Orlando, FL, USA (December 18, 2014) – The Museo Naval in Veracruz, Mexico recently reopened with a large complement of new audio, video and interactive exhibits powered by Alcorn McBride show controllers, lighting controllers and audio and video players specified and installed by TEDD.
The Museo Naval occupies the historic waterfront site of the former Naval Academy in Veracruz. It presents visitors with a wide range of Mexican naval history, including pre-Columbian navigation, the conquest of Mexico/New Spain, the role of pirates and famous naval battles.
Mexico City-based Tecnologia EDD (TEDD), which offers high-end staging, entertainment, audio, video and lighting equipment mainly for Museums worked with museum designer Margen Rojo to configure the technology required for the new exhibits and galleries, which employ projectors, LCD panels, lighting and directional audio speakers.
“There are 20-plus rooms, all with technology,” says Alejandro Altamirano, General Manager with TEDD. “We have been using Alcorn McBride equipment for a very long time. We have a great deal of confidence and trust in it: We know we can just set it up and let it run for years with no maintenance.”
Most of the Alcorn McBride gear is housed in two central control rooms on the main and first floors. The main floor control room is outfitted with a V16+ show controller, a DMX Machine, an 8TraXX for audio playback, and five A/V Binloop HD for synchronous audio and video.
The first floor contains a large exhibit space which boasts 16 projectors and has its own dedicated control room. TEDD has equipped it with a V16+ show controller; DMX Machine; an 8TraXX; and four AV Binloop HD’s.
“Alcorn McBride’s customer support has been great,” says Altamirano. “They’ve been involved with us from the beginning and have come in to offer training when we need it for new equipment.
“Renovating the Museo Naval has been a very big project,” he explains. “We were proud to be part of it and happy to bring in Alcorn. The client has been very pleased with the outcome. We may be in line for another big job with them, and if that happens we plan to integrate Alcorn equipment once again.”
Fresno, CA, USA (December 18, 2014) –ShoWare, a recently acquired division ofaccesso Technology Group plc (AIM: ACSO), the premier technology solutions provider to the global attractions and leisure industry, today announced 11 contract wins and one significant renewal across three regions.
Eleven venues across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil have signed new agreements to utilize the ShoWare solution since its acquisition by accesso in November.
In the U.S., the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Lake Tahoe and the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, Calif. have signed contracts. In Mexico, ShoWare has secured an exciting new opportunity as the premier eCommerce provider for the rapidly expanding Fontecan España inflatable water parks business. And in Brazil, ShoWare will be rolled out at the 1,200-seat Prime Hall in Campinas, Sao Paulo, while the Philharmonic Orchestra, based in Calgary, Canada has agreed to a three-year contract renewal.
An additional seven venues are opting to leverage the ShoWare solution, including the Teton County Fair, the Kiwanis Wyoming County Fair, and the Northland Performing Arts in Columbus, Ohio, as well as the Cine Joia in Brazil, and independent producer Eduardo Paz and events companies Daniella Producciones and APM Producciones, all in Mexico.
“We are thrilled at the opportunity to serve this diverse collection of venues,” said Tom Burnet, accessoCEO. “These new clients illustrate a growing interest in the flexibility of the Showare solution and we look forward to helping them deliver exceptional eCommerce experiences for their guests.”
The ShoWare ticketing solution is the leading, customizable cloud based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) ticket sales and distribution solution for operators and is now used in more than 485 venues and leisure organizations throughout North and South America.
Hong Kong — The three-dimensional art gallery that has taken South Korea by storm has come to the shores of Hong Kong. This is going to be Trick Eye’s second overseas branch after Singapore. To find the most perfect stage for its entrance, the brand new Hong Kong Trick Eye museum has settled on the Hong Kong’s highest summit – the Peak Galleria Mall, which is famous for its breathtaking views of Victoria Harbor.
Trick Eye’s uncommon and original 3D art experience is sure to work its magic. Trick Eye Museum in Seoul has already captured the hearts of millions of visitors around the globe. During the Chinese Spring Festival as many as 5,000 foreign visitors come to Trick Eye every day.
Trick Eye is more than just a museum. It’s a full fantasy world. Here are some of the secrets behind its magic:
Secret 1. A barrier-free territory
Forget about the stiff, dead-like atmosphere and annoying “no touching” or “no camera” signs that are typical for most museums. Trick Eye is a taboo-free territory. Taking pictures or videos, jumping around the paintings, laughing, posing and touching everything you can lay your hands on – this is what Trick Eye is all about. Trick Eye wants its visitors to have the most enjoyable experience, to make the most out of their visit. That’s why, in terms of exploring the paintings, Trick Eye Museum gives absolute and complete freedom to everybody.
Secret 2. Everyone can become a part of the masterpiece
Every one of Trick Eye’s artworks is like a challenge to audience’s imagination. Everyone can literally enter the painting and become its main character. Trick Eye is not a typical museum. It encourages direct engagement with the exhibits allowing its visitors to experience what it feels like to be an actor and director at the same time. Trick Eye is a museum where the audience gets involved into an active interaction with the artworks.
Secret 3. Fully immersed into 3D artwork
What seems to be a flat two-dimensional painting will appear as three-dimensional artwork that is about to pop out of the wall. This is the magic of Trick Eye’s exhibits. By making use of the laws of perspective, the resulting visual 3D effect can be quite amazing. Only in Trick Eye can a kindergartner look like a giant bigger than his own mother.
