The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Family Entertainment Trade Shows

The new year is fast approaching, and with it comes another exciting and action-packed trade show season! Whether you’re looking to discover the latest innovations or stay ahead of trends in the family entertainment industry, 2025 promises to be full of incredible conferences and trade events. We’ve compiled a list of the top shows happening across the industry to give you an at-a-glance view of where you’ll want to be and what you’ll gain. From education-rich workshops to exhibitions and immersive hands-on experiences, this guide will ensure you’re up-to-date on the must-attend events of the year. So, grab your calendar and get ready to mark down these shows!

Show: Bowling Summit

Date: Jan 19–21 Location: Las Vegas, NV Description: The Bowling Summit is organized by the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) and brings together bowling center operators, suppliers, and industry experts to discuss trends, innovations, and business strategies.

Why Attend? You can expect to gain valuable insights through educational sessions, networking opportunities, and exploring a tradeshow floor with the latest products and services for the bowling industry. With a focus on improving business performance, attendees can network with peers, learn about best practices, and explore new products to stay competitive.

Show: IAAPA FEC Summit

Date: Jan 19–21 Location: New Orleans, LA Description: The IAAPA Family Entertainment Center (FEC) Summit is a premier event designed for operators of family entertainment centers to explore the latest innovations, strategies, and trends in the amusement industry. With a mix of educational content, networking opportunities, and access to industry experts, this event offers tools for enhancing guest experiences.

Why Attend? FEC owners and operators can expect to learn from industry experts on how to run successful entertainment centers, discover new technologies and attractions, and improve customer engagement. Networking with other industry professionals and attending expert-led workshops will provide actionable strategies to increase revenue, enhance the guest experience, and stay ahead of competitors in a rapidly evolving market.

Show: Dine In Summit

Date: Feb 3–6 Location: Austin, TX Description: The Dine-In Cinema Summit focuses on the emerging trend of combining dining and entertainment experiences within cinema locations. This gathering explores the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the industry. The summit offers sessions on operational strategies, menu trends, customer service, and technology integration.

Why Attend? Cinema operators who are incorporating dining into theater locations will benefit from this summit by learning how to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and implement successful food and beverage offerings.

Show: ASD Market Week

Date: Mar 9–12 Location: Las Vegas, NV Description: ASD Market Week is one of the largest wholesale trade shows for retailers, featuring a vast selection of products from various industries, including fashion, gifts, home décor, electronics, and more. This show brings together manufacturers, wholesalers, and buyers for a chance to network and find new products for retail businesses.

Why Attend? FEC owners and operators should attend ASD Market Week to immerse themselves in this one-stop-shop environment for discovering new products, suppliers, and trends. With thousands of exhibitors, it’s an excellent opportunity to expand product offerings, establish new supplier relationships, and negotiate bulk deals. Attendees can also deepen their understanding of consumer preferences and market trends.

Show: Amusement Expo

Date: Mar 17–20 Location: Las Vegas, NV Description: Amusement Expo is a leading trade show for the amusement, arcade, and family entertainment industry, offering a platform for professionals to explore new technologies, products, and services. It features an exhibition floor with the latest arcade games, amusement attractions, redemption prize providers, and technology solutions, along with educational sessions and networking opportunities.

Why Attend? Explore the newest gaming technologies, hottest redemption prizes, attractions, and operational solutions that can enhance your business. The Expo offers a chance to stay on top of the latest trends, network with industry leaders, and access educational sessions that provide insights on growing customer engagement, improving profitability, and expanding business in a competitive market. This show is ideal for route operators and location-based entertainment center owners.

Show: Foundations

Date: Mar 17–18 Location: Las Vegas, NV Date: July 15–16 (Location TBD) Date: October 7–8 (Location TBD) Description: Foundations Entertainment University is a comprehensive training program, designed for aspiring and existing operators in the entertainment and family entertainment center (FEC) industries. The event provides a deep dive into the core aspects of starting, managing, and growing a successful entertainment business.

Why Attend? Offering lectures, real-world case studies, and interactive workshops led by industry veterans, this event is ideal for anyone looking to enter or improve their position in the entertainment and FEC sectors. Attendees gain a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of the business, including location selection, market research, financial planning, and operational strategies. It’s a must-attend for entrepreneurs and operators seeking to minimize risk and maximize success in launching or optimizing an entertainment business.

Show: Bar & Restaurant Expo

Date: March 24–26 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Description: The Bar & Restaurant Expo is a premier event for professionals in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry. It features a comprehensive range of exhibits, from the latest equipment and technology to trending food and drink concepts. The event includes networking opportunities, educational sessions, and live demonstrations designed to help business owners, managers, and staff grow and innovate in the competitive bar and restaurant world.

Why Attend? This is the must-attend event for anyone involved in the food service or hospitality industry. Attendees can gain insights into industry trends, discover new products, and network with industry leaders. It’s an ideal platform to improve operations, enhance customer experience, and stay ahead of the competition.

Show: International Pizza Expo

Date: March 25–27 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Description: The International Pizza Expo is the largest gathering for pizza professionals from around the world. The event features an extensive trade show with suppliers showcasing pizza ingredients, equipment, and services. In addition, there are live cooking demonstrations, pizza competitions, and educational sessions covering every aspect of the pizza industry, from making the perfect crust to marketing a pizzeria.

Why Attend? This is the ultimate event for pizza restaurant owners, chefs, and anyone in the pizza industry looking to improve their product! It’s an excellent opportunity to learn new techniques, stay updated on trends, and discover new tools and products for all things pizza.

