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ICONPATH celebrates 7th anniversary with new website

Martin Palicki
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ICONPATH celebrates 7th anniversary with new website

With a larger team, bigger studios and even more bold new concepts for world expos, theme parks and shows than ever before, Melbourne-based ICONPATH Curated Experience celebrated its 7th anniversary by launching a new website featuring a glimpse into some of their most recent projects showcasing their slogan – Creative ideas, beautifully designed.

“ICONPATH has been the creative and design force behind some of the world’s most spectacular live events, exhibits and attractions for nearly a decade but until now, we haven’t shared that with the outside world.

Creative ideas, beautifully designed perfectly sums up what we do for our clients and production partners as we expand even further in the Asia Pacific region.”

Michael Reid | Founder & Artistic Director

 

 

The ICONPATH team of writers, designers, artists and animators has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and events including Cirque du Soleil, Disney, Universal Studios Japan, Expo 2010 Shanghai, Wanda Group, Mercedes-Benz, The Simpsons, Sydney Opera House, the Opening Ceremony of the 2011 Rugby World Cup and the upcoming 2015 Cricket World Cup.

 

ICONPATH focuses solely on creative and design, collaborating closely with international event, advertising and production agencies to bring these unforgettable experiences to life.

 

“The curated experience is that perfect moment that strikes the right balance and leaves a lasting impression. We’re an experience sommelier, stylist, editor, chef, conductor and concierge all rolled into one.”

Over the coming months, the new iconpath.com will take visitors behind the scenes of current and previous projects, as well as previewing new original productions in the pipeline.

UPDATED: $3.3 Billion Universal Studios Resort Announced To Open in 2019 in Beijing Suburb

Joe Kleiman
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UPDATED: $3.3 Billion Universal Studios Resort Announced To Open in 2019 in Beijing Suburb

UPDATED 10/15 8:00 am PDT: Comcast press release has been added to the end of this report.

 

Beijing, China (October 13, 2014) — Julie Makinen reports on today’s announcement from Beijing for the Los Angeles Times:

“The long-rumored park will be among the company’s largest and include the same kind of movie-themed attractions featured at Universal parks in Los Angeles, Orlando, Japan and Singapore. It will include attractions specifically created for China and plans also call for a Universal CityWalk retail-dining-and-entertainment complex as well as a ‘first-ever’ Universal-themed resort hotel.

“The park is to be located in an eastern suburb called Tongzhou. Additional phases could see the complex expand to 1,000 acres.

“The park’s Chinese partner, Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co. Ltd., which was formed in 2013, completed a $300 million deal for the land in March, Chinese media reported.

“The park will be jointly owned by Beijing Shouhuan, which is a consortium of four Chinese state-owned companies, and Universal Parks & Resorts.

“Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of NBC Universal, signed an agreement to develop the Beijing park in December of last year, the state-run Beijing News said, and the National Development and Reform Commission, which approves such projects, signed off on the plans last month.

“Tom Williams, chairman and chief executive of Universal Parks & Resorts, said the Beijing park would showcase some of the best themed attractions to be found anywhere. ‘We will work together [with Shouhuan] to create experiences based on China’s best-loved stories and centuries-long rich cultural heritage,’ he added.

“Asked specifically what ‘Chinese elements’ the park would include, Williams refused to offer specifics but said the company had already conducted ‘extensive research’ on this matter and said the park would ‘pay proper respect and homage to Beijing’ and Chinese culture overall.

” . . . Universal does not currently have direct investments in the Universal-branded parks in Japan and Singapore. But it will invest in two joint ventures being established to build and operate the Beijing park.

“Universal will have a 30% stake in the construction and ownership joint venture; Shouhuan will hold 70% of that. Universal will own 70% of the management and operations joint venture with Shouhuan having a 30% stake.”

