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Dave Clare Joins Hettema Group as Project Director

Joe Kleiman
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Dave Clare Joins Hettema Group as Project Director

Pasadena, CA, USA — The Hettema Group is proud to announce that Dave Clare has joined the group as Project Director.  An exceptionally talented operations and production executive in themed entertainment, museums, and retail destinations throughout the world, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Hettema team.

“As we head into production and installation of One World Observatory at the World Trade Center in New York, Dave’s skill set will be invaluable,” said founder, Phil Hettema, “as well as for our ongoing projects in Asia and the U.S.”

After running Walt Disney Imagineering Production Operations for many years, in the “MAPO” building and Tujunga facilities, Dave spent several years on the Sony Development team, producing location based entertainment destinations in San Francisco, Germany and Japan.  Apple Computer subsequently hired Dave to lead the fabrication and installation of all Apple retail stores during their first year roll-out.

As founder of Claro Creative Studios, Dave led the production and installation of numerous museum exhibits and children’s play spaces throughout the U.S., including the Science Fiction Museum in Seattle, WA, the children’s garden at Longwood Gardens in Delaware, and the Kohl Children’s Museum in Chicago.

While COO of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Dave was responsible for operations, expansion plans and the construction of the US Patent and Trade Mark Office Museum in Alexandria, VA.  At KHS&S Dave headed up Global Procurement, supporting production and installation on several attractions and special events at Hong Kong Disney.

Dave earned his undergraduate degree in industrial engineering from Leicester Polytechnic in England, and his MBA from Pepperdine University in California.

www.thehettemagroup.com

Midwest Haunters Convention Joins TransWorld Family

Joe Kleiman
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Columbus, OH, USA — TransWorld Trade Shows has released the following statement concerning their acquisition of Midwest Haunters Convention:

Ten years ago, four people with a passion for haunt founded the Midwest Haunters Convention and the entire industry appreciates what they have accomplished. The show was designed for the home haunter, the haunt enthusiast, the haunt actor, the make-up artist, the set designer and the volunteer to buy products and to attend classes, workshops, and haunted house tours.

TransWorld will preserve the traditions of Midwest Haunters Convention by producing an event that conforms to the founders vision. We will follow in the foot steps of Kelly, Neena, Barry and Kathy by keeping Midwest Haunters the same show we all have come to appreciate. TransWorld’s Jennifer Braverman echoes the words of Barry Schieferstein, when they state that the Midwest Haunters Convention will remain a” place for the entire haunt community to come together to Buy, Sell, Learn and Scare!”

The 2014 Midwest Haunters Convention Conference will return to the Columbus Convention Center June 6th – 8th. For information please check out our website at www.midwesthauntersconvention.com. or contact Jennifer Braverman at 847.323.5109.

Tony Baxter Taking His Magic Upstairs with Main Street Window

Joe Kleiman
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Anaheim, CA, USA — Tony Baxter, Disney Legend and Creative Advisor to Walt Disney Imagineering, was given a permanent place on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013 when his name was placed on a window over the Main Street Magic Shop. Windows are awarded to individuals who have made major creative contributions to Disneyland, and Baxter led the development of such attractions as Star Tours, the Indiana Jones Adventure, Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain Railroad.   He is also the recipient of the Buzz Price Lifetime Achievement Award from the Themed Entertainment Association and was named a Disney Legend earlier this year.

Adventure World Unveils a Down Under Journey into The Abyss

Joe Kleiman
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Adventure World Unveils a Down Under Journey into The Abyss

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Abyss plunges the brave souls who travel on it into a black hole to experience adrenaline pumping exhilaration. The theme of ancient druid Guardians of the all-powerful Abyss has inspired the coaster’s theme.

This “unnerving and eerie” theme encompasses the entire roller coaster area at Adventure World. The landscape features 30 nine foot
tall Guardians scattered throughout the mysterious terrain. Massive upturned trees with exposed roots create a spooky underworld
atmosphere. An intimidating themed arch looms overhead the entrance and creates the feeling of impending doom. With ancient stone statues and foreboding themed soundtrack, the mood is ominous as thrill seekers wait to experience the power of the Abyss.

CEO of Adventure World, Mark Shaw said,“We think the name reflects what is going to be a white-knuckle ride filled with trepidation of the unknown, the likes of which visitors to any theme park in Australia won’t have experienced.”

