I consider it a genuine honor that a laser tag arena would want to name one of their phasers after me!
This week I got a message from Derek and Jessica, owners of Battle Blast Laser Tag in Las Vegas (and host arena for my most recent Tag 4 A Cause night) to let me know their new shipment of Battle Company BR Pro taggers had arrived. They decided that at their business one of them would literally have my name on it!
So now when you visit Battle Blast you can pick up the TiviaChick tagger and play a game using my name and I hope anyone who does has lots of luck (and skill) to send that name to the top of the leaderboard! My thanks to Battle Blast for letting my name be represented in your collection!
The Amusement Expo International trade show was two days of visiting with manufacturers, learning about new products and seeing what the amusement industry had to showcase on the event floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
I have often said I’m an unusual presence there because I am neither attending as a buyer or a seller, but just someone who truly enjoys the experience and being able to share the latest developments.
Opening ceremonies began bright and early with representatives from the co-located conventions each taking a turn to address the attendees before the doors opened. Erik Guthrie spoke on behalf of the Laser Tag Convention.
They announced that Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas was the AEI Charity Fund recipient (which I was delighted to hear as I supported Ronald McDonald House Charities with Tag 4 A Cause right around this time last year) and so there were local RMHC representatives participating in the ribbon cutting along with the delegates for the expo.
Following the ceremony, the doors opened and a sea of people flooded into what was being called a sold out show in terms of number of exhibitors. There was no doubt going to be a lot to see!
Off and running! I spent time chatting with all the laser tag manufacturers exhibiting at the show (and even a couple just checking things out) and asked them to show me something cool. Here’s what they had to share.
I also asked them each a series of questions that will be featured in an upcoming podcast episode, so watch for some pro-tips to be showing up on Laser Unfocused Tag Talk very soon. :)
It’s always a treat to visit with my friends in the industry who are able to show me the latest laser tag innovations to be watching for as I continue my tag travels. Here are a few pics from the show.
Erik Guthrie, Senior Vice President of Zone Laser Tag and Jack Turner were showcasing Zone’s Helios 2 and the vestless Begeara 3.
Chris Epstein was ready to challenge me using the Laserforce Gen 8 Infinity.
Mike Ewald, president of LaserBlast is always willing to smile for a photo, whether it’s at the booth or on the CyberBlast selfie cam.
And Shane Zimmerman of Delta Strike took some time to answer some questions and show me the membership kiosk options for the Genesis system.
Ann Kessler was spotlighting LASERTRON’s axe throwing while also teasing the new phaser design we will be seeing more of later in the year.
And Paul Savard, president of Lazer Runner smiled as I donned one of their newest packs.
The ladies of Netronic, Oksana Obod and Natalie showed me their sublimated phasers with colorful artwork as well as some of the accessories that can be used with their system.
Brian Sytkowski of Battle Company shared the progress on their new phaser design as we sent a selfie off to a mutual friend.
And Derek Petit showed me the newest accessories available with Outback Laser Tag equipment.
Of course there is so much to take in from all ends of the amusement industry. We heard from Bob Cooney who is now perhaps best known as “the VR Guy” and while I can’t help but ask him about laser tag (he was the former CEO of Laser Storm) I want to keep an open mind to what is evolving in the world of VR as well since (as I see it) there is a loose thread of connection to be aware of between the two kinds of gaming.
I was intrigued to discuss this connection with Creative Works president Armando Lanuti.
And I also decided to re-visit a demo of Arenaverse, as I am mostly interested in the VR options that offer a simulation to laser tag.
Although VR does offer a wide variety of enjoyable gaming experiences and there is certainly room for both to coexist in the entertainment marketplace, to my mind VR is simply not a substitute for the direct, face to face connection you make with other players in a laser tag arena.
Visiting with some of the arena designers is a great way to learn what locations are worth keeping on my radar.
