Energy, optimism on the wings of the upcoming IAAPA Expo 2021

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

ORLANDO — The last time that the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) met in person for the IAAPA Expo here was in 2019. In that year, a record 42,200 people attended.

As banners and lights are hung at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, scene of the IAAPA Expo, organizers hope for a successful event, but reaching that 40,000 plus number for the Nov. 15-19 will be hard to do.

For one thing, there were still international travel restrictions at a time when potential foreign travelers would be making plans for the trek to Orlando.

The White House announced the reopening to fully vaccinated air travelers from the 26 so-called Schengen countries in Europe including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Greece, as well as Britain, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil. In mid-October, the White House confirmed the ban will be eased on November 8.

The White House also announced land travel for fully vaccinated individuals from Canada and Mexico will be admitted in early November as well. Again, no specific date. Air travel has been permitted with restrictions applied.

And even though it has been reported that health officials are seeing the summer COVID-19 pandemic surge easing, some potential attendees may still be hesitant to mingle with large crowds.

Yet the industry that brings fun to millions annually seems to be ready to partake in that fun as well.

IAAPA officials are feeling the energy.

With the exception of several special events as well as the 18th Annual IAAPA Charity Golf Tournament set to happen over the weekend, Nov. 13 and 14, the conference officially gets underway Monday, Nov. 15, with educational sessions starting as early as 8 a.m. This year there have been planned more than 90 education sessions and roundtables designed specifically for attractions professionals.

IAAPA has created new learning opportunities for attendees this year that will be held on the trade show floor in a designated area. Called EDUTalks, IAAPA is presenting fast-paced, 15-minute sessions during scheduled times.

Sure to be a highlight this year is Legends Panel set for Wednesday, Nov. 17, curated and hosted by Bob Rogers, founder and CEO of BRC Imagination Arts. This year’s panel includes the Legends Behind The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Thierry Coup, Phil Hettema and Scott Trowbridge.

The trade show will kick off on Tuesday, Nov. 16 and run through Friday, Nov. 19. Hours are: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday.

IAAPA is offering Trade Show Floor Tours this year. Attendees will be led to participating exhibitors who will showcase their services and demonstrate their products.

The annual Lunch and Learn is back and set for Tuesday, Nov. 15. This year the luncheon will feature a keynote presentation from Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. This time offers attendees an opportunity to share ideas, discuss trends and network with peers from across the global attractions industry.

The announcement of the IAAPA awards winners will take place during the Opening Reception set for Tuesday evening, Nov. 16. The award announcements include IAAPA Hall of Fame inductees, IAAPA Service Award recipients, the IAAPA Young Professional of the Year and IAAPA Brass Ring Award winners.

All throughout the week, IAAPA Expo planners have scheduled networking opportunities for attendees to meet and greet those in the same segment of the industry. There are ample opportunities to network with a larger group, especially during this year’s IAAPA Celebrates, set for Thursday evening, Nov. 18, at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

•iaapa.org

Walt Disney World celebrates 50 years with new shows, attractions

AT: David Fake

Special to Amusement Today

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — On October 1, Walt Disney World and Magic Kingdom Park with its central icon, Cinderella’s Castle, celebrated 50 years since the official opening day in 1971. Walt Disney World, as it ultimately became known, was early on originally referred to by its namesake, Walt Disney, cryptically as ‘Disney’s Florida Project' and later, simply, ‘Disney World.'

Sadly, Walt Disney did not live to see his dream come to fruition as he passed away on December 15, 1965, just a little over a year after the project was announced. Walt’s older brother Roy Disney postponed his retirement to complete Walt’s dream. It was Roy who, after Walt’s death, officially dubbed the 27,000-acre resort in Central Florida, Walt Disney World to honor his late brother’s legacy.

In the years since, the world has watched Walt Disney World grow from a single park with two resort hotels, to four theme parks, two water parks, and more than 25 resort hotels.

From Space Mountain to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, along the way there have been many new attractions added to the Magic Kingdom’s original 23 which opened in 1971. In all, there is currently a total of 173 rides and attractions across all of Walt Disney World.

Of course, there were also many milestones celebrated. In 1976 the five-year anniversary had a patriotic, American Bicentennial theme. The 10th or ‘Tencennial’ anniversary was a year-long celebration that, inexplicably, had a coinciding television special run in January of 1982, and concluded with the opening of EPCOT Center (later renamed Epcot and now EPCOT) on what was technically the 11th anniversary of WDW. The 15th anniversary saw a new car given away each day for 365 days. And who could forget the 25th anniversary with its pink, inflatable, candy-topped birthday cake castle overlay?

As for the 50th anniversary, multiple, exciting new projects and attractions were announced back as early as 2019 and were scheduled to open coinciding with the anniversary. Then in 2020 there were many questions about what, and even if, anything would take place for the 50th when Walt Disney World was shuttered for four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the subsequent budget cuts and layoff of many cast members.

Rumors of project cancellations and holds began to flood in. It was not looking good for the normally guaranteed high-caliber celebrations for which Disney is known. Ultimately, Disney was able to prepare and roll out an 18-month Anniversary party referred to as the “World’s Most Magical Celebration.” And while some of the planned attractions have been delayed until 2022 or 2023, the people at Disney must be commended for what they were able to accomplish.

So, what can guests expect if they plan to visit Walt Disney World between now and April 1, 2023? The following is a list of the already open new rides and attractions, as well as an overview of those that are delayed but opening soon.

Cinderella Castle’s ‘Earidescent’ makeover

The icon of Magic Kingdom Park has received a facelift including new EARidescent royal colors (the colors of the 50th Celebration), gold bunting, sparkling embellishments, and a 50th logo adorns the balcony. Mickey, Minnie and friends have received matching special EARidescent color and embroidered costumes.

Disney Fab 50

50 golden anniversary character sculptures have been placed around all four parks. The sculptures range in size and placement, with some almost hidden. Favorites include Stitch and Abu in Magic Kingdom Park’s Tomorrowland and Adventureland, respectively.

Beacons Of Magic

The Icons at all four Walt Disney World theme parks come to life after dark, each with their own special lighting. Each light show is set to the music of “The Magic is Calling,” a new anthem written specifically for the 50th Anniversary. The lighting used on three of the four icons is special, high-def projection mapping. The outlier is EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth’s “Points of Light” transformation. At this park, the geodesic dome has been outfitted with hundreds of bright, color-changing LED lights that give the 39-year-old attraction new life — even if the interior transformation of the attraction has, unfortunately, been put on hold indefinitely.

Space 220 restaurant

This fine-dining experience adjacent to Mission: Space in EPCOT’s World Discovery neighborhood is an attraction all its own. The restaurant invites guests to feel as if they travel 220 miles above Earth to the Centauri Space Station for lunch or dinner. “At Space 220, we hope to take guests on a culinary journey with our signature prix fixe menu that will let them customize the perfect meals for their crew and expedite their trip to space and back, allowing them ample time to enjoy all that EPCOT has to offer,” said Kyle Collins, marketing director for Patina Restaurant Group, which manage the restaurant.

Disney Kitetails

Animal Kingdom’s Discovery River is the stage for this larger-than-life kite and inflatables show. Two different shows alternate and include character kites themed to The Lion King and The Jungle Book. The kites in the show are spectacular, but the production and show design are perplexing with the use of Jet Skis and especially the uncomfortable to watch manner of “ditching” the kites into an on-stage, cordoned-off section of the amphitheater. This show does not seem to fit with Disney’s normally high-level show standards and conjures up unfortunate memories of EPCOT’s short-lived, pre-IllumiNations, daytime lagoon show, “Surprise in the Skies.” The show quickly became referred to as “Mistake on the Lake" and was part of the Walt Disney World 20th anniversary in 1991.

Disney Enchantment

This new nightly Castle show at Magic Kingdom Park paints high-definition projection mapping on Cinderella’s Castle and down Main Street with Disney music against a backdrop of spectacular fireworks. Inspiring everyone to believe in the magic that lives within them, the show’s stirring soundtrack is anchored by a new emotional original song, “You Are the Magic,” written and performed by multiple Grammy winner Philip Lawrence, whose musical career began as a Disney cast member performing in Walt Disney World shows. The show is narrated by Black Panther queen, Angela Bassett.

Harmonious

This massive nighttime spectacular is the long-term replacement for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” now that the interim show, “EPCOT Forever,” which ran for two years, concluded its run. The new show, one of the largest nighttime events ever created by Disney, tells a story about the shared global connection we all have as humans. The 20-minute show features massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics and lasers. Imagineering Senior Music Producer and Creative Director Yaron Spiwak explains the show as a labor of love culminating out of 111 recording sessions from nearly 240 artists from around the world singing in their native languages and all recorded remotely during the pandemic. “A lot of the time, you know, there’s the story of the show and there’s the music of the show. On this show, they’re a little bit mixed, I think. Almost like the musicians that are performing in the show are telling the story. The resulting ensemble is a magnificent cultural symphony unlike anything heard before. It is the story of us,” he said.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

This dark ride clone of the ride of the same name at Disneyland Paris, finds its State-side home in the France Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase. Because of the nature of the international pavilions around World Showcase, Disney Imagineers were able to duplicate the ride, as is, including the voice tracking which alternates between the languages of French and English. The trackless ride system uses an embedded guide wire. Guests experience sights, sounds and even smells of Gusteau's restaurant as they scurry through the attraction with a mouse-eye-view throughout the ride which is a combination of physical sets and 3D scenes. Ride vehicles move and tilt to create a more immersive experience, and the result is an adorable attraction, suitable for all ages, that captures the fun, whimsy and magic of the film.

Two highly anticipated E-ticket attractions that were planned to open as part of the 50th anniversary celebration have been delayed — Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, one of the largest indoor rollercoasters ever built, and the TRON Lightcycle Run roller coaster at Magic Kingdom Park. It was announced they will open in mid-2022 and early 2023, respectively. The new opening dates will still both occur during the 18-month celebration.

Indeed, there is much to applaud about what has transpired over just the past few weeks, much less the past half-century. It is no wonder why it is scheduled to last a year and a half — especially when what is truly being celebrated is broken down by the numbers. It is difficult to comprehend the statistics. For example, there can be as many as 70,000+ cast members employed at one time by Walt Disney World at its peak, or that during its busiest season the population across the resort can reach nearly 200,000, and that this Central Florida swampland would become the “Theme Park Capital of the World.”

In a television interview in 1955 Walt mused, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing — that it all started with a mouse.” Yet many ”Disneyphiles” and theme park junkies wonder if Roy, in the five years and five days he survived his brother, ever himself realized the legacy that he, too, was creating by believing in his brother’s vision and making it his life’s work to see that Walt’s dreams were fulfilled. At no time did Roy take any credit for his part in making Walt’s dream come true or for making Walt Disney World a success.

In his dedication speech for the resort, Roy said, “Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney… and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney’s dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place… a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn together. Dedicated this 25th day of October 1971.” His words are immortalized, cast in bronze and displayed at the base of the flagpole at the head of Main Street.

Highly-anticipated return

INDUSTRY VOICE: Hal McAvoy, IAAPA

The attractions industry is blessed with many strengths. A commitment to making memories, to providing safe family entertainment, to being resilient and innovative, and to coming together to help one another by sharing learnings and best practices. This said, who would have thought that COVID-19 would still be impacting our personal and business lives this far into 2021?

While progress has been made with vaccination rates, it is not happening consistently around the world, and many facilities and organizations are still working to reopen and restart. As an international association, IAAPA must stay connected with our members’ situations and provide services and products that can assist. This includes leading the way by helping members reconnect in-person.

It was amazing to see our members come together in Barcelona, Spain, for IAAPA Expo Europe back in September. The atmosphere was electric and the emotions where high as we finally came back together. 8,500 industry professionals met, shared, and conducted important business. They saw the latest innovations in products and services across a trade show floor that was exciting! The sights, smells, and sounds elicited both joy and relief that our industry truly is on the way back.

Time flies when you are having fun, and we are now ready for IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida. Our plans have come together and the IAAPA team has feverishly prepared for the return of our members — and friends — to connect, learn, and do business once again. The Orange County Convention Center will again be alive with the vibrant exhibits and energy we have been craving since we wrapped IAAPA Expo 2019.

As I get ready to again welcome exhibitors, members, speakers and participants to our premier in-person event, I am humbled and grateful. Thank you for your support and dedication to each other and to our industry. Thank you for coming together with the IAAPA team, pivoting, adjusting, and communicating. Together, we are all moving the global attractions industry forward. I am honored to be part of this journey to recovery, and to be a part of a community that is brave, nimble and connected.

Expo expectations

AT NOTEBOOK: John W.C. Robinson, jrobinson@amusementtoday.com

For the past couple months, whenever I've run into someone from the industry, there has consistently been one hot topic question on everyone's mind: What do you expect from IAAPA Expo 2021?

Whether it's been a business collaboration, a social event or even just a surprise meeting, all industry people have had the upcoming expo on their mind and are continually curious about what they should expect this year.

I recall when the COVID-19 pandemic began, some already feared in March of 2020 that IAAPA Expo 2020 would not happen. I was more optimistic and was certain it would occur, but I was wrong. 2020 was the first year there was not an industry expo to look forward to, to build the following year's business on and to make connections to further the future of our industry. But 2020 is the past, events are returning and IAAPA Expo 2021 is — quite literally — just around the corner.

So what should we expect?

There have been some common thoughts and musings. 2021 saw the industry start to rebound, but there's still a long way to go before things are back to pre-2020 levels or better. Even with the United States' travel restrictions being eased starting on November 8, the international presence at IAAPA Expo 2021 likely will not be what we have become used to. And, while many are still nervous about the dollars and cents of it all, everyone is eager to once again shake hands with associates and friends from across the globe at the annual event.

I've even heard of a few companies who are eager for the event and seizing the opportunity to stand out on the showfloor — and in the industry — knowing that this year will be different than any other.

I look at the upcoming Expo and see nothing but a chance for true optimism. Buyers may be more cautious than previous years, but they will be buying. Exhibitors may not be pulling out all the stops, but they are eager to be on display and move the industry forward.

More than an annual meeting, IAAPA Expo has become an annual celebration of the industry as it closes the book on one season and looks optimistically towards the next. No matter the scale or the changes to the guest list, this is the party that we've all been holding on to our invitations for far too long. It's time to walk through the doors and enjoy the opportunities the event brings. Anything is possible!

Holy donations, Batman!

ARLINGTON, Texas — Following a screening of the Rocky Mountain Construction documentary This Is How We Roll [see page 76], Jeff Braziel (member of American Coaster Enthusiasts) donated an original Batman The Escape print from his personal collection to the National Roller Coaster Museum. With the museum under construction in Plainview, Texas, Braziel made the donation at the offices of Amusement Today. The pastel artwork was created in 1993 for the debut of the Intamin stand-up coaster as it was being installed at AstroWorld (formerly of Houston, Texas). AT/GARY SLADE

Traveling pet circus

In 1978, when Magic Springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas, first opened, the park had an animal sideshow: Monte Millions’ Traveling Pet Circus. For a quarter play — no matter what the animals accomplished — the guest would receive a small prize.

The circus did not have the best location and the performing animals were not-so-talented, however the vendor was a family member of one of the park’s investors. Nepotism can make things interesting.

“Guess Your Weight” monkey had some light-up buttons to punch for banana treats. Guests did not care if he got close to their weight, they just enjoyed seeing his delight in the treats. “Rambling Tic Tac Toe” rooster crowed and pecked buttons for his treats, then pecked the glass hoping to peck a park guest. Few checked to see if a winning Tic Tac Toe was ever achieved. “Bunny Hop” bunny slept — a lot — no matter how many coins guests put in his slot for him to jump over a plastic carrot. His true talent lie in his cuteness.

When the park closed in the fall for weekends-only operation, someone found “Tap Dancing” duck was left in his glass and tented box. Starving and thirsty, he was rescued. The big discovery was the revelation that the duck danced on cue because his dance floor was actually a hot plate!

“Tap Dancing” duck found a wonderful home with the park’s games manager, living out his days with a menagerie of furry friends and never had to dance again.

Lottie Minick is a 46-year attractions industry veteran and co-owner of Dallas-based Minick Associates, a design firm founded by her late husband, Bob. Her monthly column features behind-the-scenes anecdotes of her own and from those who have worked in the business.

Got a fun industry story? Email it to Lottie Minick at [email protected].

