The San Antonio Zoo turned to PGAV Destinations to design a new entrance and extensive gorilla habitats for both the animals and human guests to enjoy.
When it opens in 2025, Epic Universe will be a game changer for Universal Orlando
by Gabrielle Russon
Epic Universe, Orlando’s first theme park built from the ground up in a quarter century, is nearly one year away from opening, with some predicting that Universal Orlando’s new park will revolutionize the industry and raise the bar for the region’s destination theme parks.
Built on 750 acres near the Orange County Convention Center, Epic Universe will be the largest U.S. park in Universal’s global portfolio. The addition of Epic – with five themed lands, more than 50 experiences and three hotels – doubles the size of the current Universal Orlando Resort. Park construction was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the company has stated Epic Universe is on track to open in 2025.
“Our vision is a big one. We want to create a level of experience that frankly forever changes the theme park landscape as you know it today,” said then-Universal Parks and Resorts CEO Tom Williams when unveiling the project in 2019.
Map of the Epic Universe’s five lands
Epic Universe’s themed lands hinge on popular intellectual property that already has a strong track record at the box office and Universal’s other parks. The lands are themed to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and How to Train Your Dragon, as well as a reimagined look at Universal’s classic monsters called the Dark Universe.
For fans, that means visiting the Ministry of Magic, feeling like you are in a giant video game, soaring high with dragons and also keeping your wits in an ominous, monster-filled experience starring Dr. Victoria Frankenstein.
The fifth land, Celestial Park, is the heart of Epic Universe. Celestial Park offers three attractions, including a dual-launch roller coaster called Starfall Racers. But what sets Celestial Park apart is the landscape. The digital renderings show a path through gardens with lush trees and waterways.
Universal Epic Universe – Celestial Park – Park Arrival
“It’s where we put the park back into theme park,” said Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences, in a video released in January introducing the property.
So far, Universal’s publicity on Epic Universe has been mostly limited to that January video and artist renderings, which created a buzz on social media and in the theme park community. The video was watched nearly two million times in six weeks.
“We went to the fans and we asked them, and the answer was pretty compelling. Give us more of your great storytelling, more of the immersive environments and do it in the most visceral manner possible,” Woodbury said in the video. “The idea was to bring you to these worlds you couldn’t otherwise possibly imagine. To do that, we wanted to create a mechanism that allows you to be transported into another world and it starts at the very entrance of the park itself.”
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
The green space at Epic Universe is unique, said Bill Zanetti, an instructor at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, who teaches about theme park design and management.
“To see that many waterfalls, and that many trees and gardens surrounding a beautiful path – we haven’t seen that in a long time in the parks,” said Zanetti. “That’s something where the trees will get bigger and the whole area will get more beautiful as time goes on. I think that will be incredible.”
What also sets Epic Universe apart is in how it has been designed to host special events as Universal seeks to tap into business at the Orange County Convention Center. A record breaking 1.57 million people attended OCCC’s 172 events during the 2022-23 fiscal year, according to Visit Orlando.
Universal Epic Universe – Celestial Park
“The park is built so that you can come into one land and not the whole park,” said then-NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell during the UBS Global Conference in 2022, presumably indicating that individual lands could be rented out for private functions by multiple groups at the same time. Shell called getting into the nighttime convention business “an interesting experiment for us.”
Visit Orlando CEO Casandra Matej said the park is “amplifying Orlando’s appeal for group meetings and conventions.”
“As Orlando gears up to unveil Epic Universe in 2025, our tourism landscape enters an exciting new chapter,” Matej said.
Epic Universe’s Celestial Park will feature three new attractions
Beyond the theme park rides, Universal is building three new hotels. Universal Stella Nova and Universal Terra Luna resorts will be next to Epic Universe while the 500-room Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be “integrated into the park like no other theme park in the world,” Woodbury said.
Company leaders say Epic Universe is poised to elevate Universal Orlando Resort into a weeklong destination for guests. Zanetti agrees. “A lot of people will now look at Universal and think, ‘I could just spend a week here without hesitation,’” he said.