FULL ARTICLE HERE

INPARK MAGAZINE WILL CONTINUE TO REPORT ON THIS STORY AS MORE DETAILS BECOME AVAILABLE

 

Comcast Press Release:

Development of a world-class Universal theme park in Beijing has been approved by the Chinese central government. The theme park will include all-new attractions designed especially for it as well as some of Universal’s most popular themed entertainment experiences from around the world.

The overall investment in the Universal Beijing theme park will be more than 20 billion RMB. It will be jointly owned by Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co., Ltd. (BSH Investment), a consortium of four state-owned companies, and Universal Parks & Resorts, a business unit of Comcast NBCUniversal.

The Universal Beijing theme park and support facilities will occupy a 120-hectare (approximately 300-acre) site located northwest of the intersection of the Beijing-Harbin Expressway and the East Sixth Ring Road in Tongzhou District, Beijing. The theme park will be accompanied by a Universal CityWalk entertainment complex featuring multiple retail, dining and entertainment opportunities, and a first-ever Universal-themed resort hotel, collectively forming the core components of the resort. Additional phases are planned, with the resort eventually encompassing 400 hectares (approximately 1,000 acres).

Specific details for Universal Beijing as well as an opening timeframe will be announced at a later date, as BSH Investment and Universal Parks & Resorts formalize their agreement and complete all steps necessary to move this project forward. The theme park will blend China’s rich cultural heritage with Universal Parks & Resorts’ unique brand of compelling family entertainment. The new destination is the latest project for Universal Parks & Resorts, which has theme park locations in Orlando and Hollywood as well as licensed theme parks in Osaka and Singapore. More than 35 million people visited Universal’s existing theme parks around the globe in 2013 and experienced attractions such as Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Jurassic Park River Adventure and more.

“Chinese people love the movies and exciting entertainment, and we are proud to introduce China’s first Universal theme park and CityWalk, as well as the first Universal-branded hotel anywhere in the world,” said Duan Qiang, Chairman of Beijing Tourism Group and BSH Investment.

“Universal Beijing will showcase blockbuster movie themes and present entertaining family shows that will highlight the very best of popular culture. It will be a tourism crown jewel, not only for Beijing but for all of China, bringing extraordinary entertainment experiences to the Chinese people and to our guests from around the world. In bringing Universal to China, we will also share the best of China with the world,” Duan added.

“Universal Beijing will create a higher level of economic growth, understanding and cultural exchange between our two countries. Together, we will create a unique experience that spotlights hugely popular Western entertainment concepts as well as China’s rich cultural legacy. This will be an opportunity to build relationships with the Chinese people on a direct and personal level,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Parks & Resorts.

“We are excited to be working with our partners at Beijing Tourism Group and at BSH Investment, under the leadership of Chairman Duan, and we are thankful for the strong support of the Chinese central and Beijing municipal governments,” Williams added.

About Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co., Ltd.

Approved by the Beijing Municipal Government, Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Company, Ltd. (BSH Investment) was founded for the purpose of supporting the Universal Beijing theme park and resort in its investment, development, operation and management. BSH Investment was established in November 2013 with an initial registered capital of 3.3 billion RMB.

Under the guideline to “drive the development of an industry and a region with a project,” BSH Investment and Universal Parks & Resorts will jointly invest, develop, construct and operate the Universal Beijing theme park with world-class design, technology, creativity and environmental protection. BSH Investment will use this project as a good opportunity to grow across various tourism industries, including resort hotels, retail, entertainment, exhibitions, sports and leisure, as well as the emerging industries of movie and TV production, performing arts and creative design. BSH Investment will build the top-notch Beijing International Tourism Resort with scientific planning and integrated development.

