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Medialon Controls Show at World’s Largest Coordinated Architectural Projection Installation

Joe Kleiman
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Montreal, Canada — Medialon Show Control technology at “Quartier des Spectacles” in Montreal, Canada, the world’s largest coordinated architectural projection installation ever made

The Quartier des Spectacles is a roughly 1 square kilometer area downtown of Montreal. This area of the city had historically been filled with theatres and cabarets, but in the last 40 years, it had fallen into blight and become an unfavorable, and sometimes dangerous, area of the city. The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership was formed in 2003 to revitalize this once vibrant cultural heart of Montreal. Now, it is the home of not only theatres and cabarets, but restaurants, shopping centers, and many outdoor music and art festivals every year.

Eight main sites and many more to come have transformed buildings into canvases for architectural projection artwork. One of the rules of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership is that the artistic projects should only be used for public art, not for commercialism, so advertising and logos are not allowed as part of the building projections. Many businesses have joined in the fun and added architectural lighting elements of their own to really make the neighborhood lively.

The projection installations are not all simply playback of rendered content. In some cases, interactive elements allow the public to interact with the projections, using game technology and sensors of various types to make the projections truly unique.

Each architectural projection installation has custom made projector housings sitting on rooftops of adjacent buildings that contain not only the high powered projectors but also the media servers, networking gear, show controllers, IP cameras, temperature and humidity sensors, and climate control (for heating, air conditioning, dehumidifying, etc.) The projections run every night year round, so the equipment inside the projector housings must be in a climate-controlled environment for optimum performance. The local show controller (Medialon Showmaster ST) controls and supervises the equipment, schedules playback of shows, controls the temperature and humidity inside the projector housing, manages remote reboot of unresponsive devices, and sends e-mail alarms of any malfunctions , failures, or unusual humidity or temperature readings.

The larger buildings require multiple projector housings all linked together. These linked housings are managed by a single Showmaster ST, but each housing contains a local media server connected to the projectors in that housing.

The technical production team of Quartier des Spectacles has devised a standard set of equipment used in all of the projection installations. This allows for easier stocking of spare parts, easier maintenance, and faster installation of new sites or changes to shows at the permanent sites. Some of the installations are temporary and the equipment is only installed on a temporary basis, allowing flexibility to add new sites for special events.

The Showmasters at each site are connected to the main Quartier des Spectacles headquarters at the Place des Festivals by dedicated fiber optics, microwave radio transmission, or through a virtual private network on the Internet. The main system can control and monitor all the remote sites and even pull up camera views from each site’s IP cameras. The system can even be controlled and monitored remotely from system administrators’ iPhones.

The main installation at the heart of Quartier des Spectacles is the Place des Festivals. This square is where the many festivals take place in the Quartier. There are fountains and lights embedded into the sidewalk. In the summer, fountain and lighting shows accompany the adjacent building projections. The street lights can even be turned off by the show control system during the shows. Since all the systems are tied to the main control system, all sites can be coordinated and synchronized together.

Quartier des Spectacles is the world’s largest coordinated architectural projection installation, made possible by Show Control technology from Medialon.

For further information, please visit: www.facebook.com/quartierdesspectacles, www.quartierdesspectacles.com, www.medialon.com

About Medialon
Medialon designs user friendly yet powerful, IT based audiovisual control solutions, for simple to mission critical applications such as Museum Media Control, Theme Park Wide and Attraction Control, Live Entertainment Show Control and Corporate Showrooms to name just a few.

Our products range includes Show & Media Control Software, Embedded Controllers, Digital Audio Servers, Scheduling Software, and Redundant Control Servers.

With offices in the USA and Europe and international distributors, Medialon solutions are available worldwide.

IAAPA Attractions Expo behind Cruden’s ‘smaaashing’ India debut

Martin Palicki
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New Mumbai-based, sports-focussed entertainment centre, SMAAASH, is the first Indian attraction to install a Cruden professional racing simulator; the SMAAASH team discovered Cruden at previous IAAPA Expos.