All that bolsters Orlando’s reputation as vacation capital of the world. “Epic Universe is a game changer. It will create a whole new level of theme park entertainment that should help Orange County remain the number one tourist destination in North America,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said. •
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic portal
How Moment Factory redefines the magic of thematic multimedia experiences
interview by Martin Palicki
From modest beginnings in Montreal, Moment Factory has evolved into one of the world’s leading immersive experience design companies. With an exceptional roster of clients that includes Disney, Madonna, Universal Studios, Billie Eilish, Changi Airport, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Microsoft, Sony and more, Moment Factory has developed experiences and environments that have reached people around the globe.
Stéphane Raymond
The company has expanded in ways it never anticipated. Moment Factory’s Lumina Night Walk series, for example, started as a single project in Québec just over ten years ago, and today boasts over 20 installations across multiple continents.
Honored by Fast Company as one of the world’s “Most Innovative Companies,” Moment Factory has flourished precisely because it has continued to explore new technologies and creative techniques to enhance and redefine immersive visitor experiences. InPark spoke with Moment Factory’s Stéphane Raymond, Executive Director – Production & Custom Experiences to learn more about the company’s recent projects and plans for future innovation.
What sorts of new spaces are you bringing immersive environments into?
As we continue to push the boundaries of immersive design and technology, the potential for themed entertainment and immersive environments to captivate, educate, and inspire is boundless. Whether in corporate settings or bustling transportation hubs, these experiences possess the ability to transform ordinary spaces into captivating destinations, creating a sense of wonder for all who encounter them.
For example, drawing upon Moment Factory’s expertise in themed attractions and adapting immersive design practices across diverse industries, we undertook the transformation of the Hall of The Grand Magic Hotel in France in 2022. Employing interior design, digital content, lighting, and sound design, we crafted multimedia environments that transport guests into an immersive storyworld. Fantastical architectural effects and illusions unveil surprises for guests to discover, providing a glimpse into the show- stopping moments to come.
The digital sky installation at Singapore Changi Airport
As another recent example, Terminal 2 at Singapore Changi Airport stands as an innovative collaboration aimed at pushing boundaries for multimedia installations in airports. As a gateway to Singapore—renowned worldwide as the Garden City—the terminal blurs the boundary between nature and architecture, connecting travelers to the urban greenery that defines the city. In collaboration with Changi Airport Group and design studio Boiffils, Moment Factory created two signature installations to bring the magic of nature into the passenger experience: In the Departure Hall, a four-story digital waterfall offers outbound travelers a moment of wonder. On the airside, transit passengers can relax in an immersive garden beneath a limitless digital sky, emulating daylight and meteorological conditions in real time.
What are some of the most unusual venues you’ve worked on?
We specialize in mega canvases, enabling us to execute our projects on a variety of large, unconventional surfaces, ranging from historic landmarks and cathedrals to cutting-edge technological marvels like The Sphere in Las Vegas.
One notable endeavor is the “Ode à la vie”: Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Marking the inaugural video mapping projection on Antoni Gaudí’s revered facade, this undertaking was truly monumental. The intricacies of the monument, characterized by highly-detailed designs, flowing curves, and irregular surfaces, presented formidable challenges in accurately mapping video content onto its exterior. It demanded innovative approaches as we ventured into unexplored territories to ensure a flawlessly immersive experience for our audience.
AURA at the Dome Les Invalides (revealed in 2023) was also an unusual and challenging venue to work with. Spanning a vast 3,500-square-meter projection area, this project merged state-of-the-art multimedia technology with the architectural and historical significance of the site, preserving its integrity while captivating the public with an unforgettable experience.
What types of stories make the most sense for creating engaging experiences?
To create engaging experiences, it’s crucial to focus on clear and concise narrative, avoiding excessive complexity that could lose the audience. Prioritizing emotional storytelling, focusing on the heart rather than the intellect, helps forge authentic and lasting connections with the audience.
A good example of this principle lies within one of our recent projects, Kaleidoscope Kavern Lazy River, which is part of the 40,000-square-foot expansion of the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark in Tennessee. This immersive multimedia tunnel offers guests an enchanting journey through visions and soundscapes inspired by the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, featuring fireflies, starlit skies, and Tennessee’s four seasons. The straightforward storyline of this project not only significantly enhanced its impact but also facilitated multigenerational comprehension and resonated universally.
How do you keep pushing the envelope as people expect more?