There is a reason you will not want to lose an opportunity to visit Hong Kong Trick Eye museum. All 70 of the exhibits are brand new artworks, the result of endless research, planning and hard work. All 70 of Trick Eye new exhibits, including outside sculptures, are amazing artworks, so vivid and alive that it looks as if they can literally step out of the wall any minute. From world famous European masterpieces like “The Yellow House” by Van Gogh to other galleries such as Secret Garden, Great Adventure, Neverland and Hong Kong Discovery – the new Hong Kong Trick Eye Museum will surprise you with its diversified content. With half of the visitors being from Hong Kong, the museum took Hong Kong’s cultural heritage into consideration and developed localized Hong Kong themed artworks that capture the unique essence of the city.
Theme 1: Secret Garden. The World of Green Wonders and Magic
Welcome to the world of magic– Secret Garden. Leave out your everyday problems behind and free your spirit. Enjoy the fascinating view of the sparkling waterfall and rainbow spreading in front of your eyes. Spread your angel wings towards the light or become a little leaf fairy riding its leaf boat under the blue sky. Explore the mysteries of the Secret Garden.
Theme 2: World of Masterpieces. Everyone can become a Part of a Masterpiece
Step on the Mona Lisa boat and prepare for an adventure! Or ride on the Giant Rooster to take a walk with the great Van Gogh.
Theme 3: Neverland. The Place where the Craziest Fantasies Come True.
Experience the power of the magic table that makes the whole body completely disappeared leaving only the head. Or try escaping from the sharp teeth of the shark.
Theme 4: Great Adventure. Get Ready for a Dangerous, yet Extraordinary Experience!
Hold on tight to the rope or the elephant might drop you. You’ve been challenged by the Fatty David so get prepared to fight with all your strength. How about trying to fly? Or maybe try some scuba diving?
Theme 5: Hong Kong Discovery. Capturing the Essence of Hong Kong.
Look out for the “Baby Invasion in Hong Kong”. Play with the Giant Baby sitting in the middle of Victoria Harbor which is famous for its dazzling night view. Or enjoy the fascinating nightscape under the moonlight while riding on the little paper boat. Have a peaceful moment with the Giant Buddha. You can meditate on its palm and make a wish, maybe the magic lanterns surrounding Big Buddha will help you to achieve it. Welcome to the famous Tai O, the Venice of Hong Kong. Hold the balance or you are about to be eaten by the scary monster fish there.
Trick Eye Goes Beyond 3D
Trick Eye goes beyond traditional 3D paintings and introduces a completely new form of artworks combined with digital screen technologies to give people a better and more enjoyable experience at the museum. This is one of the examples of Trick Eye’s continuous efforts to always stand in the forefront of the times and provide the best cultural and art experience for its customers.
Kiye Oh, the director of Hong Kong Trick Eye Museum says: “The world is already buzzing about the Hong Kong Trick Eye. Our museum is loved far beyond the boundaries of Seoul, so we are looking forward to the Hong Kong Trick Eye Museum becoming Hong Kong’s next most representative tourist attraction.”
To celebrate the upcoming grand opening, Trick Eye tickets will be sold with a 50% special discount till 15th of January.
IAAPA 2014 is the amazing confluence of everything attraction. Roller coasters, hotdog stands, new food opportunities, design, production, infrastructure, insurance, operations, ticketing, polling, new rides, funhouse and theme park scare machines, lighting and sound systems, devices, new media and more.
The press meets those who put the rubber to the highway. The buyers meet the makers and the public is amazed.
What brings this together? Obviously the conversations between the far flung members of the attractions community now under one vast roof in the great market of Orlando. But there is more to it, something quite fundamental and traditional if not ancient.
Ours is a marvelous global community of people dedicated to real world, attraction experiences. We are the carney folk of past, present, future.
While media is part of the scene, it is media embedded in rides, special theaters, head mounted devices. While there is invisible data and wireless devices, they are in the service of the material world. The real world and the virtual world entertain and entwine. This is the steel and glitter of attractions and the dazzle of museums and amusement parks.
It is the annual crossing of the paths of all the amusement tribes and species, sparking new business and gathering the embraces old friends.
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), the international, non-profit alliance for the makers of compelling places and experiences worldwide, presents the annual Thea Awards Gala and TEA industry Summit, March 19-21 at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. USA.
The annual TEA Summit & Thea Awards celebrate and document the best recent examples of Experience Design – for leisure, entertainment, and education – and look at where the visitor attractions industry is headed. They are also vital business networking gatherings.
The 2-day TEA Summit conference (March 19-20) includes the popular Thea Case Studies, bringing together the current slate of Thea Award recipients to share the insights and issues critical to the success of their projects.
The Summit will also include an international forum on leisure markets and business. Program details and speakers will be announced in early 2015.
The Thea Awards Gala (March 21) at the historic Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., is an elegant, black-tie dinner affair, a ticketed event open to the public. A Thea Award is a coveted honor.
Rebecca Lam is an aspiring show/ride engineer. Originally from Atlanta, she has spent the past few years pursuing her Mechanical Engineering degree at Rice University in Houston, TX. With a love for both the creative and engineering spheres and the ability to speak English, Mandarin and Spanish, we think Rebecca has a great future in the attractions industry. This is a selective report on the 2014 IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, with an emphasis on new trends and developments. Image at top: Rebecca Lam with Disney Legends Marty Sklar and Bob Gurr.
