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MGM plans 150-acre casino resort near Boston

Joe Kleiman
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Casino, MGM’s Beau Rivage, Biloxi, MS (Charles Punzo/Beau Rivage)

Brimfield, MA, USA  /PRNewswire/ — MGM Resorts International’s Chairman and CEO Jim Murren announced the company signed a contract with Rolling Hills Estates Realty Trust to purchase a remote 150 acres of land in Brimfield, MA. The company will seek to develop a world-class resort on the land just north of the Massachusetts Turnpike, 65 miles west of Boston.

Murren, who grew up in Connecticut, expressed his desire to work closely with the people of Brimfield. “The remote nature of this property, along with its proximity to the Mass Pike, is exactly what we had in mind.” 

MGM’s working name for the development is Rolling Hills Resort. It would be developed on a wooded parcel adjacent to and just north of the Mass Pike. The initial plans include building a new off-ramp from the Pike into the resort.

Murren estimated the resort development would create some 3,000 permanent direct jobs as well as several thousand indirect jobs; along with several thousand construction-related jobs. Murren and other members of the MGM Executive Team were in Brimfield this week to meet with town officials, residents and other community leaders. 

The developers declare that they are committed to continuing dialog with local residents throughout the development process. “In the communities where we locate we get to know our neighbors well,” said Murren. “We listen to what they have to say, to their ideas and thoughts. And then we create high-quality world-class destination resorts that offer quality jobs and make the community and our company proud.”

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed the State Legislature’s Conference Committee report on expanded gaming in Massachusetts on Tuesday, Nov. 22. The passage of the bill, which automatically became law with the Governor’s signature, kicked off the most highly anticipated public bidding process in the Commonwealth’s history. Interested developers will compete for three licenses, one in the Greater Boston area, another in Southeastern Massachusetts and a third in Western Massachusetts. The Governor, Attorney General and Treasurer will appoint a 5-person Gaming Commission that will oversee the lengthy process and award the licenses.
 

ABOUT MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL

 MGM Resorts International is one of the world’s leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. In addition to its 51% interest in MGM China Holdings and the MGM Macau, the Company has significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 15 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50% investments in three other properties in Nevada and Illinois. One of those investments is CityCenter, an unprecedented urban resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip featuring its centerpiece ARIA Resort & Casino. Leveraging MGM Resorts’ unmatched amenities, the M life loyalty program delivers one-of-a-kind experiences, insider privileges and personalized rewards for guests at the Company’s renowned properties nationwide. Through its hospitality management subsidiary, the Company holds a growing number of development and management agreements for casino and non-casino resort projects around the world. MGM Resorts International supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its gaming properties. The Company has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative, its community philanthropy programs and the Company’s commitment to sustainable development and operations.  www.mgmresorts.com

Alice Bumps TRON For Nighttime Party at California Adventure

Joe Kleiman
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by Joe Kleiman, IPM Online News Editor

Copyright Disney

Anaheim, CA (January 12, 2012) — Disneyland Resort has announced that its ElecTRONica nighttime street party will be replaced by the Mad T Party on Disney California Adventure’s Hollywood Studios Backlot.  The new event will maintain the party feel established by ElecTRONica and GlowFest before it, but will be themed to the Tim Burton-directed film “Alice in Wonderland,” complete with whimsical costumes and set pieces based on the motion picture.

Copyright Disney

Elements that guests to Mad T Party will encounter include:

  • A surreal entrance through the “rabbit hole”
  • Two stages with entertainment including a live band, a DJ and a variety of performance artists.
  • New food and beverage venues with unique themed offerings
  • High-energy gaming including classic favorites with a Mad T Party twist

ElecTRONica will continue to take place throughout the Spring, with Mad T Party scheduled to premier in the Summer.

Visit Disney Parks for more information

SEGD Accepting Entries for 2012 Global Design Awards

Joe Kleiman
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Washington, DC, USA — The Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD) is now accepting entries for the 2012 Global Design Awards.

The SEGD Global Design Awards Program recognizes exceptional environmental graphic design, illustrating the pandisciplinary nature of visual communications in the built environment. Winning projects have included complex wayfinding systems, branding and identity work, retail and interior projects, exhibition design, and public art installations.  Awards are conferred by multidisciplinary, international juries.

