EnergyPlex: Elevating Family Fun with Semnox’s Advanced Venue Management System

In the heart of Kelowna, British Columbia, a bustling hub of family entertainment has been adapting and evolving with the way people experience fun since joining Semnox’s client roster in 2021. With a diverse range of offerings including an indoor playground, an expansive arcade, laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, and a series of daring obstacle courses, EnergyPlex has truly transformed the landscape of its leisure activities. At the core of this transformative journey lies Semnox’s cutting-edge Venue Management System, a solution that has taken EnergyPlex to new heights.

Let’s take a look at what EnergyPlex has been up to over the last couple of years.

A Perfect Partnership: EnergyPlex and Semnox

Venue management system

EnergyPlex, a 25,000 sq ft family entertainment center, is a family business owned and operated by husband-and-wife Erik and Caro Brouwer who partnered with Semnox during a remodel following the COVID pandemic. For the past two years, EnergyPlex has been collaborating closely with Semnox Solutions. Semnox’s Venue Management System has proven to be the catalyst for EnergyPlex’s evolution into a seamless, customer-centric, and data-driven entertainment powerhouse.

From Cashless Arcade Systems to Arcade Kiosks

EnergyPlex’s transition to a cashless system has been particularly noteworthy. Customers load credits onto game cards for use in the arcade and for the other attractions as well, offering a seamless and hassle-free way to enjoy the whole facility. This innovative approach not only simplifies transactions but also encourages customers to explore a wider range of experiences without the constant need for their wallets.

“Going cashless gave us so much flexibility with purchasing because guests may turn down the attractions at first, just buying entry to the kid’s zone, and arcade credits for gameplay,” said Erik Brouwer, owner of EnergyPlex. “But then the kids get in and absorb the facility and want to do laser tag or rock climbing, and they can just use the credits they already purchased.”

This not only simplified the decision-making process for customers but also allowed them to optimize their spending based on their evolving preferences. Another feature that has altered EnergyPlex’s operations is the integration of arcade kiosks. With kiosks, visitors can enjoy a more streamlined purchasing process, providing a more self-driven and efficient experience from the get-go.

“Before we had the kiosk, a lot of people would come back to the front desk. We would have to revisit their purchases, issue wristbands for specific attractions, and carry out additional cash or credit card transactions. This process was not only time-consuming for the staff but also required significant effort to upsell these activities,” explained Erik. “The kiosk is the best upseller in the business. People spend more when they are in their own environment, at their own pace with their credit card in hand deciding for themselves.”

Parafait’s suite of solutions has helped reduce queues, and labor, and allows visitors to easily utilize the credits they have already purchased, add more if necessary, and save any unused credits for future visits.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Semnox’s Venue Management System has empowered EnergyPlex to make data-driven decisions by accurately tracking gameplay and profitability. Through data reporting EnergyPlex tracks which games and attractions are most popular, peak visiting hours, and even analyzes the effectiveness of pricing.

“We go in a look to see what kids are gravitating towards, or what’s not performing well, and we make adjustments to costs as needed,” explained Erik. This deeper understanding of customer behavior has led to more informed investment decisions, ensuring that EnergyPlex consistently offers what its customers desire most.

Adding concession offerings and a bar/lounge area for visitors to relax and refuel has further increased spending habits at EneryPlex. Semnox’s Restaurant technology including their Food & Beverage POS, as well as merchandise and inventory management, made this addition a breeze. “We saw over a 50% increase in revenue post-Covid and an additional 10% increase in 2022, with this year looking even better,” commented Erik.

Empowering Special Occasions with Slot-Booking

Semnox’s capabilities aligned perfectly with the complexity of EnergyPlex’s management needs as it extends beyond just day-to-day operations. The flexible automated slot booking feature has simplified the process of hosting groups, parties, and events as well. When asked about birthday party bookings, Erik noted, “Before the updates, guests would have to inquire about a specific date online or by phone, and if it wasn’t available, we would have to call them and reschedule and then take a deposit over the phone. It was a lot of back and forth.”

“Now, birthday parties are a big source of revenue for us. We host anywhere from 40-45 parties every weekend,” continued Erik. Customers can effortlessly book their desired time slot based on availability, and the system manages the reservation from the package options and deposit to the confirmation emails. This has not only simplified customer interactions but has also improved customer satisfaction by eliminating potential communication gaps.

Unparalleled Client Support

Behind every successful venture is a reliable support system. Semnox has been there for EnergyPlex 24/7, ensuring that any technical glitches or concerns are promptly addressed. This level of support has been instrumental in fostering EnergyPlex’s growth by providing them with the confidence to focus on their core offerings while knowing that their technological backbone is well taken care of.

“Semnox does one thing really, really well and that is their support system. While many technical companies are adept at handling software, they often lack an understanding of the immediate customer needs,” Erik commented regarding Semnox’s round-the-clock support. “Semnox, on the other hand, understands the impact of the integration process for businesses transitioning to new software. Their assistance during every phase of implementation is remarkably accurate, and their support extends well beyond the initial installation.”

The journey of EnergyPlex over the past two years, powered by Semnox’s Venue Management System, is a testament to the transformative potential of technology in the entertainment industry. From simplifying transactions with cashless systems to providing valuable insights for strategic decision-making, Semnox has been an invaluable partner in EnergyPlex’s success story. As EnergyPlex continues to redefine family entertainment, one thing remains certain – its partnership with Semnox will continue to be the driving force behind its innovation, growth, and unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for all ages.

For more information on what Parafait’s suite of solutions can do for your venue, contact us for a customized demo today.