Our commitment to innovation drives us to constantly hack technology. We are relentless in our pursuit of pushing the limits, seeking to uncover new creative avenues and redefine what is possible. We invest significantly in innovation. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements and fostering a culture of creativity, we ensure that our projects remain ahead of the curve.
AURA at the Dome Les Invalides
We strive to understand our audience better and always keep the public in mind, as our motto states, “We do it in public.” Through analysis of behaviors and preferences, as well as the tools people engage with, we tailor our innovations to resonate profoundly with the human desire to connect with one another.
We recognize the power of collaboration and cross-pollination. By bringing together diverse talents and perspectives, we ignite a spark of innovation that propels us towards even greater heights. We actively cultivate communities of practice, encouraging collaboration and the sharing of ideas. By nurturing a culture of openness and learning, we continuously enrich our creative ecosystem.
In an ever-evolving landscape where demands escalate incessantly, we embrace the challenge with fervor. It is through our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries that we continually strive to surpass expectations and set new benchmarks for excellence.
Let’s talk about the Lumina Night Walks. How do you keep those fresh and innovative?
We engage closely with the communities and cultures of each site, tailoring our stories to their unique ecosystems and drawing inspiration directly from the surrounding forests or locations. Additionally, leveraging a decade’s worth of audience data, we incorporate valuable insights into our new experiences, ensuring they align with the evolving preferences of visitors.
In our ongoing Lumina Night Walk series, we’ve introduced Astra Lumina, which features a narrative inspired by the universal story of the stars presented in multiple locations. This allows for easier deployment and broader accessibility to a wider spectrum of audiences. Additionally, the Astra Lumina installations can be mobile and adaptable to accommodate the seasonal needs of different sites.
Furthermore, we convene annual innovation workshops for brainstorming and creating new ideas and approaches.
Last year you also unveiled your second AURA experience in France. How did you build on/change/grow from the original installation in Montreal?
AURA Invalides, launched in September 2023, is the culmination of an ambitious technological endeavor that involved extensive 3D scanning, the development of a “digital twin” and ultimately, the seamless integration and concealing of all on-site equipment.
Moreover, considering that the first AURA at the Notre-Dame Basilica took place seven years ago, we had access to seven years worth of data, evolution, and growth, both in terms of technology and our team’s creative skills. This enabled us to enhance our tools and techniques, resulting in a refined and impactful experience within a wider and more complex architectural setting.
What about working with brands directly? How do you craft experiences for brands?
Working directly with brands has been an integral part of our journey, reflecting a dynamic shift in how brands seek to engage with their audiences and forge deeper connections.
Take, for instance, our collaboration with UNICEF USA for Heart Strings – an interactive walkthrough featuring dynamic multimedia installations that engage visitors, promote learning, and inspire support for the UNICEF cause. In this case, we have adapted the humanitarian organization’s values, mission, and initiatives into an original, multi-dimensional experience to shine a light on the world’s children, transcending borders, cultures, and languages to create a deeply moving and engaging journey for all ages.
Similarly, the upcoming launch of The Messi Experience (produced, created and designed by Primo Entertainment and Moment Factory) uses this ethos. Set to debut in Miami, this multimedia and immersive experience employs interactive elements, captivating lighting design, an original score, augmented games and projection mapping to create an unforgettable encounter with Lionel Messi, pioneering new and engaging experiences for fans worldwide.
In essence, our approach involves not just crafting experiences, but curating immersive narratives that enhance a brand’s identity and mission. Through innovation and creativity, we create storyworlds that leave lasting impressions and bring people together, fostering meaningful connections. •
Prior to the one-year key milestone for the opening of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, the Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri S. Kerkentzes carried out a four-day Technical Visit in Japan to review preparations for the next World Expo.
With construction on the Expo site advancing at full speed and International Participants in the final stages of planning the content of their pavilions, the visit was an opportunity for the Secretary General to discuss the Expo’s progress and technical steps with Organizer and key decision makers.
In Tokyo, the Secretary General met with the Minister of Economy Trade and Industry, Ken Saito and the Expo Minister, Hanako Jimi. Meetings were also held with the Commissioner-General of the Expo, Ambassador Koji Haneda, and Chairman and Representative Director of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, Masakazu Tokura. These discussions focused on preparations and initiatives aiming at building momentum towards the Expo, and on efforts to ensure the Expo’s impact resonates across Japan and around the world.