Cruden, the world’s leading professional motion simulation company, has sold its first simulator in India, thanks to introductions made at previous IAAPA Attractions Expos. As the company prepares its all-new show booth for this year’s event (November 12-16, 2012; Orlando, USA; stand 1362) – including, for the first time, a single-seater, Formula Style race simulator – it is also building a Hexathrill simulator for new, Indian leisure concept, SMAASH.

AHA Holdings’ SMAASH is a new sports-centric immersive and interactive entertainment centre offering a mix of active and passive entertainment, innovative games, interactive sports and socialising and eating areas, from its location in the Lower Parel area of Mumbai. Guests can drive the Cruden simulator, play on a cricket simulator, enter into combat on an FPS simulator, play on numerous coin-operated machines and watch live sports events on large TV screens. The “high energy” venue will open in October and there are plans to roll out the concept in further cities in India.

“I have been visiting IAAPA for the last 10 years now and it is a one stop shop which inspires truly impressive and exciting entertainment venues across the world and enables the industry to learn best practices from veterans and leaders,” says a spokesperson for AHA Holdings Pvt Ltd. “We met Cruden at IAAPA some years ago. We evaluated almost 15 different companies offering motorsport simulation. Finally we decided to go for Cruden and full motion because it adds the much needed entertainment component as well as helping non-sportspeople to participate in the sport. Our positioning is clearly aimed at youth and today’s youth is very aspirational about motorsport.”

Cruden will exhibit at IAAPA for the 11th consecutive year in 2012 with a new booth design and a specially-built Formula Style simulator in addition to a Hexatech 3CTR (three-seater). “Cruden will look quite different this year – we are offering guests the chance to try the more realistic motorsports driving position of a single-seater race car, something which is being increasingly specified by attractions customers,” says Frank Kalff, commercial director at Cruden.

Cruden simulators, such as the Hexathrill acquired by AHA Holdings, use full motion or ‘six degrees of freedom’. As a designer and manufacturer of professional race simulators and simulator software for the automotive, motorsport and research markets, the company is able to deliver the most realistic, premium motion experiences to attractions guests which do not compare with driving ‘games’ on the market.

About Cruden
Cruden is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of professional, interactive, motion-based racing simulators and a developer of motion-based rides. The company develops the most high tech, realistic and accurate professional equipment for the top levels of international motorsport, including Formula 1, as well as vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers. The same package is then made available to the global attractions market and to private individuals to create a motorsport experience which simply does not compare with ‘games’ machines on the market. Cruden’s heritage is in the development of professional simulators for the aerospace, marine and automotive industries. Originating from Fokker Aircraft Company, the company was FCS Racing Simulation before becoming Cruden in 2006. www.cruden.com

Premier Rides Designing World’s Tallest and Fastest Looping Coaster for Six Flags

Joe Kleiman
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Baltimore, MD, USA (September 28, 2012) — Premier Rides has been selected by Six Flags Magic Mountain to design and build another record-breaking roller coaster for 2013. The Valencia, California theme park chose Premier to create FULL THROTTLE; the world’s tallest and fastest looping coaster. The adrenaline pumping ride will launch riders from zero to 70 miles-per-hour three times with two forward launches and one backward launch. Not only will riders fulfill their need for speed, but they will also get a chance to enjoy a special effects tunnel and the visual of a terrain-following coaster. For the first time riders will also get to experience a rocket launch out of the tunnel, that catapults them up and over a “Top Hat” which outlines the outside of the more than 160 feet loop – the same loop the riders went around the inside of just seconds before. Adding this one-of-a-kind attraction will not only give Magic Mountain the advantage of luring riders in to experience this must-see thrill, but it will also give the park 18 total coasters; more than any other theme park in the world.

