STRATEGIC PARTNERS
CHICAGO -- Foundations Entertainment University 2.0 held its 49th class from July 16 through 18 here. In attendance were 50 students with diverse interests in planning, designing, developing and operating out-of-home entertainment businesses. Entrepreneurs and current owner/operators came from 12 U.S. states, including Florida and Texas, and traveled from Mexico, Brazil and Canada to participate and learn. FEU Class #49 introduced a new learning opportunity with a Speaker Q&A Session, at which regist...
July 22, 2019
CHICAGO -- Foundations Entertainment University 2.0 held its 49th class from July 16 through 18 here. In attendance were 50 students with diverse interests in planning, designing, developing and operating out-of-home entertainment businesses. Entrepreneurs and current owner/operators came from 12 U.S. states, including Florida and Texas, and traveled from Mexico, Brazil and Canada to participate and learn.
FEU Class #49 introduced a new learning opportunity with a Speaker Q&A Session, at which registrants were asked to submit challenging -- even personal -- questions, and each speaker had the opportunity to respond.
"The new Speaker Q&A Session was fantastic and had an overwhelming response," said presenter Frank Seninsky. Also new with this FEU class was a networking opportunity for participants to meet with program sponsors and speakers, who were assigned to specific tables during the lunches and dinners. This, too, was well-received, as participants appreciated the extra time to network and engage in one-on-one conversations. "I think this was one of the best sessions ever at Foundations!" Seninsky summed up.
BUYERS POWER
FEU Class #49 graduates also were the first to receive more than $50,000 in value-added bonuses from event sponsors as part of FEU's exclusive Buyers Power Purchase program. Graduates have access to exclusive discounts, products and promotions worth thousands of dollars when opening their facilities or refurbishing their existing operations.
Participants enjoyed numerous opportunities to network and relax with the speakers and sponsors during Foundations University 2.0. The group visited local entertainment centers, including Play and Spin Social (Niles, IL), where general manager John McFadden, joined the group for part of the tour. The next stop was Punch Bowl Social (Schaumburg, IL), where the group had a chance to compete at the large foosball table.
Seninsky reported that Foundations Entertainment University 2.0 continues to evolve and grow. Guest speaker Sherry Howell, brand engagement director of CenterEdge Software, will be returning as an ongoing member of the program's prestigious presenter faculty. She received high marks from students for her presentation on "The Costly Seven: Leadership Mistakes to Avoid.".
"How can we expect our front line to constantly learn and be great if we're not modeling this same behavior?" asked Shanna Dow of Plainfield Lanes. "This is the seminar to take if you're in the entertainment industry: so much good information from industry experts; what works and what doesn't! Everything you need to know today, from startup to staying relevant."
"I came with a vision for how to improve my FEC," said Billy Frye, Magic Wheels Fun Center "I made the right connections and experienced guidance to focus on how to proceed."
FALL SEMESTER
The next Foundations Entertainment University will be held from Oct. 15 through 17, in Dallas, TX. The three-day program will bring together top industry consultants: Frank Seninsky, chief executive and Jerry Merola, chief financial officer of Alpha-Omega Amusements and Amusement Entertainment Management (AEM); Frank Price, president of FL Price and Birthday University; Doug Wilkerson, principal of Dynamic Designs and Studio 41B; Peter F. Olesen, P.E., president of Entertainment Concepts Inc.; Kevin Williams, chief executive of KWP; and Sherry Howell. Additional guest speakers include Jim Howell, president of Perky's Pizza and Yaroslav Sobko, director of marketing for Alpha-Omega Amusements.
Seninsky explained that this panel of industry professionals will share their 200-plus combined years of knowledge and experience on subjects ranging from market assessment and feasibility through funding, food and beverage, design concepts, guest experience, staffing and operations to construction and contractor selection, games and attractions, performance monitoring, marketing and group sales, and much more. The three-day program will include behind-the-scenes tours of local entertainment venues, plenty of time for networking, questions and answers and one-on-one discussions with the presenters as well as a new group roundtable session.
"Visit to take your first step towards a successful future in the family entertainment center industry," Seninsky invited. He can be reached at fseninskyaem@gmail.com , or by calling (732) 616-5345.
Foundations Entertainment University is based at 12 Elkins Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816.
