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George Wiktor to Participate in “Playing Together Under the Dome” Panel at IMERSA 2013

Wiktor grey fnlAt the IMERSA 2013 Fulldome Summit in Denver (Feb 14-17), George Wiktor of The GW Group joins the panel discussion, “Playing Together under the Dome,” addressing the creative potential of digital dome cinema. Wiktor, a past president of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), is an accomplished producer of media-based attractions that employ storytelling to educate and entertain at museums, world expos and amusement parks. 

Los Angeles, Calif. USA – “Digital dome cinema [aka ‘fulldome’] is just about the most exciting, sophisticated and malleable medium yet for telling stories that meet the goals of institutions in a fun, compelling and contemporary way,” says George Wiktor of The GW Group, who will speak at the 2013 IMERSA Fulldome Summit in Denver, Feb 14-17. “On behalf of TEA, I’m honored to represent the themed entertainment community and participate in this dialog with IMERSA, which grew out of the planetarium community.”Wiktor will take part in the panel discussion “Playing Together under the Dome,” which will examine how fulldome can leverage common ground between intersecting industries in digital multimedia. The discussion will be moderated by IMERSA Board member Michael Daut of Evans & Sutherland. Registration and more information on the 2013 IMERSA Summit are at www.imersa.org.Wiktor says, “My core interest, and the message I look forward to reinforcing at the IMERSA Summit – is how theater owners can provide awesome guest experiences in the realm of places that tell stories. Dome theaters literally surround you with imagery. And now, being digital, fulldome supports elements such as audience participation, customization and multiple storylines along with great imagery. This gives us so many more ways to tell stories and create compelling guest experiences that keep audiences coming back and generate revenue, especially when combined with other elements of good attraction design.”

Joining George Wiktor and Michael Daut on the “Playing Together under the Dome” panel discussion at IMERSA Summit 2013 are Dr Jeffrey Kirsch, executive director at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center; Thomas Kraupe, director of Planetarium Hamburg and producer Jay Williams of Super 78 – participating respectively on behalf of the Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA), the International Planetarium Society (IPS) and the Producers Guild of America (PGA). IMERSA has, since its founding in 2008, made a point of cultivating synergy with affiliate business communities and organizations.

More about George Wiktor and The GW Group
Throughout a career that began in the 1980s, working with such design companies as BRC Imagination Arts, The Hettema Group and now his own firm, The GW Group, George Wiktor has operated somewhere on the bleeding edge of experiential storytelling – mostly for world expos, museums and corporate visitor centers – learning to combine media, technology and architecture in ever-more seamless ways that are today taken for granted as a benchmark of quality attractions. He served as president of the Themed Entertainment Association, and continues to play an advisory role within TEA.His award-honored projects include: Barnas Brannstasjon [Children’s Fire Station] at Kongeparken, Norway (Thea Award, 2012); “Beyond All Boundaries,” National World War II Museum, New Orleans (Thea Award, 2010); Volkswagen Glaserne Manufaktur, Dresden (Thea Award, 2002); and “World Song” for the USA Pavilion at Seville Expo 92.

About IMERSA and the 2013 Fulldome Summit in Denver, Feb 14-17
IMERSA – Immersive Media, Entertainment, Research, Science & Arts – is an international non-profit professional organization that celebrates and promotes immersive and fulldome media for education and entertainment in planetariums, schools, museums, cinemas, events and attractions. Mandated to raise the profile and professionalism of its members, IMERSA bridges many disciplines including researchers, artists and technicians. IMERSA is a driver and nexus for communication, collaboration, experimentation, education and promotion of digital immersive media in a variety of formats and functions. Visit www.imersa.org

“Innovations in Immersive Storytelling” is the theme of the IMERSA Fulldome Summit, 14-17 February at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The event is attended by operators, content creators and distributors, producers and vendors serving planetariums, giant screen cinema and themed attractions – all converging markets because of digital cinema. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science will be the setting for the annual IMERSA Summit, preceded by two and a half days of fulldome (digital dome video) professional development sessions.

Areas of focus will include sound design and audio, cross-platforming from fulldome to giant screen and vice versa, designing a fulldome curriculum in schools, scripting and story for fulldome shows, and setting up fulldome theaters as multipurpose spaces. There will be a series of curated screenings, a Fulldome Innovation Salon for networking, product demonstrations and content sharing and a Creative Video Lab. More information: www.imersa.org/summit.

