CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. — During its 2024 Annual Membership Meeting in Las Vegas, AMOA elected a new class of directors. The new Class of 2027, consisting of eight operators and distributors from around the country, are:

• Timothy Acord, Bavarian Lodge Inn, Frankenmuth, MI
• Brian Baumann, AVS Companies, Minneapolis, MN
• Ryan Brooks, Alpha Vending, Oklahoma City, OK
• Mark Cumming, ATM Merchant Services, Alvin, TX
• Mike Gelatka, Mike’s Amusements, St. John, IN
• Tara Scudder, GRE Amusements LLC, Burlington, IA
• Philip Webb, PDQ Merchant Enterprises, Johnsburg, IL
• Marcus Zappa, Lorain Music and Vending, Amherst, OH

In addition, the following 2024-2025 AMOA Principal Officers, elected at its Mid-Year Board Meeting in September 2023, took the helm for a one-year term at the conclusion of Amusement Expo International.

• President Bob Burnham, Jr. of Paradise Pinball & Amusement, LLC, Cheyenne, WY
• First Vice President Brian Brotsch of Knox Amusement, Rochester, NY
• Treasurer Tommy Hendley of B & H Vending & Amusements, Indian Trail, NC
• Secretary Scott John of Amuse-O-Matic, Frederick, MD

AMOA Officers and Directors whose terms expired at the close of the show were sincerely thanked and recognized for their dedication and service to the association and the industry. They will now join the illustrious AMOA Heart & Soul. The AMOA Heart & Soul consists of the generations of men and women that have served on the AMOA Board of Directors since 1948.

ATHENS, Texas — Extreme Engineering, a global leader in family coasters, attractions, and engineering design, proudly announces the debut of the world’s first commercial golf ball cannons at Las Vegas’ newest venue, Atomic Golf. Positioned as a bold brand of golf entertainment, Atomic Golf offers an expansive 99,000 square feet of entertainment, fun, and games, making it one of the largest driving ranges of its kind. Nestled adjacent to the Stratosphere Hotel, this exciting facility boasts four floors, over 100 high-tech golf bays, and eight diverse games to cater to every golfer’s preferences. 

Extreme Engineering’s collaboration with Atomic Golf had led to the development of state-of-the-art golf ball launching cannons, providing guests of all ages with an exhilarating way to launch golf balls onto the driving range. Phil Wilson, Chief Development Officer at Extreme Engineering, expressed enthusiasm about the project stating, “Working with the team at Atomic Golf was an absolute blast. Bringing their concept to reality was one of our favorite design projects to date. Witnessing guests’ excitement while operating the cannons was even more rewarding.”

Situated exclusively at designated golf bays, guests can load a bucket of balls into the cannon system. Once the spring-loaded handles are pulled back, the cannons automatically charge their integrated air cells, signaled by a green light indicating readiness for launch. Guests can aim precisely using the cannon’s scope, enhancing the experience.

“The sounds of the cannon launching balls adds another dimension to the thrill, “noted Jeff Wilson, CEO of Extreme Engineering. “The distinctive sound captures the attention of surrounding guests, making it a showcase attraction.”

Atomic Golf is now open daily, offering pre-booking options for individual bays accommodating up to 16 guests. Additionally, group events, including luxury suites with VIP elevators, are available to provide the ultimate golfing experiences for visitors.  

BONNER SPRINGS, Kansas — Adventure enthusiasts will soon be ableto pack their bags and visit Destination KCK, a world-class, year-round entertainment destination coming to Bonner Springs, Kansas in Wyandotte County.

Destination KCK will captivate visitors with immersive themed areas accessible by foot or boat, that offer a blend of distinctive retail and dining experiences. Highlights include a luxurious RV Park Resort, a charming Christmas Village and picturesque lakeside hotels, one of which centers around the highly anticipated Mattel Adventure Park.Epic Resort Destinations, the creators of award-winning, must-see destinations will design and operate the new attraction.

The development will bring a whole new set of adventures just west of the acclaimed Village West development in Kansas City. Destination KCK will transform the 180-acre land parcel into a resort and vacation destination sure to create lifelong memories for locals and visitors alike.

