Monday, March 18, 2024

Movers and shakers

The new Daniels Wood Land facility under construction (see below)

Highlights from industry newsmakers


PSX, Inc announces expansion of executive leadership team with the addition of industry veterans Steven Fisher, Rob Pourciau and John March

“As PSX enters its 25th year in the audiovisual and technology industry, I am both excited and honored to expand our executive leadership team. Steven, Robert and John each bring decades of success and international business expertise to our organization. This team will position PSX for future growth and success, while providing us the ability to better serve our clients globally,” commented Jeff Borne, President and CEO of PSX, Inc.

Steven Fisher has been named Vice President of Business Operations. “I’m thrilled about the opportunity to work with Jeff and team to take this world-class business to the next level. We share the same passion for excellence as it relates to client relationships, project delivery, our team and our culture. Our goal for every project is to innovate within our client’s budget, meet our client’s schedule and exceed our client’s expectations,” says Fisher. A 30-year veteran of the technology industry, Fisher will lead the strategic growth and direction of the business globally. Prior to joining PSX, Fisher served as Vice President, Electrosonic Design Consulting.

With 25 years of experience in the technology industry, Robert Pourciau has been appointed Vice President of Operations for PSX. Pourciau will lead and be responsible for key global operations, including technology design consulting and project delivery efforts.

“It is with great pleasure that I take up this important role at PSX,” said Pourciau. “I’m excited to be part of an organization world-renowned for its technology design and integration of innovative audio, video and control systems.” Prior to joining PSX, Pourciau served as Director, Electrosonic Design Consulting.

John March, who has worked with PSX since 2017, has been named Vice President of Strategic Business Development. March will lead Client Relationship Management and Project Development for the company, focusing on the themed entertainment industry. March has project delivery experience ranging from The Lunar Orbiter and Voyager for NASA, to numerous World Expos and E.T.’s Adventure at Universal Studios Florida. He has successfully delivered many theme park attractions throughout the world and will continue his success through PSX. • • •


Integrated Systems Europe returns to Amsterdam in February 2020

The Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) exhibition for AV and systems integration is a top trade gathering for the global attractions industry and it will return to the RAI Amsterdam venue February 11-14, 2020. The event runs over four days, occupying 15 halls, and is home to everything the professional audiovisual industry has to offer – including the latest developments and technologies that will influence almost every industry’s future. ISE 2020 is produced by Integration Systems Events on behalf of international trade associations and co-owners AVIXA and CEDIA.

ISE 2020 will be bigger than the 2019 event, as has been the trend. Visits are forecast to exceed the 81,000 received in 2019; there will be more floor space; and more conferences and learning opportunities on the agenda. Visitors will be ‘Making Deeper Connections’ with the newest technologies, the latest ideas – and the global AV industry.

Projection mapping examples took place both inside the expo hall and outside, as evidenced in this image from ISE 2019. Photo courtesy of ISE

Designed to help visitors more easily find what is most relevant to them among some 1,300 exhibitors are the six Technology Zones, spread across eight of the 15 halls: these comprise Audio and Live Events, Digital Signage, Education Technology, Residential, Smart Buildings and Unified Communications.

A new initiative for ISE 2020 is the Innovation Zone, a specially designed area for first-time ISE exhibitors to showcase their technology. Also in Hall 14, the ISE Main Stage theater relocates from Hall 8. The Main Stage will offer thought leadership and best practice sessions from ISE, AVIXA, CEDIA and AV Magazine. These sessions are free to attend, and no advance booking is required. Hall 14 will also be the location of an exciting technology feature, details of which will be announced in the near future.

Another show floor development sees an even bigger Hall 5; last year’s temporary extension has been upgraded to a larger permanent one. This will help to accommodate the growing number of exhibitors and visitors looking to take advantage of the opportunity presented by ISE.

Something that has characterized the development of ISE over the years is that it has attracted a growing proportion of end-users anxious to see and hear the latest technologies and solutions for themselves. This evolution in demographics has seen ISE respond with a conference program that has been continually enhanced in both number of sessions and range of topics.

ISE 2020’s conference and professional development program – which runs over five days – will once again be presented with the tagline “Learn, Discover, Be Inspired.” ISE 2020 will reprise the popular Digital Signage Summit ISE and feature more recent additions such as the Digital Cinema Summit ISE and Hospitality Technology Summit ISE by HTNG.

Many of the conferences will take place at the nearby Okura Hotel – a move that proved very popular with visitors when introduced last year. A free shuttle bus will run between the RAI and the conferences.

AVIXA will be hosting FlashTracks throughout ISE 2020 on a dedicated show floor stand. Designed for AV professionals of all experience levels, these are free 20-minute education sessions, focusing on hot industry topics.

