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IAAPA FEC Summit 2025
January 19 - 21, 2025
Event Type: Connections
Region: North America
Event Time:
Venue: In-Person
Location:
The Westin
100 Iberville Street
New Orleans LA 70130
United States
Member Price: $999 | Nonmember Price: $1,699
Credit Hour(s): TBD
Non-Sponsoring M&S Price: $3,949
Book your hotel room IAAPA FEC Summit at special rates which are available till Friday, January 10th.
Book your hotel room IAAPA FEC Summit at special rates which are available till Friday, January 10th.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Why Attend
IAAPA FEC Summit is the Family Entertainment Center (FEC) industry’s premier event to grow your business, broaden your business network and connect with other industry professionals, sharing best practices and exploring the latest industry trends. The summit includes an education program where you can learn from your peers and various experts with thought provoking activity, valuable sessions, and dynamic speakers.
Costume Contest:
Step into the magic of New Orleans with our Masquerade Mask/Costume Contest! Show off your most creative mask or costume for a chance to win! The best-dressed guest will be awarded a $100 Visa gift card! Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fun, connections, and excitement—let the good times roll!
Pricing Details
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Speakers
Keynote Speaker: Gerry O'Brion, CSP
Founder
What Big Brands Know®
Gerry O’Brion has helped thousands of businesses become the #1 choice in crowded industries. He is the Founder of What Big Brands Know® and the creator of The Power of BECAUSE framework which shows companies how to stand out in the sea of sameness. After earning his MBA at the University of Michigan, he worked with Procter & Gamble on brands such as Crisco, Tide, Mr. Clean, and Spic & Span. Next, at Coors Brewing Company he managed Coors Light, a 2 billion dollar business. Gerry was most recently VP of Marketing for Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. Gerry teaches a powerful process to influence customers to buy from you vs. all their other options.
Kyle Allison
Owner
Altitude 1291
Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Kyle Allison learned at a young age the risk and rewards of small business. Kyle worked in his family businesses all through high school where he learned a strong worth ethic, how to manage projects, and think on his feet. After college Kyle returned to Norman, OK to help his family run their businesses. The Allison family owns Allison’s Fun Incorporated, a corporate event company that produces events across the South-Central US. In late 2019, Kyle opened a new venture in Midwest City, OK. Altitude 1291 is home to 27,000 square feet of indoor fun, including bowling, laser tag, arcade, VR and full-service restaurant. Kyle stays involved in the community, as he has served on the Norman City Council, Visit Norman board of directors and the board of the Norman Chamber of Commerce. Kyle and his wife Amanda have 2 daughters Claire and Madelyn.
Erin Davis
Director of Operations
Big Air Franchising
Erin Davis brings extensive experience and expertise to her role as Director of Operations at Big Air Franchising. Her journey in the entertainment and recreation industry began on the front lines as a lifeguard at the original Wild Rivers in Irvine, where she gained invaluable operational insights and a deep understanding of customer service excellence. When Wild Rivers pivoted in 2013, Erin became a founding leader of Big Air Trampoline Parks, playing a pivotal role in launching the corporate flagship in Orange County. As the brand expanded nationwide, Erin advanced to her current role, supporting franchise growth through her strong background in operational management and cross-disciplinary collaboration. A recognized leader in the industry, Erin has spearheaded the development of industry-leading facility inspection protocols and established a comprehensive safety compliance training program across the Big Air system. Her contributions have elevated operational standards and safety practices, ensuring consistency and excellence throughout the franchise network. Recently earning her MBA from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Erin continues to drive innovation and leadership within the field. She also serves as Secretary for the Amusement and Adventure Institute (AAI), an organization committed to advancing safety, operations, and risk management principles for trampoline and adventure parks worldwide. Erin’s dedication to operational excellence and her commitment to advancing industry standards have positioned her as an influential leader in the amusement and adventure sector.
