it is the ultimate playground for arcade enthusiasts, theme park dreamers, and entertainment entrepreneurs. This year’s event promises to be even bigger, bolder, and more buzzworthy than before. From cutting-edge technology to industry insights that will have your head spinning quicker than a roller coaster, this expo is your golden ticket to amusement greatness.

Tips for Maximum Fun:

  1. Plan Ahead: Don’t let FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) haunt you. Check out the schedule in advance, mark your must-attend sessions, and plan your booth visits strategically. Don’t forget that TrainerTainment® will be at Booth #2430! Time flies when you’re having fun, so make every minute count!
  2. Network Like a Pro: Amusement Expo isn’t just about games; it’s a hub of connections waiting to happen. Bring your A-game, swap business cards, and engage in conversations that could spark the next big collaboration. Remember, real magic often occurs in the spaces between scheduled events.
  3. Tech Talks and Demos: Get ready to be wowed by the latest and greatest in amusement technology from VR to LaserTag to Cashless options. Attend tech talks, participate in live demos, and immerse yourself in the future of entertainment. Who knows, you might stumble upon the next big thing!
  4. Explore the Exhibits: The expo floor is a treasure trove of innovation. Take your time wandering through the exhibits, try out the newest games, and chat with the passionate minds behind them. It’s not just an expo; it’s an adventure!
  5. Book Time to speak with a TrainerTainment® Sales Specialist. From sales, and service, to leadership, TrainerTainment® is passionate about helping you grow your people to grow your business. Schedule time to see how we can partner in your location’s growth.

Beyond the Expo: Vegas Vibes

Now, let’s talk about the city that never sleeps—Las Vegas. Once you’ve soaked up all the excitement at Amusement Expo, there’s a whole world of entertainment awaiting you in this dazzling desert oasis.

  1. The Strip Extravaganza: Take a stroll down the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Marvel at the neon lights, catch a street performance, and maybe even try your luck at one of the world-famous casinos. Remember, what happens in Vegas… well, you know the rest!
  2. Culinary Quest: Las Vegas is a foodie’s paradise. From celebrity chef restaurants to hidden gems, treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure. Pro tip: Don’t skip the buffets—they’re legendary.
  3. Outdoor Escapes: Need a breather from the bright lights? Explore the natural wonders surrounding Vegas. Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park offer stunning landscapes and a chance to recharge.
  4. Showtime Extravaganza: Las Vegas is renowned for its world-class entertainment. Catch a dazzling show, be it a Broadway-style production, a comedy act, or a mesmerizing magic show. There’s something for everyone.

So, gear up for a rollercoaster of excitement at Amusement Expo 2024 and dive headfirst into the vibrant energy of Las Vegas. This isn’t just an expo; it’s a journey into the heart of amusement excellence. Ready, set, let the fun begin! 🎢🎉 #AmusementExpo2024 #VegasAdventure #ArcadeAficionados #GrowYourBusiness

Unlocking Opportunities

Unlocking Opportunities

 

Attending IAAPA Expo 2023 in Orlando is a Must, with a Focus On TrainerTainment®

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo is undoubtedly one of the most significant trade show events in the amusement and attractions industry. Scheduled for November 14-17, 2023, in Orlando, this expo promises numerous benefits for businesses and professionals in the field. Here, we will explore why attending IAAPA Expo 2023 is a brilliant idea, with an emphasis on visiting the TrainerTainment team in booth #4656.

Networking Opportunities

As mentioned in an earlier post (https://trainertainment.net/10-tips-when-attending-bowl-expo-or-tradeshow/), trade shows are exceptional networking platforms. At IAAPA Expo 2023, you’ll have the chance to meet and connect with professionals from amusement parks, attractions, and the entertainment industry from around the world. This diverse gathering offers unparalleled opportunities to forge valuable connections.

Market Research

For those in the amusement and attractions sector, IAAPA Expo is the ideal place to conduct market research. It’s a treasure trove of information about the latest industry trends, innovations, and consumer preferences. Understanding these trends is crucial for businesses looking to stay competitive and relevant.

