Leading innovation, setting new trends and fostering market recovery in the attractions sector in 2023 were branded experiences and location based entertainment; guest engagement and immersion through technology; and new developments in zoos, aquariums, and museums. Stories curated by InPark Magazine Founder and Publisher Martin Palicki, Editor Judith Rubin, and Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman.
Zoos, aquariums, museums/curated by Joe Kleiman
In the first of our end-of-year Top 5 lists for 2023, InPark Senior Correspondent and News Editor Joe Kleiman shares some of the top stories in the world of zoos, aquariums, and museums.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi takes the marine life theme park indoors and vertical
Our extensive coverage showcased the work of PGAV Destinations, Thinkwell Group, and Costume Connection featured at Miral’s newest Yas Island attraction.
American Museum of Natural History’s newest wing features an undulating design
Using shotcrete, COST of Wisconsin fabricated the unique contours of the Gilder Center to create a structure influenced by the natural Earth processes of wind and water.
San Antonio Zoo’s Master Plan Phase One positions the park for the future
Designed by PGAV Destinations, a new entrance, gorilla habitat, and event center also pay homage to the zoo’s history and the city’s culture.
The Steelers Hall of Honor and the upcoming COSM experience centers are designed for guests to experience historical highlights and live events in innovative ways.
In museums and zoos, digital domes and spheres from The Elumenati are immersing guests into the educational experience.
Branding and location based entertainment/curated by Judith Rubin
Brands and location-based entertainment (LBE) are natural storytelling partners, and new collaborations are inspiring the worldwide attractions industry through their creativity, innovative use of technology and fresh approaches to audience engagement. InPark editor Judith Rubin shares leading examples from 2023.
A pioneering collaboration between game developer TAITO, Google, and the digital storytellers at UNIT9 ushers in “a new era of localized immersive experiences” and lets Space Invaders fans play streetside.
Rovio’s brand licensing team continues to expand the ways people can experience Angry Birds away from the gaming console, including themed dining and interactive games.
PEANUTS™ prepares to celebrate “75 years of Happiness” and continues to explore creative partnerships in LBE, bringing Snoopy and the Peanuts gang to fans around the world.
Miziker Entertainment digs into American monster lore and partners with Haunted Hotel to raise the bar on haunted attractions starting with a unique collaboration with Mall of America.
Unique AI-Vactor technology from SimGraphics supercharges branded character experiences while maintaining authenticity. Early adopters include Nintendo, Hasbro and Chicago’s Field Museum.
The secret star – technology/curated by Martin Palicki
Technology is often themed entertainment’s secret star. Supported by an AV industry eager to bring the latest tech to market, interactive attractions have come a long way in the last few years – and there are more exciting advancements and ideas just around the corner. InPark publisher Martin Palicki shares highlights from 2023.
Shanghai Astronomy Museum takes guests to the cosmos
One of last year’s TEA Thea Award recipients, the museum deployed intricate projection systems to create multiple media-rich exhibits that were truly “out of this world.”
IPM’s Joe Kleiman curated information on an assortment of AV technologies that are pushing the boundaries of experience design.
Developing designs for The Wander
IPM’s Judith Rubin led a special collaboration between five UCF grad students and Alterface that resulted in new concept designs based on The Wander software tool and technology.
Mad Systems helps usher in the AI revolution
The new Alice and Lory products bring powerful AI tech to the Mad Systems QuickSilver AV platform, opening up worlds of opportunity for visitor experiences.
“What if the stars reached for us?”
In Gatlinburg, TN, Anakeesta partnered with Moment Factory to create a new evening walk-through show, the 15th installation of the Lumina Enchanted Night Walks, and the first in the United States.