Electrosonic Takes Starring Role at Hollywood Wax Museum

IMGP0976ccLos Angeles, CA, USA — When the Hollywood Wax Museum refurbished its on-the-street lobby to attract the attention of passers-by, Electrosonic was called upon to design and install a number of HD video displays to capture the interest of strollers on Hollywood Boulevard.

The monitor displays show a montage of newly-made clips that pay homage to all genres of Hollywood movies, ranging from classic westerns and Sci-Fi spectaculars to musical extravaganzas, war films and mysteries. All of the displays can show the same images simultaneously or rotate the content.

Electrosonic provided a 2×1 grouping of 55-inch Samsung monitors and another configuration of 3×1 55-inch Samsung monitors, both in portrait mode, to the lobby. Custom enclosures were provided for three Innovox speakers mounted to the exterior.

Electrosonic also placed two pairs of 46-inch Samsung monitors in portrait mode on two columns over the cashier’s desk in the lobby, and created the lobby’s back wall from two 3×3 video displays, comprised of 46-inch Samsung monitors in landscape mode.

The company selected Samsung HD video monitors for their reasonable price point and super-thin mullions, which deliver almost seamless imagery. rpVisuals furnished custom monitor brackets for all the monitors, and Elliott Metal Fabrication consulted on the custom mounting and seismic-rated installation.

Electrosonic project manager Dan Laspa says the job posed the usual challenges for “an old Hollywood building,” including obtaining seismic certification for the monitor mounts. “We worked only at night when the museum was closed,” he adds, “so we wouldn’t impede business in any way.”

Electrosonic provided an Alcorn McBride Video Binloop player for the monitor displays, plus an Alcorn McBride InterActivator interactive video disc controller, which Laspa says was “perfect for this installation.” The system, programmed by Electrosonic, is easy for museum employees to operate; they can start the content loop in the morning and stop it at night, as well as alter the pause time between loops if crowds demand more frequent playback. All of the equipment is housed in a single small rack in a closet behind the main lobby.

About Electrosonic
Electrosonic is an international audio-visual company that creates tailored, state-of-the-art solutions for a wide range of markets including theme parks, museums, control rooms, and corporate meeting rooms. Since its founding in 1964, Electrosonic has built a strong reputation for working on complex projects, both large and small, and has developed lasting partnerships with customers and suppliers. Beyond complete integrated systems, Electrosonic provides a comprehensive scope of services including technical design, projector lamp sales, maintenance and operational support.

Learn more about Electrosonic. Visit http://www.electrosonic.com

Attraction Consultancy Firm D & J International Consulting Formed by David Camp and Julie Vile

image001D & J International Consulting is a new consultancy set up by David Camp and Julie Vile. The company specializes in providing market and financial feasibility services to the visitor attraction and real estate development sectors.

D & J International Consulting provides planning and development advice for theme parks, sports venues, visitor attractions, tourism destinations, mixed-use developments, brandlands, museums and entertainment developments.

David Camp has 25 years experience in providing consulting advice as a Director of both Economics Research Associates and AECOM where he headed up their European & Middle Eastern recreation entertainment groups. He has also worked for Pannell Kerr Forster Associates and Applied Leisure Marketing.

Julie Vile’s background is in customer relations and education with both private and public sector organisations.

D & J International Consulting offers independent advice based on a solid program of research and analysis on projects in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The team has extensive experience of working on a wide range of projects over 25 years.

Each project is unique, and they tailor their advice and assistance to the requirements of their clients.

In their studies they typically follow a program of qualitative & quantitative research to understand the regional market context, seek to draw lessons from international benchmarks and prepare solution orientated outputs to help clients achieve viable, market-driven projects.

For more information, visit www.djintcon.com

Wilderness at the Smokies Adds Cyclone Racer

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CycloneSevierville, TN, USA — Wilderness at the Smokies is adding the adrenaline-pumping spirit of competition to its outdoor waterslide collection this spring with the debut of the Cyclone Racer, a four-lane high-speed waterslide that turns guests into hydro-powered drag racers. Starting on a racing tower 50 feet above the ground guests will race each other down the spiral course in mere seconds.“The Cyclone Racer will give our guests something different to enjoy at Lake Wilderness, and will certainly get the competitive juices flowing between family members and friends,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “It will be a fantastic complement to all of our outdoor water attractions, especially the newly added Wild Vortex.”The debut of the Cyclone Racer continues the Sevierville resort’s tradition of debuting a significant expansion of new features each year. Sharing a platform with the popular Wild Vortex, the Cyclone Racer will feature 1200 feet of combined waterslide lanes. Each lane combines a mixture of open flume racing and enclosed tunnels using aqualucent striping to provide strobes of color to the experience. A water flow of 1200 gallons per minute fuels the high-speed racing experience.