Product Showcase

TrainerTainment, a renowned player in the industry, will undoubtedly have an impressive booth at IAAPA Expo 2023. Visiting the booth provides a unique opportunity to experience TrainerTainment’s products and services firsthand, and learn more about our proven solutions for growth. Plus, booth visitors can enter our drawing for a free onsite training ($2,750 value)!

Brand Exposure

Being part of IAAPA Expo can elevate your brand’s visibility within the amusement industry. Whether you are an established business or a startup, showcasing your presence at such a prestigious event can significantly boost your brand’s credibility.

Lead Generation

IAAPA Expo attracts decision-makers and professionals looking for solutions and partnerships. If you’re interested in TrainerTainment’s services or any other offerings, visiting their booth can result in valuable leads that may lead to mutually beneficial collaborations.

Competitive Edge

Staying ahead of the competition is paramount in the amusement and attractions sector. IAAPA Expo 2023 will feature the latest innovations and trends in the industry. By visiting TrainerTainment’s booth, you can gain insights into how our solutions can help you gain a competitive edge.

Educational Opportunities

IAAPA Expo offers an array of seminars, workshops, and presentations by industry experts. Attending these sessions can deepen your knowledge of the industry and provide you with practical insights that you can apply to your business. TrainerTainment, with its expertise in training and staff development, is participating in informative sessions that could benefit your team.

Cost-Effective Marketing

Compared to other forms of marketing, attending IAAPA Expo 2023 can be a cost-effective strategy. The potential ROI from meeting potential clients and partners, learning about industry trends, and exploring TrainerTainment’s solutions far outweighs the cost of participation.

Global Reach

IAAPA Expo attracts attendees and exhibitors from around the world. This global exposure is invaluable for businesses looking to expand internationally. TrainerTainment’s booth may offer insights into how our solutions can be tailored to different markets.

Innovation and Inspiration

TrainerTainment, as a leader in its field, will showcase innovative approaches to staff training and development. Visiting our booth can be an inspiring experience, sparking fresh ideas and strategies for your amusement park or attraction.

In conclusion, attending IAAPA Expo 2023 in Orlando is a golden opportunity for anyone in the amusement and attractions industry. The benefits of networking, market research, brand exposure, and lead generation are undeniable. However, it’s the special emphasis on visiting the TrainerTainment booth that can truly enhance your experience. By doing so, you can explore innovative solutions for staff training and development, gain insights into industry trends, and open doors to potential partnerships that could propel your business to new heights. Don’t miss out on this chance to unlock opportunities at IAAPA Expo 2023, and make sure to visit TrainerTainment in booth #4656 for a deeper dive into their business-transforming offerings.

Click here to plan your TrainerTainment visit at IAAPA!

Becoming a Birthday Pro, From Booking to Rebooking!

Becoming a Birthday Pro, From Booking to Rebooking!

kids at a birthday party

Selling and executing a memorable birthday party involves more than just cake and balloons; it requires a thoughtful process from booking to rebooking. Whether you’re selling parties, are a party host, or are a party coordinator at a venue, these essential steps can make all the difference in ensuring your party is a hit.

The Booking

The journey begins with booking the party. Clear communication is key, and this starts with confirmation calls. After the initial booking and the deposit, consider making two confirmation calls – one immediately after booking and another in the week leading up to the event. This ensures that all details are crystal clear. Mention you will be calling back prior to the party to avoid any confusion.

In today’s digital age, remember the importance of web presence. Ensure that your website is user-friendly and up-to-date, making it easy for customers to book parties online. Additionally, opt for positive-worded communications to create a welcoming atmosphere. Instead of saying, “Do not,” rephrase to offer constructive, positive suggestions.

The Party

On the day of the party, make a memorable first impression. Introduce yourself to the parents as the party host or coordinator and let the party mom/dad know all the details of their party. This will ensure that any last-minute additions or changes will be minimized. Have your Party Host engage the attendees by showcasing a go-to party trick, game, or interaction that sets the tone for a fun celebration. You are the ringleader of the fun: making sure the party stays on time, everyone is engaged and having fun, and making sure everything runs smoothly for the guests.