Jim Seay, President of Premier Rides, commented, “We are honored to be a part of Six Flags’ formula for success by supplying this one-of-a-kind, record-breaking coaster that is sure to be a crowd pleaser! FULL THROTTLE will incorporate the latest in magnetic launch technology combined with a cutting edge track design resulting in an intense thrill factor.”

After riders board the sleek train, they are filled with anticipation. Suddenly, the train is accelerated from zero to seventy miles per hour as riders experience their first inversion and the thrill of navigating a world record 160ft tall loop! Riders then enter into a high banked curve to the right and then to the left giving them no time to catch their breath as they approach their second inversion – a Dive Loop that drops them deep into a special effects tunnel. While there, the train decelerates and stops for a split second before the riders are launched backwards up to the high point of the Dive Loop. After a momentary pause where the riders can appreciate the height they have reached, the train drops into the station and is again magnetically launched through a high-G turn to the left. Riders then race up and over a Top Hat that traces the outside of the World Record Loop. While at the top, guest enjoy significant air time and a breathtaking view of the park before dropping back down, rapidly decelerating, and taking a final 180° turn to the left to return back to the station. It is only when the train comes to a complete stop do the riders gain an understanding of what the term Full Throttle truly means.

For more information, please visit www.premier-rides.com

ABOUT SIX FLAGS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with over $1.0 billion in revenue and 19 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For more than 50 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest® and Holiday in the Park®.

ABOUT PREMIER RIDES, INC.
Premier Rides is best known for its high-tech magnetic launch roller coasters. The company is also a global supplier of traditional roller coasters, observation wheels, towers, water rides and custom designed attractions. Premier’s service division offers engineering support, complete ride and train rehab, and it maintains and offers spare parts supply on a 24-hour emergency basis. The company is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland and has additional U.S., European, and Asian offices. 

Mummies of the World Opens Sept. 29 in San Antonio

Joe Kleiman
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San Antonio, TX, USA — Mummies of the World arrived at the Witte Museum under heavy security last Wednesday, traveling nearly 1,200 miles from Tampa, Florida for the exhibition’s highly-anticipated debut in San Antonio. Officially opening on Saturday, this will be the exhibition’s exclusive Texas engagement.

Marc Corwin, president of American Exhibitions, Inc. – producer of the exhibition – was joined by Dr. Heather Gill-Frerking, Director of Science & Education for the Mummies of the World exhibition, and Marise McDermott (pictured left), president and CEO of the Witte Museum, for the official arrival of the mummies.

“Often you have Egyptian mummies or you may have perhaps a Bog Mummy, but here is an exhibition that has all of those, so it’s very comprehensive,” said McDermott. “This is a truly unique opportunity to experience mummies from around the world, and the Witte is honored to be able to offer such a perception-changing and thought-provoking collection to the region.”

Mummies of the World was developed by American Exhibitions, Inc., in association with the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums (REM). For more information: www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

projectiondesign Celebrates Five Years of Success at London Transport Museum

Joe Kleiman
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Fredrikstad, Norway — Situated in Covent Garden Market, London’s most frequented tourist hot spot, the London Transport Museum utilises projectiondesign F3+ and F1+ series projectors throughout the museum’s exhibit areas to tell the story of transport within London. The projection system was installed and maintained by global systems integrator, Electrosonic in 2007 and has been working non-stop ever since.

“In 1933, Chief Executive, Frank Pick’s mantra was ‘fitness for purpose’ and he believed that good design was essential. This principle applies to the design of technology in our gallery,” explains Rob Lansdown, Chief Projects and Infrastructure Officer at London Transport Museum. “We use projection to show how this unique design culture was developed across the company’s entire range, from vehicles and architecture to information signs and publicity. Our requirements in 2007 were for high-resolution projectors that would be stable over time as well as produce outstanding image quality in various ambient light levels and, which required minimum maintenance over the lifetime of the exhibit. We are very pleased with how well the projectors have performed.”