[dropcap color=”#888″ type=”square”]A[/dropcap]t its brand launch and supplier relations event, Dream East introduced itself as the cultural entertainment division of SkyOcean International Holdings, Ltd. With each guest at the event sporting a blue DreamEast antler bowler, the company introduced its new project and first theme park rollout, DreamEast – Legend World. The locations that DreamEast hopes to focus on are Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Each would be an all-inclusive destination with retail, hospitality and entertainment geared to tourists and locals alike.
Dream East showcasing its proposed park concepts in antler style at its brand launching. Photo: Rebecca Lam
As DreamEast’s brand manager, Guo Wei, explains, “We use Chinese culture as our foundation and we build our own identity. That’s one of our biggest competitive advantages.”
A video detailing the vision for DreamEast – Legend World toured guests through the vision of a typical day at a Legend World park. After entering a Main St. of Mandarin with a never-ending festival celebrating China’s identity, one can enter Innovationland where grand hot air balloon tours are made possible using inverted projection domes, while experiences in Wonderland such as the Silk Road Experience takes guests through the historical trade route that led to the collision of east and west. Other attractions include the Diving Dragon roller coaster, Monkey King Heaven Havoc ride, Prince Nezha’s Undersea Adventure, and other ventures into tours, shows, and rides that encapsulate China’s cultural essence.
Finally, the day concludes with the China Dream Spectacular where the Demon Bull comes to destroy the land and is thwarted and finally defeated by the Monkey King.
The first group of DreamEast vendors given the chance to seal their agreements onstage with signings and handshakes during the event includes Carlo Görtjes of Lagotronics, Liáng Xīn of Playfun, Yang Yīngjùn of Wincomn, Xiāo Dí of Betop Multimedia, and James Yoon from Simuline, with the signing conducted by DreamEast representative, He Yijie.
CXC RACECAR SIMULATIONS
Another new appearance at IAAPA was that of CXC Simulations, a racing simulation company founded in 2006 by a team of former professional racecar drivers. Worldwide, CXC attests to already having 200 simulators installed, training racecar drivers from carts to Formula Mazda. CXC roared into the themed entertainment scene as first-time IAAPA exhibitors with an average of 180 drivers per day testing out their simulators, and two reported sales to Andretti Parks.
“We chose the CXC Racing Simulators for our next location because it will give our valued guests a very real and challenging racing experience while allowing several drivers to compete against each other. It offers professional-level simulation to our customers at an affordable price,” states Eddie Hamann, a Managing Member of Andretti Indoor Karting & Games.
According to Chris Considine, CXC Simulation CEO, accurate physical feedback is given through features from tightening seatbelt straps that imitate real-life braking to actuators providing feedback from even small road bumps. “We bring something unique where high end simulation meets that love of competition,” he says. Drivers have the ability to race other drivers, displaying a leader board to onlookers. IAAPA attendees enjoyed an added bonus of real-time race commentary.
CRUDEN TAKES ON MOTORBOATS
Netherlands-based Cruden, hosted a grand unveiling of its new professional grade power boat simulator, Powerboat 5CTR, winning a Brass Ring Award: Best Exhibit of the Show. Cruden’s CEO, Maarten van Donselaar, has been exhibiting at IAAPA for 14 years and is “reminded of the first time he came to IAAPA where he was driving to Radio Shack and Best Buy to buy bolts and adjustments to US electronics.”
With simulators for the road, Cruden decided to expand its reach to motorboats and is currently in the works of creating other vehicle simulators. “I’ve waited a long time for this, you see how excited I am,” says Donselaar. “We have listened to our customers, and what we have done is have a lower price, same quality, and higher throughput.”
Cruden’s grand unveiling of their brand-new powerboat simulator, being “driven” here by River Racing World Championship driver, Ricky Maldonado. Photo: Rebecca Lam
The 16-foot powerboat simulator has six degrees of freedom with only two actuators in the front on a steel frame. Cruden worked with the Dutch Marines to develop this product and interactive experience. “Our company grows from building realistic experiences,” states Doselaar as he gestures to the different elements of the simulator. “Sharing an experience is hard in a car. It’s not so good to be alone on a boat; you want to be together with someone else. On a powerboat, you need three people to complete the job. Someone to control the throttle, someone to drive, and someone to navigate.” The boat holds five people who are given these varied tasks to work together as a team in maneuvering the boat across different terrains and water conditions. “Hitting a rock is part of the shared experience as well.”
At the unveiling, River Racing World Championship driver, Ricky Maldonado, and two Cruden exhibitors demonstrated the first public run of the Powerboat 5CTR, emerging from underneath the powerboat’s covering. The next steps that Cruden will be taking with the powerboat simulator is developing a waterproof version for waterparks along with additional simulation features such as jumping ramps and environmental aspects such as waterfalls.
MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS REMAKES I-DRIVE INTO “EYE” DRIVE
Orlando Eye
A hard-hat tour given by Merlin Entertainments introduced the International Drive attractions now under construction. The centerpiece is the Orlando Eye, a towering observation wheel that will span over 400 feet in height, comparable to the London Eye, its sister wheel in the UK. However, “this wheel has its own identity, different than the London Eye,” explains Robin Goodchild, a Merlin Entertainments manager, as he gestures to the towering structures already set in place.