IAAPA Foundation grants scholarship funding to Breda University

Baltimore, Md. — The IAAPA Foundation announced that its board of directors has granted scholarship funding for two international students to attend Breda University of Applied Science during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years.

Tom Wages, executive director of the IAAPA Foundation, stated: “This funding is an expression of the support that the IAAPA Foundation board members have for the attractions management degree program that Breda University offers, and for Breda’s demonstrated commitment to the attractions industry. The IAAPA Foundation is very pleased to play a role in Breda’s efforts to support the attractions industry.”

Breda University of Applied Sciences is a Dutch vocational university located in the city of Breda in the Netherlands. A medium-sized public institution for higher education, Breda University caters to 7,000 Dutch and foreign students from more than 100 different countries. As a world-renowned university for leisure and management, Breda University specializes in preparing students for international careers for various industries including attractions management.

“We are thankful for the financial support of the IAAPA Foundation and the student networking opportunities at the IAAPA Expos,” said Bart Stadhouders, Breda University coordinator of the Attractions & Theme Parks Management program. “We are very proud of our recent Attractions and Theme Park Management graduates from Breda University. Nearly all of the students found excellent jobs within the attractions industry, working for great companies such as Efteling, Floriade Expo, Make-a-Wish, Plopsa Group, Swedice and Toverland. It is our stated goal at Breda University to bring more students into the attractions industry in the future.”

The selection process for the scholarships includes an evaluation of the student’s submission of a motivational letter and a video pitch. Two students will be chosen per year to be awarded with this prestigious scholarship.

“The IAAPA Foundation has had a great relationship with Breda University for a good number of years,” offered Jim Seay, chairman of the IAAPA Foundation and president of Premier Rides. “Their students have an amazing amount of passion for the global attractions industry, and they literally light up the room when they participate in IAAPA Expo educational sessions and the young professionals forums. Their enthusiasm is great for the industry, and it is wonderful that the IAAPA Foundation is continuing to support the students’ aspirations to be a part of our great business.”

The IAAPA Foundation relies exclusively on generous private donations to support the future leaders of the global attractions industry. Financial support is crucial to this industry effort and donations can be made through iaapa.org.

Busch Gardens auction caps off Give Kids The World fundraiser

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

KISSIMMEE, Fla. and WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — One of the larger fundraisers for nonprofit Give Kids The World Village is Coasting for Kids. This multipark event encourages coaster fans to come out and ride coasters and enjoy activities, raising funds for the Village.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg upped its game this year. In addition to the funds raised from fans, the park also auctioned off some significant items.

“The culmination resulted in $25,000 from the auction bringing the total to $62,000. In the 15-year history of Coasting for Kids, the Busch Gardens event was the most successful we’ve ever had — by a long shot,” said Steven Amos, vice president, Give Kids The World Village.

“It started off as something simple, a friendly competition between Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kennywood. It was a light-hearted challenge. Busch Gardens is usually the first park to go during Coasting for Kids and Kennywood tends to be last over Labor Day weekend. Busch Gardens would always be leading the fundraising total, and Kennywood would find some really great auction items at the last minute and always go into first place. This past year Busch Gardens was having none of that and worked with their maintenance people to find some items backstage that would benefit Give Kids The World.”

Signage, hard hats and collectibles were some simpler items put up for bid, but the real showstoppers were ride vehicles. Cars from Big Bad Wolf, Loch Ness Monster and the LeScoot log flume brought in large amounts, with the beloved (and extremely missed) Big Bad Wolf bringing in the largest bid.

The pandemic changed many things both for the Coasting for Kids event and the Village itself. In the past, the fundraiser had seen as many as 16 different cities (in 2019). In 2021, the number of participating parks dropped to seven, but the total still reached $135,000, only a few thousand shy of that impressive amount raised by enthusiasts two years prior — with nine less parks!

“I think during the pandemic, the mission resonated very well,” said Amos. “A kid was not getting their wish, so every park we went to was record-setting.”

Busch Gardens Williamsburg did separate auctions over a period of weeks during August.

Amos told Amusement Today that it isn’t a requirement to host a Coasting for Kids event for a park to do an auction that benefits the Village.

“I think a great example of a park partner is Holiday World,” he said. “Holiday World did a Coasting for Kids event for the first time last year. Three new parks joined us last year with Kentucky Kingdom and Lake Compounce joining in. But Holiday World had 20 experiential auctions and 20 tangible items during its enthusiast event, HoliWood Nights.”

Give Kids The World Village was forced to close for 10 months, reopening the third week of January this year. “We wanted to make sure we were offering a safe experience for our wish families when they come here,” said Amos. Even at a reduced capacity, the organization is delivering the experience they want to.

“We didn’t slow down during the shutdown,” said Amos. “We looked at it [to where] when the property is empty, let’s do this construction when it has less impact to the families. We approved $4 million in projects. We’re full steam ahead.”

In 2020, while the facility was closed to guests, one of its fundraising efforts was A Night of a Million Lights. With guests now returning, the Village will bring the event back this Christmas, but the footprint will be different.

Last year, guests walked over a mile to appreciate the beautiful displays. This year, visitors will ride trams through the area where families are now staying in the villas.

“This year our lights dance. We’ve created six vignettes that are three minutes long. We’ve worked with some of the best companies in the country to come out and design, install and maintain these displays. Universal, Disney, Ripley’s, SeaWorld, even IAAPA is involved in it. I think it is a more joyful experience,” said Amos. “Partners at our new marketplace, such as ICEE, Dippin’ Dots, Super Pretzel … they are so incredible. Not only are they donating their stands, but 100% of the profits goes to the kids as well.”

2021 IAAPA Expo exhibitor listing

List is current as of Oct. 19, 2021. For last-minute changes, booth additions and cancellations, consult the IAAPA show directory.

