Schedule - FEC Success

SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 10-11, 2026

(Schedule subject to change in the event of unavoidable circumstances.)

NOTE: Part of your visit includes a free consultation with our experts about your project. Please contact Cindy Harrell at cindy@amusementproducts.com to schedule an appointment with Dutch Magrath, Gary Arvedon, Johnnie Stringfield, or Bill Wilcox. You may schedule directly with other FEC experts during networking times through the event.

DAY 1

8:30-8:45 am
Coffee, donuts and networking.

8:45-9:00 am
WELCOME TO FEC SUCCESS INSTITUTE! A brief look at what is happening the next two days and exciting new things to see. Introduction of speakers and Amusement Products staff. Presented by Gary Arvedon, Account Executive, Amusement Products and Amusement Construction.

9:00-10:00 am
How to Start a FEC Business + Designing the Perfect Park –Hear knowledge and insights from a 30+ year veteran in the FEC business about making good business decisions that will lead to a successful FEC business, and learn about the right attraction mix — Go kart tracks, batting cages, Spin Zone bumper cars, VR, laser tag, bowling and more. What is proven, what is new, and what could be a fad? Presented by Dutch Magrath, President of Amusement Products and Amusement Construction

10:00-10:30 am
Getting to Yes: A Look at Feasibility and Market Analysis – Presented by Sheryl Bindelglass, CEO, SherylGolf business enhancement firm

10:30-10:45 am
Break / Networking

10:45-11:00 am
Entertainment Interlude by Gary Arvedon, Amusement Products sales team.

11:00-11:15 am
Attendee Introduction

11:15-12:00 pm
Getting from Your Dream to Opening Day –This session details the process, including when to start, how long will it take, and the steps from ground breaking to opening day. Presented by Dutch Magrath, President of Amusement Products and Amusement Construction.

12:00-1:00 pm
LUNCH at Amusement Products. Enjoy lunch while meeting and networking with the presenters, attendees and Amusement Products staff.

1:00-1:30 pm
Building a Great Mini-Golf –Hear from an industry expert with 30+ years as a miniature golf and attractions professional. Presented by Bill Wilcox, Account Executive, Amusement Products and Amusement Construction.

1:30-2:00 pm
Bowling Solutions for Every Space and Budget – From standard TenPin Bowling to Boutique Bowling to HyperBowling and Fly’N Ducks—our new duckpin bowling option. Plus, Highway66 Mini-Bowling—th industry leader in mini-bowling applications. Presented by Bart Burger, Qubica/AMF

2:00-2:30 pm
Game Room Creation 101: Choosing the Right Mix for Profitability –Learn how to add huge profits to the indoor portion of your FEC by putting together the right mix of games and redemption games in your arcade. Presented by Adam Kleinhenz, Shaffer Distributing Company

2:30-3:00 pm
Get the Most from Your Redemption Program – Redemption prizes in family entertainment centers are a crucial component of the overall guest experience. Earning redemption prizes provides a sense of accomplishment and encourages repeat visits to the venue. Presented by Hutch Costello, Rhode Island Novelty

3:00-3:30 pm
How to Make More Money Using a Debit System – Presented by Lisa Scott, Semnox

3:30-4:15 pm
Advancements in Go-Kart Technology & Safety – A look at innovative features that will position your facility ahead of the competition and increase your profits! Presented by Dutch Magrath

4:15-5:00 pm
Bumper Cars & Batting Cages – Learn how our innovative technology takes popular FEC attractions to the next level to set you apart from the rest! Presented by Bill Wilcox and Johnnie Stringfield

Our Formula for Making Superior Attractions:
Durability+Ease of Maintenance+GreatLooks+Exciting Ride=SUCCESS

ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE:

Batting Cage Innovations: The Ultimate Trainer 3020 48-Speed Pitching Machines generate more profit! Pup Tent Cages= Less is more!
Electric Go Karts: The Evolution of Go-Kart Operations – How Amusement Products continually reinvents the industry!
Ride Commander: Control your way to an easier operation.
ThunderVolt Speedway Electric Operating System: The Electric Go Kart Revolution begins with the world’s most innovative operating system.
VirTech™: Award-winning revolutionary on-board self-diagnostic “Virtual Technician” on every kart!
Power Up Karting and Power Up Electric Operating System: Transform a go-kart track into a racing game!
Racing Style Go-Karts: The ThunderVolt Lightning, Model E, Model E + One, and the new Bolt – where speed and performance is everything!
Spin Zone and Spin Zone “Z” (tubeless) Bumper Cars: Bringing big park thrills to FEC’s (indoors and outdoors) – An attraction for all ages
Flip Zone Bumper Cars: The most unique bumper car in the world: Pump up the excitement with the most amazing bumper cars ever as they bump, flip and spin!
Flip/Spin Attraction: Flip Zone/Spin Zone Z combo arenas!