F1+ projectors are installed in a specially designed ceiling mount to project a massive 12-meter floor canvas. The exhibit takes advantage of projectiondesign’s high brightness, accurate colour capabilities and 24/7 failsafe operation. Visitors can see the collection of 5,000 posters and art collection for themselves as they walk through the exhibit.

Museum-wide projection

projectiondesign F3+ and F1+ series projectors are used to communicate the story of London in major exhibits such as Victorian transport, World’s first underground, Pioneer tube, Travel revolution, Growth of suburbia, London in the 1920s and 1930s, London transport at war, London Icons and Transport futures.

“Our museum has no moving parts, so through projection, we are able to visualise the scale, size and complexity of London’s transport,” adds Lansdown.

“The building is an English Heritage grade II listed former Victorian flower market, which relies on natural cooling and heating. As with all technology, heat is an issue for us, and Electronsonic designed specially mounted projection systems.”

Anders Løkke, Marketing Director at projectiondesign says: “the London Transport Museums relies heavily on the 24/7 use and stable image qualities over time. We’re delighted that they have used our technology to showcase such an important exhibition.”

London Transport Museum welcomes thousands of visitors each week. It also hosts conferences and exhibitions for the visitor attractions industry throughout the year.

For further information about this and other leading products please visit projectiondesign.com

About projectiondesignprojectiondesign is a Norwegian company that designs, manufactures and markets a range of high performance projectors for professional, business and consumer applications. Amongst its core markets are high resolution scientific visualization, visual training and simulation, medical imaging, broadcast and post production, public media and entertainment. Numerous industry milestones that distinguish projectiondesign’s award winning, innovative technology include the introduction of the world’s first single-chip SXGA DLP projector in 2002, the first commercially available 1080p DLP projector in 2006, the first WUXGA resolution DLP projector, and the first portable and high-resolution active 3D stereoscopic projector in 2008. In 2009, projectiondesign introduced its first 3-chip projector and debuted LED illumination. 2010 signified the company’s first image warp and blend product with the Multi Image Processors, as well as the world premiere of the WQXGA resolution (2,560 x 1,600) projector, and revolutionary patented Remote Light Source technology. The entire professional product range is warranted for 24/7 usage. projectiondesign is located in Fredrikstad, Norway, with representatives in more than 20 offices throughout the world, and regional headquarters in New York and Beijing.

Discovery Place Opening Photographic Exhibition on World of Coffee

Joe Kleiman
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Charlotte, NC, USA — For 500 million coffee drinkers worldwide, the rich aroma of a daily cup of coffee is an expected and habitual part of their everyday routine. But before coffee beans can be imported, ground and brewed, they are cared for and cultivated by an estimated 25 million people across the planet whose often arduous daily work ensures the steady drip of one of the world’s most popular beverages.

The Birth of Coffee, an exhibition of words and photographic images opening October 2 at Discovery Place and sponsored by S&D Coffee and Tea, focuses on the people across the world who grow and produce coffee, often in small hillside villages using dated methods. It captures the global stories of the intense and often difficult growing techniques, in the process illuminating the science and the diverse human experience behind the daily cup. Based on author Linda Rice Lorenzetti and photographer Daniel Lorenzetti’s book of the same name, The Birth of Coffee travels a quarter of a million miles across four continents from the old Dutch plantations of Sumatra to the mountains of Costa Rica.

“While we may enjoy it as part of our daily ritual, we don’t often look beyond our lattes to think about the ways science influences coffee production,”said John Mackay, president and CEO, Discovery Place. “From agricultural techniques to the environment to the people behind the process, this exhibition is a fantastic visual representation of how those coffee beans reach your cup.”

As coffee trees grow and are cared for, they produce white flowers with“cherries” containing a seed called the coffee bean. Cherries are harvested and cultivated and then categorized by color, weight and size to be bagged and prepared for international export. And with the popularity of coffee-based drinks skyrocketing and the debut of coffee blenders, roasters and other technology, the evolving personally-crafted coffee beverage continues to heighten demand for the dark brew.