The Follow Up

Post-party follow-up is crucial for rebooking. Consider offering a bounce-back coupon to every guest, enticing them to return for another celebration. Sending physical thank-you cards addressed to the child, rather than generic emails, can make your venue stand out. Express your gratitude and, simultaneously, request referrals using QR codes and persuasive language.

Bonus Tip: Keep Your Eyes Open for 2024 Webinars on hosting Birthdays, Parties, and Events.

Always be prospecting for future parties. Explore strategies like maintaining a celebration station, having rooms set up at all times for tours, reaching out to past party attendees from more than two years ago, and establishing a birthday club. These efforts can help sustain your business and keep the party spirit alive year after year.

In conclusion, the journey to becoming a Birthday Pro and from booking to rebooking involves clear communication, engaging party experiences, and strategic follow-ups. By implementing these steps, you can ensure that every birthday celebration is not only memorable but also a stepping stone to future celebrations at your center.

The Power of Positive Language in Business

The Power of Positive Language in Business

words have power

The Language of Success

Effective communication is critical for business success in today’s competitive environment. While strategies and skills are important, one factor that is frequently forgotten is the power of positive language. In the workplace, the words we use can have a significant impact on our professional relationships, team dynamics, and overall productivity. Let’s look at how using positive language in our business relationships can help us succeed and build a thriving work environment.

Inspiring and Motivating Teams:

Leaders can use positive language to inspire and encourage their teams. Leaders build a healthy work culture that increases employee engagement and loyalty by employing words of encouragement, acknowledgment, and appreciation. Employees are more inclined to go the additional mile, collaborate successfully, and put their best efforts into the company’s success when they feel valued and encouraged.

Improving Customer Experience:

In customer interactions, positive language is equally vital. Businesses can create a great client experience that makes a lasting impression by employing warm and empathic language. Positive language can aid in the resolution of difficult circumstances, the development of rapport, and the exceeding of client expectations. Businesses can establish deeper client relationships and foster customer loyalty by employing phrases that indicate caring, thanks, and a readiness to solve problems.

Facilitating Effective Collaboration:

Positive language in business is essential for effective cooperation and teamwork. Team members feel appreciated when inclusive and courteous language is used, and they are more willing to contribute their thoughts and viewpoints. Positive language encourages open conversation, active listening, and constructive feedback, fostering a climate in which varied ideas can thrive. As a result, problem-solving, innovation, and overall team productivity improve.

Overcoming Challenges with Resilience:

When confronted with obstacles and disappointments positive language may be a strong tool for maintaining resilience and a solutions-oriented mindset. Businesses may inspire their teams to address issues with creativity and determination by reframing problems as opportunities and using terms that reflect optimism and confidence. Positive language fosters a mindset that values learning from mistakes and pushes ongoing growth.

Positive language in business has the power to change the workplace by improving team interactions, customer experiences, and overall success. Leaders can motivate their teams, companies can create memorable customer experiences, and collaboration can grow by introducing uplifting and inspirational language into our business communications. Let us use the power of positive words to create a business culture of success, resilience, and growth. Begin now by actively choosing words that inspire, uplift, and promote positive change, and see the transforming influence on your business path.

Coaching vs. Training

Coaching vs. Training

coaching vs training

Training Is Important, but Coaching Truly Builds a Team of Winners

Reprinted From Replay Magazine: Party Professor – May 2023
Imagine you employ a new team member who seems to be a great new hire. You’ve taken every step to help ensure her success. The job description is clear. The orientation provided all the rules and best practices for successful service. Your new team member completed all your online learning courses and passed with flying colors. Finally, she worked three shifts with the best OTJ (on-the-job) trainer in your facility. She’s now ready to face a shift on her own.

The day comes, and traffic was horrific. Your new team member arrives 10 minutes late for work. As a coach and a good leader, the best thing you believe you can do is to be understanding and compassionate. The challenge is that late-to-work behavior violates your “always ready to work” core value. The training provided in orientation says on time is five minutes early. If you choose to ignore or downplay the late arrival as a coach, you’ve now rendered the training irrelevant. As difficult as it might be, a good coach expresses curiosity about the “why” of the late arrival and can express understanding of the horrific traffic. However, a great coach asks the follow-up question that sounds like this: “Beth, I get it that the traffic was bad, and I am wondering what you can do differently in the future to make sure you are on time?”