#s

2 Way Supply/Motorola Solutions 4542

360 Karting 4683

3DX Scenic 1880

40 Below Company 3766

911 Cell Phone Bank 3317

A&A Global Industries 824

Aardvark 2648

ABC rides switzerland 5120

AC RadioCom 3726

accesso 5131

AccuCash / Socal Safe Company 3983

Acoustiblok, Inc. 3309

Action Lighting 4602

Adrenaline Amusements 2015

Advanced Animations, LLC 971

Advanced Reservation Systems (aRes Travel) 4644

Adventure Golf & Sports 4867

Adventureglass 2638

Aerophile S.A.S. 4424

AG Ninja 4075

AIMS International 4217

Air & Water Systems 3390

Airparx 4475

AirTrack Factory BV 4573

Alcorn McBride, Inc. 869

Alinco Costumes, Inc. 3612

Alive Risk 4133

Allen & Company Inc 4409

Allied Powers LLC 4257

Alterface 2051

Altitude Rides and Attractions LLC 5110

Aluvii, Inc. 4438

Alvarado Manufacturing 4852

Amazing Magnets 3715

AMEGA Teknoloji Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. 2869

American Amusement Machine Assoc. (AAMA) 919

American Changer 821

American Christmas, LLC 3047

American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) 4318

American Holtzkraft, Inc. 2746

American Locker 4400

American Paper Optics 3602

American Specialty Insurance 4702

American Tent 1849

AMI Entertainment 104

AMPP 4236

Amusement & Music Operator's Assoc. (AMOA) 318

Amusement Advantage Guest Exp. Solutions 4418

Amusement Canvas Outfitters 3281

Amusement Connect 210

Amusement Construction Co. Inc. 4874

Amusement Devices & Mfg LLC 4669

Amusement Entertainment Risk Insurance Assoc. 3617

Amusement Products, LLC 4869

Amusement Source International 600

Amusement Supply Company 5169

Amusement Today 4215

Anchor Industries 4600

Andamiro Co.,Ltd. 1800

Animax Designs, Inc. 1065

Antari Lighting and Effects USA 664

Anvio VR 3273

Appetize - Now part of SpotOn 3354

Apple Industries, Inc. 417

Aqua Revival 2149

AquaBanas 5772

Aquaglide 1838

Aquakita 3034

Aquatic Design Group 1956

Aquatic Development Group 2654

Aquaventronics 4891

Architectural Design Consultants, Inc. 1733

ARC-Studios 4265

Arihant Water Park Equipment 2854

Arkadia VR Arena / Inowize 1829

Art Attack 5147

Art-FX Studios, Inc. 2878

Artistic Contractors, Inc. 369

Ascentium Capital 5774

Astro Carpet Mills 4654

Atlas Commercial Products 6162

ATM Merchant Services 408

Attraction & Entertainment Solutions Sponsor Only

Attractions.io 4649

Audio Innovators Inc 2634

Autoclear 3208

AutoFry/MultiChef - MTI Products 3854

Autograph Foliages 2652

Avalanche Aquatics 2836

Avius 3800

Avivatech LLC 3683

AVS Companies 2682

Axcitement 2990

Axess AG 4343

B J Toy Company 2709

Bad Dog Tools 122

Bagjump Airbag Systems 4678

Ballast VR 2038

Bandai Namco Amusement America Inc. 1300

BarChefs 3481

Battech 4520

Battle Company 3078

batwin + robin productions, inc. Sponsor Only

Bay Tek Entertainment 1015

Bazooka Ball / Fluorescent Print 2965

BDR Design Group 2067

Beaudry Interactive, LLC 766

Beekeeper 3358

Beezland Hand Made Crochet Play Grounds 754

Ben's Soft Pretzels 3254

Berk Enterprises Inc 3215

Bertazzon 4020

Betson Enterprises 615

bHaptics Inc. 3278

Big Break Foundation 859

Big Sky Miniature Golf Construction 4267

Billings Productions, Inc. 2852

Birket Engineering 667

Biz Karts Inc 4486

Black Light Unity 4288

Blacklight Attractions / Halloween Productions 4467

BMI Leisure 4364

Bobproducts.com LLC 2190

Bob's Space Racers, Inc. 2615

Bob's Space Racers, Inc. 2821

Bolliger & Mabillard Inc. 4815

BoMar Soft Playgrounds 2156

Bonita Marie International/BMI Merchandise 1324

Boogle SRL 3883

Bookoo Bookings 4478

BounceWater Inflatable Sales 8000

BounceWater Inflatable Sales 5683

Bouncing Angels 5154

Bouncing Angels, Inc. 8240

Bouncy Castle Network 5471

Bowling Proprietors' Association of America 804

Boxblaster Virtual Reality 2891

Bradley Corporation 2850

Breeze Creative 2060

Bright White Paper Co. 4351

Brogent Technologies Inc 5115

Brunswick Bowling Products 4854

Bumper Boats, Inc. 2650

Bungalow Scenic Studios 2089

Buzzpark 4886

BuzzyBooth 3282

C Nelson Mfg Co/Versa Cart 3804

C. and S. S.r.l. 1935

C. Cretors and Company 4054

Cabanas by Academy 2745

Cadron Creek Play 740

Calico Cottage 2833

Camaleon LED 4411

Capital Online Auctions 5673

Caravan Soft Toys and Big T Toys & Sports, Inc 3403

Castle Golf, Inc. 2671

Catalate Commerce 2735

Cawley Company / The 4102

Cemrock 1957

Centaman 4136

CenterEdge Software 4447

Central Tent (an Allstate Tent Company) 2902

Chairkit Foerdertechnik GmbH 3626

Chance Rides 2804

Chance Rides 2603

Chao Cards 4003

Characters Unlimited Inc. 3712

Chicago Gaming Company 613

Chicago Mascots Company 4682

Christie Digital Systems Sponsor Only

Chuckwagon Soda 3708

Citywave 2052

Claffey's Frozen Cocktails 3266

Clark Food Service Equipment 3882

Classic Products Corp 4388

Classic Toy Company, Inc. 1620

Cleanbox Technology 2183

CLM Entertainment and Safety Office 4631

Cloward H2O 2231

Clubspeed 2871

CO2Meter 3765

Coastal Amusements, Inc. 1319

COIN TECH Cashless System 1604

Cold River Mining 2042

Combat Karting 4680

Commercial Recreation Specialists 3067

Comply Amusement Safety Ltd 3727

Composite Effects, LLC 2890

Concept 1900 Entertainment 2031

Conductix-Wampfler 2829

Connect&GO 1860

Continuum Preparedness 4544

Convergence, LLC 867

Coogar Products, LLC 4744

Cool-A-Zone 3311

Core Cashless LLC 4440

Cornerstone Architecture 3682

Cosm Inc Sponsor Only

Cossio Insurance Agency 5469

Cost Inc. 4726

Costume Specialists, Inc. 2827

Cotton Love 1336

CPI - Pageantry World 3231

Crayola Sponsor Only

Creative Visions 3269

Creative Works 3672

CTM Group/Eurolink 1824

Cumming Corporation 1851

Cyclone Distributors Inc 5674

D&D Technologies 3028

Daiwa by U.S Jaclean, Inc. 2065

Daniels Wood Land, Inc. 1369

Danken 4284

DataSpan 4247

Day One Lighting 3236

Deep Blue 4651

Delta Strike 4278

Deltrain 3829

Design Concepts 3202

Design Master Fence 3728

Designer Palms 4756

Designs In Motion 2864

Dewesoft 1651

DFX 3373

DiCAPac USA, Inc 3203

Diga-Talk+ 4235

Digital Centre America 124

Digital Centre America Inc. 1821

Digonex Dynamic Pricing 2188

Dinoscapes 1847

Dippin' Dots, LLC 3900

DNP Imagingcomm America Corporation 4458

DOF Robotics 2286

Donna Italia 3267

Doppelmayr 3720

DOTTO SRL 3824

Doug Fleenor Design, Inc. 3890

Dr. Fuji / ACIGI 4171

Dronisos - drone show systems 873

DSM Sales & Manufacturing,Inc 508

Duna USA 857

Dutch Wheels BV 3428

DW Innovation Lab 469

Dynamic Attractions 1662

E&F Miler Industries, LLC 4718

E2M Technologies 3011

Economy Tent International 4700

eInflatables 5969

Elaut Group (Benchmark Games, Coast to Coast, Elaut) 1024

Eldorado Climbing 3417

Electric Gamebox 2874

Electrosonic 1362

Eli Bridge Company 4621

Elite Crete Systems 3978

Elite Laser Tag Equipment 3006

Ellis & Associates, Inc. 2636

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery 3359

Embed 606

Empex Watertoys- Canada 2806

Enchant Studios 3484

Endureed 3060

Enjoy Tech 3274

EnterIdeas 4011

Entertainment Central Productions 3881

entertainment resource GmbH 1878

EPR Properties Sponsor Only

Escalera Inc. 2027

Escapology 4259

ETC 973

ETF Ride Systems 4229

Event Hawk Marketing 4773

Event Rental Systems Software 4660

Evolv Technology 4349

Eworks Pro 4420

exA-Arcadia 1710

Expert Hosiery 4074

Extreme Engineering 4800

Eye Candy Inflatables 5655

EZ Inflatables Inc. 5762

Fabbri Group 4820

Facilities Management Express 3888

Falcon Water Tag Extreme 4780

Falcon's Creative Group 2091

Family Fun Corp. 1869

Fast Fiberglass LLC 3200

Felimana Luna Park SA 3621

Fiberbuilt Umbrellas & Cushions 2036

Fiberglass Coatings, Inc 2957

Fibrart 2280

Fiesta 1831

Firestone Financial 815

Fix Your Park LLC 743

Flagship Carpets / Jane Farrell Turf and Carpet 3669

Flecks Systems/WM Polymers 2734

Florida Attractions Association 3326

Foamdaddy 1631

Force Dynamics, Inc. 2862

ForeverLawn Inc. 4254

Formula K Amusements, Inc. 3224

Forrec 2069

Frazil / Freezing Point LLC 4162

FreeStyle Slides, Inc. 2950

Froggy’s Fog 2690

Fujifilm North America Corporation 4333

Fujimi, Inc 4262

Fun & Fun Toys Inc 3013

Fun Express 1826

Fun Spot Manufacturing, LLC 4879

Fun Wine 3456

Funk Bowling North America 3686

Funlandia Play Systems Inc. 4082

Funovation 3072

Galaxy Multi Rides 5171

Game Over Escape Rooms - Cube Challenges 3878

Game Show Mania, LLC 4658

Game Time International/ GTI 5528

Games To Go 6163

Garrett Metal Detectors 3988

Gatemaster Technology 4059

Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc 4847

Gellyball 3684

Genesis Studios 2180

GEP Productions Inc. 319

Gerstlauer Amusement Rides 4831

Give Kids the World 4233

Global Archery 4665

Global Fun Sports sp. z o.o.Sp.K 2128

Global Special Effects 5447

Globe Ticket 2608

GLOWORKS 3702

Goffa International Corp. 2611

Gold Medal Products Co. 2200

Gold Standard Games 818

Good Stuff Company 1310

Gooest Media 4356

Gorilla Seal 4617

Gosetto S.r.l. 4231

Gould Manufacturing 2819

Granite Insurance 3928

Gravity Group Wooden Coasters 4828

Great Coasters International, Inc. 2273

Greenspan Projects Ltd 1871

Haaga 4652

Haas & Wilkerson Insurance 4421

Halloween & Attractions Show (TransWorld) 4471

Happy Jump, Inc. 5454

Happy Snacks 4002

Harris Miniature Golf Courses, Inc. 2865

HAWE Micro Fluid GmbH 2918

Haystack Dryers Limited 2158

HB Leisure Ltd. 3628

Head Rush Technologies 4004

HEC Worldwide Inflatables 5669

Herborner Pumps 2045

High Trek Point of Sale 4642

Hitch-Hiker Mfg / Personal Protected, LLC 4240

HiWater 2675

Hoffman Mint 820

Hogan Stakes 5672

Hologate 4482

Holovis 3429

Hoodmart / Naks 3362

Hot Games 303

Hownd 5150

Hullaballoo Sales Inc. 8330

Hullaballoo Sales Inc. 8325

Human Touch 1854

Huss Park Attractions GmbH 4024

HVD bv 3378

I.E. Park S.r.l./Amusement Rides & SOLI Bumper Cars 4211

i2K / Inflatable 2000 4667

Ice Creative Entertainment 1983

iCombat Laser Tag 4090

ID&C 4345

Ideal One Amusement Software 2678

Ideas Extremas 3869

Ideattack, Inc 2074

iFLY Indoor Skydiving 2889

IMC-International Mascot Corporation 3717

Immersive Arts 3982

Immersive Planet 3062

Immotion Group 1372

Inclusion Solutions 3880

InCord Play 2831

Incredible Technologies, Inc. 728

Indiana Ticket Company 2818

Indoor Playgrounds International 4454

Infinite Creative Enterprises, ICE Inc. 747

InfiniteAloe 864

Infinity Massage Chairs 2215

InflatableOffice LLC 5440

Innovative Concepts in Ent., Inc. (ICE) 1806

Inntopia 742

InPark Magazine 965

Instasplash 8320

Intamin 5121

Intercard 2206

Interlink LG Ltd 3000

Int'l Board of Credentialing and Cont. Educ. Standards 3226

Int'l Independent Showmen's Foundation 2917

International Special Attractions, Ltd 2964

Invest Quebec International 856

IPConfigure 4251

iPlayCO 4069

IQ Billiards 3986

Ital-Resina di Di Talia Angelo 3320

ITEC Entertainment 2184

J & J Amusements, Inc. 2662

Jack O'Lantern Journey 2949

Jack's Magic Products 2933

Jane Farrell Turf & Carpets, Inc. 3671

JET - Jennison Entertainment Technologies 1327

JK Coin Supply 103

JKJ Workforce Agency Inc 3989

JKRP Architects 4774

Jolt 4060

JR Automation Sponsor Only

JRA 1666

JRS Ventures 410

JumpOrange 8530

JumpOrange 5678

Ka'ana Wave Company Inc. 3679

Kalkomat / IGPM 917

Karaoke Machines S.L./KaraokeMedia 2811

Kart1 4273

Kay Park Recreation Corp 2800

Kellytoy U.S.A., Inc. 2006

Kenwood 4342

Kern Studios & Mardi Gras World 1067

KettenWulf Inc. 4618

Kevins Worldwide 4662

KioSoft Technologies 2120

Klopp: Money Handling Equipment 2020

Koliseum 1815

Komuse America, Inc 811

Kong USA, LLC 3283

Kool Replay 5433

Korona POS 4656

Kraftwerk Living Technologies GmbH Sponsor Only

KristallTurm Sponsor Only

KumbaK The Amusement Engineers 3926

Kusser FountainWorks 1858

Kwik-Covers 2903

L3DFX 1062

LAI Games 1000

Lake Country Corporation 3420

Landmark Studio & Design 4757

Larks Entertainment 4480

Larson International, Inc. 4220

Laser Encore 854

LaserBlast 4469

Laserforce International 3469

LaserTag by Zone 4365

LASERTAG.NET 3578

LASERTRON 800

LASERWAR 310

Launch Logic 2056

LaZer Runner Laser Tag Systems 4080

Le Waf 3567

LearningZen 3611

Legendary Escape Games 8150

Leisure Activities 5653

Leisure Development Partners 1683

Leitner-Poma of America 3206

Lewis Agritainment 4357

Life Floor 2142

LifeFormations 1866

Light Infantry Arms, LLC 2773

LightUpToys.com, LLC 5143

Little Buddy, LLC 726

Long Range Solutions 3259

Lonzo Law - The FEC Lawyer 3681

LUC Urethanes, Inc. 4413

Luna-Park Sp. z o.o. 5428

LvLuP Audio Towers 3984

Lyte Charging Systems 3783

Mack Rides GmbH & Co. KG 2269

Maclan Corporation 4518

Magic Jump Inc. 5182

Magic Jump, Inc. 5481

Magnet World, Inc. 4603

MagneTag Foam Combat Tag 4473

Magnetic Cash - Cashless System 813

Majestic Manufacturing, Inc. 5426

MajorMega 3971

Martin & Vleminckx Rides 5420

Martin Aquatic Design & Engineering 1840

Mason Water Slides 2633

Massivit 3D 1884

Master Pitching Machine 2673

Matthews Paint 1660

Max Design - DJ & Photo Booth Gear 4174

Max-R 3218

McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance 3021

Mee Industries, Inc. 1949

Mega Entertainment 8120

Megalodon Creations 5435

Memopark 2024

Meta4 Interactive 213

Meyer Sound 861

MI Concept + Design Inc. 2150

Microcom Corp. 4543

MicroTouch 4057

Milco MFG, LLC 4672

Millionaire Gallery 1638

Milspec Industries 4502

Mimo Cash Handling Solutions 4249

Mindgames Escape Rooms 2669

Mini Melts Ice Cream 4067

Mini Melts USA Inc. 4066

MK Themed Attractions 3054

Mobaro 3826

Mobooths 4264

Modern Masters/Rust-Oleum 571

Mondial World of Rides 4511

Moser's Rides 2606

Moss Distributing, Inc 426

Murphys Waves Ltd 4213

NAC Semi 2049

Nardi USA 4159

National Amusement Park Historical Assoc. 3818

National Aquatic Safety Company (NASCO) 2645

National Assoc. of Amusement Ride Safety Officials 3619

National Photo Folders 3158

National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives 4317

National Ticket Company 3026

Nationwide Instruction for Cardiovascular Educ., Inc. 2733

Naughton Insurance, Inc. 2609

Nautical Furnishings 1856

Nayax 1611

NEAAPA - The Northeast's Entertainment Assoc. 3027

Neil Enterprises Inc 4359

Neptune Radio 3156

Nets & More 1633

Neveplast SRL 4626

New Vue 3802

N-Flatables/Cutting Edge 5166

Ninja Jump 5462

Ninja Jump 8230

Noitom 3419

Northeast Insurance Center 4336

Novelty Inc Wholesale 2919

Nutis Visual Communications Group 3478

nWave Pictures S.A. 1047

NXT Capture 2708

Oasis Illusions 572

Oceaneering Entertainment Systems 2262

OCT Vision Inc. 1654

Oh!Fx 4464

Old World Cone 3308

Omega Carpet Patterns 3606

One Fat Frog Food Trucks 3865

One Inflatable Inc 5478

Oneail FX Studios LLC 666

Op-d-op, Inc. 3781

OpenAire 2659

Opfor Solutions, Inc. 2182

Original Jumping PIllows 4781

Orlando Special Effects, Inc. 1981

Outdoor Amusement Business Association 3136

Outdoor Factory 1058

Overland Power Carts 6161

Pacific Surf Designs 1652

Pagertec Corp 4165

Pan Amusements 2817

Panasonic 3381

Panasonic Hollywood Lab Sponsor Only

Paokai Electronic Enterprise Co. Ltd. 106

Paragon International 4000

Park World Magazine 4720

Party Cannon 2774

Party Center Software 4571

Party Direct 4759

Partymachines 3327

Passage Ticketing 5641

Passmate 3709

Patterson Fan Co 3406

PDC 3233

Peanuts Worldwide LLC Sponsor Only

PearlWeave Netting 4481

Peek-A-Boo Toys 3213

Penny Press Factory LLC 2026

PeopleVisionFX 2849

Perky's Pizza, John Daly Pizza 100

Phenomena VR Arena 4875

Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. 2824

Phototouch Inc. 4690

PIA Products 302

Piaggio Fast Forward 3490

Piano Distributors 3486

PicBox Company 4688

Pipeline Games Company 3615

PizzaOvens.com 4243

Plantscape Commercial Silk 2062

Player One Amusement Group 2002

Playmind 1817

PlaySmart 4790

Polar King 3262

Poligon by Portercorp 3031

Polin Group 846

Polin Waterparks 840

Pol-Rides 8070

Pool Safe Inc 2835

Porviva GmbH 2937

Positron 3779

Powerhouse Toys 510

PPG Architectural Coatings 1658

Premier Polysteel Outdoor Furniture 3271

Premier Rides, Inc. 2600

Preston & Barbieri S.r.l. 5020

Price Chopper Wristbands/TapNGo 3400

Primera Technology 3665

PrimeTime Amusements 2013

Pro Forma Advisors LLC 1959

Progressive Specialty Glass Company, Inc. 3464

PromoTEX USA 3137

ProParks Attractions Group 1749

ProSlide Technology 2054

Public Restroom Company 4244

Pucker Powder by Creative Concepts, Inc. 4154

Puka Creations 1602

Pulse Innovations 4290

Purdue University Fusion Studio for Enter. and Eng. 1980

QNC Inc/ Quik 'n Crispy 3024

QubicaAMF Bowling Products 1006

QubicaAMF Bowling Products 1306

Radiant Mfg 1783

RadioBoss 2-Way Radios 4334

Rain Drop Products 1845

Ralph S. Alberts Co. Inc 3624

Ramaker & Associates, Inc. 2859

RAMPF Group, Inc. 672

Rapid Prototyping Services 4134

Rave Sports 3038

RCI Adventure Products 4029

Redbone Products, Inc. 3318

Redemption Plus 224

Relax in Comfort - Luxury Massage Chairs 3284

RES GmbH, Ride Engineers Switzerland 4410

Research Casting International 871

Revl 3710

Reynolds Advanced Materials 2857

Rhineland Cutlery 4390

Rhode Island Novelty - Nanco 2210

Richco International 954

Ride 2236

Ride Development Company 2624

Ride Entertainment 5124

Rides 4 U, Inc. 4610

Rilix 808

RMC 4415

Robbi Promotional 4258

Robolabs LLC 3257

Robot costumes usa-mascottes.com 3069

Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD) 964

Robotic Solutions, Inc. 1882

Rocken Graphics 4404

RocketRez 5445

Roller 3603

Roto 669

Rover International 748

RoxiSpice 4058

RWS Entertainment Group Sponsor Only

RX Music 1937

S & B Candy And Toy Company 1702

S A M 107

S&S - Sansei Technologies 2217

S&S Sansei Technologies Sponsor Only

S4 Lights 4675

Sacoa Cashless System 2021

Safe Slide Restoration 2736

Safe Strap Company LLC 5424

Safemark 3008

SafePark USA 4072

Sally Dark Rides 2267

Sandy Creek Mining Company 3471

Sanitizer Station Provided by Mega Hand Sanitizer 4750

Santoki, LLC 3590

Sartori Rides Srl 4624

SB International AB 4431

SBF-VISA Group 4406

Scollon Costumes & Characters 3828

SeaRobotics 2856

Second Star Group 4291

Sega Amusements International Ltd 1315

Semnox Solutions 412

Senor Tech 3235

SenSource Inc 5437

Severn Lamb 5119

SGD Golf LLC 2888

Shade Creations 2631

Shaffer Distributing 1615

Shaller GoKarts 4269

Shopwindow 3290

Sika Corporation 3389

Sim Leisure Group Ltd. 4643

SimEx - Iwerks 2251

Simtec Systems GmbH 1354

Simworx Limited 3421

Skidata, Inc. 4645

Skitrax World 3627

Skyline Attractions, LLC 4604

Skyline Ziplines 3002

Slick Slide 4078

Smart Industries 624

Smart Monkeys, Inc. 865

Smart Software 308

Smarte Carte, Inc. 3600

Snowie LLc 3467

SnowMagic 4252

Soft Play 1347

Sojern 3380

Southwind Manufacturing 4619

Spears Manufacturing Company 3719

Specialty Vehicles 4006

Speck Pumps - Pool Products, Inc. 744

Spectrum Sports Intl 8040

Spectrum Sports Intl 3221

Spin-T, LLC 4242

SplashBotix by ARM Automation 2936

Splashtacular, LLC 1640

Sports VTS 4883

Spray Master Technologies 3288

Spree Interactive 1378

Squishable 3280

Star Micronics 4749

StarGuard ELITE 1750

Steamroller Technologies 1051

Step Revolution LLC 806

Stern Pinball, Inc. 424

Stride Events Ticketing 3981

Strong/MDI Screen Systems 1951

Sunkid 3056

Sureshot Redemption 1835

Surf 2245

Surf Lakes Holdings Ltd. 1843

Suzohapp 317

Switch Bowling 400

TAA Group 5129

Tacki Mac Miniature Golf 3371

Tait USA LLC Sponsor Only

Talon Simulations 2782

TAM Intelliware 2935

Tapeswitch Corporation 3918

Tatvam 4444

Taylor & Associates, Inc. 2143

Team Play Inc. 829

Technical Park S.N.C. 4015

Technifex 1669

Telco Sensors Inc. 3036

Telescope Casual Furniture 3050

Tent and Table 5174

TentandTable.com, LLC 8430

The Attractions Group 4510

The Carriage Works, LLC. 3264

The Coca-Cola Company Sponsor Only

The Decor Group 3065

The Hettema Group Sponsor Only

The Inflatable Depot/I Depot Play 4206

The Nassal Company Sponsor Only

The Really Big Crane Co LLC 1600

The Trekking Group 4238

Theme Fusion 574

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) 1366

Thermoset Solutions 3289

Thinkwell Group Sponsor Only

Thrill Builders 2860

TicketSpice 4344

Tidel 4173

TikiTops 3159

Tiny Towne International, LLC 4580

Titan Inflatables 5474

TokensDirect 312

Tourist Attractions & Parks Magazine 3126

Toy Factory, LLC 2203

TrainerTainment 4071

TredSafe/Walmart 3256

Tri-North Builders, Inc. 3382

Triotech Amusement Inc. 1069

True American Classic, Inc 4686

Truss Aluminium Factory a.s. 4131

Tube-Mac Piping Technologies 2181

Tuff Coat Non-Skid Coatings 2934

TÜV Nord 4615

Twister Display 5534

Two Way Radio Gear 3127

Tyler Treasures 3383

Uncommon USA, Inc. 2771

Uncontained VR (F360 Immersive Tech) 4489

Union Aqua Parks 738

Unique Rabbit Studios 2080

Unis Technology (H.K) Limited 1331

Unit-e Technologies 2000

United Play 3581

United States Postal Service 4442

Univest Capital 628

Unlimited Snow/TapeMyDay/The Experience Ticket 2956

Uremet Corporation 4426

US Bowling Corporation 3411

US ThrillRides, LLC 4508

USA INC. 3238

Vahle 3018

Valley-Dynamo 1624

Valo Motion 4286

Van Stone Conveyor, Inc. 2058

Vantage 2239

Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V. 4637

Venco Business Solutions 105

Vend Lease Company 3310

Venue Industries 3275

Versa Integrity Group 4717

Vertical Reality 4742

Vertical Reality 4840

Vertical Reality 8030

Vertical Reality 8020

VFXcreates.com 2674

VGS 4836

Videotel Inc 3990

Virginia Toy & Novelty 3302

Virtuix Inc. 610

Visiontron Corp. 5526

Visit Orlando/Orange County Conv. Center Sponsor Only

Vistar 4164

Visual Terrain, Inc. 764

Vito Fryfilter 3356

Vivaticket 5140

Vlocker North America LLC 3415

Vortex Aquatic Structures International 934

Vortex Bunkers 8160

VR Coaster GmbH & Co. KG 2272

VR360 Action 2278

VRsenal 1606

Wabash Valley Mfg., Inc. 1649

Wahlap Tech 604

Walkway Restoration 4256

Walltopia 4017

Walt Disney World Resort/Disney Live Ent. Sponsor Only

Waltzing Waters Inc 1678

Watch Time Inc. 102

Water Safety Products, Inc. 2643

Water Technology, Inc. 2247

Water Wars 4224

Waterloo Tent & Tarp 2629

Wattman World 4203

Waymatic, Inc. 2802

WD Amusement Rides BV 4226

WDD We Do Digital 4158

WeatherPort Shelter Systems 1358

Wertz Werkz 4180

West Coast Netting/The Net House 3108

What to Post?! 3580

Whirley-DrinkWorks! 3667

WhiteWater West Industries Ltd. 2240

Wibit Sports 2838

Wiegand Josef GMBH & Co. KG 3806

wiegand.waterrides GmbH 3807

Willoughby Stainless Fountains-WSF 3980

Winterland Inc. 4863

Wisdom Rides of America 4824

World Waterpark Association 2646

WorldRide Service & Supply Inc. 3820

Wristband Resources 4402

XInsurance 3819

Xtraice 2927

Yodel Pass 112

Z Pro Watersports 2640

Zamperla 2224

Zebec Inc 1647

Zierer 3424

Zigong Lantern Group 3388

ZipFlyer, LLC 4026

ZipZag Rides 4788

ZoundsWright 2088

ZTAG 2988

International participants enjoy successful IAAPA Expo Europe

BARCELONA, Spain — The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) held its first expo since 2019 with September's IAAPA Expo Europe 2021. Looking forward with optimism was the theme of the opening address at the expo, and it carried through the week as the event brought attractions industry professionals together in Spain. Preliminary estimates indicate the Expo attracted 8,500 participants, including 5,800 qualified buyers and 439 exhibiting companies. The buyer participants represented 3,200 companies. IAAPA Expo Europe focused on resilience, innovation and moving forward.

“IAAPA Expo Europe represents a fresh start for our entire industry,” said Jakob Wahl, vice president and executive director, IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), during the opening session. “This expo is about preparing for the future, inspiring each other, and sharing important learnings from the global pandemic.”

The education conference began at theme park destination PortAventura World. The resort hosted the IAAPA Safety Institute, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the park, as well as IAAPA EMEA’s first-ever Sustainability Day. The full-day sustainability event featured industry professionals from the EMEA region sharing their parks’ strategies for becoming carbon neutral, incorporating sustainability practices throughout their facilities, and providing guidelines to create a sustainability plan that supports business goals. Participants also took an exclusive tour of PortAventura Dreams, the park’s onsite resort which provides annually complimentary visits to 200 children with critical illnesses and their families.

To recognize PortAventura’s commitment to sustainability and pioneering efforts across all lines of business, as well as its openness in sharing best practices with the industry, IAAPA presented the first-ever IAAPA EMEA Award for Extraordinary Efforts on Sustainability to the park during the Expo.

On Tuesday, internationally known travel writer Doug Lansky presented the opening keynote presentation about using challenge and crisis as inspiration for positive change. His engaging speech was then followed by Amanda Thompson OBE, chairman of the board of directors, IAAPA; Hal McEvoy, president and CEO, IAAPA; and Wahl officially cutting the blue ribbon and declaring the trade show floor open.

Exhibitors and attendees filled two halls of the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, and together discussed critical business needs, discovered new products and services, and looked at solutions to entertain guests while meeting new guidelines and procedures that have evolved due to the global pandemic.

“The attractions industry truly is like a family,” shared McEvoy. “To finally come back together — in person — means a great deal. We understand our members and the industry are still working through the ongoing impact of COVID-19, but we are confident the industry will emerge from these challenges stronger than ever. Our role is to help members and the global attractions industry push through, and IAAPA Expo Europe was an important step toward full recovery.”

The professionals in the business of fun also had fun during the Opening Reception at Tibidabo Amusement Park. One of the oldest parks in the world, the sold-out event was filled with food, rides, attractions and conversation high above the Barcelona skyline.

“This week’s show demonstrates the strength of the attractions industry throughout the EMEA region, and the rest of the world,” continued McEvoy, “Exhibitors represented more than 43 countries around the world. International attendees came to meet with them and make serious buying decisions for their upcoming season and beyond.”

Plans for IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 are already underway. IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 will take place in London, U.K., on September 13-15. Advance exhibit sales are strong; more than 325 exhibitors have reserved 11,745-square-meters of contracted booth space.

•iaapa.org

Fiesta Texas gives Premier coaster Poltergeist complete makeover

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

SAN ANTONIO — In 1999, Six Flags Fiesta Texas began evolving the recently acquired property into a fully developed theme park. In that year, the park added 10 new attractions. In so doing, it increased the annual attendance by more than one million in that single year. Among those attractions, the largest installation was Poltergeist, a LIM-launched coaster from Premier Rides.

In the two decades that have followed, the park has continued to up its game. In the past 10 years, the park has pushed for first-of-its-kind additions or elevated rides to where they are signature attractions. Attendance has continued to climb.

In between its new rides for 2021 and 2022, the park has turned its attention back to Poltergeist. Originally painted teal and yellow with a simple but stylized station house, the attraction received an incredible makeover this summer.

“We had this great ride that was visually stunning, and our guests enjoy it, but it was declining in popularity and looking its age,” said Park President Jeffrey Siebert. “We are always looking at rides per guest and asked how we can take this good existing asset and make it new again and increase demand. We wanted to take it to what we knew it could be or even what it should have been when it launched in 1999.”

“Originally it was going to be a turnkey project with Magic In The Sky. They’ve been a partner with us for a variety of things,” said Ben McTyre, director of entertainment. “Because of [constraints], we divided the project into inside the building and outside. “Magic In The Sky took the interior and Fiesta Texas and the entertainment team took care of everything on the outside. We crafted all the sculpted pieces you see on the outside. Our sculptors and scenic painters did an awesome job.”

The queue line was completely reimagined. Previously, steel rail zigzagged back and forth in long rows (and in reality, were rarely needed). The transformation began here. A new portal on the main walkway now has gargoyles, backlighting and glowing eyes. A second arch to the queue now has a sign notating Bartholomey Manor. Once within “the estate,” guests surmise the new owner is much more sinister than anything they had experienced in the past.

“As you approach the ride, you immediately notice the ride looks much more ominous,” Siebert told Amusement Today. “There are new gargoyles at the gate. From there the entrance has been opened up to make an entrance plaza. There are now audio and fans and shade components, as well as scary statues and tombstones and a mausoleum. The owner’s car in a new garage has some haunted effects. A hedge maze then leads to the stairs to the indoor haunted house experience.”

Fiesta Texas has its own in-house sculpting equipment and was responsible for two ghoulish figures reaching from the front porch and the very rooftop.

What was once an open-air station is now an air-conditioned mansion. Guests currently walk through hallways with draperies and portraits, a foyer with a stairwell to nowhere and a haunted fireplace, also sculpted by the park.

“I am completely surprised at how the existing space provides a completely new experience,” said Chris Ozimek, director of marketing. “After winding through the outdoor cemetery and garden, guests enter the mansion to realize an actual indoor haunted walk-through adventure. They move through the foyer and living room, then make their way into the library to find their seats between the bookshelves.”

“I think the original incarnation of Poltergeist always had a little disappointment once you got into the station,” said Jacob Dell, owner, Magic In The Sky. “You had a spooky-looking haunted house and then walked up the stairs to a standard coaster station. What we have attempted here is to deliver the payoff when you come into the house. By redoing the porch, it now feels like you are really going into the haunted house. The sound and special effects in the launch sequence as well as effects when the ‘Poltergeist’ returns into the house — we think it is pretty dramatic for guests. It’s new; it’s a surprise.”

The two trains have been completely refurbished with new paint, images and padding. The station now has a Victorian ambiance, and the storyline continues as riders are launched into the tunnel.

“The response has been great,” said Siebert. “It was fun that initial night; we had a full house. The queue was full for the first time probably since 1999. What has been more rewarding is to see that demand sustained. All through Fright Fest the queue has been full.”

The transformative process took about two months during the summer. Following the 4th of July holiday weekend, the ride was temporarily closed. It reopened Labor Day weekend and during September continued to receive fine-tuning and detailing so that it was ready for the huge crowds of Fright Fest.

“There wasn’t a better time to reopen and relaunch the attraction than right before our Fright Fest event,” said Siebert.

“The Poltergeist refresh infuses new life into a 20+-year-old attraction,” Ozimek told AT. “It is now one of the most popular rides in the park. The coaster track is wrapped in a new bright green color that demands attention from all guests as they arrive. It seems to actually glow in the dark when illuminated at night to truly create a jaw-dropping visual.”

“It has been very collaborative,” added Dell. “Fiesta Texas is an excellent partner for us. We love working with them. Jeffrey is a band leader that has good direction for a high-level story concept. Ben’s team in entertainment gets together with our team to make it a quality experience.”

“One of the folks at Magic In The Sky restores custom homes. Some of the wood placed inside is from a decommissioned Victorian home in San Antonio,” shared Siebert. “When you look at the banister and crown molding, they are literally from homes 120 to 130 years ago. I love the richness of it. As we approach our 30th anniversary, we are creating a ride that is much more robust and truly surprises. It’s going to serve us for decades to come.”

“I think any kind of storytelling enhances a ride experience,” said McTyre. “In order to be a true theme park, you have to tell a story and convey a feeling.”

Legacy Entertainment, Lotte World celebrate 10 year milestone

Hollywood, Calif. and Seoul, S. Korea — October 2021 marks the 10-year anniversary milestone of the first collaboration between Hollywood-based Legacy Entertainment and Seoul-based Lotte World. During the course of the past decade, Legacy and Lotte World have realized eight projects located at the site of the park together, driving park attendance from 5.8 million visitors in 2011 to a high of 7.6 million as of early 2020.

Executives of both companies say that their unique creative partnership will be taken to the next level later this year upon the opening of Lotte World Adventure Busan — an all-new, 25-acre outdoor theme park located in the country’s second-most-populous city.

Yaeli Chung, Legacy Entertainment’s managing director of South Korea, reflects on the relationship: “Now in its 32nd year of operation, Lotte World is an icon of Korea. We are deeply honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to work closely with the Lotte World team to create attractions and experiences which have positively impacted the lives of millions of people every year.”

The portfolio of completed Legacy/Lotte World projects, which ranges from immersive themed lands to a nighttime spectacular, have helped to modernize the park. Originally sporting an international theme — popular in the 1980s when the park opened, with zones themed to England, France and Spain, among others — Legacy, in its design, specifically aimed to create themed districts and experiences that are timeless, not relating to any specific timeframe or period.

The first such attraction, named Jumping Fish, debuted in 2012. Utilizing Zamperla’s popular Flying Tigers ride system, Legacy helped elevate the experience by setting the attraction in a detailed sea cave environment, complete with original characters and lighting effects. Following a successful launch, a new interactive media theater dubbed ‘Do You Speak Beluga?’ was quickly added adjacent to Jumping Fish, rounding out this new aquatic themed zone.

Nearby, the Legacy team transformed two S&S Frog Hoppers into an all-new experience themed to the popular Korean fairy tale of Brother Moon and Sister Sun. This immersive children’s attraction, named Tall Tales, was the first such attraction in the country based on traditional folklore.

The team reimagined the park’s ticketing zone into the Lotte World Welcome Centee — an upscale arrival lobby more akin to a luxury hotel than a theme park. Further expansions included a Triotech XD Theater, an elaborately-themed ABC Rides mini flume and the Wild Tours immersive district which is home to Sega’s Wild Series simulators.

The largest project to date at the Seoul park was the 2014 debut of the “Let’s Dream!” nighttime spectacular. Combining a light parade with a multimedia production, the nightly event featured many groundbreaking elements, including the largest fleet of drones ever utilized in a theme park, as well as the first use of hologram effects in a parade. Upon its debut, the production directly led to a 2.8% boost in park attendance and a 35% increase in visitor length of stay.

Lotte World theme park in the southern city of Busan is in the final stages of construction. Centered around the theme of a magic forest, the outdoor park will feature five themed zones filled with themed architecture, garden displays and anchored by rides from Mack Rides, Zamperla, ABC Rides and others.

•legacyentertainment.com

Big River Waterpark and Adventures' big dreams coming to fruition

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

NEW CANEY, Texas — An ambitious deadline for the installation of amusement rides in the Big Rivers Waterpark and Adventures' area referred to as the Fairgrounds looks as though it will come to fruition.

At least that is the hope of Monty Galland, park owner, who had announced at the end of September the addition of 11 rides to his water park and adventures park.

"We are expecting to be done by December 1," Galland said. "We are having a Christmas celebration beginning then, and we really hope we have the rides operating.

"Right now, we are pouring the concrete," he said. "We already have the utilities, power, drainage and sewer lines."

Galland worked with Len Soled, Rides 4 U, to purchase six of the rides. Soled said he supplied Galland with three brand new rides and three used rides.

"One of the rides is a brand new spinning coaster that has one roll-over car and three spinning cars," Soled said. "This coaster has to be more elevated than the traditional spinning coaster to allow for the roll over."

Soled said he will be exhibiting this SBF/Visa spinning coaster at the 2021 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo this month.

The other two new rides are the large SBF/Visa Pirate Ship and the Midi Dance Party 360, also by SBF/Visa.

The used rides are a Moser 12-meter drop tower, which came from Funplex in Mt. Laurel Township, New Jersey; a Zamperla Samba Balloon ride from Jolly Rogers Amusement Park, Ocean City, Maryland; and a Wisdom Tornado from Incredible Pizza.

Galland said he also will have a Larson International Flying Scooter and several kiddie rides.

"We will have a broad range of rides that will appeal to a broad range of people," Galland said. "Once we have them going, guests here will be able to float in a lazy river that is almost one-third mile around or climb a 50-foot tower or spin around," Galland said.

He is planning to have a couple of midway games as well. Once the rides are operating, he plans to construct a building for concession to offer traditional fair foods and beverages.

"We are locating the Fairgrounds area in a grassy area near the entrance," Galland said.

"We are creating an amusement park," Galland said. "Our goal is to have a broad range of appeal to bring in guests from north of Houston and the surrounding area. We will be adding more rides along with more water attractions over time."

Galland admits this new endeavor is exciting, "as long as it doesn't scare the heck out of me."

Galland's Big Rivers Waterpark and Adventures Park already has a broad range of appeal because of the variety of activities. The water park not only offers that lazy river but also a wave pool, a slide tower, several raft slides and a children's play area.

The area called Wild Isle has a floating water park which includes a challenge course in the middle of the lake on the property.

Aerial Adventure includes ziplines, a four-story challenge course and a climbing wall touted as the tallest outdoor climbing wall in Texas. The Dry Adventures area offers a petting zoo, alligator habitat, giant maze, axe throwing, archery and more.

Admission to the Fairgrounds will be included with the anticipated “Christmas at Big Rivers” program, occurring from November 26 through the end of the Christmas season for 2021. Galland said he anticipates all rides to be operational by then. But if any unforeseen challenges arise for any of the rides, they will done by the start of the 2022 season.

"We close during the months of January and February," Galland said. "We will continue to do that. We open the second week of March, which is spring break here. Then, we will be open until the end of 2022."

Galland doesn't plan to replace any of his attractions with the additions to the amusement park. He has set 140 acres aside for the ride park.

•bigriverswaterpark.com

Holidays, themed mini-golf help boost Fun-Land of Fredericksburg

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Taking advantage of its newly renovated mini-golf course, Fun-Land of Fredericksburg is trying something new. The family entertainment center is enticing families to return with Spooky Golf.

“We had just refurbished the golf course, and I thought it would be fun to do something like somebody’s front yard on steroids,” said General Manager Clint Novak. “We put a ton of inflatables out there, decorations, corn stalks and all sorts of fun, fall [decorations].”

Spooky Golf features 13 inflatables, nine scarecrows, more than 100 effect lights on the greens, bushes and throughout the course. Pumpkins and cornstalks add their own accent as well. While the inflatables and décor make it fun during the day, it is the lighting that adds to the atmosphere at night.