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Boasting the latest and most advanced ride technology in Australia, Abyss will reach -1 to 4.5 G-Forces – a thrust greater than that experienced during a space shuttle launch.

Already billed as Australia’s most thrilling rollercoaster, Abyss is the single largest investment at Adventure World since it launched in 1982 and features a unique 10 storey high vertical lift, a more than vertical 100 feet drop, giant G-Force turns and head spinning twists.
The Gerstlauer custom built coaster also includes four inversions through daylight and a secret dark ride section as well as a zero-g-roll, rollover loop, cobra roll and inline loop. Offering a hair raising journey over 630 metres, riders will experience turns, drops and disorienting twist while they travel in the open air and in the dark. Adventure World opens its doors for the 2013/2014 season on 26 September 2013.

www.adventureworld.net.au

Welcome Back accesso, the New Name for Lo-Q

Joe Kleiman
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Welcome Back accesso, the New Name for Lo-Q

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London, UK (November 12, 2013) — Lo-Q plc, a premier technology solutions provider to the attractions and leisure industry, today announced a new corporate identity – accesso®. Effective 12-November, the company will trade on the London Stock Exchange AIM Market as accesso Technology Group plc under the new ticker symbol “ACSO,” and will leverage the upcoming IAAPA Expo in Orlando (Nov. 18-22), the industry’s largest annual trade show, to further communicate the rebrand to its core market.

The name change reflects the company’s expanded capabilities and expertise gained when it acquired the privately-held ticketing technology and e-commerce firm accesso LLC in late 2012.  The company provides services to a number of different types of venues, including theme parks, waterparks, zoos and aquariums, spectator sports, and museums.

“Rebranding under the accesso banner creates a unifying brand for our products and defines our core business well – helping theme parks and venues access technologies that optimize the guest experience and grow revenue,” noted Tom Burnet, CEO. “The accesso name clearly encapsulates what the company aspires to be, and gives us greater flexibility to enter new markets, make future acquisitions and diversify our operations around the world.”

The company will leverage the existing accesso brand assets – logo, imagery, marketing – and is integrating the innovative virtual queuing solutions into its product line as accesso LoQueueSM solutions, maintaining the brand that’s become synonymous with helping theme park visitors avoid standing in lines. accesso’s ticketing, mobile and eCommerce technologies will continue to be marketed as accesso Passport® solutions.

The company’s footprint has grown substantially in the past 15 months. Since adding ticketing and eCommerce capabilities in late 2012, the company has signed queuing or ticketing agreements with major operators including Universal Orlando, Merlin Entertainments, Vialand, Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas and Phoenix, and The AutoClub Group, the second-largest AAA Club in North America.

accesso will be exhibiting at booth 4270 at the IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando.

SEGA Arcade Booth at IAAPA Attractions Expo to be Graced by Transformers and Plant Fighting Zombies

Joe Kleiman
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SEGA Arcade Booth at IAAPA Attractions Expo to be Graced by Transformers and Plant Fighting Zombies

Sega IAAPA PR-01Orlando, FL, USA — The SEGA booth at IAAPA 2013 will be filled with what attendees have become used to seeing – outstanding amusement games – but the company is also unveiling a new line of licensed and proprietary plush and consumer electronics for redemption counters and games as well as their new Turn Key Division.

Attendees should have no problem finding SEGA’s booth 617 at IAAPA – one end of their booth will be under the watchful eye of a 17 foot tall OPTIMUS PRIME Statue. “OPTIMUS PRIME is part of our promotion for our exciting new video amusement game, TRANSFORMERS – HUMAN ALLIANCE based on the iconic franchise brand from Hasbro” said COO Paul Williams. “TRANSFORMERS is a global brand that’s universally recognized for delivering high quality, high-energy entertainment, and Sega are proud to be bringing it to the amusement industry! The success of the franchise to date coupled with the buzz surrounding the release of the next TRANSFORMERS movie scheduled for the Summer of 2014 gives a huge boost to consumer awareness and appeal for our amusement game.”

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At the other end of the booth, they’ll find themselves standing in a grassy yard of a quaint suburban home complete with a cheerful welcome mat. That’s where they’ll find SEGA’S Plants vs. Zombies The Last Stand vid-demption game. Plants vs. Zombies The Last Stand puts the player at the control of a cabinet- mounted Peashooter that fires peas –– yes, peas –– to stop advancing waves of zombies. A unique feature of Plants vs. Zombies The Last Stand is the end-of-game, video-displayed QR Code. The QR Code allows players to register their score online on a global high-score table. Players can also earn unlock codes that can be used to change the game in “crazy new ways.”

These two licensed games will be joined by another 27 titles covering just about every amusement category including mechanical and video ticket redemption, arcade sports, cotton candy vending, kiddie rides, photo-tainment, action adventure video games, driving and motorcycle video games and of course, award winning prize vending games.

About SEGA’S Prize Division Offerings 

SEGA Prize is thrilled to unveil their new line of exclusive Doodle Jump Collectable Plush. A pioneer of the IOS APP phenomenon launched in 2009, Doodle Jump is one of the longest reigning chart toppers in a handful of iOS App success stories and has continued to rank highly across iPhone and Android platforms ever since. In addition, SEGA prize will showcase their complete line-up of licensed and proprietary plush as well as their exclusive line of Tokio Consumer Electronics.

About SEGA’S Turn Key Division 

Whether it is a theme park or a FEC, an arcade or a leisure amusements center, you can trust Sega Amusements Europe to realize the potential of your vision. With decades of experience working closely with global investors and clients, Sega is best situated to provide a complete turnkey solution from concept to reality.

“It’s absolutely possible for a visitor to SEGA’S booth 617 to find everything they need to fit out a world-class amusement center,” continued Williams. “We have the resources and knowhow to provide professional design and operational consultation, best-in-class amusement games and some of the most desirable redemption prizes the industry has to offer. I’m quite confident in stating that if you’re in the amusement industry, SEGA has something you need.”

www.segaarcade.com

READ ABOUT SEGA’S NEW ATTRACTION IN YOKOHAMA, ORBI – THIS MONTHS INPARK COVER STORY

Thinkwell Releases Findings of Nationwide Survey on Mobile Integration in Theme Parks

Joe Kleiman
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Thinkwell Releases Findings of Nationwide Survey on Mobile Integration in Theme Parks

Thinkwell's 2013 Guest Experience Trend Report Infographic

Burbank, CA, USA (November 11, 2013) —  Thinkwell Group, a worldwide entertainment design and production firm that specializes in theme parks, major attractions, museum exhibits and live shows, today released the findings of a nationwide survey analyzing behavioral patterns as they relate to existing and potential mobile integration into the theme park experience. This survey marks the launch of Thinkwell’s Guest Experience Trend Report, which will provide market research insights to the themed entertainment industry. This annual report will measure and distill consumer interests in varying topics related to guest experiences.

The survey, conducted among more than one thousand theme park goers, found that 67 percent of the respondents are interested in seeing increased mobile integration at theme parks, because it would improve the overall guest experience.

Of those surveyed, 80 percent took a mobile device (a smartphone and/or tablet) on their last theme park visit. Among the respondents who took a mobile device, a full 72 percent spent “a few minutes on and off throughout the day” engaging with it. Fifteen percent revealed that they did not use their mobile device during their theme park visit, although they did take it with them.

“Mobile technology is ubiquitous and theme parks have to embrace this ‘distraction’,” says Craig Hanna, CCO, Thinkwell. “We are continually looking for ways to keep guests engaged in the ways that they want to be engaged, utilizing these devices to improve the guest experience or interact with visitors in new ways that enhance the parkwide milieu.”

The survey participants were asked to rank a series of mobile features and enhancements from most to least desirable. The most popular features were more customer service-oriented, helping visitors save time, including front-of-line access to rides, shows and attractions. The respondents also highly ranked having the ability to check queue wait times from anywhere in the park, using GPS to locate friends or family members and using a mobile device to plan an itinerary.

Predictably, as mobile devices have replaced traditional cameras, 78 percent of participants took photos with their smartphones and tablets. Forty-four percent shared their photos on social media. Reluctant to cut-off communication with the outside world, 43 percent talked to or texted someone, 43 percent checked their e-mail and 29 percent kept up on social media.