Lathan Gareiss of ARC Studios talked to me about some of the latest things he is doing with lighting, including how he incorporated between 50,000-60,000 LED lights at one arena I visited at the start of my trip.
And I talked with Larry Kirchener of Blacklight Attractions about an arena he is very proud of that I plan to visit soon in Texas.
I also chatted with Beth Standlee of Trainertainment about her tips for laser tag operators, which will also be included in my next podcast.
And as the Laser Tag Convention is a fundraiser for the Laser Tag Museum, I was happy to see how Eric Gaizat set up the museum’s display while Erik Guthrie gave a tour of some of the particularly rare packs being showcased.
As you can see, there was a tremendous amount to see and experience during the Amusement Expo International trade show. This was an incredibly worthwhile couple of days spent in Las Vegas!
Having an invitation to present at the 2023 Laser Tag Convention was the primary catalyst for my travels to Las Vegas and also an ideal way to spend International Laser Tag Day as this year both events happened to coincide on March 28th. I was delighted to reprise my presentation about how Exceptional Arenas Make A Lasting Impression.
I arrived at the Westgate and got my press pass loaded up with a full cache of ribbons declaring me a guest, a speaker, a laser tag attendee and a museum donor. Nice!
This was my access to an early morning interview with Jarrett Payton, former NFL and CFL running back and celebrity broadcaster (also the son of Walter Payton) where I learned about how much his kids love laser tag.
He was there to be the keynote speaker for Amusement Expo International, but I greatly appreciate him taking the time to provide me with some comments that I will include in an upcoming podcast episode, but also invite you to listen to here.
This man an absolute delight to talk with! As was Petr Putkoff, manufacturer of EXO laser tag, who I ran into as we were both heading into the first presentation of the day.
There was a full roster of industry professionals slated to speak including:
Lathan Gareiss - owner of ARC Studios
Adam Kleinhenz - Business Development Specialist at Shaffer Distributing Company
Bryan Severence - CEO of Fallout Zones
Sheryl Bindeglass - Owner of Sheryl’s Golf in Martinsville, NJ
Sherry Howell - Brand Engagement Director at Center Edge Software
Laurie Jean Britton - Blogger/Podcaster for TiviachickLovesLaserTag.com
It certainly was a full day of education slated for this year’s convention.
The opening presentation was Lathan Gareiss of ARC Studios discussing “Building the Arena” and creating the most exciting experience for your guests. I was flattered to be pictured on his title slide, which was being projected on the screen as we walked in.
Kevin from Invasion Laser Tag joked with me saying “hey, that looks a lot like you!” :)
I enjoyed seeing his photos and think that it is interesting that we had some overlap in arena examples shared between our presentations, illustrating that great minds think alike when it comes to what makes for an impressive arena.
I took some time during the day to visit with friends and operators and mind the convention booth. Before I knew it I was on deck to speak.
I thank everyone who attended my seminar, but for those who did not, you can watch it here.
Some arenas are particularly memorable and Laser One in Wantage, NJ is one that was definitely very special. I made several trips to visit them in recent years for Darklight games, tournaments and even a Tag 4 A Cause night. The wonderful experiences I had there thanks to Jim Mainardi, his family and staff are what made it important to me to make one last visit to be present for their final day of operations on April 2nd.
The most unfortunate thing about this amazing arena closing is that it was the result of a lost lease, not anything to do with the business itself. In fact, I have heard from many people that it was a valued and significant establishment in the community and that was particularly evident by the number of people who flooded the place on the final day to say their farewell.
I had to revise my travel plans in order to attend. It worked out for me to be on a direct flight from LAX to Philadelphia and then I rented a car to drive up to New Jersey in order to get there. It was absolutely worth the effort! And I wasn’t the only one who traveled across a good chunk of the country in order to attend.
When I arrived I wanted to take a selfie at the entrance. While doing so I heard a familiar voice call over to me and offer to take the photo.
It was Chris (aka Arcturus) who had driven in from Missouri because this was important to him too. He joined me for a few final games of Darklight.