“We have created a strong track record of continued growth and expansion since day one and we’ll continue to look for new and unique opportunities each year to enhance our guests’ experience,” added Cruz.

Alongside Cyclone Racer, the Wild Vortex, which opened last summer, is a 66-foot tall AquaLoop, the Southeast’s only near-vertical translucent looping waterslide.  This is has been an extremely popular addition to the resort, with guests getting an adrenaline rush like no other.  Riders of the Wild Vortex enter a capsule at the top of the ride, stand vertically over a trap door and then once the door is released, they accelerate into a 39-foot vertical free fall drop generating maximum g-force (2.5 Gs in less than two seconds) before reaching the inclined loop element.  The entire ride is over within seven seconds.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, the Adventure Forest entertainment park, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

The resort is owned by Patrick Helland, Pete Helland, Jr., Tim Lucke and Tom Lucke (who also own Wilderness Territory Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin).  Steve Cruz is the General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies and Ryan Willis is spokesperson for the resort.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com

San Francisco’s Exploratorium Opens Outdoor Exhibits at Public Market in Emeryville

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Bay_Window_Prime4San Francisco, CA, USA /BUSINESS WIRE/– Developer TMG Partners, in conjunction with the City of Emeryville, has unveiled a unique place for Bay Area residents to play and learn as officials cut the ribbon on new permanent exhibits from the Exploratorium at the Public Market in Emeryville. Woven throughout the outdoor walkways and plazas of this popular shopping, dining and work destination, the Exploratorium’s hands-on science displays represent the world-renowned museum’s first outdoor presence in the East Bay. Public Market recently sold to City Center Realty Partners/Angelo Gordon who are working with TMG to continue to create a unique mixed-use community at Public Market.

The Exploratorium’s exhibition is a key feature of the Public Market’s “Green Living Room,” an artful, interactive living park that will engage the Public Market’s 3,000+ daily visitors to discover how the latest in green design and management revitalized this private, mixed-use project. The Green Living Room was funded in part by a $1.35 Million California Catalyst Communities Grant to model sustainability best practices state-wide.

“The Exploratorium is thrilled to join the Public Market Emeryville,” Exploratorium Executive Director Dennis Bartels said. “Our participation in the Green Living Room is a great example of ‘place-making,’ with exhibits chosen to help the public notice the specific wind patterns or different sediment characteristics of the bay, among other natural phenomena. This collaboration is the work of Exploratorium Global Studios®, which places our exhibits in all kinds of venues around the world. After all, science happens everywhere.”

The museum’s exhibits reflect Emeryville’s bay-front environment, drawing on phenomena as varied as wind patterns, visual perception and bay sediment. The Exploratorium displays are the culmination of a green renovation that TMG undertook to transform the 14-acre mixed use Public Market site into a model of eco-friendly living. Home to retail, office, a forthcoming residential project and well known for its ethnic restaurants, the Public Market is a well-established gathering place that reflects the diversity of the Bay Area.

“We’re delighted that these new exhibits are permanent attractions in our city, here for generations to come, explaining environmental science and the Public Market site’s natural history,” said Patrick O’Keeffe, Emeryville City Manager.

“What TMG has created here is powerful. By demonstrating sustainable best practices including solar car-ports that fuel electric-vehicle charging stations, recycling, car-sharing, and sustainable landscaping, the Public Market’s Green Living Room will inspire others throughout the State for decades,” explained California State Assembly Member Nancy Skinner who represents the 14th Assembly District including Emeryville.

“TMG is proud to have created a partnership with San Francisco’s Exploratorium, the best scientific ‘explainer’ in the business, to provide a hands-on, fun experience of what it means to interact with the natural and the built environments,” noted Michael Covarrubias, Chairman and CEO of TMG.

The Exploratorium closed its facility in San Francisco’s Marina district to relocate to its new waterfront home on San Francisco’s Pier 15 on January 2. The new site, which opens on April 17, will feature over 2 acres of outdoor exhibits for the first time. The partnership with Public Market Emeryville is an extension of the Exploratorium’s educational mission, bringing its participatory learning directly to communities.

