Earlier this month, I had the chance to attend Amusement 360, an education and networking event hosted by ActionLab Leadership and Creative Works. It’s designed for amusement startups and operators to learn, share, and connect, and I can confidently say it delivered on all fronts.

I went with my coworkers, Billy and Kate, and together we spent several days packed with panels, speakers, and hands-on experiences.

Learning From Leaders

One of the highlights for me was the keynote presentation from Scott Harvey, an FBI-trained hostage negotiator. His session on communication tactics was eye-opening. He demonstrated how skills used in high-stakes situations can be applied to everyday leadership and customer interactions.

We attended sessions on leadership development, arcade game recommendations, and everything in between. Each presentation offered takeaways for us to bring back to Metropolis Resort.

Trying Out New Attractions

Of course, no amusement industry event would be complete without a little game time! We got to test out new games and attractions firsthand, which gave us fresh ideas for what could be next at Metropolis (Not to brag, but I did get the highest possible score in Icee Slush Rush). Since we’re always evolving and looking for ways to keep our guests excited, this part of the trip was especially valuable.

Behind the Scenes at Creative Works

Another standout moment was touring the Creative Works Theme Factory. We got a behind-the-scenes look at how props, murals, and immersive attractions come to life. From concept sketches to final builds, it was inspiring to see the creativity and craftsmanship that fuel the industry!

Major Takeaways

What stood out most during the entire event was the community of people. Everyone was friendly, collaborative, and willing to share their knowledge. It reinforced the fact that, at the heart of it, we’re all working toward the same goal: creating unforgettable memories for our guests.

I left Amusement 360 feeling energized, inspired, and full of ideas to bring back to Metropolis Resort. Big thanks to ActionLab Leadership, Creative Works, and all of the speakers for an incredible experience! Stay tuned to see what we have in store for you all... big changes are coming soon!

-Riley Lennon, Marketing & Membership Coordinator at Metropolis Resort