It was a little surreal trying to take in every memory of this arena.
This is not an experience I can have just anywhere because Darklight does not have as large a presence in the U.S. as many of the other laser tag manufacturers. However, it really says something that Laser One has been using this same equipment for their entire 16 years of operation.
So I enjoyed every opportunity to tag the GEMs.
And tagging the blob lights on the other team’s packs always results with a little “clink” sound.
Something occurred to me for the very first time during the game. It’s interesting that the noise you hear when you successfully tag a player sounds a bit like the clink of a coin and it earns you credits to “spend” at the GEMs…essentially Darklight is a game that allows you to go “shopping” in the arena. No wonder I love it, lol!
Speaking of shopping, how did I not know that they sold these awesome T-shirts? You know how much I love my tag swag!
I had just purchased my souvenirs when Jim arrived and connected me with a particularly special memento to add to my collection of packs and artifacts of laser tag history.
Before the night was over, we were joined by Devin (aka StormTaker) for a reunion of a few of us from the Pyrus Uprising team.
It has been fun to play with these guys in competitive/social tournaments where we got to experience a wider variety of games. I was glad to be able to share with Jim how enjoyable these events were for the players.
He must have known how much Laser One meant to everyone based on the outpouring of comments and excellent attendance on this final day. The place was packed! But just in case, let’s hear from a few regular players what they will remember about Laser One.
https://youtu.be/kjwuvZK3vAg
We will take so many memories with us. How many people have enjoyed a casual game or a special party surrounded by the beautiful murals at Laser One?
How many people who played here now have kids who got to enjoy the experience as well? How many days were made brighter for having an escape to some fun for a couple of hours here or there? Homegrown laser tag arenas like Laser One are the kind of places that make me love laser tag. We are all the better for having had the experience. Thank you for the memories!
As I ended my week on the west coast, I boarded a flight at LAX and flew from one side of the country to the other only to find myself the next day in…Tokyo? Well, technically New Jersey, but when I walked into Tac Ops Tactical Laser Tag in Florham Park, NJ and entered Battlefield Tokyo it was tough to tell! :)
I had made special arrangements to play one quick game before they opened up for a busy day catering to groups and parties, so I had a limited window to check out the arena. Fortunately the staff there were wonderful, Antonio got me set up quickly and I was able to get a good look around while playing against James as we ventured into Nakatomi Plaza…Die Hard!
James and I put on headsets, grabbed our Battle Company BR Pros and were off and running…except we never run in the arena, right?
We traded a couple of tags before I took a “tour of the city.”
Looks like I could find some places for cover under the desks in here!
I passed through the battle ravaged city streets…
But there were far more interesting things to explore, like the casino…didn’t I just leave a place that looked like this?
I ventured into the karaoke room where there was a wall for cover.
However, I preferred to make myself a target by standing on the stage out in the open.
Who am I kidding, it’s my lousy singing that would make me a target at this (or any) karaoke bar!
But I really loved the light show in this space, almost as much as seeing my favorite combination paired up together. Anytime I take a tag trip I always look for a sushi restaurant nearby. In this case I found one right in the middle of the arena!
Not too long ago I had Tac Ops owner Armando DiRienzo on my podcast to discuss the impact of an immersive arena. Had I seen this location first we would have had even more to talk about because the theming of this site was awesome! Because of the time crunch, I can’t say I got the complete feel of a proper game to judge the playability of the space, but I certainly was impressed with what I saw. Tac Ops does a great job of setting the scene and creating a fully immersive atmosphere. I understand they typically ad whisky and campfire scents to enhance the sensory experience in a couple of rooms here as well.
Ultimately, I was really impressed with everything I saw. I was glad to have a chance to check it out as I passed through New Jersey and look forward to a longer visit the next time I find myself in the area. I also purchased a few very cool souvenirs to take home to remind me of my time tagging through Battlefield Tokyo at Tac Ops in Florham Park.