BSH Investment will make full use of the diversified brands, affluent capital, abundant resources and large networks of its shareholders and seize the opportunity of cooperating with Universal Parks & Resorts to build one of the best theme parks in the world and a renowned tourist destination in China and throughout the world. BSH Investment will make continuous effort to improve its competitiveness, innovation, operation and management capabilities and to grow its role in the cultural tourism industry. BSH Investment will also create competitive advantages in brand identity, management capability, intellectual property usage, and talent development. Based in Beijing and reaching out to the rest of China, BSH Investment is evolving into a top company in cultural tourism investment in China with distinct industry advantages and operational characteristics, excellent business performance, strong core competitiveness and sustainability through brand development and specialized management expertise.

About Universal Parks & Resorts

Universal Parks & Resorts, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, offers guests around the globe today’s most relevant and popular entertainment experiences. With three-time Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, its theme parks are known for creating immersive experiences for guests with some of the world’s most thrilling and technologically advanced film- and television-based attractions. Comcast NBCUniversal is a global media and technology company that owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news, sports and entertainment networks; Universal Pictures, a premier motion picture company; significant television production operations; a leading television stations group; and world- renowned theme parks.

Comcast NBCUniversal wholly owns Universal Studios Hollywood, which includes Universal CityWalk Hollywood, featuring more than 65 retail, dining and entertainment venues. It also owns Universal Orlando Resort, a world-class destination resort featuring two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure), four resort hotels, and Universal CityWalk Orlando, a 30-acre dining, shopping and entertainment complex. Comcast NBCUniversal also has license agreements with Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Japan and Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. In addition, Comcast NBCUniversal has announced a prospective indoor Universal Studios theme park to be developed as part of the Galactica Park project in Moscow. Signature attractions at Comcast NBCUniversal’s existing theme parks include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Jurassic Park River Adventure and more.

Parques Reunidos Adds Two to Movie Park Portfolio With Dubai Contract

Joe Kleiman
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Parques Reunidos Adds Two to Movie Park Portfolio With Dubai Contract

Dubai, UAE — InPark Magazine has confirmed that Spanish park operator Parques Reunidos has been contracted by Dubai Parks and Resorts LLC, a Merass Holding company, to manage two movie-themed parks within the new theme park resort area – motiongate Dubai and Bollywood Parks Dubai. This brings to five the number of studio theme parks under Parques Reunidos management, the others being Movie Park Germany, Parque Warner Madrid, and the under construction Paramount Park in Spain.

In addition, Dubai Parks and Resorts has announced plans to develop a zone themed to DreamWorks Animation characters within motiongate Dubai, the resort’s Hollywood inspired theme park.

Featuring DreamWorks Animation franchises, the zone will feature 12 engaging attractions and new-generation rides, as well as themed dining and retail outlets that provide unique experiences through the use of innovative media and creative storytelling.

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motiongate Dubai will encompass a total of four million square feet and is anticipated to attract three million visitors a year. The theme park will host four zones with a total of 27 attractions, as well as a vibrant retail, dining and entertainment options across all areas.

Raed Al Nuaimi, CEO of Dubai Parks and Resorts LLC, said: “We are extremely proud of our alliance with DreamWorks Animation. Working with the studio has been a rewarding experience with its creativity serving as an inspiration for the overall planning of Dubai Parks and Resorts. The zone at motiongate Dubai will offer incredible up close and personal interactions for guests with DreamWorks Animation’s strong character portfolio that holds timeless appeal. The themed zone will also add an exhilarating dimension to Dubai’s tourism offerings and give one more reason for visitors around the world to include Dubai as must-visit holiday destination.”

Yoshi Maruyama, Head of Location Based Entertainment for DreamWorks Animation said: “We are thrilled to bring our popular characters and stories through immersive experiences to families in the Middle East.”

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Phase 1 of Dubai Parks and Resorts will comprise three theme parks: motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, and LEGOLAND Dubai. The development, scheduled for completion in 2016, will also feature Riverpark – a grand entrance plaza and Lapita, a family themed hotel.

