FAQ

+ What is Foundations Entertainment University?

FOUNDATIONS is a comprehensive educational workshop and seminar program covering all aspects of planning, designing, developing and operating a location-based entertainment business or family entertainment center (FEC) for long term success.

FOUNDATIONS provide a complete blueprint for anyone developing and opening a new center or significantly expanding or renovating an existing location-based entertainment facility. Attendees will tap into over 200 years of combined experience and expertise from six of the industry’s top consultants and operators to eliminate the steep learning curve and avoid the mistakes of less fortunate past companies who are struggling to survive or have closed. You’ll also have a lot of fun, including behind the scenes tours and chance to try out the fun at an area family entertainment center and an opportunity to meet one-on-one with the instructors.

+ Who should attend Foundations Entertainment University?

FOUNDATIONS is crucial for start-up entrepreneurs looking to get into the location-based entertainment and FEC industry, individuals and companies in the planning, designing and building stage, new operators and businesses looking to grow and expand their current operations.

Participants attending will include high-level decision makers, including founders, owners, CEOs and general managers. All will benefit from gaining new knowledge, insight and a better understanding of how to be successful in the fun and location-based entertainment industry.

+ What are the Core Topics covered at Foundations Entertainment University?

  • Market Assessment: Selecting the right market for the business. Why is a market study so important in getting the process off the ground?
  • Financial Assessment: What can I reasonably afford? How can I finance it? How much capital must I contribute.
  • Physical Structure: Do I lease, buy, or build? How much space do I need and what type of infrastructure does the building require?
  • Design: What should the facility contain and how should it be laid out? How do I choose and architect and designer? How do I choose a mechanical engineer?
  • Build: How much will it cost to a) refurb an existing building, b) build a new building
  • Contractor Selection: How should I go about the process of selecting a contractor and evaluating contractor bids?
  • Attractions/Experiences: How do I go about evaluating the various manufacturers? What should I look for in selecting a vendor?
  • Amusement Gaming: How important is the games process to the overall performance of the business? How should games be operated?
  • IT Integration: What types of systems will this business require to control food service, attractions, employees, accounting?
  • Staffing: How shall I hire the staff? What level of training is required? How do I prepare an Operations Manual?
  • Food Service: What type of food service should I have? How should the kitchen be designed? What size should it be? What code requirements must I meet to pass City code?
  • Marketing: How do I market the business? What types are marketing collateral are effective? How should the inside and outside sales departments work?
  • Operations: How should the day-to-day operation be coordinated? What are the various roles of management? Who's responsible for what?
  • Performance Monitoring: How should I determine whether the business is performing well? What are the key metrics? What should I do if I'm under-performing?

+ What types of facilities will benefit from attending Foundations Entertainment University?

  • Family Entertainment Centers
  • Outdoor Family Fun Centers
  • Miniature Golf Centers
  • Roller Skating Centers
  • Laser Tag Centers
  • Summer Camps & Campgrounds
  • Park & Recreation Departments
  • Play Cafes
  • Family Restaurants
  • Bowling Centers
  • Fitness/Health Clubs
  • Hotels & Ski Resorts
  • Movie Theaters
  • Arcades / Game Rooms
  • Real Estate Developers
  • Water Parks (Indoor & Outdoor)
  • Children’s Entertainment/Edutainment Centers
  • Go-kart Tracks
  • Pizza Buffet-Entertainment Centers
  • Retail Stores – Specialty
  • Picnic Groves
  • Agritainment / Agri-Tourism

+ What’s new in 2023 at Foundations Entertainment University?

  • Guest speaker slot by a seasoned operator of an entertainment venue to deliver the nuts and bolts of the day to day operations.
  • Augmented speaker portfolio with dedicated experts within the vendor and manufacturer base of the industry to provide attendees with a technical understanding of all operational aspects of an entertainment venue.

+ What time does the event start and end each day?

Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM