Buena Park, CA, USA (June 16, 2014) — This past weekend marked the Grand Re-opening of two Knott’s Berry Farm classics, the Calico Mine Ride and Camp Snoopy. Our colleagues from Behind the Thrills were at the park to film the re-dedication ceremonies and to document the enhancements to both of these classics.
UK Pavilion at Milan EXPO 2015 Will Place Visitors in “The Hive”
[quote]The design of the Pavilion includes some innovative structural solutions which allied with the focal attraction of the ‘Hive’ will delight the discerning visitor.” — Bob White, Chairman of Rise MC[/quote]
London, UK — A structure inspired by the unique role of the honeybee will represent the UK on the world stage at the Milan Expo in 2015.
At a ceremony in Rome on Sunday May 18, Prince Harry announced that Nottingham based artist Wolfgang Buttress had won the competition to design the UK Pavilion for the next Universal Expo. Prince Harry was taking part in the unveiling during an official visit to Italy in support of the British Government.
British companies Stage One and RISE have been awarded the £6 million contract to build the winning design, bringing together their creative construction and construction management capabilities. Together the winners represent Nottingham, York and London, with the contracts bringing new jobs to the 3 regions.
Welcoming the announcement, Trade Minister Lord Livingston said:
“Success in international markets is at the heart of the government’s long-term plan to build a stronger, more competitive economy.
“The UK’s participation in the Milan Expo will promote the UK’s world leading expertise in the creative, life sciences, agri-tech, and food and drink sectors to our top trade and investment partners.
“Through the UK Pavilion, we will reach millions of visitors and build on the reputation of the UK established at the 2010 Shanghai Expo and the London 2012 Olympic Games.”
Winning artist Wolfgang Buttress opened his first studio in Nottingham after graduating in 1987 and now employs 7 people. Over the last 2 years he has won numerous national and international awards, including the International Structural Steel Award for projects under £2 million in 2013. Earlier this year he received the Kajima Gold Award in Japan for his work ‘Space’.
Wolfgang Buttress said:
“I’m happy and honoured that I have been selected for this prestigious commission. My wish is for visitors to engage with the UK Pavilion as a whole and for the hive to be recognised as a barometer for the health of the earth; drawing parallels between a hive and human society.
“I’m very excited to have this opportunity to work with such a great team, it’s an amazing challenge and one we will rise to together.”
Once the UK Pavilion is built, visitors will walk through a fruit orchard and enter a natural wildflower meadow. As they near the centre of the meadow, the focal point of the structure will come into view: a golden orb made of fine steel lattice based on the design of a honeycomb. The ‘Hive’ will pulsate and buzz with the noise of a real bee colony.
The UK Pavilion at the last Universal Expo in Shanghai 2010, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, attracted international acclaim and won gold for best design. In the duration of the 6 month Expo more than 8 million people went inside the ‘Seed Cathedral’, making it the UK’s most visited tourist attraction during that time.
Commenting on the £6 million building contract win, Bob White, Chairman of Rise MC said:
“We are very excited to be involved in the UK Pavilion at Milan Expo. It enables us to sustain our particular interest in temporary structures, and allows us to continue our collaboration with Stage One on these project types.”
Mark Johnson, Managing Director of Stage One said
“We’re delighted to have been selected to construct the UK Pavilion at the Milan Expo. This is a significant project for Stage One and reflects our increasingly strong relationship with architects and designers. It’s a strong validation of our collaborative approach and our ability to deliver creative construction projects successfully.”
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/the-uk-pavilion-at-milan-expo-2015
Tom Hyland to Oversee Development Initiatives at USS Hornet Museum
[quote]Tom’s extensive experience will enable him to focus on reaching out to existing and potential donors to ensure that their philanthropic support of the USS Hornet Museum is properly administered and acknowledged, and that all donations provide the maximum benefit.” — Randall Ramian, CEO, USS Hornet Museum[/quote]
Alameda, CA, USA — The USS Hornet Museum, a registered state and national historic landmark and home of the largest collection of Apollo space mission artifacts on the West Coast, is pleased to announce that it has hired Tom Hyland as the museum’s Director of Development. In his new role, Hyland, who has been a resident of Alameda, CA, since 1992, will oversee the institution of a full fundraising and stewardship operation for the carrier, the first formal program of its kind for the important Bay Area landmark.
Over the past 30 years, Hyland has led the development efforts for numerous local, regional, and national organizations and has raised more than $40,000,000 for a variety of causes, including education, medical research and equipment, indigent health care, social services, and the arts. Some of the organizations he has served include the Alameda County Health Care Foundation, the National Brain Tumor Foundation, the Hiller Aviation Museum, the Museum of Craft and Folk Art, and the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley.
“We are extremely pleased to have Tom Hyland join the Hornet leadership team,” said Randall Ramian, chief executive officer of the USS Hornet Museum.
Hyland’s vast expertise includes the organization and implementation of policies and procedures, as well as budgeting and long-range planning. He specializes in annual and special appeals coordination, major donor cultivation and solicitation, capital campaign leadership and implementation, foundation and corporate grant writing (including his role as lead writer for a $10,000,000 national demonstration grant awarded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), volunteer recruitment, management and training, and special events planning production.
“Of the many nonprofit organizations with which I have been associated, the USS Hornet Museum is by far the most unique environment, with the greatest potential to realize its goals through solid partnerships with its benefactors,” said Hyland. “I see my role as enabling donors to translate their love of the USS Hornet through their philanthropic support of the carrier’s notable history and inspiring mission.”
Hyland’s first major event for the USS Hornet Museum will be Splashdown 45, which celebrates the 45th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969, when humans first walked on the moon, and the safe recovery of the astronauts and their command module by the aircraft carrier USS Hornet CVS-12. The popular festival will take place aboard the carrier on Saturday, July 26, 2014 from 10:00am to 5:00pm, followed by an evening reception from6:00pm-10:30 pm. Special guest speakers include Apollo 11 astronaut and best-selling author, Buzz Aldrin, one of the first two men to walk on the moon.
Hyland graduated with a B.S. in Journalism from Ohio University in Athens, OH.
SeaWorld’s Interactive Marine Life Park “Discovery Cove” Awarded TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
[quote]Our guests are inspired to talk about their day, and TripAdvisor gives them the perfect format to share their experiences. The information that we gain from these guest reviews allows us to continuously improve and deliver the best possible guest service.” — Stewart Clark, Vice President of Discovery Cove[/quote]
Orlando, FL, USA /PRNewswire/ — Discovery Cove in Orlando was recently awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. This accolade recognizes superior service and is only given to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor. Discovery Cove receives top ratings based on a variety of factors, including awe-inspiring, up-close animal encounters, all-inclusive offerings, a lush, tropical atmosphere and exceptional guest service.
“Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence confirms what we know to be true: Discovery Cove delivers an extraordinary, immersive experience.” said Stewart Clark, Vice President of Discovery Cove. ”
Just in time for summer vacation planning, Discovery Cove identified the top five reasons TripAdvisor reviewers believe the day resort is a must-visit attraction.
1. Discovery Cove feels like “a vacation within a vacation.” Located in the heart of the world’s most popular travel destination, Orlando, Florida, guests are often astounded upon arrival; they feel like they’ve encountered a tropical oasis. The lush landscape, wondrous waterways, rocky lagoons and pristine white sandy beaches provide a serene and relaxing environment. With the exception of the dolphin swim and SeaVenture, an underwater journey of the Grand Reef, nothing is scheduled – allowing guests to enjoy the park at their own pace.
2. Discovery Cove boasts a wonderful variety of up-close animal encounters. At Discovery Cove, visitors from around the world fulfill lifelong dreams of swimming with dolphins. TripAdvisor reviewers rave about the experience and say it’s a true highlight. While the dolphin swim is a favorite, guests are also wowed when snorkeling alongside giant rays and thousands of tropical fish. SeaVenture, the 30-minute underwater journey, gives guests a fully immersive adventure into the Grand Reef sea floor and is regularly mentioned on TripAdvisor as a highlight of their visit. Guests also enjoy hand feeding exotic birds in the free-flight Explorer’s Aviary, and are surprised to come face-to-face with playful otters and marmoset monkeys in Freshwater Oasis.
3. Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort. From meals to snacks, snorkels to sunscreen, everything is included. Unlike a traditional theme park, Discovery Cove includes an abundance of amenities – making for a hassle-free visit. TripAdvisor reviewers often comment on the ease of unlimited access to freshly prepared food and refreshing beverages.
4. A Discovery Cove reservation offers a full vacation package with admission to SeaWorld® Orlando and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark. When guests book a reservation, they’re also guaranteed unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark in Orlando for 14 days surrounding their Discovery Cove reservation. For a bigger vacation experience guests can add on Busch Gardens Tampafor a nominal fee.
5. Discovery Cove cares deeply about their guests’ experience, which reflects in the first-class level of customer service. Guests consistently mention their connection with the park’s friendly staff. The Discovery Cove team caters to a diverse set of needs and strives to add a personal touch. From ensuring a marriage proposal is delivered perfectly to offering amazing animal experiences, the first-class team goes above and beyond to make lifelong memories.
To read the reviews of the Discovery Cove experience visit TripAdvisor.com.
The Walking Dead Return to Halloween Horror Nights with Biggest Maze in Event’s History
[quote]I can’t wait for visitors to experience first-hand some of the iconic moments from Season 4 in what will be the biggest, most exciting and frightening ‘Walking Dead’ maze to date.” — GregNicoter, “The Walking Dead” Executive Producer[/quote]
Orlando, FL and Universal City, CA, USA /PRNewswire/ — After rave reviews from fans on both coasts, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are bringing back AMC’s “The Walking Dead” to Halloween Horror Nights for an unprecedented third consecutive year. Horror-hungry fans will experience all-new terrifying mazes inspired by Season 4 of the critically-acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning television series.
This year’s bone-chilling mazes will place guests at the heart of a harrowing journey to seek sanctuary at Terminus, an elusive destination that promises community for all. Mirroring the terror that befell the residents of the West Georgia Correctional Facility, now overrun by savage walkers, the experience will send guests fleeing from the fallen prison into unknown territory as they once again stage a desperate battle for survival against flesh-eating walkers and ruthless humans.
“The Walking Dead” is based on the graphic novel written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics. The series tells the story of the months and years after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by sheriff Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home. “The Walking Dead” is the number-one show on television for adults 18-49. AMC’s “The Walking Dead” returns for Season 5 this October.
“This has been an incredible collaboration and I am thrilled to be working once again with the creative teams at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood to bring the world of ‘The Walking Dead’ to our dedicated fans,” said Greg Nicotero, Executive Producer and Special Effect Makeup Supervisor for the series.
About Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights:
Universal Orlando’s maze will be the largest maze ever created at Halloween Horror Nights. It is literally double the experience and will feature more scareactors in one single haunted house than ever before. Guests will encounter iconic scenes from Season 4 of the hit show – beginning at the prison, fans will enter the cell block where the infection began, escape into the massive Big Spot location with a crashed helicopter ripping through its ceiling and journey to the dilapidated country club overrun with walkers. These and other incredibly immersive environments culminate to the maze’s finale taking you to the End of the Line – Terminus. This year’s maze will be an entirely new experience, featuring never-before–seen walkers and brand new scares.
“Bringing a horror property back for a third year in a row is always a decision that is carefully considered. Fortunately, The Walking Dead is unlike any horror brand around. Its appeal spreads across so many types of viewers. Hardcore and casual horror fans alike are watching week after week, and season 4 offered many new and unique environments and walkers,” said Michael Aiello, Creative Development Director for Universal Orlando’s Entertainment team. “This year, we are taking this partnership to the next level, with a monstrous soundstage maze and a scope that is bigger and badder than anything we’ve ever done in the history of our event.”
About Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights:
This year, Universal Studios Hollywood will bring multiple interactive experiences from “The Walking Dead” to life throughout its “Halloween Horror Nights” event. “The Walking Dead: The End of the Line” will channel the many iconic scenes from Season 4 into a new maze, inviting guests to encounter the terror they viewed from afar. From infected walkers whose bleeding eyes struck a new chord of fear throughout the prison to the walker-filled tunnel on the crusade to Terminus, the ominous attraction will evoke a countless barrage of distressing images that will traumatize guests over and over again. The contemporary urban city streets, towering skyscrapers, brick-faced facades and industrial exterior movie sets that make up Universal Studios’ world-famous production facilities will serve as the backdrop location for this all-new, frighteningly realistic maze. Swarms of walkers will also reawaken in an all-new terrifying scare-zone located adjacent to the maze.
The engrossing cult favorite television series will seep into other parts of Universal’s backlot with, predatory walkers prowling the secluded wooded areas of the movie studio. “Terror Tram: Invaded by the Walking Dead” will send guests on the daunting path to Terminus, interspersed with landmarks and walkers from Season 4, including the “burned moonshine cabin,” “charred walkers” and “mud walkers.”
“‘The Walking Dead’ is a once in a lifetime property that has greatly expanded and redefined the horror genre,” said John Murdy, Creative Director at Universal Studios Hollywood. “Our fans are as intense as the walkers when it comes to new interactive experiences that put them at the heart of the show, so it’s our responsibility to create characters and environments that are as authentic to the series as possible. Working in partnership with the show’s Executive Producer and four-time Emmy Award-winner, Greg Nicotero, is incredibly rewarding. His expertise combined with our vision delivers the most outstanding and credible ‘Walking Dead’ experience anyone could imagine, outside of being on the show.”
Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” events have a more than 20-year history of creating incredibly entertaining, horrifying Halloween experiences that are consistently rated the nation’s best. The events on each coast feature highly-themed, disturbingly real, haunted mazes based on everything from films to nightmares – and streets filled with hundreds of specially trained “scareactors.”
The Producers Group Provides Expertise to the Creation of Four Major Attractions at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom
Los Angeles, CA, USA — The Producers Group LLC (TPG) is a Gold Level Sponsor of the IAAPA Asian Attractions Expo (AAE), 17-20 June at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. TPG’s exhibit booth is #339 and co-CEO Edward Marks, and Senior Technical Director Judd Nissen will be present.
A profile of The Producers Group with details of their recent work on four attractions for Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is the cover feature of InPark Magazine’s 2014 International Issue. Copies will be available at AAE at the IAAPA Central booth and the TPG booth. It can also be accessed online at https://www.inparkmagazine.com/category/52/.
“Asia is a primary market for The Producers Group, and IAAPA is one of our best resources for business networking and connecting with clients and new projects,” says Edward Marks, TPG co-CEO. “We’re very pleased to repeat our role as a Gold Sponsor of IAAPA’s Asian Attractions Expo this year. We’re looking forward to the conversation in Beijing.”
In addition to being a Gold Level Sponsor of the overall Expo, TPG is also providing Gold Level Sponsor support to the June 19 Leadership Breakfast featuring Bill Ernest, President and Managing Director, Disney Asia.
Says TPG co-CEO Bob Chambers: “TPG’s work at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is the latest in our Asian project portfolio. We provided technical design, project management and special effects for three marine mammal shows: Tropical Heat, Sea Lions vs Pirates, and Under the Polar Moon – and the multimedia lagoon spectacular. This work exemplifies how we collaborate with designers and developers to help them succeed.”
Since 1997, the Asian Attractions Expo has rapidly grown into the premier international event for the multibillion-dollar attractions industry in the Asia-Pacific region. Some 5,000 attractions industry professionals from 60 countries will participate in the 2014 event, representing theme parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers, and resorts. The 8,500 square meter showroom floor is completely booked.
To set up a meeting with Edward Marks or Judd Nissen during AAE, interested parties please message [email protected] or telephone +1 310.990.6636.
Medialon and Christie Enable a 4D High Definition Experience for FlyOver Canada
Miami, FL, USA and Kitchener, ON, Canada — Tourists and locals are flocking to Vancouver’s latest must-see attraction, FlyOver Canada, which takes visitors on a spectacular virtual flight across some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery. Opened in the summer of 2013 at a cost of $20 million, FlyOver Canada is located in the former IMAX theatre at Canada Place pier in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
The experience begins with a pre-show called Uplift, produced by Moment Factory of Montreal, using eight Christie DWU675-E 1-chip DLP projectors. Groups of up to 61 guests are brought into a 360 degree immersive multimedia show that gives context and sets the stage for the main virtual flight ride. “As we built up the company we started talking to Christie about various aspects of this project. Moment Factory then specified Christie for the preshow projectors so that got us hooked up with the(Christie) DWU670-E projectors,” said Eric Sambell, director, construction &technology, Soaring Attractions.
After Uplift, visitors enter the main theatre where they strap into their seats and are raised in front of a 20 meter hemispherical domed screen to experience an awesome flight from east to west across Canada. The flight includes iconic sights such as Niagara Falls and the CN Tower, but also some more hidden gems from the farther reaches of the country. FlyOver Canada features an original score composed by Calgary’s Six Degrees Music. In addition to the stunning imagery and score, the seats move in sync with the visuals and special effects such as wind, mist, and scents, round out the immersive experience, making the audience feel as if they are truly riding on the wind.
Soaring Attractions, LP, the owners and operators of FlyOver Canada, selected Medialon Showmaster Pro to manage and synchronize the audiovisual elements in the show and preshow areas. It manages overall building audio, video, and lighting control, beginning of day startup, end of day shutdown, preshow synchronization and show control, and ride lighting and sound effects control.
The Showmaster Pro controls Dataton Watchout, BrightSign, and 7th Sense Delta video servers, Christie digital projectors, NEC flat panel displays, BSS Soundweb London audio signal processors, a JoeCo BlackBox audio player, automatic door openers, and MA2 on PC and Hog4 PC lighting control software packages.
Eric Sambell, Director, Construction and Technology for Soaring Attractions, says the main challenge they faced in design was that they “needed to integrate many different devices to run automatically and maintain synchronization between the ride and the rest of the building.” He continues, “we were faced with a variety of different devices which needed to be precisely timed. We also needed the system to be able to react to delays in loading the ride and adjust timing throughout the building.”
Sambell selected Medialon Showmaster Pro because of its “reliability, flexibility in dealing with multiple different devices, powerful programming system, real-time debugging, wide variety of built-in I/O, expandability, precise timing, and Medialon’s responsive support team.”
GO BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE MAKING OF FLYOVER CANADA IN ISSUE 51 OF INPARK MAGAZINE
Guests encounter a thrilling immersive experience including the jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies, cosmopolitan cities, the rugged East Coast and more via the Christie D4K3560 3-chip DLP projector and images produced by Sherpas Cinema.
“After considerable research by the technical and creative team at Soaring Attractions, the owner/operator of Fly Over Canada concluded that Christie was also the clear 4K projector choice for the main ride.
“We chose the Christie D4K3560 projector solution because we needed the brightness and intensity to light a 19-meter diameter surface area. Obviously we needed the brightest projector and as much resolution as we could get,” continued Sambell. “That meant a 4K solution but because it’s a motion ride we needed 60 hertz to avoid motion blur – which led us to the D4K3560.”
The Christie D4K3560 projector is part of the Christie TruLife electronics platform offering customers superior image and video quality for the most comfortable and realistic viewing experience.
“The projector sits out on a perch, which made it a bit of challenge but the installation went smoothly and Christie made sure everything was perfect; they came through with everything right when we needed it. Everyone, from the Christie field application engineers to Geoff Chick(central and western regional sales manager, Canada), really stepped up and made things right.”
The show opened last summer and, according to Sambell, ran at capacity on weekends and well-exceeded expectations in the months that followed. He said people have returned up to ten times and the reaction from people of all ages has been overwhelmingly positive.
Christie DWU675-E1-chip DLP® projectors provide trusted performance, reliability and exceptional image quality. Ideal for small auditoriums, boardrooms, classrooms and houses of worship, the Christie DWU675-E delivers image blending and warping, stacking capabilities and precision color matching for use in either fixed or rental staging applications.
FlyOver Canada opened in the summer of 2013 and in early 2014 hosted a limited engagement of a double feature with the show “Flight of the Dragon” which soars over China.
Soaring Attractions is the owner and operator of FlyOver Canada in Vancouver, BC. It was founded in 2011 by Stephen Geddes and Andrew Strang. FlyOver Canada opened in June 2013 and operates 7 days a week, 364 days per year.
Jack Rouse Associates Develops Singapore’s KidsSTOP Interactive Children’s Science Museum
Singapore – Science Centre Singapore’s KidsSTOP, an interactive children’s science centre, is now open to the public. Catering to children aged 18 months to 8 years, KidsSTOP is the first children’s science centre in Singapore. With themed exhibition zones, hands-on activities and exciting enrichment programs, KidsSTOP is a facility where young children can learn about science and the world around them through play and exploration. JRA (Jack Rouse Associates) provided master planning, concept design and schematic design for this groundbreaking project.
KidsSTOP comprises 17 zones and feature areas designed around four themes – Imagine, Experience, Discover and Dream – that encourage learning through activity, play and exploration. Imagine uses the concept of innovative role-play to get children to practise creative and communication skills at specially designed but familiar places, thereby boosting self-confidence, intellectual growth and social skills. In the Experience area, the Centre will encourage young children to appreciate art and nature through interactions with live animals, stop motion animation and more. They will also get a chance to discover various aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) during their visit. One of the most prominent features of KidsSTOP is The Big Dream Climber, a lofty 9-metre climbing structure that allows children to climb and explore different unique zones, incorporating hanging leaves, fanciful doors and gears.
This unique children’s science centre is the latest addition to Science Centre Singapore, which is one of the world’s premier institutions of science learning, and reinforces the Centre’s ability to achieve its objective of igniting and sustaining the love and interest in science.
Associate Professor Lim Tit Meng, Chief Executive of Science Centre Singapore, said, “Working with JRA on KidsSTOP was a natural choice, as the company has designed many renowned children’s facilities in the world. With their support, we have been able to create a children’s science centre that young ones from Singapore and beyond will certainly fall in love with.”
KidsSTOP is located at 21 Jurong Town Hall Road, Singapore.
Franklin Institute Celebrates June 14 Opening of Karabots Pavilion With All Day Festivity of The Brain
[quote]The goal of this day is to host a fun-filled, high-energy, highly visible public celebration for the opening of the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion and the signature Your Brain exhibit.” — Tory M Collins, SVP Marketing, Programs and Business Development, The Franklin Institute[/quote]
Philadelphia, PA, USA — The Franklin Institute celebrates the debut of the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion, the most significant expansion in the history of The Franklin Institute, on Saturday, June 14. The highly anticipated celebration of the 53,000-square-foot wing features more than 30 innovative activities spread throughout the museum, all of which complement Your Brain, the largest and most advanced signature exhibit at The Franklin Institute, and the three additional traveling exhibitions that are set to open on June 14. The brain party kicks-off with an explosive ceremonial ribbon cutting at 10 am to mark the official opening of Your Brain. This commemorative day also highlights the “Best of TFI”, including the public display of 80 rarely seen historical artifacts, plus the iconic live shows and familiar programs that have made The Franklin Institute the premier destination for engaging science exploration for decades. Admission to The Franklin Institute is free for the first 500 visitors who arrive on Saturday, June 14. The opening day celebration also includes commemorative giveaways, music from a live four-piece band, face painting, and three special food carts featuring classic fare such as hot dog sliders, cotton candy, house-made lemonade, caramel corn, snow cones, and Italian water ice. People of all ages are invited to come early to be among the very first to experience a brain party like only The Franklin Institute can deliver.