The theme of the I-Drive 360 Orlando package is flexibility, seen in both space use and attraction variety, as it seeks to bring the whole family together. The complex will contain free parking, shopping, and dining that line the walk to the Orlando Eye, along with a half hour fountain show. Combo tickets and transportation to Legoland Florida will also be available.
Merlin Entertainments’ Robin Goodchild explaining the progress of the Orlando Eye construction site and the engineering behind the wheel. Photo: Rebecca Lam
However, the Orlando Eye experience is only one step in the renaissance of International Drive, which is aiming to be an attraction giant in its own right and motivate tourists to add a sixth day to a typical five-day vacation. If successful, this move is projected to have a $1 billion impact on Orlando’s economy.
The Orlando Eye will serve as an opportunity to have a breathtaking 360° unobstructed view of Orlando in one of 30 capsules set on the outside of the structure, unlike a Ferris wheel, where capsules are placed within the wheel’s perimeter. Each capsule can hold 15 people with on-board audio and air-conditioning, RGB LEDs to minimize glare, and tablets equipped with educational topics such as engineering and tourism, art, history, and marine conservation.
The wheel itself runs on an electric rather than a hydraulic drive with 14 motors, completing full rotations in 19 minutes, moving even during loading and unloading, and even has its own generator in case of power outage. Moisture from the wheel’s exterior will be collected daily and used for cleaning the outside of the capsules, creating an environmentally friendly process that will conserve gallons of unused water.
The observation wheel experience will include photo-ops courtesy of Magic Memories, incorporating guests’ photos into a book that includes information on the wheel and sights around it. Preceding their excursion on the Orlando Eye, guests will enjoy a four-minute 4D introductory show.
This I-Drive 360 Orlando Eye experience is packaged with four other attractions run by Merlin Entertainments including a SeaLife Aquarium and a Madame Tussauds.
SeaLife Aquarium
The SeaLife Aquarium of the I-Drive 360 experience will be Merlin Entertainments’ 50th SeaLife Aquarium. It will exhibit classic SeaLife themes as well as information about local Florida habitats and the Everglades. With over 20 million guests per year visiting SeaLife aquariums, this addition to the I-Drive 360 package is targeted to families, with children ages 8-12.
This 25,000 square foot exhibit features 30 displays that direct guests through a linear flow showcasing the oceans, particularly the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic. Guests can take a closer look at a grand Pacific octopus, colonies of jellyfish, and even snakes. With over 5,000 fish and over 400 species, children and adults alike can learn about these undersea animals their habitats. Museum curator, Steve Blair, explains that the aquarium is meant to “educate guests towards conservation efforts,” under the SeaLife mission of “Breed, Rescue, Protect.”
Exhibits such as cold water Pacific NorthWest touch pools, a shipwreck play area, and interactive screens that display information about the selected animal are all part of providing a marine conservation learning for those who come. Additional programs include talks between divers and guests, behind the scene tours for food preparation, water quality, and feeding, as well as school group tours.
Madame Tussauds
Across the lobby also lies a Madame Tussauds, where guests can spend time with wax figures of celebrities.
Each figure takes over 300 measurements to create a wax replica. “Dead figures are ironically the easiest,” laughs Marketing Executive, Heather Hagelberger. “You’d be surprised at how detailed old statistics can be.” Figures are chosen and created based on those who have made a significant impact in their field and can be touched all around by the public, figures ranging from international, domestic, and local celebrities such as Justin Bieber and One Direction to President Obama.
After witnessing wax come to life through the countless figures and exhibits, guests can then create a wax mold of their own hand as a memento of their tour.
ANKAM ENTERS THE WATERSLIDE MARKET
Based in Mumbai, India, Ankam Corporations exhibited at the IAAPA Attractions Expo for the first time to make a splash in the waterslide industry with its ocean-themed concepts.
Ankam Corporations launched four of its newest waterslide designs. What makes them special is not just that each is based on an individual sea creature, but that the “structure is not seen on the outside, it is all in the slide,” says Ganesh Ankam, Director. Ganesh Ankam comes from a background in Mechanical Engineering, having worked in Research & Development in the industry for 10 years prior to founding Ankam Corporations in 2012.
Ganesh Ankam from Ankam Corporation launches his innovative ocean-themed waterslides. Photo: Rebecca Lam.
Each of these slides has its own personality and pushes past the standard of waiting in line amidst support structures, hiding them with a themed exterior. Naga, the Indian name for cobra, brings riders through the cobra’s mouth into a series of narrowing turns that are engineered for each turn having different center of gravity and thrill experience. Meanwhile, Crab is designed to bring out at least 3-4 moments of excitement in the dark before emptying out of one of Crab’s claws into the lagoon below. The two other launched rides include Shell and Pearl whisking riders through a conch and oyster shell.
“My goal is to be known within two years as the most innovative company in my field,” states Ankam. His goal for next year’s show is to launch a brand new waterslide concept that allows riders to have control over their ride location and speed.
S&S—SANSEI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
A most exciting thrill feature was the S&S—Sansei Technologies 4-D Free Spin Coaster. With an average speed of 76 mph and 4Gs of G-Force, the 4-D Free Spin Coaster contains seats that rotate 360° on a winged chassis that dangles riders over open air in a head-over-heels journey.