The Public Market’s new exhibits designed by the Exploratorium’s Outdoor Team include:

  • Lift
    Drawing on the aerodynamics of bird flight and the rigging technology used in sailboat design, Lift is comprised of sets of wing-like airfoils that move up and down vertical cables. The airfoils on the cables rise and fall according to wind speed. The result is a kind of “aerograph,” a device that graphs how the speed of the wind changes across a horizontal distance.
  • Anamorphic Bench
    A playful exhibit that incorporates concepts of light, geometry, and human perception of both. A specially designed, semi-circular bench is reflected in a cylindrical mirror. In the reflection, this interestingly designed bench amazingly appears to be perfectly rectangular. This radial distortion also creates a seating arrangement that reorients the viewer towards other seated viewers, encouraging conversation, noticing, and sharing of ideas.
  • Outdoor Signposts
    A series of five outdoor signposts installed to encourage visitors to observe recycled materials, architectural elements, wear patterns and any number of man-made or naturally-occurring artifacts or phenomenon at the Public Market location.
  • Bay Windows
    Visitors spin disks filled with samples of bay mud, sand and sediment. The glowing color or quick settling of materials will be both beautiful and telling as visitors explore the movement and settling characteristics of bay sediment. Three Bay Windows will be installed, each with a different sediment mixture. The materials in each will be visually distinguished and together form a triptych of ocean sediments and tell an important local and regional story.

The Public Market is part of a 14-acre mixed-use site planned with approvals to build up to 1,000,000 square feet of new housing and mixed-use, infill transit oriented development over the next 20 years. Public Market was awarded in 2008 the first-ever Platinum designation from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) rating system, and it aims to be a model of walkable, green urban living.

About Public Market Emeryville
For more information, visit publicmarketemeryville.com

About the Exploratorium
For more information, visit http://www.exploratorium.edu/

About TMG Partners
For more information, visit www.tmgpartners.com

About City Center Realty Partners
For more information, visit www.ccrpllc.com/

About Angelo Gordon
Angelo, Gordon & Co. is a privately-held registered investment advisor dedicated to alternative investing. The firm was founded in 1988 and currently manages approximately $25 billion.

Legendary Tropicana Las Vegas Rebranded a DoubleTree Resort

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tropicanaroom22McLean, Va. & Las Vegas, NV, USA (January 15, 2013) /BUSINESS WIRE/DoubleTree by Hilton and Tropicana Las Vegas today announced the opening of Tropicana Las Vegas – a DoubleTree by Hilton, following a two-month conversion period since the announcement of a strategic partnership between the two entities in late October. Under a franchise agreement, Tropicana Las Vegas will continue to own and operate all 1,500 guest rooms in the 35-acre resort under the DoubleTree by Hilton brand.

“We are thrilled that the Tropicana Las Vegas has joined our growing portfolio of global properties and has brought DoubleTree by Hilton to the Las Vegas Strip,” said John Greenleaf, global head of DoubleTree by Hilton. “The opening marks a significant opportunity for Hilton HHonors members to earn and redeem points at this exciting Las Vegas resort.”

To celebrate the launch of the strategic partnership, the Tropicana Las Vegas– a DoubleTree by Hilton will be sponsoring three 1 million Hilton HHonors points giveaways. Between January 22 and April 22, Hilton HHonors members may register for the chance to win 1 million HHonors points and gain additional entries for each stay completed at the resort during this promotional period.* Additionally, DoubleTree by Hilton is giving away a VIP Las Vegas weekend to one lucky Facebook fan and a guest on www.facebook.com/doubletree. The entry period ends January 28.**

Guests will be able to enjoy the recently completed $200 million transformation featuring 1,500 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, four restaurants, a spa, an entertainment complex, a state-of-the-art conference center and exhibition hall, and the recently-opened Bagatelle Supper Club and Beach Club. Bagatelle features lavish pools and cabanas and a beautiful setting for indoor and outdoor bistro dining.

As part of the resort’s entertainment offerings, the Tropicana Theater saw the world premiere of a new live version of Dancing with the Stars in 2012, and more exciting new shows are planned for 2013. The world-famous Laugh Factory comedy club features the country’s hottest comics, and beginning January 14, comedy superstar Roseanne Bar brings her own brand of comedy to the club, Saturdays – Thursdays at 7 p.m.

“We are thrilled that Doubletree by Hilton and Hilton HHonors guests will now be able to enjoy the beautiful amenities of our resort as well as our unparalleled guest service experience,” said Tropicana Las Vegas President and COO Danny Wade.

Guests will also benefit from the characteristic qualities found at the more than 320 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 25 countries, including the signature welcome with the legendary warm chocolate chip cookie and DoubleTree by Hilton’s unique CARE culture.

