AAMA Announces 2026 Award Winners, Hall of Fame Inductees, and FEC of the Year—Reveals FEC Connect Host Location

Las Vegas, Nevada March 19, 2026

The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Category Awards, recognize the newest class of Amusement Industry Hall of Fame inductees, and celebrate the crowning of the 2026 FEC of the Year.

This year’s awards program highlighted excellence across the industry, honoring individuals and organizations whose innovation, leadership, and commitment continue to elevate the out-of-home entertainment experience. AAMA recognized the full slate of Category Award winners and celebrated the achievements of ten distinguished leaders being inducted into the 2026 AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame during Beers and Cheers at Amusement Expo International. These inductees represent decades of impact, shaping the industry through vision, dedication, and lasting contributions.

Allied Member of the Year – Pinnacle Entertainment Group

Supplier of the Year – Rhode Island Novelty

Distributor of the Year – Shaffer Distributing

Manufacturer of the Year – Bandai Namco Amusement America

2026 Inductee Class includes: Al Bettelman, David Cohen, Larry DeMar, Kane Fernandez, Linda Fernandez, Terry Moss, Frank Pelligrini, Elliot Portnoy, Allen Weisberg and Sam Westgate. 

Adding to the excitement, AAMA officially announced the 2026 Family Entertainment Center (FEC) of the Year— one of the industry’s highest honors recognizing operational excellence, guest experience, and innovation in entertainment as Star Lanes Polaris.

With the FEC of the Year now revealed, AAMA is thrilled to confirm that FEC Connect 2026 will take place in Columbus, Ohio, on May 4–5, 2026. This exclusive, immersive event offers attendees a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of an award-winning operation, engage in high-level networking, and gain actionable insights from top operators and industry experts.

Registration for FEC Connect is now officially open. Industry professionals and sponsors are encouraged to secure their spot and be part of this dynamic, hands-on experience.

To register and learn more, visit coin-op.org.