“This is the beginning of a new era in the history of The Franklin Institute,” said Troy M. Collins, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Programs and Business Development. “Our hope is to create long-lasting experiences that greatly outlive opening day.”
OPENING DAY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE KARABOTS PAVILION CELEBRATION INCLUDE:
BEST OF TFI
Wonderland of Science | Pepper Hall 11 am–4 pm
For one day only, The Franklin Institute opens its curatorial vault and places 80 of the most significant and fascinating artifacts from the history of science and technology on display for visitors to see up close. Hand-selected by museum staff and volunteers who will be explaining each on opening day, the 80 artifacts represent the 80 years the museum has welcomed visitors along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Live Science Show Extravaganza | Demonstration Theater On the hour from 11 am to 4 pm
The best of the best live shows are packaged together to present an explosive extravaganza. Visitors will watch dueling Tesla coils compete with crackling electricity, feel the BOOM of exploding hydrogen balloons, and participate in chilling liquid nitrogen demonstrations.
Mobile Scavenger Hunt with a Grand Prize Family Membership | Museum wide 10 am–5 pm
Visitors can test their knowledge of all things science as they travel through the museum galleries on a quest to win the grand prize: a one-year family membership to The Franklin Institute.
YOUR BRAIN
Brain Waves Team | Museum wide 10 am–5 pm
Roving science educators will challenge visitors in a variety of brainteasers and puzzles on opening day. Be sure to look for these Brain Waves teams at festivals and events all over the region this summer.
Brain Bar | Your Brain 10 am–5 pm
Visitors can examine real specimens and models of human and animal brains inside Your Brain on opening day, and beyond.
Brain Workshop | Karabots Education Center 10:30 am–4 pm
Visitors can experience a taste of the interactive education workshops that take place daily at The Franklin Institute for students. Touch a real sheep’s brain, watch a brain dissection and test memory and multi-tasking skills through simple challenges – all in the spacious new Karabots Education Center.
Meet the BRAIN behind Your Brain | Your Brain 11 am–12:30 pm
Visitors can meet and ask questions to Franklin Institute Chief Bioscientist and lead developer of Your Brain, Dr. Jayatri Das.
101 INVENTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
Inventor Statutes | Key Hallway 10 am–5 pm
Visitors turn an oversized key on the pedestal of these Inventor Statues to watch them literally come to life. Actors portraying the most recognizable scientists and inventors in history, also past Franklin Institute Award Medalists, will tell their own stories of inspiration and innovation when prompted by guests.
Design Challenges | 101 Inventions that Changed the World 10 am–5 pm
Budding architects and inventors can put their skills to the test by building creations with our classic Keva planks, and by designing, building and testing their own flying machine. Plus, see 3-D printing in action.
Creation Station: Giant Tinker Toys | Harcourt Education Center 10 am-4 pm
Imaginations run wild as guests plan, build, and breakdown Giant Tinker Toys and Imagination Playground blocks.
CIRCUS! SCIENCE UNDER THE BIG TOP
Jugglers and Stilt Walkers | Roving
Prepare to be dazzled and amazed by the expert performances of these classic entertainers celebrating Circus! Science Under the Big Top, the inaugural traveling exhibit housed in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion.
Magician Scott Sullivan | Roving Museum wide 12 pm–4 pm
Visitors will be easily fooled by expert magician Scott Sullivan. See how he makes a playing card vanish, pick-pockets a volunteer, and performs many other startling sleight of hand tricks.
Mentalist Max Major | Franklin Theater 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm
A magician whose performances combine magic, mentalism, and hypnosis, Major relies heavily on his skills at reading body language. Using a combination of body language, psychology and suggestion Max Major will demonstrate the Hidden Powers of the Mind.
KARABOTS PAVILION
Shimmer Wall Science | South Front Lawn 10 am–5 pm
Visitors can learn how science and art combine to create the stunning façade that drapes the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion making wind and other natural elements visible.