Dubai Parks and Resorts brings to life the leadership’s vision of positioning Dubai as a formidable global tourist destination. Strategically located in Jebel Ali between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the leisure and entertainment project is scheduled for completion in 2016. Future additions include a Six Flags branded park, a marine life park, and a nighttime safari.  The entire complex is expected to be completed in time for Dubai’s EXPO 2020.

Nassal Company Introduces Attractions Construction Management (ACM) Services Headed by Industry Vet Martin Zurauskas

Joe Kleiman
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Nassal Company Introduces Attractions Construction Management (ACM) Services Headed by Industry Vet Martin Zurauskas

Orlando, FL, USA (October 10, 2014) — The Nassal Company announces its newest service offering: Attractions Construction Management (ACM), the first and only specialty construction management service in the world.

Nassal ACM’s launch coincides with the substantial growth of location-based entertainment in international markets including EMEA and Asia Pacific, and is a natural progression of Nassal’s 30 years of experience creating award-winning themed environments across the globe.

acm-attractions-banner-6

Nassal ACM’s goal is simple: to plan, procure, and manage specialty construction aspects of theme parks, attractions, zoos, aquariums, and museums in an efficient and cost-effective way— a role it is uniquely qualified to fulfill.

Dedicated to partnering with world-class design firms and leading destinations and attractions, Nassal ACM offers Cost Estimating, Pre-Construction Management, and Attraction Construction Management for specialty construction elements including Theming, Themed Facades, Show Sets, Rides, Audio Visual and Show Action Equipment, Signage, and Graphics.

acm-cost-banner-2

The Nassal Company has appointed Martin Zurauskas as Senior Vice President and Director of ACM to lead the development of this new global service offering. As former Vice President of Project Development for The Lego Company and with over a decade of project management consulting, Martin brings a balance of technical know-how, business savvy, and project delivery innovation to ACM.

Click here to learn more about Nassal ACM or Martin Zurauskas.

Merlin Entertainments Selects accesso for Ticketing and eCommerce at Orlando I-Drive Attractions

Joe Kleiman
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Merlin Entertainments Selects accesso for Ticketing and eCommerce at Orlando I-Drive Attractions

[quote]We all look forward to getting the trial roll-outs underway and to further reinforcing our hard-earned reputation for innovation and customer experience.” — Tom Burnet, accesso CEO[/quote]

London, UK (9-October-2014) – accesso (AIM:ACSO), the premier technology solutions provider to the global attractions and leisure industry, has announced that Merlin Entertainments plc has agreed to extend its current trial of the accesso Passport suite of ticketing and eCommerce solutions to four venues in Central Florida.

Today’s announcement involves Merlin evaluating the accesso Passport ticketing suite as part of its Florida cluster opening.  Beginning in spring 2015, Merlin’s existing LEGOLAND Florida theme park, in addition to three planned new Orlando attractions – the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds Orlando and SEA LIFE Orlando – will each begin trialling the ticketing suite.

“We are delighted that Merlin has chosen to place further trust in us and in the potential of the accesso Passport suite of products’” said Tom Burnet, accesso CEO.

Earlier in the year accesso signed a Master Service Agreement with Merlin – Europe’s number one and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator.  This framework enables Merlin to utilize the accesso Passport suite of ticketing and e-commerce solutions, which already is being tested at the UK-based THORPE PARK and SEA LIFE Birmingham attractions.

The accesso Passport ticketing suite allows operators to provide a comprehensive online shopping experience with access to online, tablet and mobile optimized advanced ticket sales. It also supports an attraction’s on-site sales, seamlessly combining traditional point-of-sale, mobile point-of-sale and self-service kiosks through a forward-thinking, cloud-based platform ensuring lower operating costs and advanced data access compared with legacy software models.

The Marvel Experience Announces First Stops on National Tour

Joe Kleiman
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The Marvel Experience Announces First Stops on National Tour

New York, NY – October 9, 2014 – Hero Ventures, a Los Angeles-based experiential entertainment company, revealed details behind “The Marvel Experience: The World’s First Hyper-Reality Tour;” with the first four tour stops and ticket availability being announced at a press conference held today at New York Comic Con.  Joining The Marvel Experience’s executive team for the announcement at the Marvel Booth was Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer, Joe Quesada.