About the New Tropicana Las Vegas

Prepare to be surprised! The New Tropicana Las Vegas redefines the expectations of today’s global travelers with a recently completed $200 million transformation which provides a casually elegant resort experience. In addition to a South Beach rhythm and vibe, the transformation of the resort includes a fresh redesign of every best-in-class room and suite, the 50,000-square-foot casino, more than 60,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space, several new restaurants and bars, a new race and sports book, Glow®, A Mandara Spa and fitness center, and Bagatelle Beach & Nightclub. First-class entertainment includes Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas (seasonal), Laugh Factory and the Mob Attraction Las Vegas.

The New Tropicana Las Vegas is not affiliated with any other Tropicana property or brand. For additional information or for reservations, please visit www.troplv.com.

About DoubleTree by Hilton

With a fast-growing, global collection of more than 325 upscale hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across five continents, every little thing we do at DoubleTree by Hilton inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our hotel guests, our team members and the communities we proudly serve. Our hospitality begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival and continues with the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, an array of fine services and amenities and our longstanding CARE Culture tradition that empowers more than 65,000 team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveler feel human again.

www.doubletree.com.

George W. Bush Presidential Center Sets Dedication Plans

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GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL CENTERDallas, TX, USA (Jan. 15, 2013) /PRNewswire/ — Today, the George W. Bush Presidential Center publicly announced the date for its invitation-only dedication ceremony on Thursday, April 25, and its public opening on May 1, 2013. The Bush Center, which houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, combines the nation’s 13th Presidential library and museum with a leading-edge policy organization that continues the public service of President and Mrs. Bush.

“We are 100 days from dedicating this important civic institution. It will preserve for history the important decisions made by President Bush during his presidency and will embody and carry on the values of President and Mrs. Bush,” said Mark Langdale, president of the George W. Bush Foundation. “We look forward to being a vibrant part of the greater SMU campus and continuing the service of President and Mrs. Bush through the work of the George W. Bush Institute.”

The George W. Bush Library and Museum, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), will house archives from the Bush Administration, including 80 terabytes of digital information and more than 200 million e-mails, the largest electronic records collection of any presidential library. In addition, it will store more than 43,000 artifacts from the Bush presidency, including personal mementos, items associated with defining moments from the President’s two terms in office, and gifts from foreign heads-of-state. The museum exhibits will focus on key decision points of the Bush presidency, using interactive, digital and visual displays to provide visitors a sense of the issues facing the President and the principles that guided him through critical situations.

“The Bush Library and Museum is a state-of-the-art research center for historians, scholars, students and the public,” said Alan Lowe, director of the Bush Library and Museum. “We will provide in-depth access to presidential materials and the presidential decision-making process, and we look forward to serving as an educational resource for this great community and the entire nation.”

The Bush Center, located on 23 acres on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, has been under construction for two years. Staff from the Bush Institute, as well as personnel and presidential artifacts from NARA, have already begun moving into the building.

The 226,565-square-foot building is designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum certification. The brick and limestone building, built using regionally sourced materials, complements the American Georgian architecture of the SMU campus while the low profile design links inside and outside spaces.

The Bush Center’s surrounding native Texas landscape, including trees from the Bush family’s Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas, continues President and Mrs. Bush’s longstanding commitment to land and water conservation and energy efficiency.

Newest Interactive Exhibit Building Opens at National WWII Museum

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THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM OPENINGNew Orleans, LA, USA /PRNewswire/ — The National WWII Museum celebrated the next milestone in its $325 million expansion with a Grand Opening ceremony for the new US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center. An expansive, patriotic and emotional ceremony was matched only by the grandeur and glory of the new pavilion, which opened to the public January 13.

Called “A Salute to Freedom” and presented by CenturyLink, the event marked a weekend of celebration as an array of VIPs, veterans and young scholars from every state in the union and the District of Columbia gathered in New Orleansfor the occasion. Attending were members of the national news media such as Tom Brokaw, politicians including US Senators Mary Landrieuand David Vitter, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne; representatives from CenturyLink and The Boeing Company; Museum board members; student historians and military figures from all branches of service. The throng joined National WWII Museum President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller to dedicate the $35 million building. The thrusting glass and steel exhibit space holds a tribute to WWII Medal of Honor recipients and displays huge macro artifacts including a B-17E Flying Fortress – the massive bomber was part of America’s “Arsenal of Democracy” that won the war. It now joins one of the world’s finest collections of WWII artifacts.

“We are the nation’s WWII museum,” Mueller said. “And with Sunday’s public opening of the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, we’ll have even more compelling artifacts to display to our community, our visitors and the world. This is an exciting and emotional day.”