It is important for the ideal team member to own their behavior and be accountable for their job. Often, I think, as leaders, we are hopeful bad behaviors might get better as time progresses. The reality is when we let any bad behavior go unnoticed; we might encourage just the thing we don’t want with our silent approval. An additional consequence can be other team members may feel as if you’re playing favorites or the on-time policy doesn’t matter for a new hire.

Conversely, if the newbie arrives on time (five minutes early) and is enthusiastic about her first shift, a good coach gives recognition and support about how great the day is going to be because she’s on the team.

Training in and of itself is education. We must learn the rules, understand the processes, and have the how, what, and when of the job. Coaching, however, is the determining factor in whether or not you have “A” players or team members willing to simply get by.

Reinforcement, feedback, curiosity, and input help a manager or owner become a great coach. Great coaches produce teams that win.

There is a distinct difference between telling someone what to do and coaching someone to succeed. As an employer who works with many front-line and first-time employees, you have a grand responsibility to influence our leaders of tomorrow.

What to Do Now?

Step 1: Make sure your training and onboarding processes are clear.

Step 2: Once there’s confidence in step one, the expectation is your ongoing coaching efforts are sure to help you have the next all-star team! For additional information regarding motivation and getting the most from your team, check out an amazing author, Aubrey Daniels, a leading scientist in motivation, and/or invite a coach from TrainerTainment to work with your leadership team.

5 Ways FECs Can Use Technology to Improve Operational Efficiency

5 Ways FECs Can Use Technology to Improve Operational Efficiency

Technology help

Josh LiebmanJosh Liebman is ROLLER’s Guest Experience Evangelist based in Chicago, Illinois (USA). His role involves showcasing how the guest experience should be at the forefront of business decisions in the attractions industry. This includes enhancing guest satisfaction, removing friction, and driving loyalty﹘all of which ROLLER can solve from a technological standpoint.

The Family Entertainment Center (FEC) industry is becoming increasingly technologically advanced. From VR experiences to chip-embedded golf balls, FECs have the opportunity to showcase products to their guests who are curious about the latest and greatest. And when technology is woven into the experience, you must also ensure that the best technology is running your business. Otherwise, you’ll fall behind your competitors. In this article, you will learn how you can improve your efficiency by embracing technology that is available at your fingertips.

Promote advance sales

One of the best ways to improve operational efficiency onsite is by encouraging guests to buy tickets in advance on your website. By offering an intuitive online checkout, more guests will arrive with tickets or passes already purchased, easing up your team from selling tickets at your entrance. A successful online checkout is one that is optimized to increase conversion rates and reduce abandoned carts, and suggestively sell add-ons that will grow the average size of the transaction. Guests should also be able to pay how they want, such as with Apple Pay, Google, and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL).

Better yet, when guests buy in advance, they have a stronger commitment to visit, so offering an online discount can help to increase attendance. Once they arrive, they can scan right in without waiting in a necessary queue and can start having fun right away.

Process waivers in advance

For venues that offer more extreme attractions that increase your liability, such as high-speed go-karts, ropes courses, or trampoline parks, waivers may be a critical part of your business operations. But instead of giving each guest a clipboard and a pen for them to fill out a paper waiver that goes into a file cabinet in a dusty office, digitizing your waiver process is good for guests, team members, and the business itself. Aligning it with the ticket purchase enables guests to buy their tickets or passes, sign their waivers, and then show up for all of their administrative tasks.

Reduce labor with kiosks

Pushing ticket sales online does not mean that you need to eliminate onsite ticket sales are ways to smooth out the process and reduce the amount of labor necessary for guests to purchase upon arrival. By incorporating self-service kiosks, guests can have more agency over their purchase experience than the traditional model of waiting in line in a box office-style sales environment. While the kiosk allows the guest to transact without needing a team member, you can still staff the kiosks. Still, instead of a one-to-one ratio that a cash register requires, you can spread out one team member over multiple kiosks to assist with questions and offer assistance, and the guest completes the transaction on their own.

