Incredible Technologies Hosts 2nd Operator Summit in Atlanta

Incredible Technologies Hosts 2nd Operator Summit in Atlanta

Incredible Technologies conducted its second Operator Summit from February 26-27 at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia hotel in Atlanta, with the attendance of nearly 100 operators to see Matt Verdura announced as the 2004 Incredible Technologies Operator of the Year and inducted into the Golden Tee Society.

Matt Verdura of Full Spectrum Vending in Macomb, Michigan said, "It's truly an honour to be included among such a select group of finalists and past winners. Being a member of the Golden Tee Society is something I'll always cherish."

The 2004 Operator Summit also included presentations and competitions - with presentations based on the 2004 summit theme - IT Has the Tools that Make You More Money.

Don Pesceone, IT's Vice President of Sales said the Operator Summit series can be looked upon as an operator's continuing education program. "We're not selling anyone anything at our Summits - what we do is show operators how to use the tools we've created for them, and this year fellow operators gave most of the presentations. When they hear our message directly from their colleagues – it really hits home."

FACTS - Free Automatic Contest and Tournament Software, IT's award-winning program that allows operators to collect player data from their Golden Tee and Big Buck Hunter games, and to use this data to conduct contests and tournaments, was the most-talked about product presentation. Steve Dugas of Melo-Tone Vending in Somerville Massachusetts described for attendees how easy it is for him to set up and run Golden Tee contests using FACTS. Maria Ruth of AJ Video in Rockville Maryland provided a professionally produced video for the attendees that showcased their big contest finale where they awarded a new Mazda to the contest winner. "FACTS allows me to run these money-making contests from the convenience of my office PC," she said. "I don't know what I'd do with out it. It's so simple and easy to use."

Other seminars on the agenda included Marguerite Kirby's presentation on IT's new Contest and Promotions Department. Contest and Promotions was created to streamline the process of creating and running local, regional and statewide events. "State Associations are especially encouraged to speak with their IT rep to learn more about our new service," Ms Kirby said.

Scott Morrison, Vice President of Marketing, delivered a fast-paced and fun-filled presentation on the IT mainstream media explosion. From Carson Daly to Jessica Simpson, IT is everywhere today – and operators are the beneficiary of this incredible multi-media exposure.

Len Smikun outlined the advantages of using Silent Partner, the industry's number-one route management system. Attendees were amazed to hear how inexpensive and effective Silent Partner is to use.

IT conducted its annual Operator Summit Closest-to-the-Pin contest on Thursday evening where nearly $4,000 in IT Bucks was awarded to ten winners. Every operator had a chance at the top prize of $2,000 in IT Bucks, and the winner was Steve Farrell of S&L Vending in Columbus Georgia.

During the reception, operators were introduced to Keri, the Golden Tee Girl, who posed for photos and signed autographs. Keri, Golden Tee's new hostess, is the perfect attraction for parties and tournaments.

Operators also met Steven Sobe, IT's new Products and Services representative. Steven, a three-time Golden Tee National Champion, will be touring the country promoting Golden Tee. Operators are encouraged to contact their IT salesman to learn more about having Keri and Steven at one of their events.

After dinner on Friday, it was casino night for the attendees and operators walked away with over $7,000 in prizes and IT Bucks. John Inman of Electronic Amusements in Kennesaw Georgia won the grand prize of $4,000 in IT Bucks.

Operators were excited about IT's newest sensation, Silver Strike Bowling, and lined up for a chance to play this incredible new game. According to Maria Ruth, her female customers will also like Silver Strike Bowling. "I like the fact that you have a male/female option on the game. It will definitely attract more women," she said.

Elaine Hodgson, President and CEO of Incredible Technologies, said, "Much information was exchanged at the Summit this year. We learned a lot from our operators and their feedback has been very positive. The one thing that strikes me the most is that the operators who attended this event have embraced the fact that they are in the promotion/entertainment business. The days of simply placing a game and collecting quarters are over. I was very impressed with the level of intelligence and creativity at this year's Summit. We will definitely be continuing this program."