Renovation of the golf course took all summer, which included power upgrades to the course. It took less than two weeks to do the Halloween overlay. The investment was around $5,000.

“The inflatables were the easy part. Set them where they want to go, blow ‘em up and stake ‘em down,
Novak said. “The lighting was the hardest part. For the most part, it was a very simple setup.”

Novak said his team dedicated two long nights to install the lighting and ensure the effect was what they were wanting.

This is the first year for Spooky Golf, but Fun-Land had experimented with Halloween promotions before.

“We had done haunted houses in our laser tag arena before. We were only able to do the ‘big one’ one year,” Novak told Amusement Today. “If we gave it more time, it would probably become more successful, but we just didn’t have the ability to let it run the way it was. We gave it a year, but then COVID hit, and we were unable to bring that back.”

Spooky Golf seemed a logical, family-friendly alternative. In its initial weeks, Fun-Land had already seen a seven percent increase over 2019 numbers. As the dates grew closer to Halloween, the FEC put together a Trick-or-Treat Meet and Greet. Princesses, superheroes and other fun characters were positioned on the golf course, and families could buy tickets to go out and trick-or-treat and mingle with the characters.

“We used our social media as much as we could boosting posts and did a lot of teasers when we were setting up,” said Novak. “We also used local media, the local newspaper and radio stations and our partners that we can do what we call ‘trades.’ We put advertising together on all those outlets to market Spooky Golf.”

Players can enjoy Spooky Golf for $10 or it is included with the all-day wristband.

Surprisingly, the idea of decorating the golf course was first conceived for Christmas. The FEC will continue this holiday fun once Halloween ends, and the park transforms the golf course into Holly Jolly Golf.

Fun Fore All, an FEC in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, also offers a Halloween-themed golf course.

“I was well underway doing ours, and remembered they did one as well,” said Novak. “They have already done a Christmas overlay there outside Pittsburgh. It snows there and for us we don’t get that much snow. We have a very mild winter here. Most of our snow is after Christmas.”

Holly Jolly Golf will have more than 30,000 lights, festive inflatables and fun elements that people can golf through.

“Holly Jolly Golf was the first on our radar. I said if we were already paying the money for power and do all this stuff, the infrastructure would already be there. It would be relatively [inexpensive] to do a Halloween version as well,” said Novak. “That would give us two uses for the power we had out there.”

New Betson game room part of Gravity Trampoline Park remodel

KOKOMO, Ind. — The Betson distribution team recently finished a 30-piece game room install at the Kokomo, Indiana, Gravity Trampoline Park as part of a new remodel. 

Betson Midwest Game Sales Consultant Brian Conway provided Gravity Trampoline Park with game and layout recommendations to optimize space utilization, maximize the customer experience and generate the most revenue. The new slate of games installed by the Betson installation team includes Nerf Arcade, Hot Wheels, Marvel Avengers, Connect 4 Hoops, Monopoly Roll n Go, Pearl Fishery, Power Roll, StepManiaX, Taj Mahal, Fun Zone and Wizard of Oz Coin Pusher. 

Gravity Trampoline Park is a central Indiana indoor trampoline park offering an 18,000-square-foot entertainment facility. It features the Gravity Cafe and the second-level viewing deck. Gravity Trampoline Park closed for remodeling in July and reopened in October with its new adventure ropes course, ninja warrior course and the new state-of-the-art arcade.

•betson.com

On the Midway:

Houghton Enterprises

Houghton Enterprises brought in 20 rides to the Ephrata Fair, of which 11 were kiddie ones. A few are seen on one of the streets in the downtown area. New to the spot were an Eli Kiddie Wheel, S&S Frog Hopper and Zamperla Helicopter. AT/B. DEREK SHAW

The 102nd fair is seen from atop the Watkins Expo Wheel. Ephrata, Pa., a town with a population of 13,842, is home to the largest multi-day street fair in Pennsylvania. AT/B. DEREK SHAW

What makes this fair unique is rides, games, food, crafts, non-profits and commercial exhibits are all staged throughout 10 blocks in the downtown area on streets closed during the five-day event, drawing upwards of

150,000 attendees. It has Tent City for agriculture and a mid-week parade, which is rare for

most fairs.

AT/B. DEREK SHAW

Part of the Houghton family operation, from l: Jason, Jimmy, Jason Sr. and Jim Houghton. “We had a great run in northeastern Pennsylvania. We are paying our bills,” said Jimmy Houghton. “2019 was our best year ever. We doubled the best year ever,” chimed in Jim Houghton. AT/B. DEREK SHAW

Ocean Park adds Water World expansion to the Hong Kong resort

AT: Jeffrey Seifert

jseifert@amusementtoday.com

HONG KONG — Opened on September 21, 2021, Ocean Park’s Water World covers more than 600,000 square feet on a spectacular hillside location. The new park features both indoor and outdoor sections and will operate 365 days a year.

Water World boasts 27 attractions, including nine state-of-the-art waterslides, two wave pools and Hong Kong’s first-ever indoor surf simulator, Surf Striker. The park consists of five themed adventure zones, spread over three different levels and takes full advantage of its waterfront location with sweeping views of the sea from many of its pools and slides.

In a press release, Paulo Pong, deputy chairman of Ocean Park, stated, “Water World is set to bring out the adventurous spirit in all of us. With an architectural design that embraces the natural terrain, it gives adventurers the opportunity to take in the beauty that surrounds our Southern District. We’re so looking forward to welcoming everyone to Water World.”

Although providing a spectacular location, the natural hillside terrain presented some construction challenges. The complex topography required some careful excavation and ride placement. WhiteWater West of British Columbia, Canada, was one of the suppliers of the park’s waterslides and attractions. Emily Colombo, vice-president of strategic partnerships at WhiteWater, told AT, “The ride design for Ocean Park was incredibly unique. The rides were designed to integrate into the landscape while protecting the beautiful natural growth of Hong Kong. The designers of Ocean Park had walked the site countless times and really narrated how the rides were to live within the area, and it was a very complex process for our team to design safe, fun attractions while ensuring we followed the vision of the Ocean Park team.”

David Bogdonov, regional vice president, Asia Pacific, WhiteWater, added, “Ocean Park is one of the most dramatic water park sites I have ever seen in my 23 years in the industry. The site has extreme topography, and the slides are designed to start at different locations and elevations, as well as terminating at different locations and elevations; plus the high frequency and intensity of typhoons in Hong Kong mean wind load and drainage posed another challenge. We really leveraged our expertise on this project as it was a very challenging site! When we designed our rides, we had to position the support structures very carefully because we were required to avoid certain areas that are critical to the drainage of the site.

The hillside did offer some advantages, however. The sloping gradient of the setting made it possible to build gigantic water slides without having to construct tall or extensive support structures.

The rides at Water World are designed to provide a sense of discovery. According to Colombo, “You can begin riding down a slide in one area of the slide, and end up indoors, or in another unique land of the park. Conveyor systems allow for natural circulation of guests while the vehicles move autonomously from zone to zone. Rides starting and ending in different locations require more care in safety and operational design if line of site is not available.”

Visitors start their day at Splendid Reef, a welcoming area right on the shores of the South China Sea. Here guests can take a walk along the seafront and enjoy the ocean air, browse for new swimwear at one of the storefronts or — if they are ready to dive into the thrills — stroll down Water World Plaza to meet with guides who will help them plan their day. The Torrential River zone offers some of the more exciting attractions such as Cyclone Spin/Tropical Twist, two WhiteWater Giant AquaTube slides that guests can enjoy on two-person inline rafts. Rainbow Rush, an eight-lane, Aquatwist Matracer slide starts with a DNA-style twisting tunneled section, then finishes with the side-by-side lanes where competitors can see how fast they traversed the slide via overhead timing clocks.

Torrential River is also home to two attractions from ProSlide Technology. Cavern Chase is a Mammoth river that has four-person rafts navigating light and dark sections full of twists and turns. Vortex is a combination BehemothBowl 40/Tornado 60. Adventurers on this slide will first swirl into an open bowl then drop into the humongous vortex. The Tornado 60 has an open notch in the top and was created specifically to fit into the indoor environment.

Thrill Valley is another high-adrenaline zone with Thunder Loop, Daredevil Drop and Bravery Cliffs body slides, that include a flat-line loop and Aqua Drop capsules. Among the notable attractions in this section is Sky High Falls, a massive WhiteWater Boomerango utilizing six-person rafts.

Regarding Sky High Falls, Colombo stated, “The Family Boomerango as it was in its traditional form, did not fit without dramatic excavation. Knowing the Boomerango experience is the best in the world, and that we wanted to deliver the best to the guests of Ocean Park, we were tasked to reimagine the experience to nestle into the hillside. We knew that providing amazing views of the Boomerango wall was critical, while also minimizing any cut and fill of the hillside. The Boomerango Squeeze is now a ride that WhiteWater can boast in its portfolio, and we thank Ocean Park for the opportunity to develop a brand-new ride together.”

Hidden Village and Adventure Coast offer tamer, more family-friendly attractions such as lazy rivers and water play structures, including Whisker’s Splash a highly-themed multi-level WhiteWater AquaPlay 1050 that provides the opportunity for kids and their families to enjoy multiple slides and interactive waterplay features. Hidden Village is mostly indoors and includes the Horizon Cove indoor wave pool, kid-friendly attractions and shows. Adventure Coast features the Big Wave Bay outdoor wave pool and Riptide action river. Guests here can enjoy sweeping views of the sea, lounge in a cabana or get some snacks at one of the eateries.

Ocean Park is divided into two main attraction areas — The Summit and The Waterfront or Lower Park. Water World is nestled into the hillside in The Waterfront section occupying the former Bird Paradise area of the park which contained aviaries and a flamingo pond. Built at a cost of HK$4 billion (US$513 million), Water World has been in the works for several years and was announced shortly after the 2013 closure of Bird Paradise. In January 2014, Ocean Park released plans for the addition of 30 new attractions, a 495-room hotel, and a world-class water park which, at the time, was to cost HK$2.29 billion, with an opening projected to take place in 2017. The project suffered years of delays and cost overruns.

In addition to Canadian companies WhiteWater West and ProSlide Technology, other suppliers involved with the Water World project included Barr + Wray of the U.K., Scotland’s Murphys Waves and Water Technology Inc. of Wisconsin. Gammon Construction of Hong Kong was the primary engineering contractor.

The Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel opened in February 2019. The Fullerton Hotel Ocean Park is expected to open before the end of the year. The hotels, along with the opening of Water World are significant steps toward transforming Ocean Park into a major leisure and destination resort. The 44-year-old park, once one of Asia’s top attractions, is in the midst of a massive overhaul. The park secured HK$6.8 billion (US$874 million) in government funding in March to assist with capital expenditures. The park’s makeover aims to turn it into a financially self-sufficient leisure and retail resort with a focus on education and conservation. Three new zones will be developed on top of its animal attractions, education programs and thrill rides. The Lower Park will be transformed into a brand-new admission-free retail, dining and entertainment zone surrounding the water park. Two other new zones will be developed at The Summit of the park with adventure and wellness-themed attractions.

In keeping with Ocean Park’s new focus on conservation, Water World’s unique design will minimize energy usage and the park’s impact on the environment. The park’s main building is equipped with large doors and roof vents to utilize the sea breeze to provide natural ventilation that will reduce energy requirements for air circulation and mechanical cooling. An ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) translucent skylight roof system along the judicious use of glass walls maximizes the amount of daylight reaching the interior which minimizes the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours. A natural grass green roof surrounds the skylights which reduces rain runoff and provides additional insulation and heat absorption. All of the facility’s pools use the latest filtration technology for water conservation.

Since its opening in 1977 as a not-for-profit organization, Ocean Park has demonstrated its commitment to conservation by donating part of the proceeds from admission tickets and selected merchandise to the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong, to support its wildlife conservation projects across Asia.

•waterworld.oceanpark.com.hk

New York's Fantasy Island partially reopens as Niagara Splash World

AT: Jeffrey Seifert

jseifert@amusementtoday.com

GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. — The water park at the former Fantasy Island Amusement Park managed to reopen at the tail end of the summer season. The park opened to the public on Saturday, August 28, with limited water park attractions and food options. Guests who were at least 36 inches tall could purchase an admission for the heavily discounted “special preview” rate of $14.99; those 35 inches or less could enter free with an accompanying adult. The Lazy River, Dragster Drench (ProSlide ProRacer), Cannon Bowl (ProSlide CannonBowl) and a few other attractions were open for guests to enjoy. The park had hoped to open every weekend in September, weather permitting, however with slightly cooler weather predicted for the final weekend, the park announced on September 23 that it was closing for the season.

Chicago-based investor Gene Staples, who stepped in as the new operator in May, had hoped to open the water park in July, but supply issues and repairs from massive amounts of vandalism took longer than expected. Although the season was short, the opening was likely staged to show the community that the previously shuttered amusement and water park is no longer abandoned and that urban explorers and vandals need to stay away. VP of Operations Gary Fawks told a local news station. “It’s taken several months of hard work just to get to this point, and I want everyone to know, this is just the beginning.” Getting the water park ready now will also gives the maintenance crew a head start on getting the rest of the park open for the 2022 season.

Staples has said he plans to open the full park next year as Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World with a new roller coaster that would be a major attraction. He is also on record as saying he wants to emphasize a family entertainment theme at the park and will be working to acquire rides for all ages. After the park was closed in February 2020, many of the rides were sold. But two iconic attractions, a Chance Rides Gondola Wheel and the Custom Coasters-built Silver Comet roller coaster remain, although both are in need of repairs.

Staples, a Chicago-based investor, has become a savior of sorts of shuttered amusement parks, after purchasing and reopening Indiana Beach Amusement Park in Monticello, Indiana, and Clementon Park and Splash World in Clementon, New Jersey. Both of those parks were up and running for the 2021 season.

Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World has a storied history dating back to 1961. Located on Grand Island just south of Niagara Falls, it originally opened as Fantasy Island. Its location along Interstate 190, one of the main thoroughfares to Niagara Falls, was likely chosen to attract tourists heading to the Falls. The original venture lasted through 1981. The park did not open in 1982 but was purchased that year by Charles Wood, who, in 1954, founded Storytown USA in Queenstown, New York, near Lake George. Wood reopened Fantasy Island in 1983 and added its first water park in 1984. Wood expanded Storytown USA by adding adult rides and renamed it The Great Escape. In 1989 Wood sold both parks to International Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) although he remained as chief executive officer of both parks and his son-in-law, Tom Wages, was retained as general manager of Fantasy Island. In 1992, IBC went bankrupt and Wood reacquired both parks. To give the Grand Island park a new identity, Wood renamed it Two Flags Over Niagara Fun Park, a reference to its close proximity to the Canadian Border. After operating the park for two years, Wood listed it for sale and it was acquired by a local carnival operator, Martin DiPietro who changed the name to Martin’s Fantasy Island. DiPietro successfully operated Martin’s Fantasy Island for 22 years but was eventually looking to retire. He sold the park in 2016 to Store Capital and arranged for a lease-operator agreement with California-based Apex Park Group. At the time, DiPietro was impressed with Apex's experience with family destinations.

Shortly after the sale, Apex Parks CEO Al Weber Jr. died unexpectedly, and the company seemed to have lost its way, struggling for the next few years. After the end of the 2019 season, Apex announced the closure of Fantasy Island. Two months later, Apex listed Indiana Beach for sale. Although Indiana Beach was pretty much left intact, Apex stripped most everything of value from Fantasy Island. The amusement park had once boasted more than 40 rides and attractions including four roller coasters, but within a few months, all that was left were the Ferris wheel, the wooden roller coaster, a handful of partially dissembled kiddie rides and the buildings. Apex also left most of the waterslides. Apex made no attempt to secure the property, and vandals and urban explorers soon moved in. Staples told reporters that almost every door had been kicked in, and almost every window was shattered. Perfectly good fixtures like sinks and toilets were smashed to pieces, television screens were smashed, and boxes of items like souvenirs and plush toys were ripped open and the contents dumped on the floor. The exteriors of many of the buildings were covered in graffiti as were most of the waterslides.

Despite the setbacks, Staples remained committed to reopening the park. Getting the water park back open was just the first step. “All of this sets the stage for us for the opening for next year on a much grander scale,” said Fawkes. Hopefully, by this time next year, we will be looking back and reporting on a successful summer season for the yet-again rebranded park.

