FEC Dallas attendees visit with supplier sponsors.

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions continues to expand its focus on the family entertainment sector with its third annual conference. FEC Dallas, which took place at the Hilton Rockwall, about half an hour northeast of downtown Dallas, hosted close to 150 attendees, including nearly 100 facility operators.

The operators gathered to hear suppliers and experts on a number of topics as they shared insights and encouraged conversation both with and among audience members. After the first day of discussions, attendees were treated to dinner and some fun at the new Pinstack bowling FEC in Plano, Texas. 

Participants at FEC Dallas also had many chances during breaks in the action to meet with sponsoring suppliers, who set up tables just outside the conference room.  RePlay Magazine also served as one of the event's media sponsors. 

FEC Dallas kicked off with opening remarks from IAAPA Chairman Gerardo Arteaga, whose Santiago, Chile-based business operates a major theme park, as well as a chain of FECs. Arteaga spoke about his roots running FECs in Chile and other South American nations.

Sports memorabilia magnate Brandon Steiner, author of the book You Gotta Have Balls, followed and provided an inspiring keynote address. He discussed his upbringing in a single-parent home in Brooklyn, noting that he took his first job at 10 years old working for a neighborhood fruit vendor.  "Everybody decides at some point that they are credible, dependable and accountable," he said.

Steiner later began operating a paper route so that he would be free later in the day to enjoy his real passion, sports. He recalled meeting objections from one elderly lady who told Steiner she would rather buy her paper at the local market. He ultimately persuaded her to sign on as a customer to his paper route by offering to bring her milk and bagels. She was so impressed she convinced all her friends to use Steiner's service as well.

"Are you really listening to and thinking about your customer?" Steiner emphasized. "Providing a value proposition is the most important lesson in business."

 Education sessions focused on maintaining the right company culture, identifying group sales opportunities, managing an FEC budget, debit card technology, food and beverage operations, tips on risk management, capital expansion and pricing strategies. Today, some participants are taking a day-long tour of four local entertainment centers including Amazing Jakes in Plano, Speedzone Dallas, It'Z in Euless and Celebration Station in Mesquite. Look for a full report in the March issue of RePlay Magazine.