Traveling to Osaka on April 9-11, the Secretary General was received by representatives of local government including the Governor of Osaka Prefecture, Hirofumi Yoshimura, and the Mayor of Osaka, Hideyuki Yokoyama. Technical meetings were also held with the Expo Organizer including the Secretary General of the Japan Association for Expo 2025, Hiroyuki Ishige.
A visit to the Expo site, on Yumeshima Island was also organized, allowing the Secretary General to see the progress made so far and the outlines of pavilions as well as to take part in the groundbreaking ceremony marking the launch of construction on Germany’s pavilion. Construction of the large wooden ring, the main symbol of the Expo site, is now more than 70 percent complete, and work is well underway on major facilities and thematic pavilions.
Regarding international participants, the construction of self-built pavilions was launched at the end of 2023 and Organizer-built pavilions are set to be delivered in the coming months. The next International Participants Meeting gathering the 170 countries and international organizations taking part in the Expo is set to take place in June 2024, in order to discuss progress, coordinate activities and address any outstanding questions ahead of the Expo’s opening on April 13, 2025.
The Secretary General stated: “All efforts are being deployed to make Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai a transformational and truly innovative event showcasing the future potential for people and the planet. With one year to go, we are poised to deliver a World Expo that will inspire millions and leave a lasting impact on Future Society.”
The one-year countdown is being marked by a series of events and promotional activities in Osaka and further afield, and is being accompanied by the first major marketing campaign since ticket sales for the Expo were launched in November 2023.
World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai will take place on a 155-hectare (383-acre) site on Yumeshima Island between April 13 and October 13, 2025. The Expo will address the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, with its three subthemes being Saving Lives, Empowering Lives and Connecting Lives.
Merlin Entertainments announced a partnership with U.S. and UK-based media company Wheelhouse. The partnership will bring together Merlin’s attractions with Wheelhouse’s creative and production expertise to create a range of entertainment content, including original non-scripted TV programs that entertain and inspire audiences of all ages across the globe.
The partnership will leverage Merlin’s expertise in creating immersive experiences for millions of guests across its 140+ attractions spanning 23 countries globally alongside Wheelhouse’s talent in developing and producing content for television and other platforms. The partnership will explore the potential of Merlin’s brands, such as SEA LIFE and others from its Gateway Attractions brand portfolio including the London Eye and Warwick Castle, as well as locations, such as Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, and Chessington World of Adventures Resort to develop TV programs that will span a diverse range of genres, including reality, documentary and game show, promising something for every viewer’s taste.
Led by Founder and CEO Brent Montgomery, Wheelhouse is behind original hit series for Netflix, Hulu and Max, as well as a wide variety of U.S. cable and broadcast networks. Prior to launching Wheelhouse, Montgomery was CEO of ITV America, which produces international hits including “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Queer Eye” and “Alone.”
Glenn Hugill (Deal or No Deal, The Mole), Wheelhouse chief content officer and president of the company’s UK division, will drive and oversee the Wheelhouse-Merlin slate.
In addition, the Wheelhouse-Merlin collaboration will integrate talent and digital strategies through Wheelhouse DNA — the company’s creator-focused division — and its talent-management arm Additive Creative. The partnership is also expected to create synergies and strengthen brand awareness for both parties through strategic cross-promotion, offering audiences an immersive entertainment experience like never before.
Scott O’Neil, CEO of Merlin Entertainments said: “Currently our guests have to come visit us in person to enjoy the immersiveness of our 140+ theme parks and attractions in 89 cities around the world, but our ambition is to amplify how we bring joy, create connections and make memories for even more than the 62 million guests who visited us in 2023. Through creative innovation and storytelling, our partnership with Wheelhouse will allow us to bring a new dimension to our stories, characters and IP on the largest platforms in the world: TV and entertainment programming. Wheelhouse understands and loves our brands as much as we do, and our partnership will help to create entertaining TV programs that spotlight our diversity of experiences to iconic landmarks.”
Montgomery, said: “It’s a great privilege to develop a roster of new programming around Merlin’s world-famous and iconic attractions, and we’re eager to deploy Wheelhouse’s full arsenal of creative and business capabilities in this partnership. This is what we’ve built Wheelhouse to do, and with Merlin the possibilities are endless; we’re excited to get to work.”