Record-breaking Wibit water park comes to Saudi Arabia

AT: Jeffrey Seifert

jseifert@amusementtoday.com

BOCHOLT, Germany — Founded in 1996 by two friends Robert Cirjak and Romann Rademacher, Wibit Sports GmbH has achieved extraordinary success in the inflatable water park industry. The company, famous for its floating water park obstacle courses throughout the world, has once again broken its own record. In 2019 the obstacle course at AquaDreamland, Bali, which spells out the name of the country, Indonesia, when seen from above, was certified by Guinness World Records as the largest floating water park in the world covering 28,900 square meters (312,038 square feet).

Records are made to be broken, however, and an even larger water park off the coast of Saudi Arabia is awaiting certification. Installed at Pure Beach in King Abdullah Economic City, more than 200 inflatable modules comprise the park covering an area of approximately 34,000 square meters. The floating obstacle course, which spells out Saudi Arabia, can accommodate up to 700 people at a time.

The WibitTag system started in 2016 with the installation of a floating water park in The United Arab Emirates that cleverly spelled out Dubai in both English (left to right) and Arabic (right to left) languages. Since that time, other destinations have jumped on the bouncing-surfaces bandwagon including Cancún, Mexico; Poreč, Croatia; Siyam (Siam), Thailand; and Vinpearl, Vietnam. The original Dubai installation has been so popular that it was expanded with more modules to read I ♥ Dubai.

This latest project, with modules that weighed more than 17-tons total, was transported from Wibit’s facility in Germany to Saudi Arabia over a period of four days. A six-person Wibit installation team then proceeded to set up the park in the warm, salty waters off Pure Beach. Fortunately, Wibit products are made with the highest quality PVC and are suitable for installation in all kind of environments — even the highly saline water and glaring sun of Saudi’s western coast. In order to meet the deadline, the team worked day and night to set up the water park in record time. Operator Blue Limits, a local Saudi company, hosted a grand opening in August.

The Red Sea, with its clear water and spectacular coral reefs has been a popular tourist destination since the 1950s — particularly with divers — but mostly along the coast of Egypt. Saudi Arabia set out to expand its tourism appeal beginning in 2017 when Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman established the Red Sea Project, which focuses on tourism and the establishment of world-class recreation facilities along Saudi Arabia’s west coast. The resorts area of King Abdullah Economic City is expected to exceed 25,000 rooms within 120 hotels with the aim of attracting both local and international tourists. Planned amenities include golf courses, an equestrian club, yacht club and a range of water sports.

The project also marks another milestone for Wibit, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Saudi Arabia was the 100th country to receive a Wibit Sports Park.

•wibitsports.com

Six Flags hits home run relocating headquarters to former ballpark

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

ARLINGTON, Texas — When the Texas Rangers moved into the city-funded Globe Life Park (then known as the Ballpark in Arlington) in 1994, the sports venue was state of the art. While it didn’t have the enclosed, air-conditioned luxury of its new cousin, Globe Life Field, the property boasted a square block of classic architecture that was instantly beloved. The Dallas-Ft. Worth baseball team moved into its new digs in 2020.

While the playing field has now been reconfigured to host football games for high school, the four floors of office space on what was once the center field entrance needed new tenants.

“This office space was the offices for the Texas Rangers from the time the ballpark opened in 1994 to the time they moved across the street,” said Lenny Russ, senior vice president, operations services, Six Flags. “We had to come in and renovate and took the whole infrastructure down to the studs. We built it from scratch to suit the needs of Six Flags. We were able to come in and build collaborative workspace — all the departments are centralized for their entire teams to ensure there is more collaboration.”

Six Flags worked with architects to make sure the design was conducive to employees to be grouped together.

“In our old offices, you might have hid finance people in three different parts of the building, but here there is a whole finance section. Tasks can get done more easily with the group working together,” said Russ, who led the charge in facilitating the move. “We actually downsized the space from those offices but now have more usable space.”

Within the facility are strategically placed meeting rooms of various sizes. Ten rooms allow meetings and discussions to range from a full board to a round table of six. Cleverly, each meeting room is named after a signature attraction in one of the chain’s parks.

“We have a really good internal design department. In our old offices, our conference rooms were named after DC characters or Looney Tunes [IP]. When we sat down on this one, we thought, ‘Why not use the great history of Six Flags? Let’s name these [meeting rooms] after roller coasters.’”

Many conference rooms sport a large mural of famous attractions or have a glass window that overlooks the playing field.

“One of the things I like about the offices is the flexibility,” said Laura Doerre, executive vice president, general counsel & chief administrative officer. “Each conference room is a little bit different — different size, a little bit of a different vibe — so that you can have a two-person collaboration up to a senior leadership meeting.”

Many areas are open concept, a strategy Six Flags feels is where new office buildings are heading. Breakout rooms provide the meeting space where the workspace is more communicative.

A meal/break area also provides opportunities for networking, both in climate-controlled indoor space or on the outdoor outfield deck outside the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

“All the meeting rooms are equipped with the latest technology to allow for collaboration,” Russ told Amusement Today. “In the past we had one video unit in one of our conference rooms. Now with the invention of Zoom and Teams, etc., you need that capability to present without having to plug in wires and computers — it’s ready to go. It has been really good for that technology to come in and allow for virtual meetings, particularly now with the pandemic.”

In addition to the modern space, there is still a sense of pride in finding new and renewed purpose for a well-loved piece of architecture within the city.

“I remember when it was built,” said Doerre. “And when the city announced it was building another one, I thought, ‘They just built one.’ I think what makes this facility special to us is that it is perfectly positioned near our two parks in Arlington. Our mission is to create fun and thrilling memories for all, so what better place like the stadium to remind us of that every day. You can’t look at the ballpark or the field and not be reminded we are here to make people happy. We love that aspect of it.”

From the moment staff and visitors step off the elevators, the stage is set. Each of the three elevator doors is overlayed with fun attractions. The company’s mission is stated above them, and the company logo is illuminated behind a welcome desk just steps away.

The previous headquarters were a few miles away in a facility that began as a data center.

“They really weren’t designed to be the headquarters,” said Russ. “When the [Oklahoma City office] was sold off, we needed a place to have employees come, so we retrofitted the Avenue J space. We built out the space, but it was a hodge-podge. As we grew in that next ten years, we had to go in and continue to retrofit areas.”

“Who knew how important meeting technology was going to be when we designed the new offices,” remarked Doerre.

The initial plan was to move in about the time the pandemic broke out. Negotiations took about six months to finalize, and the new office design took off in late 2019. The City of Arlington provided an incentive package to Six Flags to help lure the theme park giant back into the city’s boundaries. Now, in its new home, windows on the east side of the offices look directly at Six Flags Over Texas.

“The city wanted us, and we wanted to be back in Arlington where Six Flags began,” said Russ. “It worked out perfectly, the Rangers needed a core tenant.”

The company holds a 15-year lease on the facility.

With the arrival of the COVID pandemic, the move-in didn’t go as envisioned.

“It was interesting how quickly our IT department adapted when the word came down last March. It was obviously disappointing we didn’t get to move in on day one,” said Russ. “It was a good start. We allowed employees to come in sporadically at the latter part of 2020, but really opened the office back up in 2021.”

With the nation’s business shift of many companies finding success with a hybrid situation, Six Flags, too, is adopting the flexibility of in-person and remote working.

“One of the things that COVID taught us is that it broke that myth that people couldn’t work effectively from home,” Doerre told AT.

With two world-class stadiums nearby, management hasn’t been challenged with many traffic issues. The workday and game schedules typically work well together. Doerre even noted the convenience of attending a game at the end of the day. “It adds to the vibrancy,” she said.

Any surprises?

“I remember the first time I heard a high school band warming up on the field in the middle of my workday. It was a little bit of a surprise,” laughed Doerre. “It was equally cool and a little bit distracting.”

Spread throughout the complex is artwork reflective of Six Flags, its attractions and the amusement industry. The facility incorporates fun images and nods to the parks in signage and nameplates on various rooms.

In all, the office complex provides a work environment for more than 150 people.

A view from the top…

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) represents industry attractions, supplier companies, consultants and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts and family entertainment centers. Founded in 1918, the association is now headquartered in Orlando, Florida.

Susan Storey, as the director of global communications, brought 20 years of industry experience when she came on board for the second time in 2017.

Accomplishments and affiliations…

•2019 FPRA Golden Image Award of Distinction

•2018 PRSA Phoenix Award Public Relations Campaign

•2017 PRSA Bronze Anvil Satellite Media Tour

•2015 PRSA Alchemy Award of Excellence Integrated Campaign

•2014 IAAPA Brass Ring Award - Best Public Relations Program

•2014 WWA Wave Award — Public Relations Project

•2014 PRSA Alchemy Award PR Excellence

•2012 Marcom Awards — Publication Writing

Storey's career is perfect circle

ORLANDO — Susan Storey was a hometown girl. She was born and raised in Rochester, New York. Seabreeze Amusement Park was her hometown theme park. She was close to her family and extended family and always had friends with which to go on adventures close to home.

When it came time to go to college, she went to the State University of New York in Genesco, only about 35 miles south of Rochester.

Yep, she was a hometown girl, except for one little itch.

"I wanted to go to Disney World," she said. "I wanted to work there. I was the kid that never gave up on Mickey Mouse."

That pursuit of Mickey Mouse led Storey on a great adventure, an adventure of life that is nowhere near over. After 24 years in the amusement industry, she has no idea what is next.

Right now, though, she feels blessed to be where she is and balanced both in her career as part of IAAPA and as being a career mom to her 10-year-old son Aiden.

She believes that everything she has done has led to this.

She looks back at her different jobs, her moves, and feels like they have all been pieces of a puzzle.

"I guess one day the picture will be revealed," she said.

Or, perhaps, it already has.

In her younger days, after graduating from the State University of New York in Genesco, New York, with a bachelor's degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, she took chances and opportunities when they arose.

She has met many people with some amazing jobs and responsibilities.

She recalls first meeting Jim Seay, Premier Rides.

"His job was to build a roller coaster," she said. "I just couldn't get my head around that."

And now she can say, "I have opened parks. I have opened hotels. I have opened rides."

Storey's first actual experience in the amusement industry did take her to the Magic Kingdom and Mickey Mouse. She participated in a college program her sophomore year for one semester. She lived in Orlando with five roommates and was immersed in the industry. She also worked at a retail outlet in the Magic Kingdom.

That program gave way to her declaring her major in communications. It also gave way to her first job after graduation. During the program she met Henri Landwirth, founder of Give Kids The World (GKTW).

She didn't get a job with Disney and Mickey right after graduation, but she did with GKTW.

"I loaded up my Pontiac Sunbird and headed to GKTW in Orlando and I was so lucky to have done so," she said. "I had 72 hours to get there."

GKTW was a young nonprofit at the time. It became very hard for Storey to stretch her paycheck.

"I joked that I had to decide if I would eat that day or my dog would," she said.

That first stint in Orlando was short lived. Landwirth introduced Storey to John Graff, then executive director of the IAAPA. She ended up securing a job with IAAPA.

"I loaded up my Sunbird again and headed to Washington D.C.," she said.

And so it began.

She worked as communications director for IAAPA from March 2000 until March 2002 and then joined Six Flags Great America as the public relations manager until 2004.

Then, it was back to Orlando from March 2004 to July 2005, as the senior public relations representative for Universal Orlando Resort.

She went from there to Doswell, Virginia, where she worked for Cedar Fair Entertainment Company as public relations manager until August 2007.

She moved to Orlando in 2007 to work again with GKTW as the director of communications until July 2011.

In January, 2012, she moved from sunny Florida to Madison, Wisconsin, where she was the communications director at Great Wolf Lodge.

In July 2016, she went back to Orlando and became the director of communications of Sea World Parks and Resorts.

Then in August 2017, she went back to IAAPA and was named the director of global communications.

"I never left a position because it was bad," she said. "Many times I hated leaving, but I would see an opportunity and I felt like I had to take the risk. I have always felt the need to make connections and keep those connections.

"I work where I play, and I play where I work. I genuinely walk the talk."

She has always seen many changes over the years.

"When I first started, I would have to send slides out for publications," Storey said. "Just the way we communicate is so different. In some regards, I feel personal communication is becoming a lost art."

She also works hard to get the word out to young women that there are great opportunities and great careers in the amusement industry. There were times through her years she might get a roll of an eye from a man in maintenance when she would go to get details on a ride so she could understand it.

"I would show up with my open-toe shoes, and I would get a roll of an eye, but when they found out I sincerely wanted to know the information, it changed things," she said. "I never changed who I was."

Storey has had women mentors along the way including Debbie Evans, Franceen Gonzales, Kim Schaefer, Susan Lomax and Cindy Emerick.

"I really feel my life has come full circle," Storey said.

It seems that circle will continue to spin.

—Pam Sherborne

IAFE Convention, Trade Show will offer educational tracks, promise of fun

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) plans for the 2021 IAFE Convention & Trade Show are going full-steam ahead, according to IAFE Director of Meetings Kate Turner. The event takes place Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, 2021, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Workshops will be divided into tracks in a variety of categories. Attendees can stick with one track throughout, or they may choose from IAFE's complete list of topics. Track categories include Agriculture, Marketing & Sponsorship, Facilities/Operations, Entertainment & Ticketing, Commercial Exhibits & Concessions and Professional Development.

“Booth spaces for the 2021 IAFE Trade Show are 70% sold,” stated to IAFE Director of Sales Steve Siever. “Our office has seen an uptick in booth sales in recent weeks — as the summer fair season winds down.  Our showcasing stages are completely sold out and we’ve had great interest in our Verified Buyers/Exhibitor Breakfast event.”

“The IAFE Trade Show is the one opportunity during the year for us to see our friends and clients all in one place,” said perennial exhibitor and IAFE supporter Ryan Wilkerson, president and CEO of Haas & Wilkerson Insurance. “It’s like a family reunion where we actually get some work done as well! Coming out of COVID, I can’t think of another place I’d rather be. We have attended a few other trade shows for other family entertainment industries and the energy was off the charts. I expect the IAFE Trade Show will blow the others away.”

Gary Berg, of long-time exhibitor G.L. Berg Entertainment echoed similar sentiments: “Each year our company uses the IAFE convention and tradeshow to kick off the next year’s fair season work. It is a wonderful way to showcase our acts, connect with current clients, and meet new clients from all around the country. It is a great value.”

•iafeconvention.com

Strike-U-Up going up

at Skyline Attractions

ORLANDO —Skyline Attractions shared that it recently sold a multi-tower Strike-U-Up attraction. While the company is unable to share the park which will be home to the family-friendly ride, Skyline is working hard to assemble and ship it. Strike-U-Up was Skyline Attractions’ first attraction, a hybrid midway game and amusement ride that allows everyone to participate together.

COURTESY SKYLINE ATTRACTIONS

Soaring Eagle evolves, becomes Altitude Rides and Attractions

Logan Checketts now behind the wheel of company

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

LOGAN, Utah — After founding S&S Sports in 1994, creative mastermind Stan Checketts invented air-powered thrill rides. Selling off S&S Sports, the new company became S&S Power before later becoming S&S Worldwide. The company found great success selling air-powered drop towers, roller coasters and giant swings, among other attractions. As the new millennium progressed, Checketts’ role changed as others took direction of the company. Always creating, Checketts developed an incredibly accessible zipline attraction and founded Soaring Eagle in 2010.

As the pandemic dominated world news in the last 18 months, a quiet change took place. Checketts sold Soaring Eagle to a different Checketts, longtime partner Logan Checketts. Despite the coincidental name similarities, the two gentlemen are actually not related.

“Stan and I signed the official papers in January of 2020,” Logan said. “It was a good time for both of us. Stan turned 80 this year and has enjoyed being on the road with Sandy. He came to me to look [at things] and was ready to turn it loose. We had previous conversations about it before when he was ready, and he came to me, and we made it happen.”

Ownership isn’t the only thing that changed, so did the company’s name. It is now Altitude Rides and Attractions. However, the Soaring Eagle zipline is still one of the company’s hot-selling products.

Logan Checketts emphasized that the team remained intact. The only departure was Stan himself.

“He’s a good friend. We’ve had a great relationship all the way through. He still comes out to the shop and helps us out and gives us advice. I still call him when I need help. He still has my back. He’ll sell some still,” Logan stated.

When asked if the name similarities create confusion, Logan told AT: “It’s very ironic. I grew up knowing about Stan and then I met him and bought rides from him. Then I went from a customer to a salesperson then from a salesperson to a partner.”