“We are excited to bring this attraction and entertainment-based development to Kansas,” said Epic Resort Destinations CEO Glen B. Bilbo. “Destination KCK will be the perfect place to escape with the entire family. If you’re planning a day at the Mattel Adventure Park, a family weekend at our hotels or luxury RV Resort or organizing a conference or special event, Destination KCK has it all. With options for shopping and lakefront dining and an exciting array of attractions and seasonal festivals catering to all ages, Destination KCK ensures an unforgettable experience filled with family fun and entertainment.”

Designed around a central, 12-acre lake providing waterfront views for guests staying at one of the three resort hotels, Destination KCK also offers a variety of lakefront experiential dining options. To enhance the experience, guests can take a boat excursion, a trip on a personal watercraft or a zipline adventure over to the resort. Visitors can also enjoy thrilling, heart-pounding theme park rides at Mattel Adventure Park or stroll through a Christmas Village where they can enjoy exclusive retail experiences and celebrate the holiday season 365 days a year.

In addition to the more than 500 hotel guest rooms, Destination KCK has a luxury RV Park Resort and custom cabins for a unique glamping experience. There’s nothing else in the market quite like Destination KCK, and Epic Resort Destinations is proud to call Kansas the home of this all-new entertainment world.

The Destination KCK megaplex spans more than 180 acres and will feature eight themed areas with an impressive array of experiences for the entire family:

• Mattel Adventure Park, featuring more than 25 themed rides & attractions capturing the excitement of some of the most beloved toy brands, including Hot Wheels, Barbie, Thomas the Tank Engine, Masters of the Universe and more
• Retail: 34 Specialty and Experiential Retail Stores
• Restaurants: Six Themed Waterfront Restaurants
• Hotels: Over 500 rooms spread over three different hotels, including 22,500 square feet Conference Center, and 40,500 square feet of Events Center space
• Rainforest Attraction
• Additional Attractions including a Fly & Dive Theater, Boat Excursions, Personal Watercraft, Zip Lines and Major Ice-Skating Rink as a part of the Winter Festival located in the Christmas Village
• Two Enclosed Special Events Pavilions located in the center of the lake for fully catered corporate and family events and weddings
• A Luxury RV Park Resort: 161 Class C Resort Sites, 97 Class A Motor Coach Sites and 59 Custom Cabin & Glamping Sites and 10,000 square feet for a Clubhouse, Indoor/ Outdoor Pool, Lakes & Complete Amenity Package
• Office: 44,515 square feet of Class A Office Space

The destination will also bring an anticipated 1,750 new jobs to the region, boosting the local economy while providing valuable employment opportunities for area residents.

Stay tuned for updates and visit DestinationKCK.com to learn more about this world-class destination coming to west Kansas City.

CINCINNATI, Ohio —  JRA, part of RWS Global has announced the hiring of Lisa Jey Schanley as its new Director of Business Development. Schanley currently serves on the Themed Entertainment Association Board of Directors, Western Division, and is the co-chair of the Communications Committee.

In her new role, Schanley will spearhead the strategic development of an expansion of offerings to serve both new and existing clients, playing a pivotal role in driving the firm’s growth trajectory across diverse markets. With over two decades of experience in business development, growth strategies, marketing and PR, Schanley brings a wealth of expertise to her new position.

Previously, Schanley served as Strategic Account Director, Immersive Experiences at HYPERVSN. She has also worked with Technomedia and Nassal, where she showcased her aptitude for driving business solutions, expansions and strategic partnerships.

Before joining the themed entertainment industry, Schanley’s own marketing, PR and events production firm, Jey Associates, represented actors, brands and businesses and produced red-carpet events and independent activations for nearly two decades. Throughout her career, she has specialized as a celebrity talent executive and producer, most recently having worked on a large-scale entertainment project based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“As a writer and artist, JRA has always satiated my love for story, design, artwork and creativity in any form,” says Schanley. “I have always admired the company’s work from the sidelines, but no longer! I am eager to collaborate with the incredibly talented team at JRA and to showcase the company’s unique vision and shining personality worldwide.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Lisa to the team,” says Matt Dawson, Vice President, JRA. “Her expertise, industry experience and robust network developed through her involvement in the Themed Entertainment Association will allow Lisa to play a leading role in continuing our growth trajectory at JRA.”