Jeremy Hoyum
Owner
Makutu’s Island
Jeremy Hoyum is the owner of Makutu’s Island and a Business & Leadership Coach. Jeremy is currently serving on the FEC Committee for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. He believes that the success of the family entertainment industry revolves around providing a critical service to communities through helping to create memorable experiences for family and friends. Jeremy has over twenty years of experience in bowling and family entertainment centers. He helped create and operate the Amazing Jake’s brand and has changed the big box pizza concept to what is now Jake’s Unlimited. While at Jake’s Unlimited he won two coveted Brass Rings Awards, one for Top Family Entertainment Center of the World and another for the Best New Food Item. They were the first FEC to win a food award for IAAPA. As a former paratrooper in the US Army, Jeremy brings leadership, discipline, and problem-solving ingenuity to all aspects of his operational success.
Zach Johnson
Owner
Rev'd Up Fun
Zach Johnson is CEO and co-owner of Rev'd Up Fun, a Family Entertainment Center in Woodhaven, Michigan. Rev’d Up Fun is a 30,000 square foot facility with 6 attractions, arcade, 4 party rooms, and a restaurant and bar. He and his family have been involved in the attractions industry for over 15 years. Zach has been the CEO of Rev’d Up Fun since it opened in 2018. With his parents and leadership team, he has led Rev’d Up Fun to be a thriving family entertainment location.
Patrick Holcomb
President
Ironwood Venture
Patrick adds the strategic and operational expertise to Ironwood Venture. As a Fortune 25 Executive responsible for a $450MM P&L and 2,000 associates, Patrick has a track record of creating and developing high performing teams that thrive within changing environments. Known for tremendous problem-solving capability from his days as a structural engineer working for America's largest builder, he loves nothing more than helping people succeed in business and more importantly, in life. Ironwood Venture is a management consulting company specializing in accelerating growth for SMB's. We work with clients that range in industry but have a common need, bridging the gap between strategy and execution. We are passionate about seeing our clients succeed by working side by side with them to understand their business, their customers and their challenges in order to develop customized solutions that make the difference.
Kim Valadez
Owner
Conroe's Incredible Pizza Company
Kim Valadez started her career at Celebration Station, fast forward to Conroe’s Incredible Pizza, for 35 years. She is extremely passionate about the family entertainment industry, learning thru her own experiences and those of others. Kim’s roles include, ownership, management, sales, marketing, and social media. Being a member of IAAPA and serving on the IAAPA FEC Education Committee has been an important part of her journey, allowing her to learn, share knowledge, and help others in the industry.
Agenda
5-6:30 p.m.
Registration Open
Location: Foyer II, outside of Grand Ballroom, Level 12
Welcome to FEC Summit 2025! Stop by and pick up your badge and lanyard, sponsored by DOF Robotics.
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception - Sponsored by McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance
Location: Riverbend Ballroom, Level 11 (Lobby Level)
Kick off an unforgettable evening that brings the vibrant energy and unique charm of New Orleans to life. Network and build valuable connections with fellow attractions industry professionals in an atmosphere filled with lively jazz and the warm hospitality that the Big Easy is known for.
Laissez les bons temps rouler—let the good times roll!
7-9 a.m.
Registration Open
Location: Foyer II, outside of Grand Ballroom, Level 12
8-8:45 a.m.
Breakfast - Sponsored by J&J Snack Foods
Location: Riverbend Ballroom, Level 11 (Lobby Level)
8:45-9:05 a.m.
Welcome - Scott Fais
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
9:05-9:25 a.m.
Opening Message - Massi Freddi
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
9:25-10:35 a.m.
Keynote Speaker - Gerry O’Brion, Sponsored by Semnox
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
10:35-10:55 a.m.
Committee Introduction and FEC Live – Sponsor Spotlight
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
IAAPA FEC 2025 Committee. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with them throughout IAAPA FEC Summit 2025.
Get to know the sponsors of IAAPA FEC Summit 2025 and learn how they can assist in taking your business to the next level as they compete in New Orleans inspired games.
10:55-11:15 a.m.
Sponsor Zone Break
Location: Riverbend Ballroom, Level 11
Discover innovative solutions from our sponsors and learn how they can elevate your business to new heights.
11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Workshop with Gerry O’Brion, Sponsored by Semnox
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
12:45-1:45 p.m.
Lunch Sponsored By Zero Latency VR
Location: Riverbend Ballroom, Level 11
1:45-2 p.m.