The Marvel Experience is a first-of-its-kind, hyper-reality attraction that covers over two acres and encompasses seven colossal Domes, a life-size Avengers Quinjet, the world’s only 360-degree, 3-D stereoscopic full-Dome attraction and a state-of-the-art 4-D motion ride.

Produced by Hero Ventures Founders Rick Licht, Doug Schaer and Jason Rosen along with their partners, touring impresario Michael Cohl and PRG founder Jeremiah J. Harris, this first-ever hyper-reality touring Marvel adventure will preview in Phoenix from December 12, 2014 – January 3, 2015.  The World Premiere will take place in Dallas, with a red carpet event scheduled for January 9, 2015. Promoted by Cohl’s S2BN Entertainment, the first leg of the North American tour will also feature stops in San Diego and San Francisco before heading back toward the East Coast, and will remain in each market for approximately three weeks.  Future markets will be announced on a rolling basis.

As agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in training, guests of The Marvel Experience will swing with Spider-Man, smash with Hulk, fly with Iron Man and more, all in preparation for an epic battle alongside Marvel’s biggest Super Heroes in a fight against Red Skull, M.O.D.O.K. and an army of evil Adaptoids.  The Marvel Experience incorporates next-generation interactive technology including augmented reality, multi-person gaming and RFID progress tracking so you can see yourself in action.  Everything happens with bleeding-edge technology and advanced computer animation. There’s nothing else like it. Not only does the audience get to join the adventure, in the end they may even become heroes themselves.

Scale model of The Marvel Experience, courtesy Hero Ventures
Scale model of The Marvel Experience, courtesy Hero Ventures

“The Marvel Experience is even more exciting than the great rock shows I have been associated with,” comments Michael Cohl, an Executive Producer of The Marvel Experience, in addition to his role as promoter.

“And with this dynamic new way to experience entertainment, you’re actually in the middle of the action from start to finish,”says Hero Ventures CEO, Rick Licht.  “While I’m sure kids will eat this up, we know that there is an extensive Marvel fan base over the age of 25 – and we’ve created this event with them in mind. The grown-ups are going to absolutely love The Marvel Experience!”

“There’s so much to be excited about here and a great many elements that literally don’t exist anywhere else,” said Quesada. “Fans will love seeing iconic Marvel Super Heroes in action against the backdrop of this first ever Hyper-Reality Tour. Nothing else compares!”

Tickets for The Marvel Experience will go on sale to the general public beginning October 10th and will be available exclusively through Ticketmaster, a division of Live Nation Entertainment.

“At Ticketmaster, we work to deliver innovative ticketing and event marketing products for our clients so together we can offer their fans the best ticket buying experience. Entertainment is always about delivering the next level of great experiences and The Marvel Experience does all that and more.  We are very excited to work with Hero Ventures and Marvel on this one-of-a-kind tour,” said Geoff Carns, SVP Core Clients West at Ticketmaster.

The Marvel Experience – North American Dates
[All dates, cities and venues below subject to change.]

Dec. 12  – Jan. 3      Phoenix, AZ   The Domes at Salt River Fields – Talking Stick
Jan. 9 – Feb. 1      Dallas, TX   The Domes at Cotton Bowl
Feb. 7 – Feb. 22      San Diego, CA   The Domes at Del Mar Fairgrounds
Feb. 27 – Mar. 22      San Francisco, CA   The Domes at AT&T Park

 

For a complete list of tour dates and images, visit The Marvel Experience website (www.themarvelexperiencetour.com)

Indonesia’s Sea World Park Closes in Midst of Legal Dispute

Joe Kleiman
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Indonesia’s Sea World Park Closes in Midst of Legal Dispute

The Jakarta Post reports:

“Since last week, the Sea World theme park at the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol amusement park complex has halted its commercial operations.