Expedite guests who bought online

At the entrance to your FEC, your guests should fall into two categories: those who bought in advance and those who didn’t. By now, you recognize the importance of guests buying tickets and signing waivers ahead of their visit while also ensuring that those who did not can complete these necessary tasks upon arrival. But for guests who bought online, waiting behind guests who did not is an inconvenience and vice versa; therefore, you should split your guests into these two groups when they arrive. Those who buy in advance should bypass your onsite point of sale (whether box office-style, kiosks, or a combination of the two) and scan right in while ensuring a smooth purchase process for guests who need more time or prefer to buy upon arrival.

Automate feedback collection

Everything discussed thus far covers ways technology can support your operational efficiency before and up to your guests’ arrival, but now let’s fast forward to after their visit and how you can eliminate friction in one of the most critical areas of the guest journey: collecting guest feedback. Guest feedback allows you to strengthen the relationships with your guests while gaining valuable data that you can use to improve your operations. It can be cumbersome to collect without technology; think of the team member with a clipboard or a tablet at the exit to your venue, stopping tired guests on their way out. When the process is automated, however, you can prompt guests for feedback after their visit and connect with them promptly so that if they had a poor experience, you wouldn’t learn about it from Google Reviews. Most importantly, your automation will include every guest, not just a select few, if you do the process manually or in person.

To learn more about how ROLLER’s technology can improve the operational efficiency of your FEC, click here to get a demo and get in touch today.

The Importance of a Game Room Refresh

The Importance of a Game Room Refresh

gameroom image

Josh LiebmanJonathan Betti is the Senior Vice President of Sales & Business Development for Betson Enterprises. Jon and the Betson team focus on providing customer-centric products and solutions for the location-based entertainment business. Jon is passionate about the arcade space and has worked with manufacturers to develop several successful game concepts.

The initial decision to invest in an arcade is a significant one involving capital outlay, planning, and other valuable resources. Creating a successful arcade must factor in the room’s layout, the right mix of games, the selection of enticing prizes, the marketing of offerings, and many other variables. With all that work, you have created a successful arcade, but it’s vital not to underestimate the importance of developing plans for a ‘game room refresh.’ This practice will enable you to maintain and grow your game room earnings through consistent reinvestment in new games.

Why should you refresh your game room?

Technology changes, game trends evolve, assets depreciate, and consumers want diverse entertainment experiences.

How do you decide which games to remove, when to remove them, and which to add? This starts with understanding your card system reports.

Consistent analysis of the 6-week, 3-month, 6-month, and annual trend reports helps identify game assets that may be declining in earnings, provide redundancy (too many lanes, hoops, cranes, etc.), or are just not appealing to your customer base for other reasons. At that point, sharing data with your distributor to determine fair market value trade-in prices will help you narrow down the games to swap out. Trading in late-model games before they’ve become “old” provides a ripe time to offload an existing game and minimize the capital outlay to maintain a fresh game room.

As for new games, work with your salesperson to find suitable hot releases to fill those spots. You also want to maintain your arcade’s optimal mix of video, redemption, and merchandisers. That mix will be unique to your specific location but should still follow general guidelines within the industry.

Keeping your arcade game titles updated is critical to attracting repeat customers, as the desire for a competitive and immersive experience drives many players. More manufacturers offer unique features such as virtual leaderboards and console crossover to incentivize return play. Although they may generate less revenue than redemption titles, video games are vital to the arcade experience.

Leasing games is also a great way to provide a built-in reminder that it is time to refresh. Many locations and operators will lease some of their game rooms for this reason.

Marketing Your Games

What is the benefit of a new game if your customer doesn’t know about it? Remember marketing. Not all locations have the budget for TV or radio advertisements. Still, card systems and loyalty programs give locations incredible marketing power to speak directly to their player base. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok are all low-cost avenues to bring awareness of new offerings to your customers. Let your customers know that a game is coming, then create excitement and promotion around its arrival.

