Fun Center Directory
Amusement Business Development - Fun Centers and Arcades
The FEC Network is the web's only one-stop resource for amusement buyers, sellers and new amusement business developers. If you own an amusement center, arcade business or are looking to start a new amusement business attraction and needing amusement industry guidance and resources, we can help. From here you can use the links above and below to visit our other sites - each one filled with great amusement products, resources and amusement business information.
Amusement Business News - October 2011
Starting a new amusement center, arcade business or family entertainment center project is the living dream for many of the startup entrepreneurs we speak with every week. To support the increase in demand, and to provide our visitors with the best resources and amusement business news, we are revamping the Fun Center Academy Show to offer more detailed insight and information for amusement center entrepreneurs and those interested in starting an arcade business.
Startup Academy and Amusement Business Development
We are growing! Enrolment in the Startup Academy program continues to exceed our expectations, despite the current economic down turn. Good news for amusement business suppliers and supporting networks and for those communities that are in need of family friendly fun center locations. To accomodate this growth, we have moved the Startup Academy program to the Fun Center Academy website. Stop by and check us out!
RePlay Magazine Features IAAO Amusement Association
For owners and operators of smaller, community-based attractions and fun parks, the recent announcement of the International Association of Amusement Operators (IAAO) was good news. With a focus on helping smaller attractions drive more traffic, more often IAAO is free to join if you own or operate an amusement attraction.... download the full RePlay article hereArcade Fun Center Business Startup - FUNR'z Point Rewards
The FEC Network is pleased to announce our new FUNR'z Point Rewards program for new arcade amusement centers, fun centers and children's entertainment center developers. By simply participating in our community, new amusement management entrepreneurs and startups can earn point rewards that are redeemable for amusement equipment, products and services, saving big money on the things you need.Amusement Business and Management - Fun Center Academy
We are pleased to announce the first episode of the Fun Center Academy Show featuring amusement business management online and anytime. Our first show features Business Planning, Fun Center Staffing and Attraction ROI. Unlike other amusement business classes, there is no need for travel, no cost, and you can experience a wide assortment of amusement industry professionals.Amusement Arcade Business - Starting New in 2011
Now that we are all back to our desks and once again happily focused on our amusement business projects and that arcade business plan, I've had a chance to speak with a number of new amusement center developers and the topic of discussion very quickly turns to how and where can I find banks or investors sensitive to a new amusement business venture. That, my firends is the million dollar question. Starting next week, the Startup Show on Fun Center Academy.com will have some answers for you.Arcade Business Planning for 2011
A new year is quickly approaching, and for many new arcade business developers, that signals a new opportunity and resolution to make 2011 the year we step out and start to work on our arcade business plan. For amusement industry resources and guidance, here are a few popular links to get you started: Small business friendly banks, US Census Department, SBA Administration, and don't forget to keep watching for the new Fun Center Academy resource from your's truly here at the FEC Network.Starting an Arcade Business or Fun Park
Believe it or not, the Arcade Business model is still alive and well, it's just taken a bit of a beating lately and in dire need of some fun park like upgrades. A successful arcade business today needs a mix of amusement products, updated amusement design and construction. To get more information keep your web dial tuned here for the upcoming Startup Show... we know you're gonna like it.FEC Network Amusement Business News
In case you missed it and have been looking for a friendly, on-line amusement business community where you don't need to register or login to participate - you must stop by the Amusement Business Community Forums and follow the conversation. Even better, ask a question, get involved :-)FEC Network Amusement Business Web Portal - Gets a Facelift!
So after holding the same old boring look and feel for the last two years or so... the family fun center and amusement business web portal we like to call the FEC Network, finally got a well deserved facelift. All the websites; fun center directory, amusement equipment directory, commercial lease property, amusement expo and your's truly now have some design cohesion... and we think thats pretty cool.Amusement Expo - IAAPA Video
Well, here we are back in the office after a swell week in Orlando at the IAAPA 2010 Amusement Expo... and what a good show it was. Although the show was a wee bit smaller than previous years, we spotted a lot of optimism from both manufacturers and attraction developers and owners. Good stuff. Catch our 3 plus hours of IAAPA trade show video on the FECTV Channel at Amusement Expo:
IAAPA 2010 Orlando, Florida
Well, it's that time again... the IAAPA 2010 Attractions Expo is happening in Orlando, Florida.