Qualifying participants were United States residents over the age of 18, who had visited a theme park in the past 2 years and owned a mobile device. Of the 1,034 respondents, 48 percent are male and 52 percent are female. Thirty percent are between the ages of 18-29; 32 percent between the ages of 30-44; 24 percent between the ages of 45-60; and 13 percent are 60 and above. The survey found very little correlation, if any, between age or location and current mobile behavior or interest in increased mobile integration.

Complete survey results are available upon request.

www.thinkwellgroup.com

Ideal Software Systems Celebrates 30th Anniversary at IAAPA Attractions Expo

Joe Kleiman
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Ideal Software Systems Celebrates 30th Anniversary at IAAPA Attractions Expo

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Meridian, MS, USA — IAAPA Exhibits #238 & 5663 — Ideal Software Systems will celebrate its 30th anniversary at the 2013 IAAPA Attractions Expo (Nov. 19-22 in Orlando, Fla.), a history distinguished by its innovative product solutions and unparalleled customer service as the amusement industry’s most comprehensive, versatile and user-friendly business management system.

Founded in 1983 and still family owned and operated today, Ideal Software Systems has driven technological advancements in amusement business management software throughout its history, from pioneering redemption center management and party scheduling to its leadership in creating hosted and mobile solutions that create more opportunities for growing profits.

“As we celebrate our 30th year in business, we are continuing to grow and strengthen our commitment to the amusement industry,” said David Goldman, Founder and President of Ideal Software Systems. “Ideal gives FECs and amusement facilities a streamlined, native approach with full integration of all components, allowing them to finally untangle the web of systems they use while benefiting the bottom line at their profit centers.”

Goldman’s roots in the amusement industry stretch back to his youth, when working in his family’s FEC provided the inspiration and foundation for creating Ideal Software. Ideal continues to evolve to serve modern FECs, parks and amusement facilities with one full-featured solution from the game floor to food-and-beverage to redemption to back-of-house that includes Point of Sale, cashless debit card, party scheduling, e-commerce such as e-ticketing and hosted reservations, mobile integration and more.

“The Ideal system goes deeper into every area of your business and brings together all the pieces of the management puzzle so you can run your business more successfully,” said Goldman. “We have aligned our system with superior hardware, including the most advanced wireless card reader with full-motion video, sound, optical bar-code scanning, redundant offline operation, and the ability to add cash value from a smart phone.”

Ideal Software’s N-Site is the only Point of Sale system that fully integrates all profit centers in an FEC, from party management to cashless and redemption to a complete food and beverage system.

“With Ideal, you have one log-in, one common set of reports, one customer database and one cash drawer,” said Goldman. “That simplicity makes it easy to build customer loyalty programs, sell entitlements and time play packages, book parties online and much more.”

Ideal N-Site empowers facilities with a universal system that includes a cashless debit card that can be used to play arcade games and purchase food, game play, timed entitlements, merchandise and more. Having all sales points in the facility part of the same Ideal POS system enables the operator to access all functions from any station in the facility. This cashless system encourages customers to spend more during their visits-and customers can even add value to a cashless card from a mobile phone.

The Ideal POS system puts the owner in control of food and beverage with an unlimited number of customizable screens and powerful management functions such as open tabs for managing parties throughout the facility, plus the ability to split and combine checks and reassign items, seats and tables. Ideal is uniquely capable of handling table assignment, kitchen display, menu building, food inventory management and hold-and-fire order submitting.

Ideal N-Site also allows a facility’s customers to book parties online, 24/7. The online booking engine knows the exact capacity, dates and times available and won’t allow overbooking because it is part of a seamless POS. The customer can pre-order items such as cakes, and reserve pre-paid cashless cards so the event guests can play the moment they arrive.
For more information about Ideal Software Systems, please contact Ideal at 800-96-IDEAL or [email protected].

Gateway Ticketing Exhibiting at IAAPA Attractions Expo for 22nd Year

Joe Kleiman
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Gateway Ticketing Exhibiting at IAAPA Attractions Expo for 22nd Year

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Orlando, FL, USA — November 18-22, 2013 will mark Gateway Ticketing Systems’ 22nd anniversary as an exhibitor at the annual IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, Florida. In addition to the opportunity to greet existing and prospective customers at their exhibit booth (#4858), Gateway will leverage its 25 years of experience in the industry to contribute to events throughout the week; as a Silver Sponsor for the Opening Reception, with Galaxy Pass and Membership features highlighted in the New Technology Showcase and serving as an expert panelist in two educational sessions.

Gateway will take advantage of both the trade show and conference to contribute to industry dialogue and soak up information about industry trends. Gateway representatives will be panelists on both the “Interactive IT and Technology Trends” and the “Admission Fraud/Loss Prevention & Theft Best Practices” panels. The “Interactive IT and Technology Trends” panel will feature Gateway Director of Product, Marcus Lopez. Lopez will draw on his decade of experience in the Attraction and Amusement industries to share his insight on ticketing and mobile solutions and how they can be used to optimize guest experiences and improve operational efficiency at venues.

Gateway Project Manager, Britt Thompson, will join other industry experts in the “Admission Fraud/Loss Prevention & Theft Best Practices” panel to speak on topics ranging from ticketing scams to employee collusion to identify the most common types of fraud, how to mitigate fraud and how to create a fraud prevention solution that is both venue and customer friendly.

In addition to the educational session participation, Gateway has a team of customers, prospects and employees registered for the IAAPA Footprints from the Heart 5K Run/1K Walk Benefiting Give Kids the World charity event. Along with Brightstar Partners and ParTech, Gateway will also be hosting an evening of food, fun and conversation during the week.

President and CEO, Michael Andre, is excited about Gateway’s increased presence this year at IAAPA: “These events not only showcase our industry expertise, but also highlight our dedication to the Attractions and Amusement industries. They provide a forum to discuss trends in ticketing, business intelligence and revenue management and allow us a valuable opportunity to connect with our customers and prospects face-to-face.”

www.gatewayticketing.com

Connect to SeaWorld’s Animals Directly From Home with AnimalVision

Joe Kleiman
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Connect to SeaWorld’s Animals Directly From Home with AnimalVision

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Orlando, FL, USA — For nearly five decades SeaWorld® has connected guests to the natural world through innovative animal habitats and inspiring shows. With the launch of AnimalVision™, 24/7, on-habitat cameras stream footage to customized interactive websites, allowing visitors to create a connection right from the comfort of their own home at www.AnimalVision.com .

Fans can now enjoy the antics of penguins racing through the water or waddling around in their new 30-degree habitat at Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, SeaWorld Orlando’s newest attraction.  Combining innovative ride technology and up-close animal encounters, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin takes guests on an epic voyage to the bottom of the world where they can get up-close to a colony of nearly 250 penguins.

In addition, fans can tune in to see a school of stingrays  gliding past their screen from Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark® in San Antonio, and check out sea turtles, some of the most graceful animals, from SeaWorld San Diego’s Turtle Reef®.

“AnimalVision allows our guests and fans to deepen their connection with animals. For some guests, being able to see these remarkable animals at the park and then continuing that voyage of exploration at home serves as a reminder about the important role we all play in helping these animals. For those planning a park visit, seeing our animals up-close will get families excited about visiting in person,” said Anne Fischer, director of interactive marketing for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

Animal habitat cameras have proven to be popular for SeaWorld and animal fans alike. In 2012 during a six-week partnership with Discovery Channel, fans across the country spent an astounding 1.5 million hours watching penguins in SeaWorld San Diego Penguin Encounter® via a streaming camera feed.

Building on that success, AnimalVision provides animal camera fans with an interactive experience that goes beyond simply watching the animals demonstrating their natural behaviors. The new platform will feature:

  • Video web portal designed to be viewed from any computer, smartphone or tablet
  • The ability to take, share and save photos of their favorite video moment
  • Live Twitter feeds to share comments with other AnimalVision viewers and interactive “ask the experts” sessions with animal trainers and zoological staff
  • Education and conservation information and facts about each featured species
  • Downloadable games
  • Additional animal species will be showcased in the near future

Each of the six cameras is high definition for the best viewing experience possible, including multiple viewpoints of the habitats. The cameras at SeaWorld Orlando’s Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™, show four different species of penguins – gentoo, rockhopper, Adelie and King — both darting through the water and above water on the ice. At Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark® in San Antonio, more than 200 stingrays and tropical fish, including various species of angel, tang and butterfly fish, are seen from shallow and deep underwater viewpoints. Turtle Reef® at SeaWorld San Diego features more than 40 threatened green sea turtles ranging in age from four to 50 years old with a view into the 280,000-gallon aquarium they call home.

www.seaworld.com

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