S&S—Sansei has partnered with Six Flags to bring the 4-D Free Spin Coaster to life on Batman: The Ride to open in Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio. Neil Thurman, Six Flag’s President and General Manager, says that the addition of Batman: The Ride is “an entirely new concept in ride engineering and will provide a sensory experience like no other coaster.”
Those who venture on Batman: The Ride will experience traveling up a 122-ft elevator type lift before being released to at least two beyond vertical flips and six complete individual revolutions. Thurman continues to say that, “The 4-G coaster provides the first on-board magnetic technology, giving guests a feeling of weightlessness,” the full experience making it “the most exciting coaster in the park’s 22 year history.”
S&S—Sansei President and CEO, Rich Allen, on the company’s end, says that this ride is “without a doubt, one of the biggest events S&S has participated in” and “one of the most exciting things we’ve ever done.” S&S—Sansei has been in discussion with Six Flags and developing the concept for Batman: The Ride for at least the last two years. “By the size of it, it’s not small. When we were looking at the drawings, I didn’t realize just how big it might be.”
Allen and the rest of the S&S—Sansei team are “very much looking forward to the spring opening in Fiesta Texas of the first 4D Free Spin on planet Earth and the only one on planet Earth” and hope to install many more at other Six Flags parks.
Steve Birket, Christine Kerr and Jennie Nevin at the TEA booth during the IAAPA Attractions Expo in November 2014
Steve Birket becomes TEA president
When I first met Steve Birket of Birket Engineering in Sarasota, Florida during the Themed Entertainment Association’s (TEA) 2014 SATE conference (Storytelling, Architecture, Technology, Experience), I was ecstatic – because it was thanks to Birket Engineering’s support that I was able to come on scholarship to SATE as a NextGen member and engineering student. Birket and his company have displayed a genuine interest in helping to carve out opportunities for students and young professionals, and I was happy to have the chance to interview him during the IAAPA Attractions Expo, with a focus on his new position as president of TEA.
“2015 is going to be TEA’s best year ever,” declared Birket, who officially began a one-year term as TEA president of in November at the Association’s annual members meeting held during the IAAPA Expo. “TEA has never been stronger, sponsors more committed and the membership more enthused.”
“Operationally the Association is in fantastic shape and the industry robust,” said Birket. “We have plans to provide new event offerings and locations, and provide greater industry visibility for our association and our membership. We are fortunate to have very enthusiastic board and committee leadership. This year we will have the highest quality of event programming ever.”
Birket gives due credit to immediate past president Christine Kerr of BaAM Productions, who passed the gavel to Birket after two years in office. “My job is much easier because of what Christine has done. She has set everything up for success.” He cited formation of the TEA Asia-Pacific Division, the Association’s new website, and the first full year with COO Jennie Nevin at the helm of TEA headquarters in Burbank.
Regarding TEA’s presence and effect at the Expo, Birket says that he has “attended every domestic IAAPA in the last dozen years, and can say that the TEA presence at IAAPA Orlando was the largest ever.” Although he had his own company exhibit booth to oversee, Birket made himself available at the TEA booth daily to chat with members new and old. “There were times in the TEA booth where it was standing room only! I am looking forward to IAAPA’s Asian Attractions Expo in Hong Kong this summer and Euro Attractions Show in Sweden in the fall.”
When asked about his preliminary experiences as TEA President, Birket replied, “I have communicated with TEA members from all over the world in the last few weeks, and have enjoyed it all. I am always impressed when I learn of a new project, and of a TEA member’s involvement.”
[dropcap color=”#888″ type=”square”]I[/dropcap] grew up in Northeast Ohio, an area that, in its heyday, was a hotbed of theme park activity. My summers were filled with trips to Cedar Point, Geauga Lake and SeaWorld Ohio. But it became a highlight of my summers when my family, like so many others from the Midwest, packed up the minivan and made the trip to Central Florida.
Of course, our trips included the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, and the quaint little beach towns with their rows of shops and cafes. I, however, was far more concerned with our annual pilgrimages to Theme Park Mecca. I would pore over the year’s edition of Birnbaum’s Guide to Walt Disney World, watch Universal Studios Florida vacation planning videos, and hoard SeaWorld Orlando brochures.
As I reflect on how I ended up a part of the themed entertainment industry, I realize that these trips, and all of the hours of planning and research that went into them, were just the beginning of what I expect to be a lifelong love affair with the industry. Those trips inspired me to make the move to Orlando and ultimately join the industry.
I came to Orlando, a bright-eyed college kid fulfilling a dream. My intentions were never to stay long, but much to my mother’s chagrin, a semester turned into a year, and a year into almost seven.
These past seven years have taken me on a wild journey as not only an employee of the industry, but a student of it as well. At the start, I was enamored by the idea of it all: theme parks are about vacations, fantastical worlds, thrilling rides, and constant entertainment. But quickly, I became fascinated by the inner workings of what I have learned is a massive and complex industry.
A professor of mine recognized this growing fascination and suggested that I join the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) as a NextGen member, which I did. The TEA became my inside track to the business of the creative business. Being a member has shed light on the creative process and the necessity for collaboration among creators, operators and vendors. At countless events, friends and mentors have shared my excitement for the industry. As fellow theme park nerds, they have taken me under their wings and taught me so much.