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) announced that Bob Weis, global entertainment lead for Gensler and former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, has been named the university’s latest Executive in Residence.
“Bob Weis is a luminary who transcends his career in themed experiences and the built environment,” said SCAD Chief Academic Officer Jason Fox. “We are honored to bring Bob to SCAD to engage in futureproofing our academic programs and to prepare students for their creative professions. Bob has been a friend of SCAD for many years, and this new chapter amplifies SCAD’s commitment to preparing the next generation of dreamers and makers.”
Weis brings more than 30 years of leadership in creating, designing, and developing some of Disney’s most iconic projects around the globe. He was responsible for all creative and design aspects of the Shanghai Disney Resort project and has led over 200 major creative projects, including Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. As global entertainment lead at Gensler, Weis collaborates with the firm’s global leaders to envision and bring to life unique experiences for clients spanning the company’s 33 practice areas, including entertainment, lifestyle, hospitality, retail, sports, mixed use, cultural institutions, wellness, and workplace.
In his new advisory role, Weis will travel to all three SCAD locations in Atlanta, Savannah, and Lacoste, France, where he will visit classes and presentations, critique student work, deliver workshops and lectures, review portfolios, and mentor students. Weis will also provide vision and direction to the SCAD schools of Animation and Motion, Creative Technology, Building Arts, and Design.
“I am incredibly excited to collaborate with SCAD, such a preeminent arts and design university,” Weis said. “I am grateful to be able to bring my background from Disney, Gensler, and other venues to be a part of preparing talented SCAD students for creative careers. Over the years, I have been constantly impressed with the passion, diversity of thought, and enthusiastic collaborations taking place within the students and faculty across creative industries. I am also looking forward to being a part of the rich SCAD culture, visiting the unique university locations, expediting workshops and creative sessions, and participating in new developments and research.”
Weis has been recognized with numerous industry accolades and awards, including multiple honors from the Themed Entertainment Association, including Best New Theme Park for Shanghai Disney Resort and the Buzz Price Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to his continuing work with Gensler, he remains closely connected to his Disney roots through a multi-book project with Disney Publishing.
AVIXA — the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association — announced the launch of the professional audiovisual trade show InfoComm América Latina. The first edition will be held in Mexico City from October 22 to 24, 2025, at the World Trade Center Mexico City.
InfoComm América Latina will bring together the professional audiovisual industry — from manufacturers to integrators, distributors, and end users — to showcase the latest technology, explore trends, offer professional training activities, and generate networking spaces. At the show, attendees will see the technological advances of global brands and emerging solution providers focused on audio, video, content production and streaming, conferencing and collaboration, digital signage, enterprise IT, and technologies for education, live events, and entertainment.
“Mexico has an audiovisual industry that is constantly growing and is a leader in Latin America. By the end of 2024, we expect the Mexican market to achieve revenues of US$3.036 billion and maintain a compound annual growth rate of 5.42% through 2028. These figures reflect the extraordinary work that companies and professionals are doing to provide the technology solutions customers require,” explained Rodrigo Casassus Coke, CTS, Senior Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “Members of this industry deserve a regional trade show with the quality of InfoComm, and we are proud to announce that they will have it very soon.”
“AVIXA began producing professional AV events nearly 80 years ago, starting a conference in 1946 under the banner of the National Association of Visual Education Dealers (NAVED). Today, we’ve elevated our efforts to a global scale, hosting shows across multiple continents,” said Rochelle Richardson, CEM, Senior Vice President of Expositions and Events at AVIXA. “As the pro AV industry continues to thrive, there’s a growing need for platforms where professionals can convene. We are excited to bring InfoComm América Latina to Mexico City in 2025, further expanding our reach and impact.”
InfoComm América Latina will offer a large exhibition floor where companies present their products, solutions, and services, an educational program segmented by technology solutions, an audio experience area, and spaces for exchanging ideas and business opportunities.
AVIXA will have the support of a strategic supplier, Musitech Ediciones y Eventos, organizer of Sound:Check Xpo, whose team will be responsible for the logistics of the event and services to exhibitors.
The educational program will offer thematic conferences for those seeking to strengthen and update their knowledge in different industry areas. In addition, manufacturers will have a space to host training courses related to their technologies, products, and services.
