Monday, February 9, 2015 FEC Dallas under way FEC Dallas, the family entertainment center (FEC)-focused conference organized and presented by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), is taking place at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront through Feb. 11. There are 145 attendees including 27 sponsors and 11 committee members. The event kicked off with a Sponsor Zone cocktail party on Feb. 8. This year sponsorships sold out early. The last day, Feb. 11, is a separate VIP Tour of member FECs and includes stops at Amazing Jake’s, Celebration Station, iT’Z, and Speed Zone Dallas. Today’s agenda included a keynote address by author Brandon Steiner, as well as a presentation on identifying your group sales star by Beth Standlee, TrainerTainment; and a presentation on company culture by Ryan Curtis, Quarters, Endless Entertainment. For more information, visit (www.iaapa.org). Pictured, top: Crowded seminar room; bottom: Steven Tan and Debbie Gonzalez of UNIS (Sponsor). Industry loss: Dave Corriveau Dave Corriveau, a Co-founder of Dave & Buster’s, passed away on Feb. 8 at his home; he was 63. Dave & Buster’s released a statement about Corriveau: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Dave Corriveau’s passing. As a Co-founder of Dave & Buster’s he was a true innovator in the world of restaurant entertainment and will be greatly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. The first Dave & Buster’s was opened in Dallas in 1982 by Corriveau and James “Buster” Corley. The two had met after opening stores next to each other in Little Rock, Ark., and they realized their businesses would be better off as one. There are now over 75 locations in 30 states.”

Pinstack opens first location with Sacoa

Entertainment Properties Group Inc. has opened its first Pinstack location in West Plano, Texas, with the Sacoa PlayCard System to manage attractions and redemption throughout this new 50,000-square-foot flagship dining and entertainment complex. This premiere venue features 150 deluxe games and indoor mega attractions of laser tag, bumper cars, climbing wall, and an elevated rope course above the arcade. In addition, Pinstack offers guests a full service restaurant, two bars, and 28 lanes for bowling.

The group also operates iT’Z Pizza locations in the Southwest where they have used another company for many years, so changing to a different debit system was a big move for them. Brian Cohen, Vice President of Operations, said, “After an extensive review of card system providers we chose to partner with Sacoa on our newest brand, Pinstack, which represents cutting edge amusements, food, and bowling in an upscale environment and they fit nicely into that mix.”

Sacoa Director Sebastian Mochkovsky commented, "I'm very happy to work together with this incredible property, Pinstack. It was a challenge for us to show our capabilities when they already operate iT’Z with another card system. This is just the beginning of a long term relationship and we will support Entertainment Properties Group Inc. for any future or existing center by providing the most advanced products available in the industry." For more information, visit (www.sacoacard.com). Pictured, (l-r): Brian Duke, Sacoa; Brian Cohen, Vice President of Operations at Entertainment Properties Group; Mark Moore, President and CEO; Jason Prowell, COO; and Sebastian Mochkovsky, Sacoa.

NAMA announces speaker at OneShow NAMA announces that Howell Wechsler, EdD, MPH, CEO of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, will be a featured speaker at the 2015 OneShow in Las Vegas April 22-24. Wechsler’s presentation will be at the general session on April 23. “We have proudly partnered with the Alliance since the 2005 launch of FitPick, our nationally recognized nutrition initiative,” said Carla Balakgie, President and CEO of NAMA. “We greatly value our relationship with the Alliance and welcome Dr. Wechsler’s involvement at the OneShow.” The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation, empowers kids to develop lifelong, healthy habits. The Alliance works with schools, companies, community organizations, healthcare professionals and families to build healthier environments for millions of children. For more information on OneSHow, visit (www.namaoneshow.org).

Photos: 1 (FEC dallas-4) 2 (FEC dallas-3) 3 (Dave Corriveau)

4 (Pinstack all)