Catagories are:

Dynamic Environments: media facades, interactive architecture, media-based exhibitions, digital billboards, electronic public art

Office/Workplace Environments: office buildings, business parks, mixed-use centers, industrial and manufacturing buildings, convention and conference centers

Leisure/Entertainment Environments: walking and hiking trails, recreation centers, theme parks, arenas, stadiums, theaters, concert halls, cinemas, hotels, resorts, restaurants, spas, fitness centers, parks, gardens, cruise ships, marinas, golf courses

Educational/Institutional Environments: healthcare facilities, libraries, schools, campuses, government facilities

Transportation Environments: airports, ports, bus, rail, roadways, parking facilities

Retail/Commercial Environments: service businesses, malls, storefronts, interiors, food courts, showrooms, outdoor advertising

Residential Environments: apartments, condominiums, developments, retirement centers, dormitories

Urban Projects: cities, mixed-use complexes, downtowns, neighborhoods, wayfinding systems, streetscapes

Exhibitions: museums, zoos, interpretive exhibits

Trade Shows/Temporary Events: expositions, pavilions, athletic events, festivals

Master Plans/Planning/Research: conceptual ideas, research, recommendation studies, sign/identity/branding standards, programs

Miscellaneous: signage, architectural graphics, placemaking, identity programs, public art, donor recognition programs, maps, symbol/pictogram systems, sign codes, gateways, landmarks

For more information or to enter, visit  http://www.segd.org/design-awards/index.html

Themed Design Firm Creative Works Turns Fifteen

Joe Kleiman
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Mooresville, IN, USA — 2012 will make the fifteenth year of operation for Creative Works Theme Factory.  The company is a full-service theme creator and prop builder for the entertainment industry with 3D illustrators, graphic designers, sculptors, wood craftsmen, and painters on staff.

In 2011, Creative Works introduced “The Game Patrol” – a mobile FEC TO GO as well as “Mirror Amaze” to their portfolio of attractions.  Other Creative Works products include Laser Tag, black light “Cosmic Golf,” and the “Lazer Frenzy” laser maze.  With over 500 clients around the globe, the company looks forward to the opportunities that lie in the years ahead. 

For more information, visit www.thewoweffect.com

Online Registration Begins Feb 7 For IAAPA’s Asian Attractions Expo in Hong Kong

Joe Kleiman
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Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, courtesy HKTB/IAAPA

Alexandria, VA, USA — Online registration will open February 7 for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ (IAAPA) Asian Attractions Expo 2012, taking place in Hall 5BC of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, June 5-8. Asian Attractions Expo is the largest conference and trade show for the attractions industry in Asia.

“IAAPA is excited to bring Asian Attractions Expo 2012 the industry’s premier trade show in Asia, to Hong Kong – one of the most dynamic cities in the world,” said IAAPA Director and Immediate Past Chair Bob Rippy.

“Asia is booming right now and so is the region’s attractions industry,” said IAAPA Asia Pacific Executive Director Andrew Lee. “It makes perfect sense for industry buyers and sellers to participate in four days of business transactions, education, and networking in the heart of the world’s fastest-growing economy.”

Industry leaders, operators, manufacturers, and suppliers will conduct business, learn, and network.
Since 1997, Asian Attractions Expo has been the premier event for the multibillion-dollar leisure and attractions industry in Asia. More than 4,500 professionals from 40 countries are expected to participate in the event. The trade show floor will showcase products developed by more than 200 companies from around the world in more than 100 categories, including amusement and theme park rides; architectural and design services; coin-operated games, skill games, and redemption prizes.

Chief executive officers and senior managers of amusement and theme parks, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers, casinos, and resorts will experience what’s new in the industry and purchase attractions and services to enhance the guest experience at their facilities. The event will include education sessions related to safety, operations, and management presented by worldwide industry leaders in each discipline. Sessions will cover industry trends and best practices and participants will network with colleagues to renew old business relationships and develop new ones.

Hong Kong is known for its sophisticated infrastructure, easy accessibility, business-friendly environment, professional expertise, and vibrant lifestyle. Located within a five-hour flight of 50 percent of the world’s population, Hong Kong is recognized as one of Asia’s premier destinations for meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibition. While in Hong Kong, Asian Attractions Expo participants can take in spectacular views of the city at The Peak; experience a breath-taking cable car ride, at the Ngong Ping 360; dine and shop at Ngong Ping Village next to the world-famous Buddha; visit Madame Tussauds; explore the world’s first full-size replica of Noah’s Ark at Ma Wan Park; and enjoy two world-class theme parks, Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland, both of which are undergoing major expansion.