“Pembangunan Jaya Ancol lawyer Iim Zovito Simanungkalit said that based on the contract signed in 1992, PT Sea World’s management period effectively expired in June 2014. However, the company refused both to halt commercial operations and to inform the public of its closure.

“Iim added that Sea World claimed it would continue operations because it assumed the contract would be automatically extended until 2034. (alz)”

FULL ARTICLE HERE

WhiteWater Providing Water Transportation System for New Zoo Miami Experience

Joe Kleiman
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WhiteWater Providing Water Transportation System for New Zoo Miami Experience

Richmond, BC, Canada — WhiteWater Attractions unveiled a brand new project at the 2014 AZA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida along with Eric Stephens, Zoo Miami Director, and representatives from PCL Construction, the main contractor for the latest expansion.

“We are very excited to begin construction of our new front entry and Florida: Mission Everglades as I know that it will be a beautiful addition to the zoo and well worth the wait.” comments Stephens.

The new exhibit, called Florida: Mission Everglades, includes a Water Transportation System that will feature a custom themed eight passenger vehicle designed to look like an everglades air boat. The exhibit will incorporate special effects to best replicate the environment of the everglades, providing fun for the whole family with accessibility to even the youngest children. The custom designed Water Transportation System ride path has been developed to weave through the exhibit complex, immersing guests in an experience that can only be beat by a visit to the actual Florida Everglades.

Visitors should expect to have an entirely new experience upon entry of Zoo Miami coming in the summer of 2016.

www.whitewaterwest.com

 

Immersive Technology Alliance Announces AvaCon as Working Group For Metaverse in VR Space

Joe Kleiman
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Immersive Technology Alliance Announces AvaCon as Working Group For Metaverse in VR Space

The Immersive Technology Alliance (The ITA) is pleased to announce that AvaCon will be leading a working group pertaining to the development and interoperability of the metaverse in the VR space.

“The Immersive Technology Alliance brings together expertise from across the field to foster and promote innovation in this space, and it couldn’t be happening at a more important time,” said Chris Collins, President of AvaCon. “As the mainstream media turns its attention back to virtual reality, it is critically important that we have a forum for immersive technology developers, content creators, and innovators to work together on issues and standards, and the ITA is providing that forum.”

ITA member AvaCon, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the growth, enhancement, and development of the metaverse, virtual worlds, augmented reality, and 3D immersive and virtual spaces. Other new ITA members include Siliconarts, Cubicle Ninjas, and Cloudhead Games.

“Whether it’s through our Board of Directors, advisory team, or general membership, the alliance works by attracting some of the industry’s brightest minds and providing a professional forum to openly discuss and solve real problems and drive the industry forward. As a non-profit organization, we are here for the industry and by the industry. It’s gratifying to see The ITA reaching that critical mass where working groups like this are now possible, and there is more to come. We have big plans for the near future,” said Neil Schneider, Executive Director of The Immersive Technology Alliance.

“Through ITA activities, Siliconarts hopes to deliver its distinguished VR hardware platform (real-time ray-tracing) to the community and embrace the latest VR technologies from other members. We strongly believe that the ITA assets including its members, knowledge, technologies and network will be a great resource to Siliconarts in materializing its technology and, Siliconarts’ contribution to the ITA will allow the organization to be equipped with an optimal hardware platform for near-future VR application.” – Hee Jin (Colin) Shin, Co-Founder.

“Cubicle Ninjas’ mission is to craft creative and emotionally engaging brand experiences. The unexplored potential of virtual reality and augmented reality for brand storytelling is thrilling to us. In fact, this spirit of discovery is the reason we wake up each day. We’re honored to join the Immersive Technology Alliance (ITA), which leads the way in fostering cutting-edge creative collaboration and innovation.” – Josh Farkas, Strategy Ninja.