Other artifacts inside the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center include the “big guns” of American military might, consisting of restored aircraft such as a B-25J Mitchell, SBD-3 Dauntless, TBM Avenger, P-51D Mustang, Corsair F4U-4 and an interactive submarine experience based on the final mission of the USS Tang. Visitors will man authentic positions and perform the battle actions of actual crewmembers as the Tang engages the Japanese forces in a recreation of the doomed sub’s final war patrol battle. The USS Tang, launched in 1943, was America’s most successful submarine during World War II. Roaming the Pacific she sank 33 Japanese ships. In 1944 she was sunk during her last engagement by a circular run of her final torpedo. Only nine men escaped. They were captured by the Japanese and sent to a prison camp. Seventy-eight others died. This educational and interactive exhibit, Final Mission: The USS Tang Submarine Experience, honors their memory. Exhibits in the new pavilion make full use of the newest digital technologies for a thrilling journey into the heart of the war experience.

Funds for the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center came from a $20 million Congressional grant through the United States Department of Defense and $15 million gift from The Boeing Company. The gift from Boeing, which built the B-17, represents the largest private contribution the Museum has received to date. Funding for individual exhibits and artifact restoration were provided by other generous donors including Madlyn and Paul Hilliard, the Goldring Family Foundation & The Woldenberg Foundation, Pratt & Whitney, Martin Granoff, the Ricketts family, the Ready family, Capital One and Whitney Bank.

“The swift progress that has been made on this project is emblematic of the unity of spirit, dedication and selfless hard work that won the war on the battlefronts and on the Home Front seven decades ago,” saidDennis Muilenburg, Executive Vice President of The Boeing Company and President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “It is great to see the vision of the Museum’s founders come to life as a place where visitors can gain a fuller appreciation of what so many Americans achieved in World War II and can reflect on what today’s generation of war fighters continue to do for us every day.”

Mueller gave more background to Boeing’s wartime accomplishments.

“Activity on the Home Front was vital to the Allied victory in World War II, and Boeing was at the epicenter of that industrial movement, producing more than 19,000 B-17s, B-29s and other essential aircraft,” he said. “The B-17 and other artifacts in our US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center represent the nation’s tremendous industrial capacity and American wartime ingenuity. We thank Boeing for its contribution to preserving our freedoms then – and now.”

The Museum opened the new pavilion even as another, the $33 million Campaigns of Courage: European & Pacific Theaters, rises nearby – scheduled to open in 2014. The last major building, The Liberation Pavilion (scheduled opening in 2016), will focus on the war’s closing months and the immediate post-war years and contain an expansive special exhibits gallery. A proposed hotel and conference center as well as a parking structure, if built, will finish out the expansion. Upon completion, the Museum will directly sustain more than 400 jobs and generate $100 million each year in positive economic impact.

Education remains the Museum’s primary focus. Exposing younger generations to the accomplishments of the WWII generation is the institution’s foremost mission. Case in point – the Museums decision to assemble student scholars from across the nation on the Museum’s campus this weekend.

As part of a unique partnership with The Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest, The National WWII Museum flew writers of winning essays to New Orleans to take part in the “Salute to Freedom” weekend. Each winner and an adult chaperone received an all-expense-paid trip to New Orleans to represent his or her state at the grand opening. The competition was open to all students in grades 6-12 who qualified for the National History Day Contest, with winners announced on June 14 in College Park, Maryland.

“It’s been an amazing weekend for these young historians,” Mueller said. “I’ve talked to many of them, and they have been overwhelmed by the opportunity to speak directly to the WWII veterans who volunteer at our museum. These men and women made history come alive for them. They won’t forget this experience, nor will we. Our hat’s off to these talented students.”

The firm Voorsanger Mathes, LLC is the architect for the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center. General contractor is Woodward Design + Build, LLC. Exhibit design is provided by Gallagher & Associates.

The National World War II Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world – why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today.  Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National World War II Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org. Follow us on Twitter at WWIImuseum or visit our Facebookfan page.

Related Links:
National WWII Museum website 
National WWII Museum facebook link

Laser Technology to Power All Three Smithsonian IMAX Theaters

SI large colorNew York, NY, USA Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX; TSX: IMX) and the Smithsonian Institution today announced an agreement to install IMAX’s next-generation laser digital projection technology in the Smithsonian’s three IMAX® theatres, enabling the Smithsonian to deliver the highest-quality digital content available – both documentaries and blockbuster films – and further enhance The IMAX Experience® for its millions of visitors annually.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater at the National Museum of Natural History and the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater at the National Air and Space Museum, both inWashington, D.C., and the Airbus IMAX Theater at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., will transition to IMAXs laser digital projectors in 2014.

