IOA Company Challenge Games Proves to be CHAMPIONSHIP Competition at EXPO
More information here to start story.
1st Place: Sky Inflatables & More winning a Good Vibes Bouncer from Big & Bright Inflatables
2nd Place: Air Bounce winning the Soccer Kick Challenge game from Magic Jump
3rd Place: Twin City Inflatables winning the Rollsall Dolly
Special Thanks to Supergames for producing the event along with IOA.
Plan Stake Purchases to Properly Anchor for Future: What SIZE stakes should I buy?
What SIZE stakes should I buy? A good quality stake will outlast the longevity of many seasonal employees and planning the purchase and use well into the future minimizes expense.
The ASTM F2374 standards indicate the minimum recommended stake size be 18″ L x 1″ D to provide a minimum pull out holding capacity reflected by IFAI-TRD studies indicating a pull out capacity between 800 -125 lbs based on soil consistency. Other stake sizes exist, but as you restock stakes remember they do last a very long time.
Be sure to be able to meet the minimum standards so that compliance isn’t a surprise in the future but a planned purchase that will provide for future continued safe operation.
HOW TO STAND OUT IN HARD TIMES!
Social media posts in groups of operators are starting to indicate a real impact on businesses of rising costs, spiking fuel prices, and increased competitive pricing. So, let’s remind ourselves that we are a resilient industry when there is disruption on the horizon!
Right now, fuel prices are rocketing. Everybody feels it, businesses feel it, and customers feel it. So rather than ignoring this growing issue, let’s use our collective experience to redirect the narrative.
Amusement Ride Safety Regulations Changing in Maryland for Inflatable Amusements
The Maryland Division of Labor and Industry’s Safety Inspection Unit, along with the Maryland Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Board, worked over the past year to update the inflatable attraction regulations in COMAR 09.12.66. Those updates (available in the Maryland Register) were approved by the Board and then approved by the Maryland General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review.
If you do business in Maryland, businesses should be aware of the changes in the inflatable attractions regulations that recently went into effect as of March 4, 2026.The Safety Inspection Unit held two virtual outreach meetings (on March 24th and March 26th) to discuss the amended regulations with registered inflatable amusement operators.
The main changes are related to the ASTM Standards updates from F2374-04 to the F2374-22 publication. A summary of changes has also been provided and Maryland operators can contact the Department of Labor at 410-767-2348
IOA AutoZone Benefits Help Members $ave with up to 40% Off
Members receive access to the “member portal” with multiple national discounts on national brands like AT&T, Enterprise Truck Rental, Jiffy Lube, Auto Zone, and Inflatable Industry IRP members providing inflatables, insurance, software, equipment handling and MORE! Reach out to our Member Services rep for more information on membership benefits available to your business!
AUTOZONE provides up to 40% off auto parts purchases based on retail margins and members have reported significant savings on battery purchases. Battery purchases for trackless trains, rock walls, and delivery vans or trucks are a spring maintenance items typical this time of year.
Use link below to request information and connect your IOA Membership to significant savings..