Marketing
2026 FEC Trends You Need to Know to Stay Competitive
Stay ahead of the curve! Discover key FEC trends 2026 shaping party bookings, guest experience, and marketing automation strategies.
Top takeaways from IAAPA 2025 for FEC operators—trends, tech, Online Booking 2.0, and marketing insights every owner needs for growth in 2026.
IAAPA 2025 delivered one of the most exciting showcases of innovation the Family Entertainment industry has seen in years. From immersive attractions to major software advancements and marketing strategies built for next-year growth, this year’s expo proved one thing: FECs that embrace technology, elevate the guest journey, and invest in smarter marketing will dominate 2026.
Top Takeaways from IAAPA 2025 for FEC Operators
If you could not attend, or if you're head is still spinning from everything you saw, here are the top takeaways every FEC operator should know.
The Guest Journey Is Now the Center of Every Innovation
A major shift at IAAPA this year was the universal focus on streamlining the guest experience, from discovery to booking to check-in to on-site spending.
The industry is clearly moving toward:
- Frictionless booking
- Mobile-first interactions
- Personalized experiences
- Shorter lines & faster check-in
- Automated communication
This theme ties directly into one of the most talked-about software releases at the show:
Party Center Software’s Online Booking 2.0.
Online Booking 2.0 from Party Center Software Stole the Spotlight
One of the biggest IAAPA takeaways for operators was the increasing importance of advanced booking tools, especially as guest expectations rise.
PCS unveiled powerful enhancements to their system through Online Booking 2.0, including:
A cleaner, quicker, more modern experience offering enhanced operator flexibility.
Guests can now book parties and events through a sleek, simple flow that minimizes friction and boosts conversions.
- Build Custom Agreements with digital signatures and attach them to specific parties or events.
- Create tailored Booking Questions and apply them to selected products for a more personalized checkout experience.
- Enjoy a refreshed, mobile-optimized booking flow designed for speed and simplicity.
- Explore upgraded product browsing with high-resolution image carousels and intuitive product filters.
- Set customizable threshold rates to highlight booking scarcity and drive faster conversions.
Improved Conversion Tracking for Digital Ads
A huge advantage for anyone running marketing or PPC campaigns:
You can now track ROI more accurately than ever.
PCS 2.0 empowers operators to see:
- Which Google ads led to online bookings
- Whether someone booked a party, open play session, or a specific package
This level of visibility is essential in 2026, especially with rising advertising costs and the demand for data-driven decisions.
Marketing Automation & SEO are a Non-Negotiable
Another standout trend at IAAPA 2025 was the shift toward always-on marketing systems that run even when your staff is busy operating the facility.
A key solution showcased throughout the expo, and especially at Party Center Software’s & Party Center Marketing’s booths, was the importance of:
- Consistent SEO-driven blogging
- Local SEO optimization
- Reputation management
- Automated email follow-ups after booking
- Social media content pipelines
- Google Business Profile optimization
- Seasonal campaigns and promotion calendars
This is where Party Center Marketing gained a lot of buzz.
Party Center Marketing: Done-For-You Marketing That Drives Real Results
With digital marketing becoming more complex, many operators shared how overwhelming it is to manage:
Party Center Marketing’s solutions stood out because they offer a marketing team dedicated to FEC growth, including:
SEO + Blogging Services
Designed specifically for indoor play, FECs, bowling centers, trampoline parks, and more.
Digital Advertising (Google & Meta Ads)
Experts who understand the industry, and know how to target parents, teens, adults, and corporate groups.
Social Media Design, Branding Kits & Content Creation
Helping centers stand out with professional, on-brand visuals.
Website & Landing Page Support
Especially valuable with Online Booking 2.0, ensuring your booking flow is optimized.
Immersive Tech & Competitive Socializing Are Booming
Across the show floor, attractions continued trending toward:
- Free-roam VR experiences
- Mixed-reality games
- Gamified mini-golf
- Competitive socializing (axe throwing, darts, bowling hybrids)
- Projection-based play zones
Guests want activities that blend physical fun with digital interactivity. Operators who invest in these emerging attractions are likely to see strong returns, especially when paired with upgraded booking and marketing systems that highlight these premium experiences.
Data-Driven Decision Making is a Priority
Nearly every educational session emphasized the same message:
Operators need data, not guesses, to guide revenue growth.
This includes:
- Tracking bookings by marketing source
- Measuring repeat visits
- Monitoring party performance
- Understanding which promotions drive ROI
- Analyzing attraction usage
PCS’s 2.0 booking enhancements and reporting suite support this shift perfectly, making data more actionable and accessible.
What This Means for FEC Operators in 2026
IAAPA 2025 proved that the future of the Family Entertainment industry is bright, innovative, and full of opportunity. Operators who embrace technology, smart marketing, and guest-centric experiences will be the ones who grow faster, book more parties, and create loyal communities.
If you're ready to take advantage of these trends, now is the time to:
- Strengthen your marketing strategy with Party Center Marketing
- Build a guest journey that keeps families coming back
