IAAPA Rookies: FEC 101

Looking to open an FEC or location-based entertainment venue? Tap into valuable insights from experts in LBE & FEC management during this multi-day program that will help you develop, design, and launch your business. Walk away with the roadmap to launch your unique entertainment facility.  

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend three comprehensive days learning how to open and launch a family or location-based entertainment venue successfully
• Gain valuable insights, resources, and partnerships necessary to launch your enterprise
• Tour some of Orlando’s most unique venues in location-based entertainment, including Dezerland Park Orlando and Andretti Indoor Karting & Games 
• Attend the EDUTour to Fun Spot America: Transportation, dinner, and guided tour included
• Participate in Monday’s IAAPA Lunch and Learn

IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME? 

Level: Introductory

If you are interested in opening a location-based entertainment venue or family entertainment center, or are looking to develop relevant skills, 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

Participation is exclusive to operators in this segment, IAAPA reserves the right to approve participant registration.

Agenda

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025

4–7 p.m. Welcome Reception
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 - EDUSessions & Faculty Introductions LOCATION: Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, 9299 Universal Blvd Orlando, FL

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

8:30-8:45 a.m. Welcome to IAAPA Rookies: FEC 101

8:45-9:00 a.m. Introductions and Housekeeping

9:00-9:15 a.m. FEC Fundamentals: Learning the Language and Layout

9:15-10:00 a.m. So You Want to Open an FEC? The Things You’ll Need to Know

10:00-10:45 a.m. Crafting the Right Attraction Mix: Serving Your Audience with Purpose

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

11:00-11:45 a.m. Follow the Money: Developing a Revenue Stream Approach

11:45-12:30 p.m. Game On: Unlocking the Power of Arcade and Redemption

12:30-1:00 p.m. Tour of Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

1:00-1:45 p.m. Lunch

1:45-2:30 p.m. Introduction to Food & Beverage

2:30-3:15 p.m. Designing the Experience: Blending Ambience, Flow, and Functionality

3:15-3:30 p.m. Break

3:30-4:15 p.m. The Real Talk Panel: Managing Chaos in the “Fun” Business

4:15-5:00 p.m. Ready to Launch: Developing a Marketing & Launch Plan

5:00-5:15 p.m. Wrap up - Day One

5:15- 6:00 p.m. Transportation to Fun Spot America

6:00-10:00 p.m. EDUTour: 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. Continental Breakfast

8:45-9:45 a.m. Staffing for Strategy, Hiring for Harmony

9:45-10:15 a.m. Cover Your Assets: Legal and Compliance Must-Knows

10:15-11:00 a.m. Operator Panel: Lessons from the Front Lines: Operator Reflections

11:00-11:30 a.m. As Us Anything

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

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

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

6:00-7:30 p.m. Family Entertainment Centers Reception Location: Kings Dining & Entertainment Orlando 8255 International Dr., Orlando, Florida 32819

IAAPA RECERTIFICATION

Participants who complete all portions of the agenda will earn 14 CEU's toward IAAPA Recertification.