IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, will host the IAAPA FEC Summit 2024 in San Antonio, Texas, from 21 – 23 January. This annual event will bring together professionals from across the family entertainment centre (FEC) sector, giving them a key opportunity to network, share best practices, and learn more about the latest trends.
Across three days, attendees can enjoy a range of educational sessions, as well as multiple networking receptions and two engaging keynote addresses.
Keynote speakers and more
On Sunday night, the Summit kicks off with a welcoming reception sponsored by McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance, including a costume contest celebrating all things Texan. With rewards given to those with the most inventive costumes, attendees are urged to show off their sense of style by dressing in their finest boots and belts.
Salem Thyne, president of Middle Initial LLC and co-author of the book Nobody Cares, will lead a conversation on accepting responsibility for your life and your business during his keynote presentation on Monday. Thyne has over 26 years of experience in corporate management and operations in both late-stage corporations as well as early-stage start-ups.
The IAAPA FEC Summit will also feature a presentation by Vince Poscente, a corporate presenter, Hall of Fame speaker, and New York Times bestselling author. Poscente’s “Do what the competition is not willing to do” approach to overcoming challenges and resiliency has been adopted by numerous Fortune 500 firms worldwide.
Other panellists are Lore Hurtado and Liliana Zamfirescu from Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, Dan Fonseca and Morris Pierce from Santikos Entertainment, and others. They will discuss their experiences running their businesses and what it takes to create and preserve a culture of leadership.
On Monday 22 January, the IAAPA FEC Summit will feature a Brass Rings panel including four previous FEC of the Year Award winners. Jeremy Hoyum, Todd Maunsell, Craig Buster, and Barry Zelickson will all give speeches about what makes them stand out from the competition and how other FEC owners may do the same.
Tours and events
There will also be off-site, guided facility excursions to state-of-the-art entertainment venues to continue the education. After touring the cutting-edge Santikos Entertainment Cibolo movie theatre, participants will visit AR’s Entertainment Hub and Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. They will also get behind-the-scenes access to The Amazing Mirror Maze on the summit’s last day.
“Every year, we set out to provide the best content for FEC operators at our annual Summit and this year is no different,” says Michael Shelton, vice president and executive director of IAAPA North America.
“Our team has organized tours to a variety of FEC locations and educational sessions led by several innovative speakers. The best suppliers in the industry will also be on site to offer the latest products and services that will help you drive your business forward.”
Registration for IAAPA FEC Summit 2024 is now open for members and nonmembers.
IAAPA will also host a trade summit on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in January 2024. This event will take place in collaboration with IAAPA Member Miral, a creator of immersive experiences and destinations, and the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Convention and Exhibition Bureau.