One learning that became immediately apparent as I immersed myself in the TEA was just how gigantic, and yet small, the industry is (more on this contradictory comment later).
This could not be made more apparent to me than at the 2014 IAAPA Attractions Expo. According to the IAAPA website, this year’s event saw 30,500 registrants and just over 1,000 exhibiting companies.
I like to describe the Expo as a one-stop shop for all of your themed entertainment industry needs. From custom rides to glow-in-the-dark carpeting, you can find it all at the IAAPA Expo. In short, it is theme park nerd heaven. I first attended in 2013, just a month away from graduating with my Bachelor’s degree. Last year’s Expo was all about the awe and wonder of finally making it to the legendary show floor. I had very little frame of reference, and so it was very much like a trip to an actual theme park: lots of wide-eyed, open-mouthed ogling at the nerd heaven before me.
This year’s Expo, however, was a different experience. This time around, I knew the drill. I had friends and mentors that I joined on the floor, AND I had an assignment from InPark Magazine! What follows is an account of IAAPA through my eyes… the eyes of a young professional seeing the IAAPA Expo through a completely different filter than before.
DAY ONE
My first mission was to storm the gates and attend the Kickoff Session. I arrived at the Orange County Convention Center, coffee in hand at 7:30am. Despite the early hour, I was hardly alone, and on the way to the theater, I was struck by how diverse the crowd was.
Males and females were equally represented, and there appeared to be a good mix of young professionals and industry veterans. Perhaps more illuminating was a quick scan of the Attendee badges in my vicinity, which revealed that the Americas, Europe and Asia were well represented.
Kickoff
The Kickoff Session was wonderful way to reiterate the role of IAAPA as an advocate for the industry. Its international presence was highlighted by a roll call of the various Regional Vice Presidents. Each had their turn to address the crowd and share the last year’s developments in the region. Asia continues to be an epicenter of growth for the industry, and Chimelong Ocean Kingdom was celebrated for breaking five world records!
Another overarching theme of the session was the giving spirit displayed by IAAPA members. A fantastic recap video showed how the international membership participated in “The Ice Bucket Challenge.” The membership also remains heavily involved with Give Kids the World Village near Orlando. The charitable organization shared the story of its successful expansion in early 2014, and announced a charitable donation of accessible rides by Zamperla.
The Session ended with outgoing chairman of the board Mario Mamon handing the gavel off to Gerardo Arteaga Cerda.
On the floor
Following the Kickoff, I began to stroll the exhibit floor, and boy was there a lot to see! One booth that immediately caught my attention was Garage Graphics and Visuals. The Missouri-based custom fabrication company displayed a fantastic Steampunk-y aquatic theme. I was very impressed by the quality of the work, and excited by the creativity coming out of their shop.
As I said before, I am amazed by how massive yet tight-knit the industry is. I didn’t get far on the morning of Day 1 because I kept bumping into peers and friends: some I had seen just days before, and for others it had been a year. Together, we share a love of the industry, and are never short on related topics to discuss.
After strolling the aisles for a while, I made my way to the Dynamic Attractions booth for a discussion with CEO Guy Nelson. The company specializes in media-based, high-volume indoor attractions. These range from flying theaters to indoor coasters and trackless dark rides.
Says Nelson, “We’ve learned that the market is moving towards an immersive experience.” Nelson points to the growing video game world, which has helped to push the industry towards these immersive, shared experiences.
Sally Corporation’s realistic Joker will give you his sly grin and blast you with green smoke if you get too close. Photo: Rebecca Lam.
This was certainly backed up by what we saw at the Expo as multiple organizations unveiled immersive attractions: Six Flags, Sally Corp. and Oceaneering announced “Justice League: Battle for Metropolis” and Triotech announced “Voyage to the Iron Reef” for Cedar Fair. Both attractions are interactive shooter rides. Triotech’s contract for “Voyage…” represents its largest ever. It was a banner year for the company, which ended up winning its second Brass Ring Award this Expo.
The Themed Entertainment Association added some more awardees to the Expo floor when it announced the 2015 recipients of the Thea Awards (the formal Thea Awards Gala will take place March 21 at Disneyland Resort). Not surprisingly, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley walked away with three nods (for the interactive wands, Hogwart’s Express, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts). Chimelong Ocean Kingdom was recognized as outstanding theme park, and countless other international projects rounded out the roster. Some notable honorees stateside were the National September 11 Memorial Museum and the Grand Hall Experience at Saint Louis Union Station.
I ended my day at the Bolliger and Mabillard booth, where Holiday World unveiled what is said to be the first launched wing coaster in the US. The Santa Claus, Indiana-based park will send riders soaring in its 2015 season.
DAY TWO
TEA
My second day of IAAPA started just as early as the first. I made my way to the TEA’s International Members’ Meeting, where I was happy to be surrounded by friends and mentors. Outgoing International Board President Christine Kerr addressed the membership one last time, as she called upon the Divisional Board Presidents to report on the previous year.
The Europe and Middle East board continues to engage a growing membership with a version of the SATE Conference called SATE Academy Days (SATE stands for “Storytelling – Architecture – Technology – Experience”). The Asia Pacific region also continues to expand its membership, as heavy-hitters like Disney and Universal become more pervasive in the region. In the US, both the Eastern and Western Divisions touted a year full of events.