Show: CinemaCon

Date: Mar 31-Apr 3 Location: Las Vegas, NV Description: CinemaCon is the premier global event for the motion picture industry, bringing together theater owners, filmmakers, distributors, and technology experts to discuss the future of cinema. The event features screenings, product showcases, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from key industry leaders, making it an essential platform for networking, discovering new technologies, and staying ahead of industry trends.

Why Attend? Cinema operators and professionals in the entertainment and film distribution industry should attend CinemaCon to stay ahead of the latest cinema technologies, content trends, and business strategies. Attendees can learn about the future of the cinema experience and how to adapt to the changing landscape to drive growth and customer loyalty.

Show: Amusement 360

Date: May 6–8 Date: Sep 16–18 Location: Indianapolis Description: Amusement 360 is a unique and thought-provoking educational event focused on helping operators in the amusement and entertainment sectors improve their business through expert-led discussions and workshops. It covers key areas like guest experience, operational efficiencies, financial planning, and marketing strategies. The event is structured to provide actionable insights for improving both day-to-day operations and long-term success.

Why Attend? With in-depth sessions on guest engagement, marketing, operational strategies, and profitability, attendees can walk away with tangible tactics for improving their bottom line. This event is ideal for anyone in the amusement sector looking to be inspired and to fine-tune their business strategy and grow their operation successfully.

Show: Roller Skating Convention & Trade Show

Date: May 11–15 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Description: The Roller Skating Convention & Trade Show is a dynamic event that brings together roller skating enthusiasts, professionals, and businesses. With a variety of workshops, exhibitions, and performances, attendees can explore the latest trends in roller skating gear, learn new skills, and connect with others who share the same passion.

Why Attend? Whether you’re a competitive skater, coach, rink owner, or just a fan of roller skating, this event offers valuable networking, educational opportunities, and a chance to explore the latest in roller skating technology and trends. It’s perfect for those looking to grow their skills, business, or passion for roller skating!

Show: Fun Conference

Date: May TBD Location: Loveland, CO Description: The FUN Conference offers a dynamic platform for FEC owners to connect, learn, and grow — you won’t find endless sales pitches here!

Why Attend? Attendees will benefit from collaborative discussions with industry leaders and sponsors, gaining insights that go beyond traditional lectures.

Show: Bowl Expo

Date: Jun 29-July 3 Washington DC Location: Washington DC Description: Bowl Expo is the largest and most comprehensive trade show for the bowling industry, organized by the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA). It brings together industry professionals, suppliers, and service providers to explore new technologies, products, and trends for BECs.. The event includes a trade show floor, educational seminars, and networking opportunities.

Why Attend? Bowling center operators should attend Bowl Expo to gain insights into the latest innovations in equipment, technology, and management practices. It provides opportunities to network with suppliers, explore new products, and attend seminars on topics like marketing, customer engagement, and operational strategies.

Show: CineShow

Date: August 25–28 Location: Allen, TX Description: CineShow is focused on the cinema industry and brings together exhibitors, suppliers, and professionals to explore innovations in cinema technology, content, and the moviegoing experience. This event includes educational seminars, industry panels, and product demonstrations tailored to cinema operators.

Why Attend? Cinema owners and operators will benefit from attending CineShow to stay informed on the latest trends and technologies in the film exhibition sector. The event offers networking opportunities, educational content on improving theater operations, and insights into enhancing the moviegoing experience for customers.

Show: Southwest Bowling Proprietors Show

Date: Sept 29-Oct 1 Location: Denton, TX Description: The Southwest Bowling Proprietors Show is a regional trade event for bowling center owners and operators, offering a variety of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and a showcase of the latest products and services in the bowling industry. It provides an intimate setting for operators to meet directly with suppliers and experts.

Why Attend? Bowling operators in the Southwest should attend this event to gain regional insights, connect with suppliers, and stay updated on industry trends. The smaller, more focused environment allows for more personalized interactions with vendors and industry leaders, providing unique learning opportunities to enhance operations and business performance.

Show: World Waterpark Association

Date: Oct 20–23 Location: Orlando, FL Description: The World Waterpark Association (WWA) Show is the largest international event for water park owners, operators, and suppliers. It features a comprehensive program with educational sessions, networking events, and an exhibition floor focused exclusively on the water park industry. The event covers topics such as safety, new attractions, waterpark management, and customer service.

Why Attend? Waterpark operators can gain valuable insights into improving safety, enhancing guest experiences, and staying up-to-date on new technologies and attractions. The WWA Show provides networking opportunities with industry leaders and suppliers, helping operators stay ahead of the competition.

Show: IAAPA

Date: Nov 17–20 Location: Orlando, FL Description: The IAAPA Expo is the largest global event for the attractions industry, bringing together professionals from amusement parks, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, FECs, and more. The expo features an expansive trade show floor, educational sessions, and networking events, showcasing the latest innovations in attractions, technologies, and guest services.

Why Attend? Often referred to as the Super Bowl of Trade Shows for the amusement and attractions industry, operators, owners, and really, anyone should attend IAAPA Expo. At this show, you’ll be able to explore cutting-edge technologies, connect with new games and prize providers, learn from industry leaders, and discover new ways to engage guests. Prepare to be wowed — IAAPA’s presence is massive. Each year, over 40,000 attendees head to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando buzzing with excitement. The show is an attraction in itself with literal rollercoasters and rides set up right on the convention show floor! The expo’s vast range of exhibitors allows attendees to explore a wide variety of products, new rides and attractions, games, prize vendors, and services designed to help you create the experience of a lifetime for your guests.

Was this helpful?

Stay up-to-date with redemption insights from the experts at Redemption Plus! Subscribe to our email list and follow our blog & socials to be the first to know when the latest updates & releases happen!

@redemptionplus — Catch all the latest news we have going on including announcements, trainings, tips, and more! You won’t want to miss out.