What’s In Store at Fun Expo?
 FUNWORLD asked Richard Sanfilippo, president of Sam’s Fun City and new IAAPA Family Entertainment Center Committee member, to discuss what IAAPA’s FEC members can expect from this year’s Fun Expo in Las Vegas, March 10-12.
by Amanda Charney
What new features can IAAPA members expect from the education lineup this year?
For many IAAPA members the whole Fun Expo experience will be new. It starts with the fact that all the seminars are specific to the FEC community. For the Rookies, this program includes a significant amount of repeat interaction, including follow-up meetings each day to help direct and maximize their participation. Also, there will be many new speakers with expertise specific to this year’s challenge. We expect participants will take home concepts and actual programs that can be immediately implemented and produce profit for them this year. Finally the timing is designed to be cost effective and delivered just in time for the start of the 2010 season.
The safety institute is now a fixture at all IAAPA shows. Can you explain the importance of having this program tailored to the FEC community?
The safety institute is one of the key programs that set us apart from other educational events. As the FEC industry’s primary association, IAAPA recognizes it must provide leadership in helping to promote safety at all FEC facilities. Accordingly, significant collective effort has and is being spent in developing educational seminars geared toward operating our facilities in the safest manner possible. In conjunction with our endorsed insurance provider, American Specialty, we expect to present programs that not only prevent accidents but also cut costs for our members. FEC participants will again get actionable advice on areas of operation specific to their facilities such as go-karts, laser tag, and inflatables.
How do you describe the Rookies and Newcomers program to IAAPA members who may not be aware of it?
The Rookies and Newcomers program has been an anchor element at Fun Expo for many years, as it is designed to help prospective operators decide if development of an FEC is right for them. Participants are immersed in a presentation from industry operator experts where they obtain information about what it takes to get involved and what they can realistically expect. This setting is one in which the participants can ask questions and get free advice without commercial biases. For those who do go forward, this experience is the start of their networking within the professional community represented by IAAPA.
The education program includes several sessions that help new FEC operators get started. What educational offerings are best suited for those who are looking to learn beyond the “101” level?
The Fun Expo seminars will be geared toward several levels of operation. The event will offer a program for the new operators and advanced concept seminars for established operators of facilities of all sizes. With respect to the higher-level “201” courses, there will be seminars on special event development and marketing, advanced guest data capture and use, food service techniques, current trends in technology, and detailed financial management. These programs will feature highly qualified and experienced operators and will provide information ready to use by all.
What networking opportunities can attendees enjoy during Fun Expo?
There are numerous opportunities for launching professional networking efforts at all levels. The Rookies program and all of its associated programs and events will be great. On Wednesday morning, we expect to have many joint sessions with representatives of the amusement game industry. Additionally, there will be several roundtable discussions and a Fun Expo gala party. The IAAPA booth will be the daily hub for communication among members and IAAPA’s FEC specialist Ben Jones will be available to help members find answers and connect with one another.
For forthcoming updates and registration information, visit www.funexpo.com.
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