5:00-5:30 pm
Factory Tour – Conducted by Ryan Whited, Director of Operations

5:30-7:00 pm – Social Hour, Networking, and Dinner at Amusement Products

7:15-9:30 pm
Hands-On Training – Your opportunity to network, ride go-karts and experience attractions!

DAY 2

8:30-9:00 am
Coffee, donuts and networking.

9:00-9:45 am
Don’t Just Ask for Capital — Provide the Roadmap that Makes Saying “Yes” the Only Logical Choice – Don’t guess what lenders want to see — show them why you’re a safe bet. This seminar strips away the fluff and focuses on the “Big Three:” a compelling narrative, airtight financial projections, and a bullet- proof strategy. Whether you’re seeking a five-figure loan or a seven-figure investment, learn how to translate your passion into a professional roadmap that commands attention and secures “Yes.” Presented by Dave Wallace, Principal, Turfway Entertainment Management Group

9:45-10:15 am
Attracting and Hiring Your Team – Your Competitive Advantage – Learn easy and inexpensive ways to find – and keep – the staff you need to help you operate a successful FEC and deliver memorable guest experiences. Presented by Sheryl Bindelglass, CEO, SherylGolf business enhancement firm

10:15-10:45 am
The Effortless FEC: Letting Your System Do the Work – Every FEC has tech, but not every FEC makes the most of it. Discover how today’s smartest operators let their systems handle the grind while they focus on creating great guest experiences. Presented by Chris Barker, Intercard

10:45-11:00 am
Break / Networking

11:00-11:15 am
Entertainment Interlude – Gary Arvedon

11:15-12:00 pm
FEC Insurance is Like Every Other Insurance, Right? – A look at what is covered and what may not be covered, and how to control cost. With insurance, you only get one chance to do it right. Presented by Ryan Gillenwater, Principal, FEC Insurance Agency

12:00-1:00 pm
LUNCH at Amusement Products. Enjoy lunch while meeting and networking with the presenters, attendees and Amusement Products staff.

1:00-1:30 pm
Laser Tag Designed to Maximize Profits – A look at decisions during the planning phase that will have a long-term impact on revenues generated by your laser tag arena. Presented by Nate Murray, Delta Strike

1:30-2:15 am
Food & Beverage in FECs –An in-depth look at the data – how a food & beverage component could benefit your FEC. Presented by Dave Wallace, Principal, Turfway Entertainment Management Group

2:15-3:00 pm
AI for Dummies – Imagine your small business having access to the most creative, most innovative, marketing minds in the world. How about if you had the equivalent of over 1,000 marketing interns at your service 24/7. What if you could harness all of this for only $240 a year! Utilizing AI technology, specifically ChatGPT, learn how to bring your Digital Marketing plans to life in a fraction of the time. Work ON your business and not IN your business with AI. Presented by Bart Burger, Director of Marketing & Investor Success, Qubica/AMF

3:00-3:45 pm
Net Profit is the Goal! – It’s a fun business, but your goal is NET PROFIT! Where to focus your attention for a successful FEC. Presented by Dutch Magrath

3:45-4:00 pm
Break / Networking

4:00-4:30 pm
Entertainment Center Operating Best Practices! – What sets the best entertainment centers apart from everyone else? QubicaAMF’s Bart Burger reveals the real-world best practices behind the most successful out-of-home entertainment venues. Drawing from in-depth interviews, site visits, and collaboration with top operators across the industry over the last 40 years, you’ll gain valuable insights into how elite businesses thrive in the out of home entertainment space. Topics include talent management, communication strategies, guest experience, profitability drivers, and the art of continuous improvement. If you’ve ever wondered what the best of the best are doing right—this is your answer. Presented by Bart Burger, Director of Marketing & Investor Success, Qubica/AMF

4:30-5:00 pm
Questions & Answers/Consultations/Conclusion of FEC Success Institute

NOTE: From 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on Wednesday, Dutch Magrath, Gary Arvedon, Johnnie Stringfield, and Bill Wilcox will be available for private consultation on your project. All other presenters will be glad to meet with you individually to discuss your project. Availability is based on first come/first served with times when speakers are presenting topics to the group blocked out. Dutch will be available after dinner on Tuesday, during other presentations on Wednesday morning and during the hands-on tour at Fun Warehouse.

Thank you for visiting with us and we look forward to helping you make your dreams come true!