For more information or to register, visit http://www.iaapa.org/expos/asian/2012/
 
ABOUT HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE
Located on Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) opened in November 1988 and helped Hong Kong establish its position as a world-class international convention and meeting destination. The HKCEC offers 66,000 square meters (710,418 square feet) of exhibit space in six halls, 52 meeting rooms, and seven restaurants. The HKCEC is adjacent and connected to the Convention Plaza, which also includes the 829-room Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong, the 553-room Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, and a shopping arcade.

ABOUT IAAPA
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded more than 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry. IAAPA represents more than 4,000 attraction, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. The association’s global headquarters is in Alexandria, Virginia, United States. The association maintains regional offices in Brussels, Mexico City, and Hong Kong. IAAPA is online at www.IAAPA.org. 

Christie Digital Provides Visual Solutions to TELUS Spark

Joe Kleiman
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Kitchener, Ontario, Canada (January 12, 2012) — TELUS Spark, The New Science Centre is welcoming visitors with the help of 48 Christie® MicroTiles® and an assortment of Christie® projectors. The center opened October 29, 2011 in Calgary, Alberta for people of all ages and abilities to explore and discover science, technology and art in new ways.

The two-story tall atrium houses an 8 unit wide by 6 unit high Christie MicroTiles array set between the Feature Gallery and the gift store.  
Christie MicroTiles are modular digital display tiles that can be stacked and clustered like building blocks to create display walls of any shape or scale. They are also “self-aware” – meaning that the sensors built into the MicroTiles automatically complete time-consuming and costly color calibration needed to keep conventional video walls looking uniform.

“The Atrium is where we have a space for discovery leaders and hosts to deliver presentations and for informing people about what is happening at the center,” said Dennis Cheng, audio video manager, TELUS Spark. “There is a very large picture window on the south side of the atrium that lets in a lot of sunlight. In fact, it lights up the entire atrium. We needed a technology to overcome that issue and the Christie MicroTiles came in as the solution. The MicroTiles are LED-based and were the only product bright enough to overcome that large amount of ambient light.”

“Looking down from the second floor of the atrium, the MicroTiles display still looks great,” added Barry Crean, vice president, Operations. “People look down at the display from any angle and are quite impressed by what they see. The MicroTiles look terrific.”

A second wall, comprising 22 Christie MicroTiles, slated for installation this year, will act as a donor wall to recognize large-scale donations.

In addition to the Christie MicroTiles, other Christie products are used throughout the facility.

Cheng explained that as a new building, TELUS Spark is poised to attract a wide variety of special events and the Atrium is the perfect place to stage these opportunities.

“Again, because of the ambient light on the south end of the atrium, we needed a projector to overcome the light challenges.The Christie Roadie HD+35K was the best option,” said Cheng.

“The Roadie projects 100 feet away onto a 30-foot by 16-foot screen that is suspended from a movable truss over 30 feet above the atrium floor.”

The center also has seven Christie DWU670-E 1-chip DLP® projectors with four dedicated to the Open Studio gallery. Catering to youth, the Open Studio allows participants to digitally paint with light or compose a symphony with color. The finished artwork or composition is then projected onto one of four screens.  

Of the remaining three projectors, one is in the Being Human gallery and the other two are on mobile carts, used throughout the science center.

Christie DWU670-E 1-chip DLP® projectors provide exceptional brightness (6000 ANSI lumens / 6500 center lumens) and image quality with native WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution.

“We really like the look and performance of these single-chip projectors,” added Cheng. “They work exceptionally well and were the ideal wide-screen choice for our needs.”

A Christie DS+750 1-chip DLP® projector is used at the Shadow Rock exhibit in the Open Studio gallery. Offering an exceptional balance between high brightness and superior color and reliability for 24/7 applications, the Christie DS+750 digital projector delivers 7500 ANSI lumens at SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) resolution.

“The final Christie projector we have is the Christie CP2220, located in our 164-seat Presentation Theatre,” Crean continued. “We wanted a quality space where we could do flat image 3D and the Christie CP2220 is exactly what we needed.”

Designed for ease of use and maximum reliability with the majority of screens in commercial exhibitions, the Christie CP2220 digital cinema projector is an all-in-one digital cinema projector solution and the brightest, highest performance projector with the lowest operating costs in its class.

“We had a walkthrough with some technology experts and they recognized that by choosing Christie projectors, we had chosen high quality and cutting edge technology. Once we decided on Christie, everything – including delivery of the products – happened very quickly,” Crean concluded.

