LBX Collective

Delve into the captivating world of entertainment with seasoned entrepreneur Barry Zelickson. As the founder of Next Exit Entertainment and creator of the Fun Across America YouTube series, Barry offers a unique glimpse into the diverse range of entertainment centers across the US. The episode takes us on a fascinating journey through his ventures in various industries, from finance and marketing to Location Based Entertainment, revealing the stories behind his show and the intriguing people he has met along the way.

Prepare for an insider's view of running an outdoor attraction business, the unexpected challenges it presents, and his transition to indoor attractions with the creation of Big Thrill Factory. Barry shares his motivation behind this move and recounts his most memorable experiences, including visiting Give Kids the World Village and filming in Chicago on Mexican Independence Day. We also discuss his past ventures with Spooky World and K-Tel International and his current role at Border Foods, providing valuable insights into the entertainment world.

Finally, Barry unveils his latest venture, BZ Baking, born out of his newfound passion for baking during the pandemic. Listen as he discusses the challenges of innovating with food, the benefits of differing opinions with his wife Lisa, and the invaluable advice he has for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the entertainment industry. This episode is packed with insights, advice, and memorable stories you won't want to miss.

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Ready for a game-changing twist on your favorite pool pastime? Brace yourselves as we uncover Magic Touch; an innovative pool system that is redefining entertainment and could skyrocket revenue for pool tables. With ten unique games to explore, we're turning up the stakes and amping up the fun this holiday season! We also delve into the exhilarating, heart-pounding Human Claw experience – imagine being suspended in a dolphin sling and lowered into a pit of prizes. A birthday treat like no other, we assure you!

As we journey further into immersive entertainment experiences, we put the spotlight on the thrilling world of themed crane experiences. Could the limitations of projection technology be the key to unlocking new horizons? We also bring you an incredibly interactive art experience fresh from the UK's Alton Towers amusement park. In an exciting collaboration with YouTube creator Dazz, they've developed an immersive game that will send your imagination into overdrive. As we wrap up, we share some birthday wishes and remind everyone - keep pushing boundaries and making waves!

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Ever been tricked by a fake Disney Pixar movie announcement from a Dutch pug named Loulou? Well, Christine certainly fell for that one hook, line and sinker! In a fun-filled chat, we share our Halloween escapades, from the candy we're giving out this year to the snazzy glow-in-the-dark mini golf experience. We also dive into how businesses can score big by tapping into the festive season! 

Take a seat, as we explore the fascinating world of hospitality and entertainment trends. We shed light on the new tourism project sprouting in Frankfurt, Kentucky that could potentially rake in a whopping $102 million over a decade, with a 45,000-square-foot entertainment facility and a Hampton Inn to boot. We also unpack the growing trend of hotels with attached entertainment complexes and discuss the creative minds that breathe life into our favorite Halloween activities. From the man behind Cirque du Soleil to art installations utilizing RVs, we've got a smorgasbord of interesting topics lined up for you. So tune in for a spooky and fun conversation that's sure to tickle your fancy!

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Today Kevin Sounds Off on the world of VR Kiosks and amusement industry data analysis. We'll go through the labyrinth of today's tech-driven amusement world, touching on topics like why operators in VR kiosks are still necessary and the importance of training customers on their use. Expect to learn about the monumental role of data collection, like preferences, age, gender, and social media insights, which provide a deeper understanding of customer trends.

We then shift gears, delving into the captivating realm of AI and its profound impact on data collection. Here's where things get really interesting; Kevin will explore the potential of AI to shape ideas and language, and address the ethical dimensions of using AI for collecting data. Ever considered the role of AI in creating art and music? We'll cover that too! To wrap up this enlightening voyage, we talk about ePOS and Web 3 in entertainment. Discover the benefits of tablets in managing payments, orders, and registration, and engage in thought-provoking debates about guest-led vs. employee-led experiences. We'll also discuss how Web 3 support can revolutionize the industry by creating digital twins of facilities and enabling flexible pricing. This episode promises to be a treasure trove of insights into the future of location-based entertainment. Don't let it pass you by!

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Imagine a burial practice that not only memorializes your loved ones but also positively contributes to the environment. Curious, aren't you? This episode will leave you in awe as we unpack the workings of Capsula Mundi, an eco-friendly burial capsule that transforms death into a source of life for a tree. As we mourn the tragic loss of actor Matthew Perry, we explore the capsule's role in commemorating loved ones while shedding light on the importance of mental health. 