“I think that when most people sit and have a cup of coffee in the morning they don’t understand what it takes to get that coffee to the table,”says author Linda Rice Lorenzetti. “It’s important to make those connections and hopefully this project does that,” said exhibition photographer Daniel Lorenzetti.

Among the 40 coffee-tinted images with narrative text in the exhibition:

  • The Coffee Ceremony, Ethiopia – Coffee is indigenous to the Ethiopian culture and a centuries-old tradition dictates the steps this Ethiopian woman follows: first roasting the beans, then preparing the coffee and lighting itan, a myrrh incense, while waiting for it to brew.
  • The Transaction, Yemen – Coffee is strictly in the male realm in Yemen. Whether transporting coffee to market, pulping, winnowing, weighing, measuring, buying or selling – the industry is exclusively composed of men conducting business with other men.
  • In the Trees, Costa Rica – It is not by chance that school vacation coincides with the coffee harvest in Costa Rica. The Fiesta de Café is a time of hard work in which the community and entire families participate and there are often celebrations.

“There is a moving story of relatedness in these pictures. Millions of people are involved in growing, harvesting, and caring for the coffee we love so much and this exhibition reminds us of our connection,” said Tracy Ging, director of sustainability & corporate social responsibility, S&D Coffee and Tea. “Our business is about people–from those who grow our products, those we employ, and to those we serve–and this event is one way we can honor some of those people.”

The Birth of Coffee is on display at Discovery Place October 2, 2012 – January 7, 2013. For more information about the exhibition visit discoveryplace.org or birthofcoffee.com.

About The Image Expedition and The Birth of Coffee
The Image Expedition imageexedition.com is a not for profit documentary organization designed to document (with words and images) and preserve ancient places and indigenous ways of life that, with the passage of time, might otherwise be lost forever…it is global visual artifact gathering. The Birth of Coffee, birthofcoffee.com is a project of The Image Expedition. 

About S&D Coffee, Inc.
S&D Coffee, Inc. is headquartered in Concord, NC and has been privately held since its founding in 1927. Since then, S&D has become one of the top foodservice roasters in the United States, the leading provider of foodservice iced tea and the first American coffee roaster to be ISO 9001: 2008 compliant.

About Discovery Place
One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that engage people in the active exploration of science and nature. The Museum brings relevant, contemporary science to life through groundbreaking exhibitions, interactive educational programming and hands-on activities. Nearly a half-million people from all over the United States engage with Discovery Place and its IMAX® Dome Theatre each year.

Discovery Place is located in uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon Street. Convenient parking is available in the Museum’s parking deck – the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex – at the corner of Sixth and Church Streets. For more information about Discovery Place, call 704.372.6261 x300, visit discoveryplace.org or connect with Discovery Place on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Discovery Place Inc. owns and operates Discovery Place, Charlotte Nature Museum and Discovery Place KIDS and is supported, in part, with funding from the Arts & Science Council.

Resorts World Sentosa to Hold Grand Opening Dec 7; Marine Life Park Completes Final Phase of Construction

Joe Kleiman
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Singapore — Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) today announced 7 December 2012 as its official opening date, with a line-up of celebrations over that weekend to mark the occasion. Leading up to this festive occasion, is the opening of the second of its two anchor attractions – Marine Life Park. Housing more than 100,000 marine animals of over 800 species in more than 60 million litres of water, this attraction will be the world’s largest oceanarium. The Marine Life Park (MLP) inauguration caps a list of 12 major launches in the 49-hectare Integrated Resort’s three-year history, which commenced with the ribbon cutting at four of its six hotels in January 2010

Raising the curtains for the Grand Opening festivities will be a ceremonial launch at the resort’s Lake of Dreams, public performances, and a 12-minute public fireworks display at its waterfront promenade. The world’s best-selling soprano, Ms. Sarah Brightman, will perform accompanied for the first time by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, in a gala dinner for 1,600 invited guests at the Resorts World Convention Centre.