Sacoa, the global leader in entertainment solutions, is thrilled to announce its participation at CinemaCon 2024, scheduled to take place from April 9th to 11th at Booth #919J in Las Vegas, USA.

Commenting on Sacoa’s participation, Sebastian Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa USA, expressed his gratitude for returning to the shining city, stating: “Las Vegas holds a special place in our hearts, especially after seeing my father, Jorge Mochkovsky, President and founder of Sacoa, inducted into the AAMA’s Hall of Fame in the same city just a few days ago.”

He also adds: “For many years, Sacoa has been a proud participant in CinemaCon, consistently bringing forth the latest innovations to enhance the cinema experience. We are excited to showcase our newest releases, which we believe will elevate the entertainment journey for moviegoers worldwide.”

ORLANDO — This year, the horror begins earlier than ever before as Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights returns on select nights* from August 30 through November 3 – unleashing a new slate of frights and nightmare-inducing terror at every corner of Universal Studios Florida. Guests can secure their spot for the screams now and purchase select tickets and offers to plan the ultimate fall getaway where they can experience the adrenaline-pumping thrills of Universal’s theme parks by day and the terrifying chills of Halloween Horror Nights at night.

Every fall, guests from all around the globe brave their worst nightmares coming to life at Halloween Horror Nights – consistently named the world’s premier Halloween event. This year, a chilling new collection of horrifying experiences await guests, including 10 all-new movie-quality haunted houses inspired by cinematic greats and eerie original stories created by the twisted minds of Universal’s Entertainment team, and five scare zones filled with hundreds of menacing creatures who will reign the streets of Universal Studios Florida. And in between the screams, guests can enjoy an energetic live show, fuel up for the next round of scares with sinfully delicious food and beverage inspired by the event’s haunts, shop the latest merchandise at the highly-themed Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store, and enjoy some of Universal Studios Florida’s most exciting attractions.

Single-night event tickets and Express Passes for Halloween Horror Nights are available for purchase now. Guests can also stay, scream and save up to $200 (based on a seven-night stay) with a special vacation package that includes one-night admission to the event and accommodations at a Universal hotel located just minutes from the haunts. This package also includes admission to all three Universal Orlando theme parks to enjoy some of the most innovative rides and attractions ever created during the day, before facing the chills of Halloween Horror Nights at night. Plus, hotel guests receive exclusive benefits including access to a dedicated Halloween Horror Nights gate for faster entry into the event, Early Park Admission to the theme parks during the day, complimentary resort transportation, and more. Savings vary based on length of stay and this package is available for purchase now through November 2 for use from August 30 to November 3.

Halloween Horror Nights upgrades are also available for purchase now, including the guided, nighttime R.I.P. Tour experience where guests receive priority V.I.P. access to the haunted houses; and the Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour that offers a glimpse into how the scares are brought to life via a daytime, lights-on journey through select haunted houses. For guests who can’t wait to peek at what’s in-store this year, there’s also a limited, three-house Behind The Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour available for purchase for select days starting Aug. 11.

Guests can also start to get into the Halloween Horror Nights spirit with an all-new merchandise collection that has launched today – featuring a t-shirt, hat and tumbler celebrating that Universal Orlando is “Where Horror Lives.” The collection is available now at http://shop.universalorlando.com and at Five Dime at Universal Studios Florida as well as All Hallows Eve Boutique at Islands of Adventure.

ST. LOUIS — Intercard congratulates three of its international customers who are among the bowling and family entertainment centers that earned top honors in the 39th annual Bowling Center Architecture and Design Awards competition conducted by Bowling Center Management magazine.

Domestic centers and international centers were judged in separate divisions, with dedicated categories for new venues and modernized facilities. Awards were given for the best overall venues, the best exteriors, the best interiors and the best ancillary profit centers (such as arcades, dedicated billiards rooms, karaoke rooms, etc.).

