Creative Works educated 62 existing and aspiring operators on various topics within the family entertainment industry at LaserTAG360 in Indianapolis, US, on June 10-12.
The event is designed to help operators open immersive attractions at a new or existing family entertainment centre.
It originally focused on laser tag when it started back in 2011 but Creative Works has expanded the content to deliver information that applies to any attraction.
“It’s got really good insight on every aspect of the entertainment industry and they continue to add new attractions to stay relevant,” said Autumn Helmuth, an attendee.
The core of the education included attraction selection, design, operations and marketing. Industry experts gave presentations on specialised topics such as project financing, brand strategy, site selection and demographics and group sales.
The manufacturer also moderated group panels to discuss topics such as attractions, safety, training and arcade maintenance. Its vice president of sales, Russ Van Natta, interviewed Jeremy Hoyum, the owner of Jake’s Unlimited, winner of IAAPA’s World’s Best Family Entertainment Centre award. Hoyum talked about staff culture development, amusement product mix and other valuable lessons he’s learned as an operator.
Attendees networked with other operators, partners and vendors as they toured the Creative Works factory and two local family entertainment centres. They also got hands-on experience with Hologate virtual reality, Voxel mixed reality, esports and laser tag equipment from five different vendors.
“The information is so valuable and the networks you make are even more valuable,” said Ron Covington, owner of Party HQ. Creative Works has one more LaserTAG360 event this year from October 7-9.