Mr. Tan Hee Teck, CEO of Resorts World Sentosa, said: “Resorts World Sentosa set out to be the integrated resort that would transform Singapore’s tourism landscape, bring economic benefits to Singapore and contribute to the local community. With unwavering commitment by all stakeholders,we are proud we did it.”

“When the new Marine Life Park opens, we believe we will help put Singapore in the pole position as the number one family destination in this region for many years to come. This is the only integrated resort in the world that a visitor can spend over three full days in engaging and fun-filled activities. We have six hotels, a major convention centre, a great Maritime Museum, a world-renowned spa, and two mega attractions – Universal Studios Singapore and the Marine Life Park. ”

The world’s largest oceanarium will comprise two ticketed attractions, giving guests the option of either getting wet or staying dry. Adventure Cove Waterpark will be the region’s only water park with marine life elements, while the Southeast Asia Aquarium (S.E.A. Aquarium) will be the world’s biggest aquarium, featuring over 100,000 animals including stars such as manta rays and hammerhead sharks. Mr. Dennis Gilbert, Senior Vice President of Attractions at Resorts World Sentosa, said that the park is created on an integrated edutainment concept that will give visitors insights into the fascinating marine world.
                                                       
“No other attraction in this part of the world comes close to the Marine Life Park in terms of scope and concept. We believe the Marine Life Park, being the world’s largest marine classroom, gives us the opportunity to put Singapore on the world map for innovative marine conservation and education programmes,’’ said Mr. Gilbert.

Besides  international research and conservation projects, the Marine Life Park will also roll out programmes for local students from pre-school to tertiary levels, giving them the chance to interact with marine animals and learn from marine life specialists.

Whether it is the adrenaline rush on the water coasters or a deeper dive into the fascinating world of marine habitats, the Marine Life Park has it all.  More details on opening dates and ticketing will be made available closer to the Marine Life Park’s opening. For more information and behind-the-scene exclusives, guests can check for updates on the Marine Life Park blog at http://mlp.rwsentosablog.com.

For more information, please www.rwsentosa.com.

ABOUT RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), Singapore’s first integrated resort is located on the resort island of Sentosa.   Spanning 49 hectares, the resort opened in January 2010 and welcomed over 30 million visitors in its first two years of opening. RWS is home to the region’s first-and-only Universal Studios theme park, the Maritime Experiential Museum, a casino, luxurious accommodation in six unique hotels, the Resorts World Convention Centre, celebrity chef restaurants, a world-class destination spa as well as specialty retail outlets. The resort also offers entertainment including public attractions such as the Crane Dance and the Lake of Dreams. Coming soon is the world’s largest oceanarium  – the Marine Life Park. Resorts World Sentosa is wholly owned by Genting Singapore, a company of the Genting Group.

More on the Marine Life Park
At  Adventure Cove Waterpark, thrill seekers can enjoy an exhilarating splash at Southeast Asia’s first Hydromagnetic Coaster – Riptide Rocket (a slide that takes riders upwards) or snorkel amongst thousands of fishes in the Rainbow Reef. The park will also feature sharks feeding, immersive experiences as well as interaction programmes with Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins next year.

Over at  S.E.A. Aquarium, visitors will venture on an inspiring journey to discover  marine life and habitats that seafarers sailed over, from Southeast Asia to the African subcontinent and beyond. The highlight of this journey, and the centrepiece of the aquarium, is the world’s largest aquarium viewing panel.

ASTM F24 to Hold Meetings Oct 18-20 On Ride Safety

Joe Kleiman
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West Conshohocken, PA — ASTM F24, the committee on amusement rides and attractions which produces global safety standards for the amusement industry, will be holding three days of meetings from October 18th through October 20th, 2012 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. Approximately fifty separate meetings will be held, each one focusing on a specific safety element of the amusement industry. Upwards of 200 safety experts from all over the world are expected. Meetings are open to both members and non-members of ASTM and registration is available at http://www.astm.org/.