IMAX’s next-generation projection system is expected to set a new benchmark as the industry’s premium entertainment experience. The system, which incorporates the laser digital intellectual property IMAX exclusively licensed from Eastman Kodak in 2011, represents the largest R&D initiative in IMAX’s history and will enable IMAX® dome theatres and IMAX screens larger than 80 feet to deliver the highest-quality digital content available with greater brightness and clarity, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks.

“Building on our shared legacy of excellence and discovery, we’re delighted that the Smithsonian has adopted this new technology, acting as a springboard for our institutional partners globally,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “For over 35 years, our partnership with the Smithsonian has served as the gold standard in delivering immersive entertainment experiences that educate, inspire and showcase the wonders of our world. We believe the new laser digital projection system will usher in a new era of quality and innovation in projection technology and allow museum-goers to experience their favorite documentaries and blockbusters as never before.”

Since the National Air and Space Museum opened its doors to visitors in 1976, the Smithsonian/IMAX partnership has delivered exceptional-quality and critically acclaimed documentaries and world-class entertainment to millions.   The partnership also has funded and produced groundbreaking IMAX® documentaries including The Dream is AliveBlue PlanetDestiny in Space (with Lockheed Martin Corporation), and Cosmic Voyage (with Motorola).

“Laser digital projection offers our visitors a more immersive and visceral experience, as well as more programming opportunities,” said Christopher A. Liedel, President, Smithsonian Enterprises.  “Today’s agreement continues our decades-long partnership with IMAX and strengthens our commitment to delivering the best educational and entertainment experience.”

About The Smithsonian
The Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846 “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge”, is the world’s largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities.  The Smithsonian Institution holds a collection of 137 million items, and has facilities in Arizona, Maryland, New York City, Virginia, Washington DC, and Panama, and 168 other museums are Smithsonian affiliates. The Institution’s thirty million annual visitors are admitted without charge; funding comes from the Institution’s own endowment, private and corporate contributions, membership dues, government support, and retail, including the three IMAX theaters, concession and licensing revenues.  Institution publications include Smithsonian and Air and Space magazines.

About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you’ve never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX’s network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghaiand Beijing.  As of Sept. 30, 2012, there were 689 IMAX theatres (556 commercial multiplex, 20 commercial destination and 113 institutional) in 52 countries.

IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, The IMAX Experience® and IMAX Is Believing® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).

The Orlando Tourism Bureau Heralds Unprecedented Theme Park Expansions, New Attractions and Accommodations

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Orlando, FL, USA — It’s a lucky year in Orlando, as 2013 offers visitors more reasons to visit the country’s most popular travel destination as unprecedented expansions and technological advancements come to fruition. New theme park attractions, accommodations, dining and shopping, provide more reasons to put Orlando at the top of vacation lists in 2013. Visitors will come face to face with royalty, a colony of penguins and larger than life Transformers as new attractions and thrills open throughout the year.

THEME PARKS

1)    Visitors will embark on a voyage to the bottom-of-the-world, to the coldest and windiest continent as SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment welcomes their biggest expansion to date across all parks with the spring 2013 opening of Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin at SeaWorld Orlando. More than just a new ride, the new “realm” will be the coldest theme park attraction in the world and include a variety of new experiences for guests. A state-of-the-art interactive ride will take guests on an exciting journey through the dangers and wondrous beauty of the Antarctic as they follow and mimic a young penguin’s adventures. Additionally, the new area will include a new penguin habitat that will bring guests closer than ever to a colony of penguins, a gift shop and a new dining concept featuring market-style, international food.

2)    Following a packed 2012 with more new entertainment experiences unveiled in Universal Orlando Resort’s history with Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular nighttime lagoon show, Universal’s Superstar Parade and the reopening of The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, 2013 brings TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D . Opening in summer 2013, the attraction combines the larger-than-life TRANSFORMERS characters and an exciting storyline with life-like HD CGI media, state-of-the-art 3-D technology and amazing special effects to place riders right in the middle of an epic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons.

3)    Little princesses and princes will have even more magical experiences awaiting them at the Walt Disney World Resort, as Fantasyland is undergoing the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history. Fresh off the December 2012 opening is Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, a musical showcase featuring Ariel and friends, as well as Enchanted Tales with Belle where guests of all ages reenact “the tale as old as time” alongside Belle and Be Our Guest Restaurant, the first restaurant in Magic Kingdom to serve alcohol. Opening in 2013 Princess Fairytale Hall will allow guests to interact with beloved princess like Aurora, Cinderella and others in the Castle Courtyard located in the heart of Fantasyland.