“We worked closely with Geoff Chick (Central and Western Regional Sales Manager, Canada) and Dave Muscat (Senior Director of Sales, Canada) – who were very responsive throughout the process. Having great products means we have the potential to achieve great things with our exhibits.”

ABOUT CHRISTIE® 

Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world’s most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit www.christiedigital.com

Zeiss Donates £110,000 in Digital Planetarium Equipment to Liverpool Museum

Joe Kleiman
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Existing planetarium projector, courtesy World Museum

by Joe Kleiman, IPM Online News Editor

Liverpool, England — The 42-year old planetarium at World Museum, part of National Museums Liverpool, closed on January 4, 2012 to transition into a fulldome digital facility.  The new equipment, joining the original Zeiss analog star projector, consists of the Zeiss Spacegate Duo and accompanying software.  The German optics company is providing the digital equipment at no cost to the museum.  The planetarium, which seats 62 and opened in 1970, is the only static planetarium in the country that does not charge admission.  The digital upgrade is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month.

LINKS
Carl Zeiss International
World Museum

Related Stories from InPark:
IMERSA Confirms Speakers for Fulldome Summit 2012 
Donna Davidson of BRC Imagination Arts talks with IPM on Museum of Liverpool

SeaWorld Sending Penguins to Ski Dubai

Joe Kleiman
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Courtesy Mall of the Emirates

by Joe Kleiman, IPM Online News Editor

Even though plans for Worlds of Discovery, the resort edstination designed by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment as an anchor for the Palm Jebel Ali, were scrapped in 2009, SeaWorld is still sending one of its major attractions to the Arab Emirate – in this case, a number of penguins from the theme park chain’s San Diego park.  In a statement yesterday, Mall of the Emirates announced:

“An amazing colony of snow penguins are to become part of the world’s first exciting attraction of its kind: ‘Snow Penguins at SKI DUBAI’!

“Visitors will soon have a rare opportunity to interact with these remarkable birds in a one-of-a- kind intimate encounter and learn about their unique traits and habits exclusively at Mall of the Emirates, starting in February 2012.”

The Ski Dubai penguins will not the first in town, as a number of the birds, including Gentoo penguins from Antarctica, reside at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo at the Dubai Mall, a short drive away.  

LINKS:
Ski Dubai
Mall of the Emirates 

Related stories from InPark:
RGH Entertainment designs the Red Sea Astrarium
Zoo & Aquarium study from Market & Feasibility Advisors
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, one year on
Falcon’s Treehouse and the greening of Dubai

KeyLime Cove Connects To Guests With SkyWire Mobile Technology

Joe Kleiman
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Las Vegas, NV, USA (January 12, 2012) /PRWeb/ — SkyWire® Media, Inc., a global SMS text marketer, Mobile content enabler and Mobile Application Development company, announces a strategic partnership with KeyLime Cove®, an award winning tropical themed waterpark resort and family fun spot that offers a complete year-round resort vacation experience.

KeyLime Cove has selected the SkyWire Media Rooms Connect™ solution to provide a rooms ready alert and marketing Opt-in service to guests at their resort, located just north of Chicago in Gurnee, Illinois. This service will allow early arriving guests to do a partial check in while they wait for their room to become available. An SMS text message will automatically notify the guest when the room enters a “Ready” status in their PMS (Property Management System).

“We are pleased to partner with SkyWire Media to provide our guests with convenient notifications on their smartphones,” said Dale McFarland, general manager of KeyLime Cove. “Although our check in time is 4 p.m., we have always invited guests to arrive as early as 1 p.m. on the day of their arrival to start enjoying the resort. The new “Ready” status allows guests an added convenience of knowing the exact time their room is available.”

KeyLime Cove has also selected Mobile Connect™ and Coupon Connect™ which features SkyWire’s patented mobile SMS and viral technology of event based triggers. The “Rooms Ready” message triggers the arrival of new mobile offers to the guest for redemption in the resort’s waterpark, retail, spa or food and beverage outlets. After the guest checks out, additional offers can be sent when they Opt-in to receive them. These enterprise offers are integrated with their POS (Point Of Sale) system which closes the loop for marketing, provides detailed accounting for finance and helps prevent fraud. “Our patented event based triggers allow our clients to segment, target, and market to the guests onsite” commented Thomas Castleberry, Chief Operating Officer at SkyWire Media, Inc., “This level of engagement with the property allows the brand to stimulate and capture more revenue through mobile marketing solutions.”

The Mobile Connect™ Product Suite provides seamless integration to POS terminals, property management systems, guest tracking and customer resource management databases. Armed with the capability to create mobile triggered events, advantaged enterprises can auto-schedule messages to be sent out to specific segmented databases of targeted customers based on specific time frames and other individual designated preferences.