In addition to traditional sessions on issues like ride design, operations, and maintenance, some special areas of focus include nontraditional areas of growth, such as participatory attractions like zip lines, rock wall climbing, inflatables, Zorbs, and trampolines. A number of meetings will also focus on water-related attractions which continue to see ample growth in the resort and hotel industry. A significant amount of work has been performed on the subject of trains, which will also be reviewed in detail.

A number of sessions will again be held to assist global representatives with the adoption of ASTM F24 standards. Representatives of Central and South America as well as Asia have already confirmed participation. The recently passed F24 Canada-specific standard is being used as a model for other countries that have a desire to adopt F24 standards, but have specific internal requirements that must be added to the existing standards. The newly established task group focused on Latin American adoption of F24 will meet to review the model. Len Morrissey, Director/TCO Division of ASTM International, stated, “With the success of the Canadian and Colombian efforts, we now have a clear path that allows any country to adopt F24 standards and still recognize specific national requirements.”

Preregistration for the ASTM F24 Fall 2012 Meeting is strongly encouraged. Additionally, ASTM F24 urges all participants to make room reservations at the Grand Sierra Resort as soon as possible to take advantage of the special group rate, which ends September 30th. A complete list of meeting details can be found at the ASTM website.

Jim Seay, chairman of ASTM F24 Committee and president of Premier Rides, commented, “The best thing about the ASTM meetings is that there is a wide diversity of attendees ranging from the largest operators to regulatory officials to consumer advocates. I am extremely pleased with the high level of interest expressed by committee members in the upcoming fall 2012 meeting. I am grateful that participants will travel from around the globe to share their passion for safety in the amusement industry. As always, the meeting is open to all that have an interest in safety and would like to contribute to the industry standards.”

Furthermore, the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) will collocate its biannual Safety Committee Meeting in Reno, Nevada on October 17th.

ABOUT ASTM COMMITTEE F24
ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices was formed in 1978. F24 meets twice a year, usually in February and October, with over 100 members from around the world attending several days of technical meetings. The Committee, with current membership of over 600 global members, currently has jurisdiction over 17 standards, published in multiple languages in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 15.07. These standards continue to play a preeminent role in all safety aspects important to amusement rides and devices.

ABOUT ASTM INTERNATIONAL
ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world and is a trusted source for the technical standards of materials, products, systems, and services. Known for their high technical quality and market relevancy, ASTM International standards have an important role in the information infrastructure that guides design, manufacturing and trade in the global economy. Standards developed at ASTM are the work of over 30,000 ASTM members. These technical experts represent producers, users, consumers, government and academia from over 120 countries. Participation in ASTM International is open to all with a material interest, anywhere in the world.

LEGOLAND California Previews Final Room Decor

Joe Kleiman
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Carlsbad, CA, USA — As construction on North America’s first LEGOLAND® Hotel continues and anticipation builds, LEGOLAND® California Resort offered a sneak peek into a LEGO® themed room that is already complete. Decorated in Kingdom theme, the finished room features LEGO models and décor fit for a prince and princess. Guests can also enjoy their stay in Pirate and Adventure themed rooms. All rooms are themed after three popular areas in LEGOLAND California.

Opening the summer of 2013, LEGOLAND hotel is now accepting reservations for guests wanting to be among the first to book a stay at the 250 room hotel. Vacation packages for stays starting May 2013 include four 2-day resort hopper tickets for entrance into LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE® Aquarium and LEGOLAND® Water Park; breakfast for up to four people and early admission into the family theme park on both days.

The three-story LEGOLAND Hotel, located at LEGOLAND California Resort, is designed to give guests the interactive family experience that has brought success to LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE®Aquarium and LEGOLAND® Water Park. Created to bring children’s imaginations to life, the LEGO® themed hotel will feature brightly colored, interactive LEGO décor, a pool and lounge area, patio, event space and buffet restaurant. For more information and to book a reservation, visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call (877) LEGOLAND.