It was a particularly exciting meeting for me as it was announced that I joined two others as Associate Members of the Eastern Division Board!
Legends
Following the meeting (and a brief meet and greet with the full Eastern Division Board), it was onto the floor to scope out more new finds. I was perhaps too excited to discover that AirStage was showing at the Expo this year. Ever since seeing their autonomous flying lanterns in Lotte World’s Let’s Dream parade, I have been obsessed with the technology.
A few samples of Dippin’ Dots later, I made my way to the Legends Panel, produced by Bob Rogers of BRC Imagination Arts and featuring Disney legends Marty Sklar and Bob Gurr, with WDI’s Tom Fitzgerald, talking about the legacy of the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. Like any theme park nerd worth his salt, I had already read Marty Sklar’s latest book, Dream it! Do it!: My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms. I was excited by the chance to hear from all of them.
Sklar and Gurr shared anecdotes about their time working on the 1964-65 World’s Fair. Fifty years on, most members of the industry have heard and could tell the stories of a world’s fair that had a lasting and significant impact on theme park history. It was magical when the two Disney Legends began to share their stories. My favorite from the panel came from Bob Gurr, about ride design:
The Ford Magic Skyway, designed by WED Enterprises, utilized real Ford cars as ride vehicles. Gurr explained that the cars were stripped down to reduce weight, but even still they could not make the various models have equivalent weights. This resulted in some vehicles overshooting, and bumping into the car in front of them, shattering countless taillights.
Instead of investing in a vehicle spacing system, Ford insisted there was another way to solve the issue. Someone got the idea that a baseball bat could be inserted between two cars at the load platform to stop them from ramming each other. And so, for the run of the World’s Fair, employees at the attraction carried around yellow bats that stopped the cars from crashing.
I left the Legends Panel with a smile on my face. It was apparent that after a lifetime in the industry, these men were still very passionate about the industry that they helped to shape. It gave me hope that I too, will one day look back and feel that I made a difference in the industry.
My last stop of the day was the Brass Ring Awards. Here, excellence in the industry is recognized. The awards are broad, covering Food and Beverage, Marketing, Human Resources, and Live Entertainment among others. Again, the breadth of the industry astounded me… I watched peers on the creative side of the industry being recognized alongside operators. It was a wonderful ceremony, and lots of fantastic organizations and projects were recognized.
At the close of the show, I thought back to those early summer trips to Orlando. I am proud to have become part of a fantastic industry, an industry that innovates and entertains. I can’t wait until the next IAAPA Attractions Expo brings us all together again, and in the meantime? I’ll be shopping for better walking shoes!
Milwaukee, WI, USA (December 15, 2014) – The Milwaukee Brewers today announced the construction of a new fan experience at Miller Park, a state-of-the-art attraction to honor retiring Major League Baseball Commissioner and former Brewers Owner Allan H. (Bud) Selig.
Known as the “Selig Experience,” the exhibit will be located on Miller Park’s Loge Level in the left field corner. A highlight of the attraction will be a multimedia presentation that tells the story of Selig’s role in saving Major League Baseball in Milwaukee, his successful efforts to bring the Brewers to the city, and his tireless efforts to promote and grow the game in his hometown.
Miller Park already is known as a premiere destination for baseball fans, and the Selig Experience will take that to the next level. It will serve as a year-round attraction, adding another extraordinary enhancement to the overall fan experience.
“Commissioner Selig is the one person who ensured that the city of Milwaukee would continue as a Major League city, even when virtually all others had lost hope,” said Brewers Chief Operating Officer Rick Schlesinger. “We want to mark his legacy with much more than a museum, and we believe the Selig Experience will tell his story in one of the most unique fan attractions in all of sports.”
The exhibition space totals approximately 1,400 square feet, and will include authentic artifacts from Selig’s tenure as the Brewers owner. It will celebrate the fans’ love of the game, as told through the story of the Brewers founder.
The main multimedia show builds to a surprising 3D encounter with the Commissioner himself inside an authentic reproduction of Selig’s County Stadium office, using a technology found in only a handful of exhibits around the world. After the show, Milwaukee fans will be delighted to take a sneak peek into Selig’s office for themselves.
The design and production of the Selig Experience is being led by BRC Imagination Arts, an experience design agency that turns brands into destinations. For more than three decades, its masterful storytellers have been chosen by iconic brands and cultural attractions all over the world to inspire and engage their audiences.
“This exhibit is as much a celebration of the passionate Milwaukee Brewers fans as it is an homage to Commissioner Selig,” said Brad Shelton, Creative Director at BRC Imagination Arts. “We’re telling an emotional story of how the Brewers’ first fan brought professional baseball back to his friends and neighbors. Whether they take a quick tour between innings or spend more time examining every detail, this is an immersive experience that no Brewers fan will forget.”
Selig’s dedication to baseball has paralleled his love of his hometown of Milwaukee. His first significant move as an executive was to return Major League Baseball to Milwaukee in 1970, when he founded the Milwaukee Brewers. In its first decade, the Brewers featured some of the great teams of that era, which eventually led to an American League pennant and World Series appearance in 1982.
During his tenure as Brewers owner, Selig earned United Press International’s 1978 Executive of the Year award, and the franchise was honored with seven “Organization of the Year” awards.
