CenterEdge Software Blog

There are no do-overs during face to face interactions with guests; team members must be equipped to get it right from the start. 

Guest service interactions have been on our mind a lot lately. Your team has a lot to worry about just making sure they are keeping on top of all the changing processes. They shouldn't have to worry about saying the wrong thing to a guest and damaging your facility's guest experience OR reputation.

That's why we decided to update the top phrases team members should never use to help remind staff that there are some words better left unsaid. 

Practice daily gratitude and reap benefits like better decision-making capabilities, improved relationships with your team and community, and more. 

We were so sad to learn of Creative Works’ founder, Jeff Schilling’s, recent passing.  He will be greatly missed. Jeff’s legacy lives on through the results of his commitment to innovation in our industry and his lessons about making a difference every day.

Today, we’re sharing how Jeff’s words of wisdom about gratitude can help you become a powerful influence in your business, family, and community. 

Rather than putting up purchase barriers by forcing guests to pay a certain way, here are a few modifications that you can make to your operation to lessen your facility’s need for coins. 

With the US facing a coin shortage, we’re seeing signs posted in local businesses refusing cash, asking for exact change, or reminding us that they’re in need of change. Family entertainment businesses are faced with this issue, too. But before you join them in forcing guests into controversial payment processes, consider this: if a guest tries to give you money, you probably should take it.

During this difficult period of reopening with reduced capacity and ever-changing guidelines, it's even more critical to manage your FEC's operating costs. 

Unfortunately, though, many amusement facilities pay the high price of operational inefficiencies that can lead to lost revenue, increased waste and reduced profitability.

What’s holding you back from inspiration – and what you can do about it.

At the most recent Amusement 360 event, held virtually in June, we had the opportunity to attend the keynote session delivered by Jason Barnaby, author of Igniting the Fire Starter Within, and owner of Fire Starters, Inc. We’re excited that he agreed to share some of his philosophy about finding your passion and busting through the one thing that holds most people back. Enjoy!

Communicating with your audience and being able to adapt to your guests’ needs quickly makes all the difference, according to Aubrey Christian, of Fiesta Fun Center in St George, Utah.

This week, we caught up with Assistant Director of Operations, Aubrey Christian, to hear what she had to say about the process of reopening. Fiesta Fun Center is a 7 acre indoor and outdoor venue that features bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats, a restaurant, as well as other attractions and games. Open now for nearly six weeks, Aubrey answers some of the top questions operators ask when considering their reopening plan.  

Expert insights from Michele Canney of Anakeesta, an outdoor, nature-centric theme park nestled in 70 acres of forestland in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Anakeesta is a unique park in the Smoky Mountains that features treetop skywalks and world-class vistas, gardens, a mountain coaster, Chondola and Rambler rides, as well as a zip line, and dining and retail offerings. During our conversation, Michele Canney, VP of Marketing/Sales, shared how maintaining a growth mindset can help not only in reopening, but also in preparation for an impressive and successful future. Here’s what Michele had to say.

As entertainment facilities around the country are reopening, this operator shares his optimism.

This week, we spoke to Darren Harmon, of Bullwinkle’s Wilsonville, in Wilsonville, Oregon, about their successes and challenges in the first few weeks of reopening.  Bullwinkle’s Wilsonville is a recently renovated indoor-outdoor facility that features miniature golf, a restaurant, go-karts and outdoor rides, boutique bowling, laser tag, an arcade and more.

Read on as Darren shares a few Do’s and Don’ts his team has learned that we think will help give you some peace of mind about your own chances at reopening successfully in the days and weeks to come.

As facilities across the country get closer to reopening, owners and operators are planning for a new normal.

There is so much information available regarding cleaning and disinfecting measures for businesses, that it can be a little overwhelming. The amusement and entertainment industry has long been diligent about the practice, but in a COVID-19 world, it’s important to understand what’s different, and how to continue to offer a clean safe place for families to play.

Systems are ready. Offerings are updated. Capacity management controls are in place. For many facilities, it's showtime. But is your team ready?

To wrap up our blog series, Rethinking Your Facility Management Approach, we’d like to share a quick word of encouragement along with a few tips to consider when outlining your training plan for reopening your FEC. Take these three final steps to prepare to reopen.