LEGOLAND® California Resort includes LEGOLAND® California, SEA LIFE® Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park, all geared for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. LEGOLAND California features more than 60 rides, shows and attractions including LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland and the all new Pirate Reef. SEA LIFE incorporates LEGO® models into a child’s voyage to the depths of the ocean and features play zones, fun facts and quiz trails and the all new Claws exhibit. LEGOLAND Water Park opened in 2010 as the world’s first LEGO themed Water Park and features seven slides, interactive water play features and the exclusive Build-A-Raft River. 

About Merlin Entertainments
MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates more than 90 attractions, seven hotels/two holiday villages in 21 countries and across four continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 46 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 18,000 employees. Among Merlin’s attractions are – SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND®, The EDF Energy London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND®Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Blackpool Tower, Heide Park, WILD LIFE Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye and SKYWALK, Siam Ocean World and Busan Aquarium. All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative –and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

Merlin currently has 17 attractions in the USA including the stunning LEGOLAND Florida theme park which opened in October last year; LEGOLAND California theme park with its exciting Water Park, and SEA LIFE Aquarium (a hotel will also open in 2013); Madame Tussauds attractions in New York, Washington D.C., Las Vegas and Hollywood; LEGOLAND Discovery Centers in Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth; and SEA LIFE Aquariums in Phoenix, Arizona; Dallas/Fort Worth; the Mall of America in Minneapolis, underlining the company’s position as the world’s biggest global aquarium operator. Four more Merlin attractions opened in the USA in 2012 – a SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Kansas City; Missouri; LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Water Park in LEGOLAND Florida.

IAAPA Elects Universal’s John McReynolds as Third Vice Chairman

Joe Kleiman
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Alexandria, VA, USA (September 24, 2012) — The board of directors of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has elected John McReynolds third vice chairman. McReynolds is senior vice president – external affairs for Universal Parks and Resorts. He will move through the positions of third, second, and first vice chairmen before leading the association as its chairman of the board in 2016.

“John has been an industry leader and active IAAPA volunteer for more than 10 years,” said Darrell Metzger, chairman of the IAAPA nominating committee and chairman of Themed Attractions and Destinations Resorts in Malaysia. “His extensive experience, understanding of the key issues and opportunities facing the worldwide industry, and his leadership acumen will play a key role in moving the association forward for the next five years.”

McReynolds started his career in the attractions industry in 1995 when he joined the Universal Orlando team as manager, government relations. He was named vice president in 1999, and in 2001 he assumed oversight responsibility for political, regulatory, and legislative matters for Universal’s parks and resorts in Orlando, Florida, and Hollywood, California. He was promoted to senior vice president in 2007 and is responsible for government and community relations for the company. Prior to joining Universal, and for eight years, McReynolds served on the staff of United States Senator Connie Mack.

McReynolds has also been an active volunteer within IAAPA for 10 years. He is a member of the board of directors for the IAAPA Foundation; has served two terms on the IAAPA Board of Directors; was on the association’s executive and nominating committees; and has chaired the IAAPA Government Relations and Political Action committees. McReynolds has also been a featured speaker at IAAPA Attractions Expo.

McReynolds is involved in a number of travel industry, civic, and community organizations including California Attractions and Parks Association, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Visit Florida, Orlando Business Force, Efficient Transportation Coalition of Central Florida, Orlando Inner-City All Stars, West Orange Chamber of Commerce, California Tourism Industry Association, and the YMCA Aquatic Center.

www.IAAPA.org

About IAAPA
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded in 1918, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry. IAAPA represents more than 4,000 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. Member facilities include amusement/theme parks, water parks, attractions, family entertainment centers, arcades, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and casinos. IAAPA is a nonprofit organization. Revenue generated for the association by its involvement in trade shows and other activities are returned to the association to fund services for its members and the industry. The association’s global headquarters office is in Alexandria, Virginia, United States. The association maintains regional offices in Brussels, Mexico City, and Hong Kong. 
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