“Cloudhead Games is an indie studio with a diverse and accomplished crew that includes AAA blockbuster game development experience. We are building The Gallery: Six Elements, a richly narrative adventure and exploration game from the ground up for virtual reality. The Gallery is fueled by intuitive physical interaction and puzzles, nestled within a deeply immersive environment. As long time VR enthusiasts, we are eager to connect with other VR pioneers through the Immersive Technology Alliance to learn and to contribute to shaping the future of Virtual Reality.” – Denny Unger, CEO of Cloudhead Games.

Non-profit and non-proprietary, The Immersive Technology Alliance is the official voice and standards body for technologies like augmented and virtual reality, stereoscopic 3D, gesture technology, and more. The alliance’s history dates back to 2009 when it was founded as The Stereoscopic 3D Gaming Alliance. Over the years, the alliance has been regularly featured in the press, it has raised government funding for and partnered on academic research pertaining to immersive technology, and has had a worldwide presence through events and technology demonstrations.

To learn more visit:

The Immersive Technology Alliance

http://www.ita3d.com

AvaCon

http://www.avacon.org

Siliconarts

http://www.siliconarts.com

Cubicle Ninjas

http://www.cubicleninjas.com

Cloudhead Games

http://www.cloudheadgames.com

 

Duke Energy Foundation Gift Helps Museum of Life and Science Bring New Exhibits to Reality

Joe Kleiman
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Duke Energy Foundation Gift Helps Museum of Life and Science Bring New Exhibits to Reality

Durham, NC, USA — The Museum of Life and Science is proud to announce that Duke Energy, a long-time partner in funding interactive learning experiences, has invested $75,000 through the Duke Energy Foundation in the Climbing Higher Campaign to build two new outdoor learning environments: Hideaway Woods and Earth Moves.

Opening in summer 2015, Hideaway Woods features a two-acre nature-based playscape with experiences designed to encourage movement, exploration, and early science learning skills. Highlights include a tree house village suspended 15 to 20 feet off the ground,living twig and sapling structures designed by artist Patrick Doughertyfor hands-on imaginative play, and aplay space designedto support early childhood development.

(From l to r) Barry Van Deman, president and CEO of the Museum of Life and Science accepted the generous gift of Duke Energy Foundation to support Hideaway Woods, an outdoor learning environment opening summer 2015 at the Museum of Life and Science. Gift presented on behalf of Duke Energy Foundation by Indira Everett, district Manager of Government and Community Relations for Duke Energy. Photo courtesy of the Museum of Life and ScienceBarry Van Deman, president and CEO of the Museum of Life and Science and Indira Everett, district Manager of Government and Community Relations for Duke Energy.

Earth Moves, currently in development and planned to open in 2017, is a hands-on exploration of earth science. Visitors will understand the forms and forces that shape the earth as well as how humans use the earth. Visitors will use real excavators, build and climb giant sand piles, learn how water works in a free standing waterfall, explore erosion and more.

“This investment from Duke Energy will benefit hundreds of thousands of children and families each year in learning about science and engineering in the best way possible – through hands-on experience”, said Barry Van Deman, president and CEO, Museum of Life and Science.

Indira Everett, district manager for Duke Energy, commemorated this most recent investment by touring the site to see construction progress on Hideaway Woods. “Duke Energy’s gift to the museum is an investment in our future workforce,” Everett said. “These creative play environments foster a love of discovery learning that can lead students to a life-long passion for science and engineering.”

The Duke Energy Foundation has a long history of investing in the Museum, including gifts to help build Magic Wings Butterfly House, sustainable installations including the solar hot water heater for the Museum’s café and electric car-charging stations, as well as annual fund support for the Museum’s mission of embracing science as a way of knowing.

For more about the Museum’s newest expansion and the Climbing Higher Campaign visit: http://lifeandscience.org/about-us/climbing-higher

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