Congreso AVIXA will also be part of InfoComm América Latina activities. The program, focused on executives and managers, will include topics of business management, business development, sales, marketing, and human resources. The format will be hybrid to allow the participation of industry members who do not travel to Mexico City.
The event will also feature AVIXA Xchange LIVE, an in-person activation of the AVIXA Xchange online community, to promote the exchange of experiences, networking, and meetings between professionals from different industry sectors.
InfoComm América Latina joins a portfolio of trade shows and conferences produced by AVIXA and its partners, including InfoComm (Orlando and Las Vegas, U.S.); InfoComm China (Beijing); InfoComm India (Mumbai); InfoComm Asia (Bangkok); Integrate (Sydney, Australia); and Integrated Systems Europe (Barcelona, Spain).
“AVIXA serves as a catalyst for market growth and a hub for the AV professional community and our shows are the physical manifestation of those two missions. They provide the environment for new solutions to be seen, evaluated, purchased, and implemented at a much faster and more efficient rate than any other mechanism,” said David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, Chief Executive Officer of AVIXA. “Mexico City will experience this all with InfoComm América Latina in October 2025.”
This weekend, a brand new rollercoaster awaits visitors to the new Croatian themed area of Europa-Park with ‘Voltron Nevera powered by Rimac.’ The multi-launch coaster from MACK Rides offers a combination of thrill, atmosphere and technology and sets new standards: Europa-Park’s 14th rollercoaster features four periods of catapult-like acceleration up to 90 kilometers per hour (56 mph), one of which is backwards. With seven overhead elements, 2.2 seconds of continued weightlessness and a steep launch of 105 degrees, the new rollercoaster offers an intense ride experience.
The 1,385-meter-long (4,544-foot-long) multi-launch coaster winds its way through a Croatian-inspired landscape. Light limestone, ruins, fragments of wall and a variety of plants, including an 800-year-old olive tree, come together to create a Mediterranean flair. The story created by MACK Magic is centered on the scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla, who was born in what is now Croatia and who ushered in the electrical age with the help of the legendary Adventure Club of Europe. This runs as a common thread through the attraction and themed area.
From a distance, it’s not only the 32.5-meter-high rollercoaster, but also the two Voltron towers that characterize the now-extended silhouette of Germany’s largest theme park. They play a crucial role in the comprehensive storytelling: Tesla’s groundbreaking discovery transforms people into cosmic energy by Tesla coils, moving them from tower to tower as lightning. Passengers aged eight and over and 1.30 meters tall can experience this adventure first hand with Voltron Nevera. In the station building, which is designed in the style of an old Croatian hydroelectric power plant and is used by Tesla for his research, alongside the classic queue, there is also access via reserved time slots (VirtualLine) and for single riders (Single Rider).
The Stryker Coaster rollercoaster was developed by the parent company MACK Rides. In just over two years of construction, the multi-launch coaster was built on an area of around 20,000 square meters (215,000 square feet), situated next to the Greece theme area.
Discover Croatia and Nikola Tesla in Europa-Park
In the first construction phase of the new Croatia themed area, the ice cream parlor Sunce i Lavanda awaits visitors with refreshing and tempting ice cream varieties. There, Nikola Tesla himself comes to life as an animatronic, taking guests along with him on the story of his electrifying invention. The Suveniri Nikola shop offers a selection of Croatian themed products and other Europa-Park Resort products. The Ćevapčići snack includes flatbreads and drinks. In the new exhibition “Croatian Inspiration,” visitors can find out all about Croatia’s most important inventions and achievements. In the Dome of Dreams, viewers can explore the diverse sights of Croatia in the 360-degree adventure “Nikola Tesla’s Beautiful Croatia.”
The Magic Cinema 4D in the France themed area invites visitors to discover the previously little-known period where Nikola Tesla lived in Europe in the thrilling film adventure Voltron 4D.
Semnox announced the addition of Hemant Rao to its executive team as Associate Vice President, Operations Americas. In this role, Rao will oversee operations across the Americas region.
With over two decades of experience in Information Technology and management, Rao brings his knowledge in Enterprise Resource Planning, Customer Relationship Management technologies, cloud computing, and program management at scale. His background in engineering combined with his expertise in digital transformation projects has led to successful implementations for clients in various sectors, including retail and public services. Notably, Rao has contributed to projects for the United Nations Development Program.