4)    Waiting in line may be a thing of the past, when Walt Disney World Resort launches MyMagic+ later this spring. Through MyMagic+, a new Web site and app will give guests, prior to leaving their homes, the opportunity to lock in seating for parades, fireworks and character interactions or even coveted FastPasses. Once in Orlando, guests will wear wristbands called MagicBands, serving as room keys, tickets and FastPasses. The optional system also allows for changes through the app and customization so that characters may even be able to provide personalized greetings.

ATTRACTIONS

5)    Fans of classic rollercoasters won’t want to miss the new White Lighting wooden coaster coming toFun Spot America (formerly Fun Spot Action Park) as part of its 10–acre (3.9-hectare) expansion with the first phase opening spring 2013. Phase one also includes the world’s biggest SkyCoaster, a new suspended family coaster called Vekoma and a wide range of family friendly racetracks and rides. Phase two will open by 2015 with the addition of a water park, dinner show and food court.

6)    Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will unveil the 90,000-square-foot (8,100-meter) home for the Space Shuttle Atlantis, which retired in 2011. Opening July 2013, the $100 million exhibit will provide views of the vehicle up close, along with interactive features reflecting major accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.

SHOPPING

7)    With shopping one of the top activities for visitors to Orlando, 2013 will provide more options for savvy shoppers seeking high-end products. Two of Orlando’s malls, The Florida Mall and The Mall at Millenia will debut new luxury offerings. Clothing retailer Michael Kors, along with accessory and jewelry retailer Tous will be added to the more than 250 retailers a The Florida Mall The Mall at Millenia , ranked in the top 10 among the world’s most successful shopping centers by Shopping Centers Today, will open a new wave of internationally recognized retailers including Prada, YSL and Swiss watchmakers Hublot, Omega and Breitling.

8)    Orlando Premium Outlets – Vineland Ave , one of two Orlando Premium Outlet locations inOrlando, is expanding by adding 80,000 square feet (7,200 square meters) and 12 new stores. The expansion, to be named The Promenade, will be anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and will include additional dining as well as an Information Center.

SPA

9)    Joining Orlando’s nearly two dozen luxury resort and day spas, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort welcomes Senses – A Disney-owned-and-operated spa. The new facility blends turn-of-the-century elegance with modern accoutrements and a dash of Disney whimsy. From water therapy and rejuvenating citrus facials, to a Princess Pedicure or Magical Manicure for little ones ages 4 – 12, the 15 treatments rooms offer a wide variety of options for visitors looking for a little pampering. In addition, the spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is temporarily closed for renovation and will reopen in the summer asSenses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.

DINING

10)    Universal Orlando Resort offers two new dining experiences for guests at its Universal Studios Park. The Superstar Character Breakfast offers guests a chance to meet characters from the Universal Superstar Parade including Despicable Me Minions, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. Guests also receive access to a special viewing area for the parade later that day. The second addition is the Cinematic Spectacular Dining Experience where guests enjoy dinner at Lombard’s Seafood Grille followed by dessert in a private viewing area for Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular nighttime lagoon show.

11)    Opening in spring 2013 and located in Orlando’s Audubon Park, a hub for eclectic, unique and funky small businesses, East End Market will house 10 local, independently owned food enterprises, including a butcher, seafood merchant, produce vendor and baker. Inside the market, James Beard Nominated ChefHenry Salgado, alongside is wife Michele will open Txokos Kitchen (pronounced show-kohs), a dine-in restaurant featuring farm-fresh lunch and dinner options.

ACCOMMODATIONS

12)    The charming town of Winter Park, just north of downtown Orlando welcomes the Alfond Inn atRollins . Opening in 2013, the boutique inn on the property of nationally ranked liberal arts school, Rollins College, offers 110-rooms that feature a swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant, lounge and 9,000 square feet (836 square meters) of meeting space. All profits will go into an endowment to provide full scholarships for top Rollins College students.

13)    Visitors to downtown Orlando will have a new modern place to stay with the August 22, 2013opening of Aloft Orlando Downtown Hotel.   Located within walking distance of the Amway Center, Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts and a variety of restaurants and nightlife options, the 118 guest-room property will feature a bar with cocktails and music, a lounge, free Wi-Fi and more than 5,000 square feet (464 square meters) of meeting and banquet space.

For more information about vacation experiences in Orlando, log onto Orlando’s official Web site at VisitOrlando.com