Laser Tag Convention Seminar Speakers and Topics
At the ILTA, we know that getting the best information available can make all the difference between success and failure. To better educate our attendees at the Laser Tag Convention, we've created a laser tag education track. Both Developers and Operators can choose which classes they would like to attend to maximize the potential for success.

Below is a list of seminars, speakers, dates, and times the classes will be available.

Sunday, August 9th, 2009
Predator Awareness
3:00PM to 5:00PM
Speaker: Britt Darwin-Looney
The seminar will teach the direct and indirect indicators of abuse, types and patterns of perpetrators and how to respond and report when abuse is suspected. Learn specific ways to maintain proper boundaries with youths and how to protect staff from false allegations.

Welcome Reception
7:30PM to 10:00PM
(New Member Welcome from 7:30-8:00pm)
Visit with members new and old as the ILTA and Roller Skating Association welcomes you to the Flamingo Las Vegas.Light hor d’houvres and a cash bar will be available.

Monday, August 10th, 2009
General Assembly Key Note
Part 1 - 9:00AM to 12:00PM; Part 2 - 1:30PM to 3:00PM
Speaker: Mike Veeck
In his book, Fun is Good, maverick marketer Mike Veeck presents his simple, no-fail formula for business success: Make work fun and you’ll create a culture of creativity where the best people will want to work and customer will want to spend. At the heart of the philosophy is the need to reexamine the way we do business, from employer-employee relationships to customer service. “The Fun Is Good” philosophy has transformed half-dozen money-losing or start-up teams into thriving $25 million businesses.

Facts and Figures of Business Planning
3:30PM to 5:00PM
Speaker: Erik Guthrie
Are you wondering how the laser tag industry is faring during this economic crisis? Erik Guthrie gives a two-part presentation on the current health of the laser tag industry and tips on writing a successful business plan. Erik is the vice president of sales for Zone and Nexus Laser Tag and will share the most up-to-date statistics provided by the International Laser Tag Association.

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
Building Codes and ADA Issues
9:00AM to 10:15AM
Speaker: Brad Feinman
Discover some of the most common build-out restrictions and complications developers run into when starting a laser tag business. These problems can often catch entrepreneurs off- guard and delay opening dates and attraction installations by weeks or even months. Brad Feinman of Creative Works discusses solutions to these often frustrating and time-consuming problems every developer should know.

The Basics of Outdoor Laser Tag
9:00AM to 10:15AM
Speaker: Brian Plavnick
Interested in starting an outdoor laser tag attraction? It’s a fast-growing segment to the entertainment industry and Brian Plavnick is here to talk to developers about the basics of starting this type of business. Brian is the owner of G-Force Laser Tag in Caribou, Maine and the OLTA Representative. If you are tired of the same old laser tag, then maybe you should consider taking it outdoors!

Arena Design and the WOW Effect
10:30AM to 12:00PM
Speaker: Jeff Schilling
Do you know that laser tag arenas that utilize themes outperform unthemed arenas nearly 2-to-1? Jeff Schilling, the owner of Creative Works shares his expertise and the importance of having a professionally designed arena and facility. Jeff also discusses exciting ways of creating the WOW Effect that will keep your customers coming back for more.

25 Ways to Improve Your Business On a Shoestring Budget
10:30AM to 12:00PM
Speaker: Jarett Waite
From your website to your customer service to your party packages, Jarett Waite, owner of Laser Mania Family Fun Center in St. George, UT will focus on key areas often overlooked. He'll share his experience working on a very limited budget and still making vast improvements at his own family fun center. You'll leave this session with great ideas you can implement as soon as you get back to your site.

Successfully Marketing Your Laser Tag Attraction
4:15PM to 5:00PM
Speaker: Richard Elliston
Richard Elliston shares his industry experience in marketing laser tag attractions. Learn how to stand out from your competition and draw in bigger crowds with ideas you may not have considered before. Richard draws on his success as an operator from Laser Quest and other FEC's throughout Michigan, as well as being a Vice President for LaserBlast over the last two years. Learn direct marketing techniques focusing on Birthday party rentention, Youth groups, fundraisers, community enrichment programs for profitability, and more.

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009
How to Design & Layout Your Games & Attractions for Maximum Profits
9:15AM to 10:30AM
Speaker: Frank Seninsky
Want to turn your slumping arcade sales around? Learn the secrets of successful redemption and arcade operations from one of the most experienced people in the entertainment industry. Frank Seninsky shares his philosophies on profitable layouts, arcade machine mixture, healthy redemption counters, and tips on increasing the number of plays on struggling games.

Inflatable Laser Tag: Just Add Air
9:15AM to 10:30AM
Speaker: Lathan Gariess
Considering a mobile laser tag attraction or business? Do it right the first time with Lathan Gariess, the successful mobile operator of Xtreem Family Fun of Lehigh Acres, Florida. Learn how to manage your event planning, employee scheduling, select the right kind of inflatable, and anticipate often overlooked problems.

Listening to Your Customers: Their Experience is Your Success
2:45PM to 4:15PM
Speaker: Karl Ross
No one knows about the needs of your guests better than your guests. Karl Ross, owner of Laserdome in Manheim, PA, will discuss ways to take your customers experiences and shape them into winning strategies for your facility.

Maximizing Your Scheduled Event Revenue
2:45PM to 4:15PM
Speaker: Mando Lanuti
For operators, creating money-making packages for your birthday parties, group events, and exclusive offers can be a frustrating process. Are your packages designed to make you the most profit per event or are you leaving serious money on the table? Armando Lanuti will share best practices gained from 7 years as General Manager of one of the highest grossing laser tag facilities in the country. Mando is the Vice President of Client Relations for Creative Works.

Laser Tag Equipment: What You Should be Asking
4:30PM to 5:30PM
Speaker: Shane Zimmerman & Eric Gaizat
Shane Zimmerman, the Executive Director, and Eric Gaizat, Director of Membership Services with the ILTA will address insider’s tips on negotiating your laser tag contract. Are you getting the best deal possible? What are some of the dubious sales tactics to avoid? What should you watch out for when looking through your contracts? Find the answers to all these questions and more from the individuals who have assisted many developers and operators with these very topics.