There will be many other show features at ISE 2020. Organized and independently judged by EXHBITOR magazine, the Stand Design Awards recognize the most effective small, medium, large and extra-large stands at the show. The Inavation Awards return for the 14th time to recognize the best in global AV projects and technology, as well as outstanding distributors, project managers and consultants. A spectacular projection mapping showcase involving part of the RAI complex will catch the attention at ISE 2020.

ISE’s Opening Address will be given by Duncan Wardle, former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney. It will take place the evening before the ISE 2020 exhibition opens and be followed by the Opening Reception.

ISE 2020 will be the final edition of the show to be held at the RAI Amsterdam; in 2021, ISE will relocate to the Fira de Barcelona. The Business Lounge, between Halls 7 and 8, will have a Barcelona theme. Here attendees can find information about how to get to ISE 2021 and what to expect once they are there.

Additionally, to mark this significant moment in ISE’s story, the traditional Closing Keynote will be replaced by an invitation-only event on Friday. Here ISE will say thank you and goodbye to Amsterdam and the RAI, and look ahead to what Barcelona and the Fira have to offer. “The event will mark the end of an era,” said Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, “and the beginning of an exciting new one.” • • •


Daniels Wood Land constructs new headquarters, tripling size of current space

Known for their themed design and fabrication, shooting galleries, commercial playgrounds, animatronics and tree houses, Daniels Wood Land announces a new $6 million corporate headquarters and shop in Paso Robles, California. The new building coincides with the company’s launch of a new theming division, DWL Studios.

“We are excited to enter this next chapter of our business, which allows us to increase efficiency, capacity and future growth,” says Daniels Wood Land EVP Business Development Andy Dauterman. “Furthermore, DWL Studios will be able to provide dedicated resources and services for our valued clients in the themed entertainment marketplace.”

Company co-founders and twin brothers Ron and John Daniels began to realize their current shop, located five miles from the new facilities, was approaching its limits with larger projects and a broader range of clients becoming the norm. The team began to search for a new site, which was purchased in 2018; construction started mid-2019. The 4-acre property includes a 35,000 square foot building that includes a climate-controlled art department/studio as well as dedicated space for the company’s theming, custom work, steel fabrication, shooting galleries and other departments.

“The new office allows us to provide a full suite of turnkey services to our clients and to turn around projects with greater speed than ever before,” explains Dauterman. The new facility will include upgraded equipment such as the Kuka CNC Milling Robot, new 3D printers, and their recently acquired large format 2D printer.

The structure and space will also be a literal showcase for Daniels Wood Land’s design capabilities. In addition to 1,500 square feet of showroom space, the entire facility façade and interior office environments will be themed. The team even bought and renovated a classic Arrow Development 36”gauge train that will carry visitors on tours around the site. The train was built in the 1960s and sat neglected for many years after having been used at a Seattle shopping mall and various fairs and carnivals. “Visitors to the new site will see immediately our capabilities and quality of work,” says Dauterman.

The company, which has been regularly adding to its staff, anticipates hiring additional workers once the building is ready for occupancy, currently scheduled for January 2020. • • •


Wavetek® celebrates 50 years of industry innovation and launches new logo

WaveTek®, a leading designer and manufacturer of wave generation equipment in the industry is celebrating 50 years of innovative products, pool designs and technology. WaveTek wave generation systems represent over 90% of all recreational wave systems in the U.S. and are installed in over 450 locations world-wide.

Pioneering the industry, ADG WaveTek wave generation has helped set the standard in wave performance and technology, introducing numerous innovative developments such as the US Pneumatic system, tsunami solitary wave technology, first 6 foot pneumatic parallel wave, lazy river waves, staggered caisson design, gutterless wave pool, double break wave pool floor, and the variable wave pattern programmer – their patented Varawave® technology.

“We’ve combined creativity and technology to provide our clients with innovative wave pool shapes, technological advancements and creative applications that are not found anywhere else in the industry,” says Jim Dunn, President of ADG. “WaveTek is continually evolving to meet the growing demands of our clients, and we are always working towards what’s next. WaveTek waves are unmatched in the industry.”

A sample of some recent WaveTek wave installations showcase the variety of WaveTek’s applications:

• Island H2O Live!, Kissimmee, FL – Split Beach Wave pool

• Gaylord Opryland, Nashville, TN – Adventure Swim River and Split Beach Wave pool

• Canobie Lake, Salem, NH – Tidal Wave River

• Six Flags America, Baltimore, MD – Wave River

• H2OBX, Powell’s Point, NC – Dual Entry Wave Pool and Reverse Beach Wave Pool

• Holiday World, Santa Claus, IN – Kids Miniature Wave Pool

• Hyland Hills Water World, Federal Heights, CO – Boogie Boarding Surf Ride

In order to commemorate the continuing evolution of WaveTek waves, ADG has launched a new logo, which best represents the brand and it’s modernization. • • •

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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