The winners in international categories will be featured in the May 2024 issue of BCM. Intercard customers among the winners are:

• Best Arcade — Ozone Bowling, Valladolid, Spain
• Best New Center — Brass Monkey Citywalk, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Best Interior — The Game Luxe Kurla, Mumbai, India

“Intercard congratulates our international customers who have been recognized by BCM for the excellent architecture and design of their amusement centers,” says Alberto Borrero, senior vice president of international sales for Intercard. “These are smart and creative operators who offer their customers the best guest experience in every facet of their centers from the front door to the arcade and beyond. Intercard is proud to contribute to the creative and business success of these businesses.”

GILBERTSVILLE, Pa. — Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc., the world leader in ticketing, admission control, and revenue-generating solutions within the attractions industry, is thrilled to announce Chris Angelos as its new Director of Sales. Chris has ten years of extensive sales leadership experience and a dynamic, out-of-the-box approach to sales strategies, making him a valuable addition to the company’s executive leadership team.

Chris has a proven track record of driving revenue growth and building strong client relationships in the technology industry. He also has experience improving and streamlining operations. His innovative and strategic approach to sales aligns perfectly with Gateway’s vision for expansion and market leadership.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris to our team,” said Michael Andre, President and CEO of Gateway Ticketing Systems. “His wealth of experience, fresh perspective, and dynamic leadership style will be instrumental in leading our Business Solutions team to new heights. We are excited about his contributions to our company and look forward to a successful partnership.”

Chris will lead the sales team at the company headquarters in Gilbertsville and will play a crucial role in driving the sales strategy. Chris will lead and manage the Business Solutions team, including developing and executing sales strategies, managing customer success, tracking sales performance metrics, fostering client relationships, and driving revenue growth across key markets. Chris will work closely with the executive leadership team to identify new business opportunities and ensure that the sales team is aligned with the company’s goals and objectives. Additionally, Chris will oversee the implementation of sales policies and procedures to ensure that the sales process is efficient and effective.

“I am thrilled to join Gateway and be part of a team at the forefront of innovation in the tech industry,” said Chris Angelos. “I am excited to leverage my experience and work collaboratively with the talented sales team to drive success, exceed targets, and deliver exceptional value to our clients by providing them with world-class service.”

In addition to Chris joining the Gateway sales team, Todd Walton and Grant Smith have recently joined. Todd joins the team as a Partner Development Manager based in Atlanta, Georgia, where he oversees the company’s worldwide value-added reseller accounts. Grant joins the company as the UK Regional Sales Executive, based in London, where he manages accounts in the United Kingdom region.

Gateway is confident that Mr. Angelos’s sales team leadership will be pivotal in driving the company’s growth trajectory and achieving its strategic objectives. His appointment reflects the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and unparalleled customer value. He joined the Gateway team in February.

ALTOONA, Iowa — Adventureland Resort has been hard at work unearthing its newest attraction, the reimagined Underground. The classic ride through an abandoned coal mine returns for the Altoona theme park’s 50^th celebration with a fresh new look. It’s just one of many improvements and additions to the park as Adventureland celebrates its golden anniversary. 

The headliner of the 50^th celebration will be the return of Underground, the world’s only indoor wooden roller coaster. The ride, which has become ingrained into Iowa culture over the years, has undergone an extensive transformation. From the moment guests walk up to the ride, there will be a noticeable difference. Riders will enter through a portal designed to look like a mine and will be transported into an abandoned coal mine with new scenes, elevated theming, enhanced audio and special effects, along with a few unexpected surprises. The reimagination of Underground goes beyond a mere refurbishment. It delves into the depths of local history and culture, incorporating authentic elements from Altoona’s coal mining past. 

“Guests will notice the improvements to Underground from the moment they walk up to the ride. The theming will be unlike anything else guests have experienced at Adventureland to date,” Adventureland General Manager Mike Lusky said. “We are thrilled to introduce an elevated experience that will take our guests on an unforgettable adventure that will leave riders returning again and again.” 

Riders will be taken on a journey deep below the park in a search for gold stolen in a heist by notorious outlaw Bad Bob and his gang. As the legend goes, Adventureland was built right over the top of an abandoned mine that had become the hideout for some of the most wanted outlaws around.  