Networking Activity Fun
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
2-2:15 p.m.
FEC Live – Sponsor Spotlight
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
Get to know the sponsors of IAAPA FEC Summit 2025 and learn how they can assist in taking your business to the next level as they compete in New Orleans inspired games.
2:15-2:30 p.m.
Overview of EDUTour
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
2:30-3 p.m.
Depart to Offsite EDUTour
Location: Iberville St Entrance
3-5:20 p.m.
EDUTour: NOLA Motorsports
Location: NOLA Motorsports Park, 11075 Nicolle Blvd, Avondale, LA 70094
Get an insider tour of NOLA Motorsports Park, a premier motorsports and special events venue in New Orleans. You’ll gain exclusive insights into their 30-acre karting facility with up to 80 track configurations and discover how they’re elevating guest experiences with new entertainment upgrades, including the upcoming Throttle & Swing mini-golf experience.
5:20-6 p.m.
Depart to Networking Reception
6-8 p.m.
Networking Reception – Sponsored By ROLLER
Location: Mardi Gras World, 1380 Port of New Orleans PL, New Orleans, LA 70130
Mardi Gras World –
Go behind the scenes at Mardi Gras World, where the magic of New Orleans comes to life year-round. Explore the 300,000-square-foot working warehouse where iconic Mardi Gras floats are designed, created, and stored. Learn how this unique attraction also serves as a premier event destination, hosting private parties, corporate events, and festivals in its one-of-a-kind venues.
8-8:15 p.m.
Bus Departure - Back To Hotel
Location: The Westin, 100 Iberville Street New Orleans, LA 70130
7-8 a.m.
Registration Open
Location: Foyer II outside of Grand Ballroom, Level 12
8-8:45 a.m.
Breakfast – Sponsored By J&J Snack Foods
Location: Riverbend Ballroom, Level 11
8:45-9 a.m.
Opening Remarks
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
9-9:15 a.m.
FEC Live – Sponsor Spotlight
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
Get to know the sponsors of IAAPA FEC Summit 2025 and learn how they can assist in taking your business to the next level as they compete in New Orleans inspired games.
9:15-10 a.m.
How to Prepare for When One of the Big Guys Comes to Your Market, Sponsored by Semnox
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
Speakers:
- Kyle Allison, Owner of Altitude 1291
- Erin Davis, Director of Operations at Big Air Franchising
- Kim Valadez, Owner of Conroe's Incredible Pizza Company
10-11 a.m.
Components of a Profitable FEC
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
Speakers:
- Patrick Holcomb, President of Ironwood Venture
- Jeremy Hoyum, Owner of Makutu’s Island and Business & Leadership Coach
- Zach Johnson, Owner of Rev'd Up Fun
11-11:15 a.m.
Sponsor Zone Break
Location: Riverbend Ballroom, Level 11
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
How to Teach a Disciplined Leadership Approach
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
Speaker:
- Jeremy Hoyum, Owner of Makutu’s Island and Business & Leadership Coach
12:15-12:30 p.m.
FEC Live – Sponsor Spotlight
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 12
Get to know the sponsors of IAAPA FEC Summit 2025 and learn how they can assist in taking your business to the next level as they compete in New Orleans inspired games.
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Lunch Sponsored By Zero Latency VR
Location: Riverbend Ballroom, Level 11
1:45-2:15 p.m.
Depart to Offsite EDUTour
Location: Departing from Iberville St Entrance
2:15-3:45 p.m.
EDUTour – Game On Social Hub
Location: 2421 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062
Experience Game On Social Hub, a family-owned entertainment destination and local favorite since 1996. During this exclusive EDUTour, you’ll explore a high-tech family entertainment center featuring a state-of-the-art laser tag arena, bowling, axe throwing, an expansive arcade, video poker, and more. Learn how this facility combines cutting-edge attractions with exceptional service to create unforgettable guest experiences.
3:45-5 p.m.
Farewell Reception Sponsored By Botrista
Location: Game On Social Hub, 2421 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062
5-5:30 p.m.
Bus Departure - Back To Hotel
Location: The Westin, 100 Iberville Street New Orleans, LA 70130
Please Note: Agenda is subject to change.