When Amusement Today asked if changing the company’s name after Soaring Eagle had been established caused any confusion, Logan replied, “There’s a step there we obviously had to make with our customers. With Soaring Eagle, we built such a good name over the years. We have a lot of loyalty there. We have customers that have appreciated the good service. As we go forward, it was a good time to make the change to Altitude Rides and Attractions because all the rides we deal with are changing altitude. There is a lot of natural thrill to it. It just fit.”

Logan said the company’s focus is to continue to bring rides that are efficient, safe and exciting. He likes things that are unique.

The company has sold 70 Soaring Eagle ziplines around the world. Other products include the Daring Drop and Saddle Sling.

“We listen to our customers’ needs and try to bring innovative things to the table. We look for attractions that are new and fresh and help sustain our customers’ business. We’ll continue to offer good service and bring neat, new products to the table. We’ll build off the Soaring Eagle portfolio but will add some custom rides to that in the future.”

Alan Joelson, former park owner and entrepenuer, dies at age 87

LOS ANGELES — In late September, Alan Joelson passed away peacefully at home in the arms of his beloved wife, Yasmina, at the age of 87. Since the end of November 2017, he had been in declining health caused from a head injury from a fall.  During this time, he showed strength, determination and discipline in doing his best to recover.  However, he succumbed to respiratory complications from pneumonia and gradual weakness in his health. 

With his self-will he became a successful lawyer in London after passing the bar exam.  He practiced law for many years creating his law firm Joelson, Wilson & Co.  (which still exists today).  Being a businessman and entrepreneur at heart, he left the firm in the mid-1970s to join Pleasurerama, a company that specialized in the amusement park business in London with the London Dolphinarium, which was the first indoor Dolphinarium; Marineland in Majorca Spain; and African Lion Safari Park in Australia. 

After leaving Pleasureama in the late 1970s, he and his then-partner started Southbrook Entertainment in the U.K. with which they bought Windsor Safari Park, opened Aquapark in Torremolinos, Spain; invested in movie deals with the now defunct Canon Group, Inc.; and owned the playrights to the musical Oliver.

Moving to Los Angeles in 1987, his company purchased Raging Waters Water Park in San Dimas, California.

During the 2000s, he bought and sold Alabama Adventure Amusement & Water Park in Bessemer (Birmingham), Alabama, twice while it was under receivership.  

Joelson was loyal and renowned for his integrity in business dealings.  He made friends wherever he went and loved nothing better than to spend time laughing and reminiscing with family and friends. He was an entertainer and a reader of history and politics. 

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Yasmina; their children Rachel and William; his sons Elliot and Dan; his stepson Iskander; his nephew Steve; his grandchildren Lizzy, Clare, Aliah and Aiden; and his brother and sister-in-law, Driss and Mouna, as well as their three children: Nezha, Hassan & Kenza.

Former WED Enterprises concept artist David Negron Sr. passes

LONG BEACH, Calif. — David Negron Sr., a conceptual painter, illustrator and storyboard artist with credits including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Blade Runner and the Ace Ventura movies, passed on October 12 of natural causes. He was 85.

Born on Dec. 24, 1935, in Del Rio, Texas, and raised in San Antonio, Negron attended Baylor University, Texas A&M and, after leaving Texas in 1965, the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. He landed a job at 20th Century Fox as a conceptual painter and worked on Doctor Dolittle (1967), Hello, Dolly! (1969) and Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970).

Negron moved to Disney, where he illustrated for movies and created posters for such films as Kidnapped (1971) and Escape to Witch Mountain (1975). For WED Enterprises, the amusement park division, he created conceptual paintings for Disneyland and Walt Disney World attractions such as Space Mountain. He also painted the three-panel mural based on turn-of-the-century scenes that appear inside The Plaza Inn restaurant at Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.

He was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Survivors include his children, Cynthia, Laura, David Jr., Joel and Lawrence; 18 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Stern Pinball, Inc., announced the hiring of Seth A. Davis as president. In this role, Davis will join the company’s leadership team and be accountable for the future performance of the company and its extended enterprise. He will report to Gary Stern — founder of Stern Pinball, who will continue to serve as
chairman and CEO of the company. Dave Peterson will continue to serve as vice chairman and EVP of the company.

A life-long gamer, prior to joining Stern Pinball, Davis spent a combined 21 years at The Walt Disney Company and the General Electric Company. He served in a wide variety of
functions and in entrapreneurial roles, at increasingly senior levels.

“I’m honored and very excited to join Stern Pinball,” said Davis. “I’m really looking forward to working with Gary, Dave and the rest of the leadership team, as well as our distribution, supply and licensing partners to serve the pinball community. We have a great foundation on which to build, and I’m very excited about the future of Stern Pinball and pinball in general.”

Immediately prior to joining Stern Pinball, Davis served on the executive team responsible for the highly successful subscription-based streaming services Disney+ and ESPN+. Earlier in his
career, Davos served in Disney Corporate Financial Planning leading business transformation projects; as Head of Product Management for Connected Experiences within Disney Games
and Consumer Products as part of Walt Disney Imagineering; as leader of Disney’s Digital Games Console and PC line of business; and, as Director of Disney Games’ Strategy, Market Analytics, and Product Planning.

“I am very excited to have Seth join our team at Stern Pinball,” said Gary Stern. “Seth’s appointment will further help secure our future. His experience in gaming, operations, strategy and general management will help us continue our aggressive growth plans. As a life-long gamer, Seth understands the passion of pinball fans and our obligation to serve that growing global community through great pinball games and experiences.”

Wisconsin State Fair Park Board Chairman John Yingling announced Shari Black will serve as interim CEO and executive director. It was previously announced that Kathleen O’Leary, CEO and executive director of Wisconsin State Fair Park retired from state service at the end of October after 24 years in various management roles.

Per the State Fair Park Board policies and procedures, Yingling may appoint an interim director and is also tasked with selecting a committee of board members to conduct a search for the next CEO/executive director.

“On behalf of the entire State Fair Park Board of Directors, I would like to thank Kathleen for her 24 years of service to the State of Wisconsin,” said Yingling. “Kathleen’s passion for the Wisconsin State Fair was infectious, and her hard work and dedication will never be forgotten.”

“Shari has a wealth of experience and knowledge that make her an excellent choice for interim CEO and executive director,” Yingling added. “The board looks forward to working with her and the staff to continue the forward momentum we have seen at State Fair Park in recent years.”

Black has been involved in the fair industry for more than 20 years. She served as executive director for the Waukesha County Fair in Waukesha, Wisconsin, for 15 years. In 2016, Black transitioned to Wisconsin State Fair Park as Senior Director of Event Services, which included managing year-round facility rentals as well as the fair’s amusement ride and game area, SpinCity. She was promoted to Chief Programs Officer in 2019, which included overseeing agriculture, vendor services, competitive exhibits, entertainment and all rides and attractions for the State Fair event.

“I am honored by this opportunity to lead the talented team at Wisconsin State Fair Park,” said Black. “Together, we will continue the progress made by the board, Kathleen and staff by remaining focused on financial stability, safety and continually improving the experience for all visitors to Wisconsin State Fair Park.”

Connect&GO, which offers e-commerce, point of sale, ticketing, access control and payment solutions for attractions, announced the arrival of Tara Morandi as senior vice president, sales and marketing. With over 15 years of experience in the attractions industry, Morandi will be responsible for driving Connect&GO’s market development strategy in North America and Europe.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Connect&GO and be back in an industry that I’m passionate about. There is so much potential to help our clients simplify their operations with flexible technology solutions, and I’m excited to lead that growth,” confirms Morandi.

Prior to joining Connect&GO, Morandi was the vice president of marketing at Accesso, a leader in the development of technology solutions for the attractions industry for nine years. Before that, she served as the director of marketing at ProSlide. Most recently, she served as vice president of marketing at Plus Delta Partner, a California-based player that helps non-profit organizations improve their fundraising.

“Her addition to our management team demonstrates Connect&GO’s dedication and ambition to become a global leader and disrupt conventional thinking with innovative technology solutions focused on generating revenue for our clients,” said François-Pierre Moffet, chief operating officer of Connect&GO.

Dominic Gagnon, president of Connect&GO added: “Her deep knowledge of the industry from both a supplier and customer perspective, along with her proven leadership skills and entrepreneurial spirit will allow Connect&GO to accelerate its growth and increase its international presence.”

Despite absence of ceremony, Golden Tickets graciously received

ARLINGTON, Texas — If 2020 was a year of uncertainty, 2021 was one of re-emergence but with baby steps. Almost all parks were able to reopen, but new challenges were unexpected. Staffing shortages were rough, hours were shortened and supplies delayed. Still, the industry moved forward.

Amusement Today was incredibly pleased to bring back its annual awards in a way that allowed parks and operators to step back and celebrate the accomplishments that were made. Obstacles owing to the global pandemic and strained operations prompted AT to not host a live networking event this fall, but even without a ceremony, the awards were able to bring positive vibes once received.

Leah Koch, public relations, and Holiday World Park President Matt Eckert accept the Golden Ticket for Best New Water Park Ride from Amusement Today’s John Robinson (center).

COURTESY HOLIDAY WORLD & SPlASHIN' SAFARI

“It was SO much fun to have our Golden Ticket Awards hand-delivered by the energetic and lively John! Even on a cloudy day, it was great to take the awards to the winning attractions this year for the photo opportunity, and it was especially fun to celebrate twice!

“Every Golden Ticket Award we’ve ever won is on display in our team member lobby — we love to display the awards there as a thank you to our team. We may decide which attractions to build, but our team members are the ones who keep it running efficiently so as many guests as possible can experience the fun. The awards are for all of us to share.”

—Leah Koch, public relations, Holiday World

Park President Jeffrey Seifert holds Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ two Golden Tickets for 2021 (right). Above, the win was celebrated in the

park's 2021 Fright Guide

for its Halloween event

COURTESY Six Flags

“It was so exciting to share the news when we received this award. We included the GTA artwork on the front panel of our 2021 Fright Guide that is distributed in the park. We also added it to the park map displays inside the park. It was really rewarding to show that pride to our visitors this fall.”

—Chris Ozimek, director of marketing, Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Representing Dollywood's Front Gate team, park hosts stand with the Golden Ticket for Best Guest Experience (above). Dollywood received four Golden Tickets in 2021, including this one for Best Kids’ Area (below). COURTESY DOLLYWOOD

“The hosts at Dollywood’s Front Gate are among the first people our guests interact with when they visit our theme park. When we received the 2021 awards, it was so appropriate that these hosts represented us in acknowledging the arrival of these awards. They definitely are a key reason that Dollywood was awarded the Best Guest Experience Golden Ticket. Our hosts in Wildwood Grove love creating memories for guests in the Best Kids Area winner, one of four Golden Tickets the park received. We were so delighted to share the experience with our dedicated team.”

—Pete Owens, VP of marketing/public relations, Dollywood

Amusement Today’s Tim Baldwin (far right) presented the Renaissance Award to Six Flags Over Texas management before a crowd of park enthusiasts. Holding the award are Director of Operations Chris Baker and Park President Ron McKenzie.

COURTESY JAY JACOBS

“Our team is so excited to bring the legacy of Six Flags Over Texas to life through projects like Casa Magnetica and El Asseradero to name just a couple. We are focused to continue that work and believe that the future for our park is unlimited. Thanks again for this amazing honor!”

—Ron McKenzie, park president, Six Flags Over Texas

The Knoebel men — (from left) Rick, Dick, and Brian — celebrate repeated wins for Best Food and Best Wooden Coaster.

COURTESY KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT RESORT

Above left, Amusement Today Publisher Gary Slade (right) presents the Golden Ticket for Best Waterpark to Angela Flournoy, digital content strategist and Schlitterbahn Park President Darren Hill. Schlitterbahn impresses upon its staff the importance of maintaining excellence with a wall of its accumulated awards spanning more than two decades (above right).

COURTESY Schlitterbahn; AT/GARY SLADE

“We were thrilled to see our Golden Ticket arrive! Twenty-three years is an incredible feat and is not something we take lightly. We are so thankful for Amusement Today and all our Schlitterbahn fans.”

—Angela Flournoy, digital content strategist, Cedar Fair

“As we continue to improve our product and the way we do things, we are thrilled to be recognized for this award. We deeply appreciate everyone seeing the value in such a product for the preservation and advancement of the premier landmark of our industry — the wooden roller coaster.”

—Michael Graham, The Gravity Group

AT’s John Robinson (right) presents the Golden Ticket for Best Innovation to principals Michael Graham and Chad Miller. COURTESY GRAVITY GROUP

Larry Bill (left) is seen accepting his award for being an amusement industry Legend. COURTESY

GRAVITY GROUP

[Shocked by the announcement he was being acknowledged as a Legend] “I was very surprised and humbled by the award.”

—Larry Bill, The Gravity Group

General Manager Manny Gonzalez holds up the Golden Ticket for Carowind’s fifth win for Best Steel Coaster (Fury 325). COURTESY

CAROWINDS

Scene75 founder Jonah Sandler (right) accepts the Publisher's Pick: Turnstile Award from AT’s John Robinson. COURTESY SCENE75

New AIMS International program to highlight growth, evolution

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

GALVESTON, Texas — The 2022 AIMS International Safety Seminar, set for Jan. 9-14, Galveston, Texas, will showcase several examples of how AIMS continues to evolve in rapidly changing times, keeping the organization relevant and the industry in which it operates safe.

First and foremost is the new certification program that will be debuted. Called the Academy of Amusement Risk Management, Safety and Security, with the acronym AARMSS, this new program was created in response to a recognized need in the amusement industry for specific and in-depth safety education and certification.

“Risk management and loss control are key to the success of any business and the skills necessary for optimal performance should be fundamental in all mangers’ growth for a specific industry,” said MJ Brewer, AIMS executive director. "There is really no where else to get this education at this level of detail."

Brewer said AIMS board members had been looking to create a program like this for several years. They found that most of the current seminar content was geared toward technicians, those geared toward operations, maintenance, those type of functions.

"We saw that there was this whole group of people working in safety, but not being reached by safety seminar content," Brewer said. "These are people that are risk managers, people who manage claims, people who deal in codes and regulations, people in security."

Based on the following foundational pillars: Safety, Security, Emergency Management and Risk Management, the AARMSS curriculum is specifically designed to educate and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage an amusement industry safety, security and risk management program.

AARMSS courses are unique to the Academy and cannot be found anywhere else in the AIMS International educational network nor at any other amusement industry educational seminar. The courses will be taught by subject matter experts from both within the industry as well as professionals from outside agencies which specialize in the course topics.

The program is a three-year program. Safety and Security are the primary focus of year one with the second-year agenda dedicated to Emergency and Risk Management.

The program is limited to 25 students per course. Each student is required to complete all program requirements within a three-year window.

In addition to the program curriculum, successful completion of an OSHA 10 class is required prior to the first year with solo work and independent study by the students required between the first and second year, reinforcing the program pillars. AIMS is offering the OSHA 10 class at its seminar.

The additional work includes, but is not limited to, select FEMA Emergency Management Institute courses and Academy webinar classes.

As part of the selection process, candidates must complete an application and show proof of their eligibility, which includes at least 36 months of employment in the amusement industry in a safety related role or 36 months of experience in a safety-related role in another industry plus at least six months of employment in the amusement industry. Candidates also must participate in an admissions interview conducted by AARMSS faculty.

Successful program candidates will be awarded one of two certificates: Certified Amusement Safety & Security Associate (CASSA) or Certified Amusement Safety and and Security Professional (CASSP) based on the program requirements below.

Certified Amusement Safety and Security Associate (CASSA) requirements:

•Proof of eligibility employment as stated above;

•8.0 CEUs (80 hours) from an approved continuing education provider earned during the two-year program period;

•Proof of a high school diploma or equivalent;

•Submission of a resume;

•Admission Review/Letters of Recommendation/Questionnaire;

•Pre-requisite before year one: OSHA 10 Course Completion (will be offered at AIMS).

To qualify for the Certified Amusement Safety and Security Professional CASSP) certification, the candidate must complete the program within three years. Faculty advisor assigned to each student.

Requirements include:

•Pre-requisite: CASSA Certification;

•10 years of experience in a safety role (with at least five years in the amusement industry);

•4.0 CEUs (40 hours) from an approved continuing education provider earned during the one-year program period;

•Co-teach four hours (one course in each of the four pillars) at the in-person Safety Seminar;

•Completion of a project or dissertation (to be approved by AARMSS faculty);

•Interview with AARMSS faculty;

•Pass the CASSP exam.

