On the afternoon of 12 month 14, the 2024 China Indoor Playground Industry Development Conference was grandly held in Changsha. Focusing on the indoor playground and arcade entertainment sectors, the conference gathered industry leaders to discuss new trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the future of the industry.
Industry event featuring top industry leaders
The conference was hosted by the Game Branch of China Cultural Entertainment Industry Association and Hunan Amusement Park Association, co-organized by Hongwei Exhibition Group, Baodian Digital, and Zhongyi Amusement. It received strong support and participation from numerous industry partners. More than 500 representatives—including leaders, staff, and peers from amusement parks and video game entertainment venues across the country—gathered together.
The conference featured a distinguished lineup of leaders and guests, including Xiao Zhenghu, Director of the Market Management Division of the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism; Chen Weihong, Senior Researcher; Liu Jinhua, President of the China Entertainment Industry Association; Kong Ming, Secretary-General of the Association; along with numerous other industry luminaries. The event underscored its authority and influence within the sector.
Leadership address: visionary and far-reaching
Xiao Zhenghu, Director of the Market Management Division of the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, highlighted in his address the critical role of the game and amusement industry within the cultural market and commended Hunan's achievements in this sector. He underscored the development accomplishments of Hunan's amusement industry and its catalytic impact. Xiao expressed hope that the local amusement sector would leverage this conference to establish a prominent trade negotiation and exhibition platform for amusement equipment in central China. He also outlined three key expectations for industry peers: 1) Drive innovation through enhanced technological research and development; 2) Prioritize quality and safety while strengthening accountability; and 3) Foster collaboration and cooperation to achieve mutual growth and success.
Liu Jinhua, President of the China Culture and Entertainment Industry Association, stated in his opening remarks that the indoor amusement park market is undergoing significant transformation. By joining forces to host this conference, we aim to build a platform for exchange and collaboration to drive industry advancement. We hope this event will foster industry consensus, spark innovation, identify solutions to meet market demands and enhance user experiences, promote healthy development of the indoor amusement park sector, and contribute to the prosperity of the broader entertainment industry. Additionally, President Liu called on indoor amusement park enterprises to strengthen brand building, preserve and inherit cultural essence, reinforce safety management, and uphold industry self-discipline.
Zhang Qingchun, President of the Hunan Amusement Park Association, delivered remarks highlighting Hunan's pivotal role in the amusement industry and the thriving growth of indoor park operations. This progress is attributed to the dedication of industry practitioners and support from all sectors. The sector now faces significant opportunities and challenges, including heightened consumer expectations for experiences and persistent industry issues requiring collective solutions. This conference aims to harness diverse insights and foster collaboration through multiple formats, marking a milestone for industry development. The Association will continue serving as a vital bridge, enhancing member services and driving sustainable industry growth.
Share Brand Voice Experiences
Amidst industry "involution" and intensifying multi-dimensional competition, leaders from major brands offered their insights. Su Benli, Chairman of Huali Technology; Deng Fujun, Chairman of City Heroes; Wang Hui, Founder and Chairman of Tanqi Park; Mao Qi, Chairman of Tomorrow's World; and Gao Deqiang, Founder of King's Style, shared valuable experiences and unique perspectives on technological innovation, operational management, and brand building. Their diverse viewpoints highlighted the growth strategies of indoor amusement park brands, providing attendees with rich learning resources and practical references.
Huali Technology Chairman Su Benli: "Return to Needs, Standards Lead." Good IPs and products require meticulous operations and thoughtful service. By focusing on customer needs and adhering to standardized practices, companies and industries can achieve sustainable growth, navigate economic cycles, and thrive long-term.
Deng Jijun, Chairman of City Hero: Industry growth stems from an expanding consumer base and continuous innovation. The future of the arcade sector lies in integrating entertainment with unified platforms that leverage IP power and consolidate diverse resources to meet players' evolving needs.
Wang Hui, founder and chairman of Tanqi Paradise: Maintain stability and integrity while preparing to seize opportunities. Boost confidence to face the unprecedented changes over the past 20 years; avoid chaotic competition and focus on brand differentiation; reset the business model with technology leadership, diversification, community integration, IP development, and quality enhancement to ensure sustainable operations.
Mao Qi, Chairman of Tomorrow's World: Amidst industry overcapacity and weak demand, companies must boost management efficiency through precision operations, talent development, and data-driven strategies. Innovation in technology, content, and business models is essential to create differentiated user experiences.
Gao Deqiang, founder of King's Style: The arcade industry is undergoing transformation. When performance and profits decline or customer interest in equipment drops, reducing token value is unwise—it limits coin value, fosters unhealthy spending habits, and hinders manufacturer R&D.
Join the joint initiative to protect the industry
The thriving amusement industry relies on a healthy and orderly environment. To this end, the Hunan Amusement Park Association has joined forces with game and arcade brands nationwide to launch the "Initiative for Healthy and Orderly Development of Game and Arcade Venues." Distinguished guests took the stage to read the initiative, calling on all industry peers to work together in building a positive ecosystem. This initiative embodies the sector's expectations and responsibilities, guiding the amusement industry toward a more regulated and sustainable future.
Professional In-Depth Analysis
During the guest sharing session, experts including Suo Xudong (National Marketing Director of Rebound Trampoline Parks), Fang Lihong (Special Assistant to the Chairman and China Development Director at Cartoon Network), Wu Hanqing (President of Y101 Trendy Hotel), Liao Hongbin (CFO of Wanda Cultural Tourism Group and Vice President of Baby King Group), and Zhang Chao (Founder of Baodian Digital) provided in-depth analysis of key areas within the indoor amusement park industry. Drawing from their expertise in community marketing, operational strategy, human resources and digital management, customer experience, and industry data review, they offered fresh insights that will help attendees enhance overall industry operations and drive innovation.
Suoxiang Dong, National Marketing Director of Bounce Trampoline Park
Shared Topic: "In-Depth Practice of Community Marketing in the Amusement Industry"
Fang Lihong, Special Assistant to the Chairman and Director of China Development at Cartoon Network
Shared Topic: "Cartoni's Business Strategy"
Wu Hanqing, CEO of 101 Chaoman
Share Topic: "HR + Digital Management"
Liao Hongbin, CFO of Wanda Cultural Tourism Group and Vice President of Baby King Group
Share Topic: "Let Go of Greed, Focus on Delivering an Exceptional Customer Experience"
Zhang Chao, Founder of Baodian Digital
Shared Topic: "2024 Amusement Industry Annual Data Review"
Roundtable Dialogue: Clash of Ideas
The roundtable discussion, themed "2024 Amusement Dialogue," explored diverse topics across the amusement industry. Zhang Chao, founder of BaoDian Digital, moderated the forum alongside a panel of industry leaders: Yang Gongming, co-founder of Zhongyi Amusement; Shi Wanliang, founder of Ziyang Alliance; Wen Yan, founder of Captain Garfield and 1 Pilot Brand; Jin Bo, founder of Hipintang Brand; Yang Hongwu, founder of Karl Fly Car Brand; and Yu Kai, founder of Ruby Monkey Brand. Each guest shared unique insights and strategies from their perspective, outlining new possibilities for the future of the amusement industry and helping attendees gain clearer visibility into emerging trends.
With the successful conclusion of the conference, attendees gained valuable insights. This event served not only as a premier platform for industry exchange but also as a key driver for advancing China's indoor amusement park sector. Moving forward, through collaborative efforts across the industry, we will continue to innovate, prioritize health and sustainability, and deliver superior play experiences to consumers.
