Wednesday, March 10, 20108-9:15 a.m. Redemption 2010 for the FEC and the Street--Where We Are Now and Where
We’re Headed Next Panelists: Jim Chapman, Family Fun Companies, John Maurer, Coast to Coast Entertainment; and George McAuliffe, Pinnacle Entertainment Advisors by Redemption Plus. Join our panel of experts for an upbeat, fast-paced review of some of today’s most successful redemption strategies and what they see shaping up for the future. This trio will share their knowledge and experience on such topics as: the Top 10 best redemption products, how Facebook and other social marketing tools play a large part in connecting to your customers, how to save substantially on your expenses, how to get the most out of your VIP/Loyalty programs, and what to do to maximize your income with cranes and merchandisers. This seminar will give you some keen insight on what’s happening in the market. These speakers are operators just like you and are willing to share the strategies they use to provide positive results. Bring your notepad and questions as the information will rapid-fire. You won’t want to forget all the ideas to take back with you and implement after the show. 8-9:15 a.m New Ways to Jump-Start a New League Program Moderator/Panelist: Rick LaFleur, I.F. LaFleur, Devils Lake, ND Panelists: Mary Lavine, Bullseye Games, Madison, WI, Britt Bruner, D & E Music and Vending, Inc., Mitchell, SD; and Chris McSwain, A.H. Entertainers, Rolling Meadows, IL For some operators, the league system is the most important part of their businesses. Cultivate a league and it will feed a route in return. With so many businesses in the industry trying to explore new growth opportunities, leagues represent an excellent option. CAUTION: There’s some “heavy lifting” involved in starting up new league programs, but the return on the time and money invested can be large and long-lasting. The focus of this session is to provide insight on how to start a league, what the secrets to success are and how to avoid common problems and missteps in setting up league programs. It’s no secret the Midwest is home to some of the best pool and dart leagues around, and it should come as no surprise that our panelists hail from the heartland. Rick, Mary, Britt and Chris will discuss the tactics they have deployed in shaping their successful league initiatives. 9:30-11 a.m. In Search of Configuration Cures and Networking Success Stories Moderator: Phil Juckem, All-Brands Vending Co., Inc., Tampa, FL Panelists: Gordy Anderson, AMI Entertainment Network, Bristol, PA; Rick Hirschman, TouchTunes Interactive Networks, Arlington Heights, IL; and Jon Holcomb, Ecast, San Francisco, CA Wanna start a spirited discussion among operators? Start a conversation among them by comparing notes and swapping stories about setting up networked equipment on location. Even the most experienced ops can pick up some pointers from our panelist pros, who will give a hands-on and visual tour of the most widely-used routers. How to program ‘em, troubleshoot ‘em and maximize their efficiency will be covered in this session, which will also include ample time for questions from attendees. 9:30-11 a.m. Card Swipe Systems: How to Get the Most Out of ‘Em! Moderator: Panelists: Phil Showler, Embed; George Smith, Family Entertainment Group; George McCauliffe, Pinnacle Entertainment Advisors by Redemption Plus; Violeta Perez, Sacoa; Paul Schulte, Intercard, Inc., St. Louis, MO. The card swipe has changed the playfield for every FEC and a growing number of entertainment-based locations. Whether you are currently using a system, or thinking about putting one to use, this seminar will open your eyes to what a card swipe system can do for you. Join the blue-ribbon panel of experienced professionals who will share their insights on using the technology. Areas to be covered during the session include: installation tips; promotion ideas; ticket vs. ticketless systems; how to use the data from the card swipe systems; what are things to consider before implementing a card-based program; overcoming challenges; etc. Bring questions, concerns and ideas and prepare to learn from some of the best in the business! 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Opening General Session Going Social: Finding a Fit for Social Media in Your Company Presenter: Sheryl Bindelglass, CEO, Sheryl Golf, Martinsville, NJ - What do coin machine operators, FEC owners, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers have to gain by using “social media,” such as Facebook, Linked In and Twitter?
- How do you get started?
- What are some of the do’s and don’ts of implementing a social networking strategy?
- Where does social media fit into the marketing mix?
The goal of this special pre-show session is to provide a primer on one of the hottest business topics of our time and how social media its applications to the coin-operated amusement and family entertainment center industries. By addressing the “why” and “how to” of social networking, attendees will gain insight on an exciting and increasingly mainstream marketing initiative. With more than 300,000 million people on Facebook, you need to ramp up your social media skills so you can get to where your customers, prospects and players are going. This session simplifies social media. Sheryl will have you setting up your social media accounts by the end of this session! During her 60-minute presentation, Sheryl will provide a hands-on, mini-workshop for those who are ready to embark on a social networking program, or want to take their existing initiatives to the next level. Sheryl has spent more than a decade as operator of an award-winning golf complex that featured a Top 100 golf complex, 140 range booths, short course, putting course, adventure miniature golf course, go-karts, batting cages, bumper-boats and other recreational activities. Sheryl has presented keynote speeches, workshops and interactive group discussions for corporations, trade associations and small businesses throughout North America and is a frequent speaker at Fun Expo, IAAPA Attractions Expo and the PGA. She specializes in marketing, motivation and merchandising for all types of industries. She has authored The PROs Guide To Marketing your Driving Range, Mini Golf Course, Family Entertainment Center. Friday, March 12, 2010 8-9:30 a.m. Coin-Op Think Tank—Tapping into the Talents of Top Ops Moderator: Gaines Butler, Metro Amusements, Marietta, GA Panelists: Chris Warren, Century Gaming, Helena, MT; Jeff and Kama Reed, BJ Novelty Inc., Covington, KY; Phil Juckem, All Brands Vending Co. Inc., Tampa, FL; Jason Rubin, AJ Video Amusements, Baltimore, MD; and Larry Elbert, Camden Amusement & Vending, Cedar Rapids, IA Musicians pursue the Grammys. Actors aspire to win an Academy Award. In the world of coin-op amusements, the most-recognized honor is the Operator of the Year Award, annually bestowed by PlayMeter Magazine. Recent winners of this annual recognition program will be on hand to share their insights into the current and future state of the industry. Where’s the growth gonna come from? What are the top challenges facing today’s street operators? What are the business philosophies and practices that has guided them in achieving success? What changes do they see coming down the road for coin-op companies? Are our Operator of the Year panelists optimistic about where the industry is headed and tomorrow’s captains of coin-op? Come see and hear for yourself at this free-flowing exchange among the cream of the crop of coin-op: the Operator of the Year honoree/panelists! |
