Keynote Speaker and Additional Panelists Announced for IAAPA FEC Summit 2025

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (January 9, 2025) – IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, heads to New Orleans, Louisiana, Jan. 19 – 21 for its first summit of the year. IAAPA FEC Summit is the association’s annual event where family entertainment center (FEC) and location-based entertainment (LBE) operators come together to learn, network, exchange best practices, and partake in exclusive EDUTours designed for the FEC/LBE sector.

The event will feature keynote speaker Gerry O’Brion, founder of What Big Brands Know® and creator of The Power of BECAUSE. O’Brion will share his proven framework to help businesses stand out in competitive markets by understanding the factors that influence customer decision-making. This session will have an increased focus on actionable strategies for staying unique and building a brand that resonates with customers.

Additional panelists include Kyle Allison, owner of Altitude 1291; Erin Davis, director of operations at Big Air Franchising; and Kim Valadez, owner of Conroe’s Incredible Pizza Company. Together, they will lead a discussion on enhancing the guest experience and developing marketing strategies to successfully compete with larger companies targeting the same audience.

Other educational sessions will cover topics on how to curate a profitable FEC, attract diverse age groups, drive repeat visits, and adopting a disciplined leadership approach. Jeremy Hoyum, owner of Makutu’s Island and an experienced business coach, will lead the session on leadership strategies for operational excellence.

The education will continue off-site as attendees embark on exclusively guided EDUTours to some of New Orleans’ most innovative FECs. The first stop is to the world-class NOLA Motorsports Park, a premier motorsports venue with a 30-arce karting facility, entertainment and a soon-to-come mini golf experience.

The learning will then lead participants to the 300,000-square-foot attraction facility Mardi Gras World. This will be an opportunity to see where the iconic Mardi Gras floats are designed and stored. The unique attraction also serves as a premier event destination, hosting corporate events, private parties and festivals in its one-of-a-kind venue. IAAPA will then host the summit’s final EDUTour at Game On Social Hub, a family-owned entertainment center known for its state-of-the-art laser tag arenas, bowling, awe throwing and high-tech features.

The Summit continues to be a staple IAAPA event where members of the FEC/LBE community gather to network with industry peers and learn helpful business practices from subject-matter experts.

For more information about IAAPA FEC Summit 2025, visit www.IAAPA.org/FECSummit2025. 

The following manufacturers and suppliers are sponsors of IAAPA FEC Summit 2025:

A&A Global Industries, Apple Industries, Art Attack, AVS Companies, Betson Enterprise, Botrista, DOF Robotics, FEC Real Estate, Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, iPlayCO, J&J Snack Foods, McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance, Mini Melts Ice Cream, Moss Distributing, Player One Amusement Group, QubicaAMF Bowling Products, Redemption Plus, ROLLER, Sacoa Cashless System, Semnox Solutions, Sureshot Redemption, SB Value, Zero Latency VR.

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