“We are delighted to welcome Hemant Rao to the Semnox family,” said Bepin Jose, President at Semnox Americas. “His extensive experience and proven track record in driving successful digital transformations will be invaluable as we continue to expand our operations in the Americas market.”
Prior to joining Semnox, Rao served as an Industry Principal and Program Manager at Infosys, where he led digital transformation initiatives specializing in Oracle Cloud, Salesforce, Oracle eBusiness Suite, and Automation for Retail and Public Service Accounts.
Australia’s home of Olympic sport, Sydney Olympic Park, just 13 kilometers west of the Sydney central business district, is now the home of New South Wales’ first Wavegarden surf park, with an investment in excess of 75 million Australian dollars ($48.4 million). Although Sydney is blessed with a large number of surfing beaches, access to those beaches and crowding in the lineup are becoming increasing issues. The 46-module Wavegarden Cove surfing lagoon at URBNSURF Sydney is now able to provide an alternative to ocean-based surfing for Sydney residents and visitors.
The surf park is scheduled to open to the public in May and will be operate for 16 hours per day, 7 days per week, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The prices for a 1-hour session vary from AU$30 to AU$159 depending on the level. Each surfer will enjoy approximately 10-12 waves per session and there is a variety of different options to choose from, from introductory lessons through to sessions for the most advanced professionals.
The 3.6-hectare (8.9-acre) site features the latest version of Wavegarden Cove technology and is designed to accommodate 1,000 visitors per day.
Following the success of URBNSURF Melbourne, the URBNSURF Group has become the first repeat client of Wavegarden by opening its second surf park, further solidifying their commitment to bringing surfing experiences to urban areas.
“This innovation is going to help surfers improve much faster than surfing in the ocean,” said Reef Heazlewood. “People in Sydney are going to be blown away when they see how good the waves are here.”
With a north-south lagoon orientation, URBNSURF Sydney has been designed to suit prevailing wind conditions. LED lagoon lighting means surfing night and day. The facility also features sustainable design elements, renewable energy, and water-saving systems, in keeping with Sydney Olympic Park’s strong environmental sustainability ethos.
Situated less than a kilometer from the Olympic Park train station, URBNSURF Sydney will be accessible to over 2 million Sydney residents in under 30 minutes. Additionally, national sports bodies, professional surfers, and coaches have already demonstrated that a Wavegarden Cove, like the one in Melbourne, is a valuable resource for their training prior to each competition.
For Wavegarden, this milestone not only celebrates the opening of URBNSURF Sydney but also marks a significant achievement for the company as it represents their 8th facility worldwide and the first instance of a client launching their second wave park.
“We created URBNSURF Sydney based on the invaluable experience and insights we gained from successfully developing, launching and operating Australia’s first surf park URBNSURF Melbourne in 2020,” said Damon Tudor, CEO of URBNSURF. “We’re proud to be considered a pioneer in this exciting new industry as we become a global first in opening our second park in Sydney. We can’t wait to show our local customers in Australia and the world what we have achieved.”
Gateway Ticketing Systems announced earlier this month the appointment of Kristen Hasenauer as the new Human Resources Director and member of the executive leadership team.
“We are excited to welcome Kristen to our executive team,” said Michael Andre, President and CEO of Gateway Ticketing Systems. “Her leadership style, which prioritizes people, innovative ideas for career development, and passion for human resources programs, will have an immediate positive impact on our company. We eagerly anticipate witnessing her contributions and ideas take shape and drive positive change.”
Hasenauer holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Millersville University and ten years of experience in human resources management. She is certified by the Society for Human Resource Management and the Manufacturing Leadership Institute. She has a proven track record of implementing strategic employee development initiatives that drive engagement, foster talent development, and support organizational growth.
“I am delighted to join Gateway as the new Director of Human Resources and become part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking team,” said Hasenauer. “I look forward to enhancing Gateway’s success by introducing strategies and initiatives that prioritize our people, empower our team members, and foster a culture of organizational excellence.”
Hasenauer started her role this month and will lead the human resources team in developing and implementing programs that support employee development, performance management, and employee wellness initiatives.
Gateway employs more than 170 employees, including software developers, technical experts, IT resources, project managers, customer service representatives, and other professionals in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
