From September 10-12, the ROLLER team had an amazing time at the Amusement 360 Event in Indiana. Building on the momentum from the Amusement 360 event earlier this year, we were excited to talk to operators again and explore the future of the industry.
This September’s event was all about helping operators clear their minds, foster meaningful connections, and build momentum for their businesses. It was also a space for reflection on the industry’s evolution and its bright future.
Read on for event highlights, key takeaways, and what’s next for the amusement and attractions industry.
Event recap: Growth and community
Amusement 360 is a standout event for operators, with a powerful mix of education, inspiration, and community-building. The September event in Indiana saw even more attendees than the earlier one this year, bringing together a diverse mix of industry veterans and fresh entrepreneurs, all eager to learn and collaborate.
With its innovative sessions and workshops, the event gave everyone a chance to connect, share ideas, and explore new ways to grow their businesses. Creative Works, the event’s organizer, put together a program that highlighted how important operators are—not just as business leaders, but as creators of spaces where people come to make lasting memories. It was a great reminder of the real impact venues in the amusement and attractions industry have on their guests.
Zeb Burton and Danica Craig, Account Executives at ROLLER
Continuing the momentum from earlier this year
At the previous Amusement 360 event in May 2024, the ROLLER team got to speak to participants about the transformative power of technology and the benefits of a unified platform for venue management. This theme carried through to the September event, where we expanded on discussions about how technology can help operators scale their businesses, better engage guests, and stay ahead of industry trends.
Read more: 5 Ways Smart Data Collection Can Save Attraction Venues Time and Money
Session spotlight: How to Maximize Software Tools
The expo featured a series of high-impact sessions, providing attendees with actionable strategies to enhance their businesses. ROLLER’s own Danica Craig, SMB Account Executive, participated in an engaging panel discussion, "How to Maximize Software Tools," where she shared key insights on how operators can leverage technology to boost efficiency and elevate the guest experience.
Danica Craig, Account Executive at ROLLER, participating in the How to Maximize Software Tools panel
Danica’s advice on launching online checkout systems early and treating online booking as a 24/7 salesperson particularly resonated with attendees, sparking insightful conversations at our booth. She also emphasized the importance of doing thorough research, asking the right questions, and using soft openings to iron out operational challenges before the grand opening—a strategy that struck a chord with many operators in attendance.
Another standout session was presented by ROLLER partner Beth Standlee, Founder & CEO of TrainerTainment, on "How to Hire, Compensate, and Incentivize a Group Sales Pro.”
Key takeaways: Technology, community, and growth
Amusement 360 2024 delivered an abundance of insights, with a strong focus on leveraging technology, fostering community, and driving business growth in the amusement and attractions industry.
Here are some key takeaways from the event:
- Embracing technology to scale operations: Throughout the event, operators learned how integrating advanced technology solutions, such as online ticketing, guest experience management, and dynamic pricing, can streamline operations, improve guest engagement, and boost revenue.
- Community and impact: The event highlighted the vital role amusement operators play in their communities, not just as business owners but as creators of spaces where people build lasting memories. Creative Works' programming emphasized how these venues are much more than just entertainment spaces—they are places of connection, joy, and shared experiences.
- Actionable strategies for success: Attendees left with practical strategies to optimize their operations. Soft openings were highlighted as a valuable tool to iron out operational challenges before grand openings, and operators were encouraged to continually refine their processes based on guest feedback and data-driven insights.
Looking ahead
We’re already looking forward to the next Amusement 360 event! The energy, collaboration, and fresh perspectives we gained this year have us excited for what’s to come.
If you missed us at Amusement 360, don’t worry! We’d love to chat about how ROLLER can help your venue streamline operations, boost revenue, and enhance guest experiences.
- Save time: Make processes easier and boost staff productivity.
- Increase revenue: Improve booking efficiency and drive sales with data-driven strategies.
- Delight guests: Ensure seamless, enjoyable interactions from start to finish.
Excited about what’s next? Book a demo to see how we can help your rink thrive.