Rain Garden Tours | Race Street Pavilion Entrance 11 am–1 pm
The Franklin Institute’s Chief Environmental Scientist Raluca Ellis invites visitors to tour the newly installed Rain Garden and hear about the climate impacts on the urban environment.
Share your #BrainParty experience
The Franklin Institute unveils a new customized WASABI 3D art creation designed to make an impossible scenario seem real. Guests can stand on these unique pieces of artwork for 3D photo capture. #BrainParty #Karabots #YourBrain
Tweet it: #BrainParty like only @TheFranklin can do to celebrate the opening of the #Karabots Pavilion June 14
The Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion, a 53,000-square-foot, $41 million dollar pavilion, named in honor of the lead donors whose commitment to science and technology education brought the project to fruition, will transform The Franklin Institute in a myriad of ways adding to the appeal of Philadelphia’s cultural mecca, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The three-story expansion will become home an expansive new education center, a state-of-the-art conference center and the museum’s largest signature exhibition, Your Brain. Teva Pharmaceuticals is the lead underwriter of Your Brain, which is housed in the Frank Baldino, Jr. Gallery in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion, and is the largest exhibit in North America dedicated to the brain. Circus! Science Under the Big Top is presented by PECO in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion. 101 Inventions That Changed the World is presented by TE Connectivity in the Mandell Center.
Don Potts Joins Image Capture Firm Picsolve as COO for North America
[quote]I’m delighted to be joining Picsolve at what is such an exciting time for the company. Having spent my entire working life in the leisure and entertainment industry, I feel fortunate now to be in the business of capturing those experiences for guests to share for a lifetime.” — Don Potts[/quote]
London, UK (June 10, 2014) — Picsolve, a leading image capture partner for the leisure and entertainment industry, has appointed Don Potts as Chief Operating Officer – North America.
Potts brings with him a wealth of experience in the leisure industry. He was part of the opening team at Universal Studios Florida where he worked for 12 years and ultimately was Senior Vice President of Operations.
Over his 25 years in the leisure industry, Potts has held positions as Vice President of Operations at ARAMARK Parks and Destinations and Vice President – General Manager at Orange Lake Resorts.
Picsolve CEO, Jeff Kelisky, says “I am very excited that Don has joined us to lead our operations in North America. We were first to identify the path to realising the much larger potential in photography for our leisure and entertainment customers by recognising the step change needed in a coordinated approach across both Retail and Online. Key to realising this potential is a team of experienced leaders and Don has a first class track record in delivering results in the industry. Our customers and their guests are at the heart of what we do and Don’s depth of experience and track record across leisure and hospitality will help us deliver on our vision.”
With more than 500 installations worldwide, capturing over 100 million amazing moments every year, Picsolve partners with global clients such as Merlin Entertainments PLC, Atlantis The Palm Dubai, and Parques Reunidos to enhance the guest experience, increase revenue and generate repeat visits.
Picsolve’s goal is to push the boundaries of image services to theme parks and visitor attractions, and further enhance the guest experience. Developing ground breaking technology, Picsolve look to “future proof” their clients’ businesses to meet the exponential increase in demand for image capture driven by changing consumer behaviour on digital and social media.
In North America, where Picsolve already works with brands such as LEGOLAND Florida, Madame Tussauds (Las Vegas, Hollywood, Washington DC and New York) and Kennywood, Potts’ appointment is a positive step to strengthen the brand’s presence in the region.
In November 2013, Picsolve announced a further $13 million investment from owners Moonray Investments, the proprietary investment arm of FIL Limited. The investment has accelerated Picsolve’s innovative digital growth strategy, which is set to revolutionise the industry by delivering best in class retail experiences and by pioneering product development in both Print and Digital.
Potts has a proven track record in successfully executing operational initiatives by recruiting, leading and developing cross-functional teams and delivering high quality experiences to employees and guests. He is looking forward to leveraging his leadership and business development skills in his new role with Picsolve.