Additionally, KeyLime Cove has selected Table Connect™, a restaurant table wait management tool. Now, a variety of food and beverage locations on the property can alert guests when their table is ready for them to be seated. The Paradise Mist Spa™, located on the main floor, with a private entrance for local and non-hotel guests to use, will also be able to utilize this mobile paging system to alert guests when their treatment room is available.

ABOUT SKYWIRE MEDIA 

SkyWire Media, Inc. develops integrated, mobile-centric applications allowing hospitality service providers to reach customers via real-time SMS text messaging. SkyWire Media’s Mobile Connect™ Product Suite is designed to reduce marketing costs, generate revenue and enhance guest service. Mobile Connects™ modular solutions include: Mobile Connect™, Rooms Connect™, Table Connect™, Progressive Connect™, Poker Connect™ and Emergency Connect™. In addition, SkyWire Media also develops Mobile Applications and provides Workforce Dynamics™, an integrated labor management solution designed for hospitality. http://www.skywiremedia.com
ABOUT KEYLIME COVE INDOOR WATER RESORT  
KeyLime Cove is an island-inspired family vacation destination less than an hour drive from Chicago and Milwaukee. As The Official Resort of Six Flags Great America, the year-round resort features 414 suites and staterooms and offers a complete family vacation without ever leaving the property. Created to be an American coastal experience just a short drive from home, the resort’s entertainment and amenities include a 65,000 square-foot, 82-degree tropical-themed waterpark; 8,000 square-foot arcade; multiple restaurants including D.W. Anderson’s Eatery and Ice Cream Parlor and The Crazy Toucan Margarita Grille with live entertainment; Paradise Mist Spa; The Enchanted Lagoon Kids Spa; and 6,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space. An abundance of fun is found around every corner, including the uniquely themed interior, arts, crafts, interactive festivities, shops and street vendors. keylimecove.com

Lo-Q to Provide Virtual Queue Services to Third Merlin Park

Joe Kleiman
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Twyford, England (January 12, 2012) — Lo-Q plc (AIM: LOQ), the AIM-listed provider of virtual queuing systems for theme parks and major attractions, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to install its patented Q-bot system at LEGOLAND® Deutschland: a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator.


The three year contract will see the system installed in time for the park’s opening on the 30 March 2012. One of Germany’s most popular family theme parks, LEGOLAND Deutschland is built from more than 55 million LEGO bricks and is uniquely targeted at families with young children. Like all Merlin’s attractions the Park operates a strategy of continuous investment, and is constantly looking to improve its offer to its guests and ensure they get the very best from their visit. Once operational, the Q-bot system will – for an additional fee – enable visitors to explore the attraction more easily than ever before.

The Q-bot is a hand-held device which allows visitors to reserve their time on a ride without having to physically stand in the queue, something which has great appeal to LEGOLAND’s very young visitors. This innovative product enables park operators to maximise the revenue they can generate at their parks, freeing up visitors to enjoy other attractions, eat at one of the many restaurants and use other services rather than standing in line.

This agreement builds on Lo-Q’s very strong relationship with Merlin Entertainments Group and owes much to the significant success of Lo-Q’s existing system at two other Merlin parks: LEGOLAND® Windsor in the UK and Heide Park in Germany.

Commenting on the news Tom Burnet, Chief Executive Officer of Lo-Q plc said: “We are delighted that Merlin Entertainments Group has agreed to install yet another Q-bot system in one of its most exciting parks. For us, this decision marks another important vote of confidence in the value and capability of our technology. Adding LEGOLAND® Deutschland to our park portfolio further strengthens our presence in
the European theme park arena and we look forward to building on this renewed strength in the coming months.”

Hans Aksel Pedersen, General Manager, LEGOLAND® Deutschland, added: “Delivering a memorable guest experience is a huge focus for all of us at LEGOLAND® Deutschland and the Lo-Q Q-bot system will help us to deliver on this priority.”

ABOUT LO-Q
Lo-Q designs, installs and operates systems which allow members of the public to make ride and show reservations when they visit a theme park or other attraction. Their flagship product, VQ²º²º is a true virtual queuing system for theme parks. Their proprietary hand-held units, called Q-bots, are used in major theme parks around the world.  Lo-Q’s queuing systems are currently deployed in over 20 of the worlds largest theme parks, and during the past 10 years have been used by in excess of 7million guests.
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