Underground is not the only new thing guests will experience when the park opens on Saturday, May 18. For pork enthusiasts, Adventureland is unveiling its newest food concept, Oink’s. The new restaurant will offer a mouthwatering selection of Berkwood Farms Berkshire Pork products. From juicy tenderloins to savory pork chops, there is something to satisfy every palate. Whether refueling between rides or indulging in a delicious snack, Oink’s promises to be a haven for pork lovers. 

Craft beer enthusiasts will rejoice at the Iowa Craft Beer Takeover experience. During select weekends throughout the summer, this new experience for guests 21 and older will showcase breweries from across the state. Guests can sample a variety of brews on a brand-new patio, right on the Boulevard, celebrating Iowa’s vibrant craft beer scene. 

Just in time for Adventureland’s 50^th celebration, park guests can relive the magic of a beloved classic as the Falling Star Lounge makes its debut. Featuring the iconic sign from the Falling Star ride, beautifully refurbished and proudly displayed, this lounge area will be the perfect spot to unwind and reminisce after a day of adventure. 

As the sun sets on select days this season, Adventureland will come alive with a dazzling new light show illuminating the Boulevard. With extended closing times in 2024, guests can enjoy colorful light and laser displays dancing across the night sky, creating magical memories under the stars. 

With more than five decades of history to celebrate during the 2024 season, Adventureland promises a birthday bash like never before. Special events throughout the season include Bernie’s Birthday Bash and the Festival of Decades. Concerts every Saturday night July into August will feature a different decade that helped shape Adventureland’s history, followed by fireworks and a light show. Guests will also relive the past with historical displays throughout the park. 

From thrilling rides to delectable dining options and live entertainment, Adventureland is set to be the ultimate destination for fun and excitement this year.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Fun Spot America Atlanta, Georgia’s favorite family park, is open daily for Spring Break! To launch the park’s extended Spring Break hours of operation, coaster fans came together on Saturday to celebrate the first anniversary of ArieForce One, the park’s incredible roller coaster. On March 30, 2023, Fun Spot America Atlanta officially debuted the one-of-a-kind ride, and one year later, the park celebrated the milestone anniversary with rides, cake, and more rides.

“One year ago, we were standing right here welcoming our first guests to experience a roller coaster unlike any other in the world,” said Andre Corbin, Regional Manager, Fun Spot America Theme Parks. “Since then, the ride, and the feedback have been HUGE!”

Corbin highlighted some of the special awards and accolades the park has earned since opening ArieForce One, including the 2023 Golden Ticket Award for Best New Attraction Installation by Amusement Today. In addition, he thanked the Fayetteville community and Fun Spot America Atlanta’s guests for their support. He then introduced one of the park’s most ardent fans.

“While there are thousands of fans of ArieForce One, its biggest lives here in our backyard. James Fordham has ridden ArieForce One more than 5,700 times! That’s an average of 15 times a day! Today, while we know James plans to ride, we invited him to pause for a moment so we could share a special surprise as our thank you for being part of the Fun Spot America Atlanta family.”

He then presented Fordham with a commemorative, exclusive gift of a glass rocket ship and shared the park had added a desk plate with his name on it to the queue of ArieForce One, so he would forever be a part of the ArieForce One story.

Fordham, a resident of Fairburn, said, “I have always loved roller coasters! I’ve had so much fun on this ride and am proud to have gotten to know the team here at Fun Spot Atlanta. Thank you for including me in this celebration. I’m proud to call Fun Spot America Atlanta my hometown park.”

Corbin also invited all ArieForce One and Fun Spot America Theme Parks’ fans around the country to help the coaster earn another national accolade. ArieForce One has been nominated for a Readers’ Choice Award for Best Roller Coaster by USA Today’s 10Best. 

Guests can vote once a day until April 22. 

After the presentation, Corbin and the Fun Spot Atlanta Team invited all park guests to sign the ArieForce Once first-anniversary banner, enjoy cake, ride ArieForce One, and experience the park’s other attractions. Throughout the day, hot dogs were sold for just one dollar each, with all proceeds benefiting Camp Southern Ground, the Fayetteville-based organization that serves youth and veterans with memorable summer camp experiences on its 400-acre farm.