This new program is an exciting new AIMS offering. Yet the organization is evolving in other regards as well. For the 2021 seminar, AIMS board members and safety seminar planners had to pivot and present a virtual seminar. The result was a success with over 160 content hours.

The virtual annual seminar set in motion a new offering for those in the industry that aren't as mobile and can't travel as frequently during the off-season. Called AIMS connectED, this virtual platform offers members online training and education courses from any mobile device or computer connected to the internet.

Eric Fluet, AIMS marketing partner, reported AIMS connectED has 43 hours of content and more will be added.

"It just shows again that we are taking AIMS to the next level, we are growing and evolving," he said.

The upcoming International Safety Seminar will include over 300 hours of content for the upcoming event, with 82 instructors. Ellis and Associates, which presented the aquatics portion for the virtual seminar, will present that same portion live in January.

"We also have partnered with International Ride Training for the first time to present the ride operations training," Brewer said. "We are working with the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) to help us with our carnival track. We are very excited about all three of these agencies coming together to enhance our content."

•aimsitl.org

Safe Zone to make equity offering on the StartEngine platform

MELBOURNE, Fla. — Reaffirming its commitment to meet the growing market demand for affordably priced and easy-to-install gunfire detection coverage, Safe Zone Technologies announced the launch of an investment crowdfunding campaign on the StartEngine platform at startengine.com/safe-zone-technologies.

According to Safe Zone President Mike Anderson, the company plans to leverage the strength of the largest crowdfunding platform to raise $1 million at a per-share price of $4.64. The funds will be utilized to expand production and marketing of its second-generation Safe Zone Gunfire Detection System, which now features a patented tri-mode data capture system and automated 9-1-1 data exchange.

Founded in 2016, Safe Zone has raised over $3 million in multiple rounds led by St. Petersburg, Florida-based Seedfunders, LLC. Safe Zone has established a base of resellers that includes national distributors and more than 2,000 trained installers across the U.S.

“Society’s need for a superior gunfire detection system that is affordable and easy to install for every type of venue grows stronger by the day, as the tragedies of the last few years demonstrate,” Anderson said. “Safe Zone eliminates the barriers of cost and complication that have so far prevented gunfire detection from becoming a mainstream option for facilities of every type. Our goal is to grow from protecting 4000 lives daily now to protecting hundreds of millions of lives every day.”

At its current rate of growth, the market for gunfire detection is expected to become a $7 billion industry by 2026. “No other solution currently available on the market matches Safe Zone’s accuracy, resolution, reliability and cost-efficiency,” continued Anderson. “Safe Zone disrupts the industry, offering costs of up to 80% less than the traditional providers.”

Safe Zone combines state-of-the-art detection hardware with leading edge machine learning capabilities to create a sophisticated and reliable gunfire detection system. The system’s small inconspicuous sensors are designed to be quickly and easily installed throughout any facility to provide 24/7 active site-wide monitoring. When gunfire occurs, Safe Zone alerts on-site security, building occupants and local authorities within seconds and provides detailed information that includes number of shots fired, type of firearm and a map tracking the shooter’s location and movement.

Key to the system’s performance accuracy is the patented tri-mode data capture system that features acoustic, spectral infrared and shock sensors that instantaneously collect data that is then analyzed by a cloud-based machine learning system.

When gunfire is confirmed, Safe Zone immediately activates the always-on RapidSOS network to 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Centers (ECC), providing rich meta data with all the critical information to facilitate a rapid, effective response to end the threat sooner. Safe Zone is the only gunfire detection system utilizing this network.

Push alert notifications are immediately sent to team member mobile devices with the free mobile app that can be downloaded from the Apple Store and the Google Play Store. In addition, SMS text messages are sent to an unlimited number of contacts in a user-managed list. What’s more, Safe Zone open API easily integrates with other systems such as door locks, alarm panels, cameras and emergency notification systems that can be programmed to respond in the event of an alert.

•safezonetech.com

Embed provides integrated cashless

solutions to Australia's Planet Royale

PERTH, Australia — Improving the business of fun, Embed provided integrated cashless solutions to new entertainment hub Planet Royale located in the western Australian city of Perth.

Launched on August 16, 2021, Planet Royale lifted the Perth entertainment scene as it kickstarted the business amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitality entrepreneurs Ray Strauss and Sasha Fagan took pride in delivering exciting pop culture-themed features withinmtheir two-level venue. The FEC includes an old-school arcade bar Barcadia, which boasts of an enticing collection of pinballs and arcade games dating back to the 1970s as well as the latest releases in the scene.

To bring the vintage to this era — and the new normal of the post-COVID world — Planet Royale engaged Embed to provide cashless solutions, enabling the business owners to achieve greater operational efficiency while reducing costs and increasing profitability. The integrated solutions included a point-of-sale (POS) machine, a self-service kiosk and 70 of Embed’s award-winning smartTOUCH arcade debit game card readers.

“Opening an entertainment venue in the pandemic has been tough. We have had a few curve balls thrown our way, but we have managed to navigate our way through them,” said Fagan.

“We're able to launch on time and focus on other business matters since Embed takes the pressure off us by providing such reliable systems,” Strauss added. “When we were given a one-day notice of a soft opening, [Embed] came online immediately on a weekend and worked hard to get our systems operational for the opening. If not for Embed’s help, we would not have had the very successful opening we had.”

“Having contactless and cashless systems in our venue makes our guests feel safe, and we’re grateful to Embed for making this possible for us. Their solutions keep our customers in the zone, and we’re very happy with the turnout of our first month.”

Equipped with cashless and contactless business system, Planet Royale customers can expect a safe, fun and unique guest experience when visiting the entertainment joint.

“Our ‘customer first’ approach focuses on solutions that enable the optimum guest experience, and it’s the driver behind our development efforts because when the customer thrives, the operators thrive!” said Renee Welsh, CEO, Embed. “Helping our customers lower their operating costs while driving higher profit and achieving their business goals is the core of everything we do at Embed.”

•embedcard.com

ASTM, Brazilian National Standards body sign a memorandum of understanding

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — ASTM International and the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sept. 24.

The MoU will allow direct adoption of ASTM International standards in Brazil to enhance ABNT’s support for public and private sector stakeholders in Brazil and aid in the development of Brazilian national standards.

In addition to the MoU, a commercial agreement was signed between the two organizations on Sept. 24. Ricardo Fragoso, director general, and Nelson Al Assal Filho, director of standardization, signed both agreements on behalf of ABNT. Kathie Morgan, president, ASTM International, and Teresa Cendrowska, vice president, global cooperation, ASTM, signed the MoU; Morgan, and Jim Thomas, vice president, sales and marketing, signed the commercial agreement.

“We at ASTM International recognize the importance of ABNT’s work with the Brazilian and global standards communities,” said Morgan. “We look forward to continuing a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with ABNT as enabled by these agreements.”

“ABNT is very pleased and gratified — and I am personally as well — to enter into this MoU and updated commercial agreement with ASTM International, since both agreements are fully aligned with and will help advance ABNT’s organizational mission, vision and values,” Fragoso said.

“Cooperation with ASTM International under the terms of these agreements will support ABNT in responding efficiently to market and societal needs, providing Brazilian society with knowledge that enables competitive and sustainable production, delivery and use of goods in services in the domestic and foreign markets and contributing to scientific and technological development, environmental protection, consumer protection, health, and innovation.”

While ASTM International and ABNT have a long-standing commercial agreement, the new agreement will enhance this collaboration. This new agreement allows ASTM to expand the accessibility of its standards and services to all Brazilian companies, organizations, and universities.

ABNT was founded in 1940 and was officially adopted by the Brazilian government in 1962.

•astm.org

Fun Spot America locations join IRT's iROC Program

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — International Ride Training (IRT), an industry leader in operational safety services for the amusement industry, welcomed Fun Spot America Theme Park’s three locations — in Orlando, Kissimmee and Atlanta — as the newest members of the International Ride Operator Certification (iROC) family of parks.

Fun Spot America joins two dozen other amusement and water parks across the United States and Canada — including: Cedar Point, Knott’s Berry Farm, Elitch Gardens, Nickelodeon Universe and Dreamworks Waterpark at American Dream, Silverwood Theme Park & Boulder Beach, Canada’s Wonderland and Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari — with iROC ride operators welcoming their guests every day.

Designed by International Ride Training, the iROC Program is the world’s only third-party certification of ride operator safety, efficiency, and professionalism. Built on the “Ten Critical Components of Ride Operator Safety,” iROC enhances standardization, risk management, education, support and communication all to improve guest and operator safety.

“Fun Spot America has always been about ‘Safe, Clean Fun.’ iROC is a perfect fit with this cultural belief,” said Mark Arie, chief operating officer of Fun Spot America Theme Parks. “iROC has given us a framework for consistent training and accountability within our ride operations department that will bring a group of already impressive operators to the next level in terms of safety, professionalism, and efficiency. Whether in Orlando, Kissimmee or Atlanta, we can’t wait for our guests to see the next set of iROC Ride Operators in action.”

“Guests to any park — be it a water park, fixed-site theme park, carnival, family entertainment center or a standalone attraction — expect that their ride experience will always be safe, conducted with an eye toward great guest service and feature a professional operator,” said Erik Beard, managing member and general counsel for IRT. “Fun Spot America Theme Parks have been truly special for many years, embodying the ‘Safe, Clean, Fun’ mantra in everything they do. iROC won’t detract from what makes these parks so special, it will complement that uniqueness in a way that will surely enhance the guest and employee experience at each facility. We are proud beyond measure to welcome them all to the iROC family.”

•ridetraining.com/iroc

International Ride Training announces Carowinds will host 2022 Ride Camp

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — International Ride Training will host its Annual Safety School — also known as Ride Camp — at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina, from February 8-11, 2022.

Ride Camp is led by an impressive faculty that combined has decades of real-world experience. These Ride Camp Counselors (as they are known) represent various parks from around the United States and Canada. There are also many guest speakers in a four-day, highly immersive, educational and training experience focused on ride safety and operations best practices.

Ride Camp attendees — dubbed Campers — work intensively both in the classroom and in hands-on training using the park’s rides to learn and brush up on ride safety training techniques.

Cindee Huddy, IRT managing member, said, “We work hard with our esteemed faculty to ensure that every Camper learns great training techniques, with a level of industry knowledge and best practices to bring back and implement into their facility, all while having an amazing week in the Carolinas.”

The 2022 Ride Camp also offers classes in ride operations safety, ADA compliance, normalization of deviance, guest service, training tips and techniques, industry updates, deposition readiness, and aquatic operations, among others.

“This year’s Ride Camp, we want to give our Campers the necessary tools to enhance their safety, risk management, and compliance programs,” noted Erik Beard, IRT managing member and general counsel.

“Having the opportunity to host this year’s school again at Carowinds is a real treat for IRT. It is a beautiful park with a dedicated team who rolls out the red carpet for our attendees,” said Patty Beazley, IRT managing member.

Registration for Ride Camp is available online and opens on November 1, 2021.

•ridetraining.com/ridecamp

Rocky Mountain Construction the subject of new documentary

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

RICHMOND, Va. — Coaster Studios, a YouTube staple for roller coaster fans, has put its creative talents to use and has spent the last two years crafting an 80-minute amusement industry documentary called This Is How We Roll. The subject is Idaho-based Rocky Mountain Construction.

“I myself was inspired by RMC,” said filmmaker and Director Taylor Bybee. “To create a film that will go on to inspire others is incredibly rewarding. Everyone knows about their rides, but not everyone knows their story. I think once people hear about all the perseverance, hard work and determination that went into bringing these rides to life, they’ll see RMC through a different lens.”

The documentary follows the story of Fred Grubb and his desire to resolve the continual upkeep on wooden roller coasters at his local attraction, Silverwood Theme Park. The film takes viewers to the beginning and the creation of RMC’s I-Box track.

“Being around Fred nearly every day for the past 12 years really desensitizes you to how much of a cowboy he really is!” said Jake Kilcup, COO of Rocky Mountain, following a screening of the film. “It was tons of fun to relive some of the stories from our past.” 

The company’s 20-year history really came into its own in 2011 with its first wood-to-steel track conversion of Six Flags Over Texas’ Texas Giant. Paired with engineer Alan Schilke, Grubb’s risk-taking journey ignited the amusement industry with rides unlike anything created. Before long, the company’s product was in high demand, and This Is How We Roll traces that growth.

“RMC exploded onto the amusement park scene. They went from a relatively unknown company to the hottest thing in the amusement industry in less than 10 years,” Bybee told Amusement Today. “That’s pretty dang impressive! That doesn’t just happen by accident, so of course I wanted to know what the story was there. I had no idea just how much went into developing the I-Box track and all the little stories that came along with Fred’s backstory and the entire creation of RMC as a whole. Every aspect of their story made me gain so much more appreciation for their rides.”

Among those featured in the film are representatives from Six Flags, Dollywood, Silver Dollar City and more. Industry companies such as Irvine-Ondrey, Amusement Today and S&S Worldwide reflect on the dynamic company’s contributions to the theme park world.

“RMC was on board from start to finish,” said Bybee. “In pitching this project to them, I felt a huge sense of responsibility to get it right and do their story justice. I wanted to make the best documentary I possibly could because they make the best rides they possibly can. It ended up being a lot bigger project than I think any of us realized, but that’s okay, we were having fun at it!”

With close to two years of filming and production, the documentary is richly scored with an original soundtrack, often written with specific themes to match specific coasters.

The world premiere took place at Silverwood Theme Park in early September where Rocky Mountain Construction had built a single-rail coaster, Stunt Pilot, this season.

“Great memories! It was great to see it for the first time with the whole RMC team and Fred’s brothers,” Kilcup told AT. “The documentary was super fun to watch. The past 12 years at RMC have been a whirlwind; it was a great opportunity to sit back and enjoy the accomplishments of our team. It stirs up a lot of emotions between all the different challenges we’ve had over the years. RMC is driven by talented, good people.” 

Following the world premiere in Idaho, other screenings took place in Arlington, Texas; Cincinnati, Ohio, and Orlando, Florida. On October 8, the documentary became available for viewing via Vimeo. To stream the film costs seven dollars. It can be purchased for $10.

“Spending all that time getting to know everyone who makes these rides possible was an absolutely incredible experience,” said Bybee. “Sure, their rides are great and all, but now when anyone asks me what my favorite thing about RMC is, my answer is: the people.”

Water coaster sections delivered

to Quassy Amusement Park

Middlebury, Conn — Quassy Amusement & Waterpark’s new water coaster will soon start taking shape as sections of the two-person raft ride — shown on shipping pallets — were delivered to the property in mid-October. The state-of-the-art attraction will be located in Quassy’s Splash Away Bay water park and ready for the 2022 season. The water coaster is being provided by ProSlide Technology, Inc., of Canada and will be the largest single investment in the park’s 114-year history. COURTESY QUASSY AMUSEMENT PARK

AnimatedReality from PeopleVisionFX

to debut at Orlando's IAAPA Expo 2021

ORLANDO — PeopleVisionFX will be exhibiting its newest special effect technologies at IAAPA Attractions Expo, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, November 16-19. The display will include the worldwide debut of the company’s new technique for AnimatedReality.

AnimatedReality allows for holographic elements that are fully integrated within real physical environments. Images can be produced in virtually any size to communicate any story — all without the need for any special headgear.

Wayne Sullivant, president of PeopleVisionFX says that the development of AnimatedReality was prompted by the need to communicate with an audience that can be unimpressed with traditional media.

“AnimatedReality utilizes holographic images to attract an attentive audience and engage the audience in a fun, interactive involvement with any presentation,” said Sullivant.

Utilizing the unique PhotonOpticon system for image projection, AnimatedReality creates innovative experiences that captivate audiences and communicate information. The technique literally adds a new dimension to real environments.

AnimatedReality is a novel and natural addition to holographic imaging. It is specifically designed for face-to-face applications such as themed attractions, museums, trade shows and special events. The technology goes beyond the flat confines of conventional video to include almost unlimited information such as lighthearted animations, photos and videos, all in actual 3D holographic space.

Presentations featuring AnimatedReality can be modular and upwardly compatible, so that the design can be upgraded for future events and incorporate new stories. The technology is compact, adaptable and reliable, with no moving parts.

•peoplevisionfx.com