As with past years, the FEC Network will be at the show gathering news, innovation and product updates from the show floor. This year we will be presenting daily news from the Zone Laser Tag booth, where Erik Guthrie and his team have graciously set out the welcome mat for us.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and YouTube as we update every day from the show floor.
FEC Network: Facebook
FEC Network: YouTube
We will be traveling and out of our office from Friday, November 12th - Monday, November 22nd.
During this time our availability will be limited.
Thanks for your kind interest.
Supplier Spotlight
Have you seen the recent episode of Supplier Spotlight?
It's part one of a four part series that talks about the past, present and future of Interactive Attractions and Simulators with presenter Kevin Williams of KWP.
Social Community Grows!
Family fun center and amusement business developers can now join the conversation, FEC Network is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Be sure to stop by the "Wall of Discussion", voice your opinions and find other fun center entrepreneurs and experienced operators.
Downloads Updated!
Three new pdf documents from the FEC Network to help you get started. Check the downloads page for these free articles; Welcome - Start here, New Business Guide and the Points Reward program guide.
Startup Academy Enrollment
The economy may be sluggish in parts of the country, but according to our May enrollment statistics, more than ever entrepreneurs from all over the world are looking to take control of their own destiny and get into business for themselves. May enrollment for 2010 was up 28% over 2009.
Ask An Expert
New developers getting their specific questions answered on the The first Episode of Ask An Expert webcast. Questions include indoor vs. outdoor go-karts, security in your center, and how to grow party business without cannibalizing other activity revenues. Good stuff. If you've got questions, get them answered on the Ask-An-Expert Webcast.
Startup Academy Enrollment
Spring is always a great time to get those new year resolutions front and center and start working towards those goals. No difference here either - March enrollment for Startup Academy saw 9 new developers decide it was time to starting moving from project idea to completed business plan. You know who you are - good for you guys!
Vancouver 2010
Last week marked the end of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and a hardy congratulations to all the impressive efforts and commitment that goes into being an Olympian. What an amazing presence for Canada - 14 Gold Medals, the most ever in any winter games and a nail-biter of a gold medal hockey game to be sure. With the games over, it's time to get back to work.
Happy New Year!
Say hello to a new year and another 365 days of opportunity. Last year the FEC Network sites were host to 240,000 unique visitors from 286 countries around the world. Over 4,500 visitors a month use our sites to find amusement products, services and resources to design, build and grow their amusement attractions.Thank you for helping making us #1 on the web!
Fun Center Points Reward Program!
Finally, a rewards program specific to the amusement business. If you own or operate a family fun center or other amusement attraction, this program can save you $$$ thousands $$$ of dollars on new equipment purchases, services and merchandise. Learn more....Fun Center Mentors
The amusement business can offer great financial and community rewards to operates who are successful. It also has a robust community of experienced operators willing to share their steps to success with new business developers. Learn more....Fun Center Equity Fund - Just Announced!
If you are looking for funding, the FEC Network introduces the Fun Center Equity Fund. A joint effort of like-minded, experienced amusement professionals who are looking for new business opportunity. Learn more....SBA Updates - Small Business Loans
SBA this week is implementing two key provisions laid out in the Recovery Act: We are temporarily eliminating certain loan fees and raising guarantees on some 7(a) loans up to 90 percent. With these critical steps by SBA, and the Treasury Department's commitment of up to $15 billion aimed at getting lending markets flowing again, we are standing up with small business owners across this country and telling them how we are going to put much-needed capital in their hands.
New FEC Podcast Posted
Interested in food service, but not sure about the equipment needed or how to simply provide a great menu with little overhead and minimal labor and prep time? We had a chance to speak with the inventor of one of the amusement industries easiest, most cost effective kitchen oven systems recently and he gave us the honest goods about hot oil cooking vs. hot air cooking and how good food service need not be the scary beast it once was. Now posted in the Members library.