IAAPA Rookies: FEC 101

Introductory:

If you are interested in opening a location based entertainment venue or family entertainment center and:

• You have 0-3 years in the industry
• You wish to gain a global understanding of the family and location-based entertainment industry
• You would like to build partnerships and a network of other like-minded entrepreneurs and industry experts
• You are eager to get feedback about your business concept or plan

Please note that this course is for new FEC/LBE owners, or prospective owners. IAAPA will approve participation. For attendees outside of this demographic, IAAPA reserves the right to deny entry and refund tickets purchased.

• Industry Contacts & Peer Network
• Certificate of Course Completion
• Course Document and Resources

Credit hours for IAAPA Rookies: FEC 101 Attendees will earn TBD credit hours toward IAAPA recertification. Click here to learn more about the IAAPA certification renewal.

IAAPA CERTIFICATION: Credit hours for IAAPA Rookies: FEC 101 program will be earned. Participants will also earn credit hours for Lunch and Learn and EDUTour at Fun Spot.

Must be 18 years or older to attend, 21 or older to consume beer or wine. Course fee includes tuition and support materials, daytime meals and refreshments, Fun Spot America EDUTour on Sunday, and a certificate of attendance.

Member Price: $599 | Nonmember Price: $999

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025

4:00–7:00 p.m. Welcome Reception
Speaker Sessions: Faculty Introductions
LOCATION: Dezerland Park Orlando, 5250 International Dr. Orlando, FL

Participate in an ice-breaking event where you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow attendees, IAAPA Team Members, FEC Committee members, and program faculty. You will also learn the unique story behind a one of a kind museum and entertainment venue. Following the event, take in the exhibits and enjoy the facility. Refreshments will be provided. Transportation is not provided. Free parking is available.
 

Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025

Education Sessions/EDUTour/Speaker Sessions: Faculty Introductions
LOCATION: Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, 9299 Universal Blvd Orlando, FL

8:30-9:00 a.m. Breakfast

9:00-9:15 a.m. Introductions

9:15-10:00 a.m. So you Want to Open an FEC? Here is What you Need to Know.

10:00-10:45 a.m. Introductions to Attractions (Who are you for?)

10:45-11:00 a.m. Break

11:00-11:45 a.m. Where is the Money Coming From?

11:45-12:15 p.m. Introduction to games

12:15-12:30 p.m. Tour of Andretti

12:30-1:30 p.m. Lunch

1:30-2:00 p.m. Introduction to Food and Beverage

2:00-3:00 p.m. Design Elements

3:00-3:15 p.m. Break

3:15-4:00 p.m. What About When the FUN Business Isn't so Fun?

4:00-4:45 p.m. Staffing for Strategy, Hiring for Harmony

4:45-5:00 p.m. Day 1 Wrap-up and Recap

5:00-5:30 p.m. Preparation to Fun Spot America

5:30- 6:00 p.m. Buses to Fun Spot America

6:00-10:00 p.m. Fun Spot America

EDUTour:
Experience an exclusive tour of Fun Spot America, Central Florida's only family-owned theme park. Meet the owners and learn first-hand how Fun Spot started as a family entertainment center (FEC) and has grown into a successful theme park. Learn about the cornerstones of the operation and discover the secrets behind the parks approach to customer service. Enjoy a home-style dinner and then join Fun Spot team members for a guided tour of the park featuring four program tracks: operations, maintenance, human resources, and food and beverage. Each tour includes behind-the-scenes experiences and quality time for questions and answers. The evening ends with free time to network with fellow attendees and enjoy the attractions.
 

Monday, Nov. 17, 2025

Education Sessions/Lunch and Learn/FEC Reception
Location: Orange County Convention Center Room, S331CD

8:30-8:45 a.m. Light Breakfast

8:45-9:45 a.m. Ready to Launch

9:45-10:15 a.m. How to CYA...and Your Business

10:15- 11:00 a.m. Operator Panel

11:00-11:30 a.m. Ask us Anything

11:30-11:45 a.m. Wrap-up

11:45-12:00 p.m. Prepare for Lunch and Learn

12:00-2:00 p.m. Learn and Learn
Location: IAAPA Theater Sponsored by Simtec Systems N320

6:00-7:30 p.m. Family Entertainment Centers Reception
Location: Pinstripes, 11643 Daryl Carter Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821