IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, will kick off its 2026 event calendar in Glendale, Arizona, with the IAAPA FEC Summit, a three-day gathering designed to equip family entertainment center (FEC) and location-based entertainment (LBE) operators with actionable strategies for long-term success.
The annual summit, taking place February 1-3, brings together owners, operators, and industry leaders for expert-led education, forward-looking discussions, and curated networking opportunities focused on the evolving FEC and LBE landscape. Through dynamic sessions and exclusive EDUTours, attendees will explore proven approaches to enhancing the guest experience, driving revenue, and sustaining profitable operations in a competitive market.
This year’s program features keynote speaker Libby Gill, bestselling author and former head of communications for Universal, Sony, and Turner Broadcasting. Gill will share insights on leading with purpose, engaging teams with clarity and hope, and building high-performance cultures that support business growth across the entertainment sector.
Additional speakers and panelists include Beth Standlee, ICAE, Founder and CEO of Trainertainment and The Growth Pro Group; Caroline “CC” Cannon, Vice President of Strategic Growth at Thrillz High Flying Adventure Parks; Erin Davis, Vice President of Operations at Big Air USA; Jeremy Hoyum, SVP of Park Performance at Urban Air Adventure Parks, North America FEC Committee Chair, and current IAAPA board member; Kyle Allison, Owner of Altitude 1291; and Sherry Howell, Brand Engagement Director at CenterEdge Software. Together, they will share best practices and real-world insights on operational excellence, guest engagement, and scaling FEC businesses for sustained growth.
Educational sessions will also focus on performance metrics that matter most — highlighting which indicators signal growth opportunities, uncover operational challenges, and help operators increase profitability while maintaining a high-quality guest experience.
The IAAPA North America FEC Committee will lead an interactive session designed to foster peer-to-peer learning and idea sharing, offering practical takeaways operators can implement immediately within their businesses.
Learning will extend beyond the classroom with exclusive EDUTours to top regional attractions, including KTR, a 40,000-square-foot indoor action sports and attractions venue; FatCats Entertainment, featuring immersive VR experiences, bowling, and movie theaters; and Pecan Lake Entertainment, which will host a scenic networking reception designed to encourage meaningful connections among attendees.
In addition to the educational programming, attendees will have the opportunity to connect early at the IAAPA Foundation Mini-Golf Mingle and Long Drive, a new networking event combining friendly competition with purpose. The event invites participants to enjoy refreshments and peer-to-peer networking while taking part in putting and long-drive challenges for a chance to win prizes. Proceeds from the event will directly support the IAAPA Foundation FEC Scholarship 2026, helping invest in and inspire the next generation of family entertainment center leaders.