Lastly, a new game is an excellent opportunity to rearrange your room. Simply moving some games from the front of the room to the back will make your space feel newer, even if you have only added a few new titles.

Using guest feedback to improve operations | ROLLER

Using guest feedback to improve operations | ROLLER

people with opinions

Josh LiebmanJosh Liebman is ROLLER’s Guest Experience Evangelist based in Chicago, Illinois (USA). His role involves showcasing how the guest experience should be at the forefront of business decisions in the attractions industry. This includes enhancing guest satisfaction, removing friction, and driving loyalty﹘all of which ROLLER can solve from a technological standpoint.

The best way to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of your business is to collect feedback from your guests directly.

While social media and online reviews are valuable, it also means that you are learning about the downsides of your business while prospective guests are considering a visit.

In this article, you will learn the best ways to manage guest feedback, collect it, respond to and
engage with your guests, and make positive changes to your guest experience.

1. Focus on internal collection (otherwise, your complaints will be public)

Online reviews heavily influence more than 90% of prospective guests, and one negative review can turn away up to 30 future guests. While the feedback is critical to your growth, if you aren’t focusing on driving feedback through internal channels, your dissatisfied guests will air your dirty laundry for all to see.

It is more beneficial to your business if you ask your guests for their perceptions of their visit and, most importantly, allow them to complain to you directly. Complaints help you grow your business and strengthen your relationship with your guests. Still, they are most helpful when there is a direct line of communication between your guests and your business rather than responding to online reviews and social media posts.

2. Respond to guests promptly

In today’s world of instant gratification, people want immediate results. So it would be best if you made it easy for your guests to provide feedback. Similarly, you must also try to respond as quickly as possible.

A recent survey indicated that the average consumer expects a response to an inquiry or a complaint within one hour of submitting it. Some consumers expect an ever quicker response, down to 10 minutes.

Your feedback collection strategy should include alerts directly to a manager or guest service specialist who can get back to the guest as quickly as possible. The sooner you respond, the more satisfied the guest will be, alleviating the frustration that led them to complain in the first place. The longer you take, the more the disappointment festers, and by the time they hear From you, it may be even more of an uphill battle to win the guest back over.

3. Segment your categories of feedback

Feedback for the sake of feedback won’t give you what you need to improve your experience. By segmenting your guest feedback into the core categories of your guest experience, you can identify the most prominent issues and prioritize your actions accordingly. Better yet, allow your guests to select the most and least favorable portions of their visit so the data comes to you pre-categorized.

Categories of feedback can include:

  1. Service
  2. Facilities
  3. Safety
  4. Value
  5. Anything else that is a critical component of a guest’s visit

4. Tackle the largest issues first

The best part of having a solid guest feedback strategy is always knowing what is top of mind to your guests regarding areas of the experience that can be improved.

When you’ve segmented your feedback categories, please take it to the next level by looking at your consistent blocks of time categories. For example, a month-over-month comparison allows you to identify trends in which areas of the experience are improving and may be declining.

By addressing the most significant issues first, you prioritize the biggest friction points in the guest experience. You can then observe the direct impact of the solutions you put in place by reviewing the data in the next block.

5. Solve for the perception, not the complaint

Perception is reality. Even if the perception does not match the actual circumstance, this is still your guests’ takeaway when leaving your venue. As you tackle the most significant issues, the solution is not always the opposite of the problem.

For instance, if your biggest complaint is that your prices are too high, solving the complaint would mean that you would lower your costs. But guess what? People will still think your prices are too high, and now you’re making less money!

Solving for the perception, however, would be repositioning the value your guests receive for the price they pay. While it may not eliminate the complaint, it can reduce criticism of this issue.

Solving for the perception allows you to get creative with your solutions.

Use guest feedback to your advantage

Guest feedback is a valuable resource that can help your venue grow.

An effective guest feedback strategy is best combined with robust guest feedback software that clearly shows where your venue excels, and improvements can be made.

Click here to learn how ROLLER can help you use guest feedback to improve your operations.

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