In the 1990s, Selig began his efforts to build a new ballpark in Milwaukee to replace the aging County Stadium, and Miller Park opened for its first season of play in 2001.
“I am humbled that the Brewers will chronicle the remarkable journey of the franchise through a fan experience at Miller Park named in my honor,” said Commissioner Selig. “The story of the Brewers revolves around the great sports fans of Milwaukee and Wisconsin, whose passion drove me to work toward bringing the National Pastime back to my hometown. Given my affinity for history, I believe this exhibit will illustrate the extraordinary sense of community that the Brewers have always inspired.”
Earlier this year, the Brewers also announced that the Club will retire uniform #1 in Selig’s honor, signifying his role as founder of the franchise. The retired number will be displayed in time for Opening Day. Additionally, he was honored with a statue at Miller Park, which was unveiled on August 24, 2010.
Uihlein-Wilson Architects is also contributing to the initial design of the space for the Selig Experience.
Indianapolis, IN, USA — The laser tag experts at Creative Works (www.theWOWeffect.com) will soon be hosting another LaserTAG360 EVENT in Indianapolis on February 3-4, 2015. This two day educational seminar is focused on teaching the keys to adding a laser tag attraction to a new or existing entertainment facility.
This upcoming February will be the tenth LaserTAG360 EVENT Creative Works has organized. The Theme Team is excited to announce that there will be some new faces within the LaserTAG360 staff, sponsors and speakers. “We have covered all the bases with our upcoming speakers and vendors,” commented Jeff Schilling, President of Creative Works. “From our experience in this industry, we know how important it is for future operators to learn about laser tag from multiple industry experts.” With over 17 years of experience, designing, building, operating and marketing these attractions with venues around the world, Creative Works has developed impactful material to give attendees a competitive edge in a constantly changing market.
For several years now, facility conversion has been trending and operators have been looking to expand their facilities into full entertainment centers. Creative Works has been excited to help many operators make that process as smooth as possible. LaserTAG360 covers the best practices for adding additional space, how to create a new business model and get financed. Attendees will gain valuable insights from an expert instructional team with first hand operational experience. Past attendees have been able to maximize capital by reducing costly errors during the start-up phase, which many times can ring up to over $25,000.
A number of essential laser tag and facility development topics will be discussed during the two day EVENT. The first day consists of topics focusing on design insights, average costs, and revenue projections, while Day TWO focuses on the operational and marketing side of running the business. This complete 360 degree overview will help those in attendance gain the knowledge to make better informed decisions as they press forward with their projects. Time will also be allotted for attendees to schedule one-on-one meetings with staff and sponsors to review their projects and answer specific questions.
One of the most unique experiences during the EVENT will be the tour of the 20,000 SF Creative Works’ Theme Factory. Everyone will get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how the company designs, customizes, and fabricates their attractions to fit the needs of their clients. Additionally, the attendees will get to experience the specially-built 7,000 SF showroom featuring four themed Laser Tag Arenas, Cosmic black light Golf, the award winning Lazer Frenzy lazer maze, the AtomicRUSH arcade attraction, and the new Color Crush game that was released at IAAPA in November 2014.
Cardiff, UK — At the brand new, regenerated Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff it’s not just the Doctor himself who gets to interact with a cool piece of technology (AKA the sonic screwdriver) as Sarner has invented a unique piece of wearable technology that each visitor gets given at the start of the attraction.
Throwing the visitor into their own episode of Doctor Who was a key ambition of this new storyline. So, rather than just letting them watch the action from a distance, BBC Worldwide wanted to be able to give each visitor a wearable piece of technology that would totally draw them into the adventure and react with the story along the way.
Ed Cookson, Sarner’s Projects Director, commented: “The wearable technology had to make sense as part of the story whilst adding to the visitor’s experience, but it became apparent to us that there was nothing on the market readily available so we had to invent our own.”
Ed continues: “There are LED reactive wristbands and other similar technology currently being used but because this whole new Experience was about creating a totally immersive new storyline, we didn’t want to shoe-horn a product that didn’t make sense as part of the narrative. The pendant was designed from the ground up as a creative solution, to make sense as part of our story. In addition, we wanted to add features like vibration to create a more multi-sensory experience, rather than just a visual one and you can’t buy those off the peg!”
Each guest is given a visitor pass on a lanyard at the beginning of the Experience, allowing them access to the sacred Museum of Gallifrey. As the story progresses it becomes clear that the Time Crystal embedded into the pass has a special connection to the TARDIS, eventually helping save the Doctor in the dramatic finale.
Visitors are guided as to when to use the Time Crystal throughout the attraction and it glows and flashes, and goes through a sequence of colours, throughout the journey, combining the latest in infrared, LED and vibration. This unique technology sets a new standard for theatrical experiences across the attraction and entertainment industries.
Time Crystal Pendant facts:
–The Time Crystal was based on a glowing crystal featured in the Doctor Who episode ‘Rise of the Cyberman’;
–300 have been produced for the new Doctor Who Experience;
–Each Time Crystal can each be used for 12 hours before needing to be recharged;
–The Time Crystals are fully DMX controllable, so they can glow any colour;
–Bespoke infrared control units are used to trigger the Time Crystals at specific times and places inside the Experience, making it possible to actively control them differently in various locations of the attraction at the same time;
–The vibration is strong enough to be felt by the wearer through layers of clothing.