We then take you on a trip to Maryland, contrasting two iconic boardwalks and their unique attractions. Here we delve into the contentious debate on whether video poker redemption games, like those at the newly renovated Morey's Pier, are genuinely skill-based or merely rely on luck. Shifting gears, we marvel at the architectural wonder that is the Chengdu Science Fiction Museum and the idea of ValoSwim? With advanced technology and sustainability at its core, these structures are a testament to modern design excellence. Tune in, for this conversation is brimming with fascinating insights and thought-provoking discussions.

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Ever wonder why a classic like Friends is making a massive comeback, or how urban legends about Halloween candies took root? Prepare to satisfy your curiosity! We're going on an enlightening journey that spans from the world of gaming with the latest release from UNIS, to a historical detour featuring the sadly extinct Rose Island Amusement Park. This episode is a medley of nostalgia, spooks, and fascinating insights!

 In this whirlwind episode, we unravel these connections and more. We delve into the dark Halloween candy myths that sparked social anxiety, and reassess Mattel's Q3 earnings and their upcoming ventures. We also challenge the fairness of Canadians missing out on McDonald's promotions, and wrap it all up with a sweet finish as we revisit our favorite Halloween candies from our childhood. Buckle up, this is an episode not to be missed!

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Experience the business of fun as we navigate through an intriguing combo of politics, secret coffee recipes, and the world of franchising. Brace yourself for an exciting journey that promises to enlighten you on the importance of having local politicians on your side, the cunning revenge of a disgruntled ex-Starbucks employee, and the unconventional yet fascinating world of franchises and wiffle ball fun attractions.

The first part of our chat revolves around the importance of advocacy and relationships with local politicians in the entertainment industry. We investigate the potentially explosive aftermath of a Starbucks employee's revenge by leaking secret recipes online, also covering the implications of potential hires' social media activity. From there, we shift gears to the exhilarating world of franchising, paying particular attention to brands like Ripley's and First of All. Journey with us as we explore their innovative attractions like football bowling and indoor pickleball. We wrap up our discussion with an immersive experience at Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival in Florida, taking you through a culinary journey around the world. From sampling international delicacies to collecting cool souvenirs, this episode is truly a feast for your senses!

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Are you ready to ride down a snowy hill in a blow-up raft or wander through Tim Burton's fantastical maze? This episode takes you on a unique adventure, from the exhilarating snow fun in Norway to the marvels of Tim Burton's Labyrinth in Brussels. You'll feel the rush of adrenaline as I share videos of these experiences, transporting you to snowy hills and walking you through a maze filled with iconic works from the legendary filmmaker.

Then, we navigate the thorny issue of tipping etiquette, pondering over the line between reward and expectation. Hear about my own experiences with tipping, including unexpected scenarios at doctor's offices and self-service machines. And as if this wasn't enough, we also discuss Disney's new Haunted Mansion Bar on their Treasure cruise ship. We end the episode by exploring the joy of a 40-minute painting session. I ask the questions we all wonder about: will there be enough paint? Are there showers? Do they offer cell phone covers for those all-important photos? Get ready for a journey filled with fun, questions, and exciting new experiences.

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Ever wondered how it feels to outlive a dog that's lived for 31 years? Join us as we recount the touching tale of the world's oldest dog, Bobi, and his leash-free life that spanned three decades! We also venture into the human realm and share our experiences from the recent IAAPA Public Affairs Conference - shedding light on OSHA regulations, employee heat exposure, and some of the absurd situations we encountered! 

Do you have a soft spot for Halloween and haunted houses? Well, you're in for a treat as we explore the unique horror experience offered by Kraken Rum and how it uses physiological indicators of fear to measure heart rate.  But that's not all. As we navigate the industry landscape, we delve into the fascinating trend of using intellectual property in theme parks. From analyzing the pros and cons of American IPs abroad to sharing our personal thoughts on a park in Beijing - get ready to embark on an enlightening journey!

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Ready for a unique blend of entertainment, inspiration, and knowledge? We've got a fantastic episode lined up for you. We kick things off on a high note with an innovative approach to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research - Meet the mombies, a dance troop with a twist. They're a group of moms who are using their love for dance and zombies to make a difference. We'll also dive into the unexpected statistics behind the massive expansion at Orlando Airport and the exciting implications it carries for international travel.

We then switch gears to discuss a revolutionary initiative by thenairport that's reshaping the way people view airport access. Imagine having a pass to terminal facilities without a boarding pass? We'll discuss the pros, cons, and potential impacts of this system. Layovers are usually a bore, but what if we could change that narrative? Listen in as we brainstorm potential solutions for turning layovers into fun, memorable experiences. We'll also delve into how technology is simplifying navigation for all, and a fascinating study by the National Endowment for the Arts that reflects on the impact of various types of arts activities. Trust us; this episode is packed with inspiring stories, insightful discussions, and interesting tidbits you won't want to miss!

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