CALVERTON, N.Y. — Opening Day is less than a week away at New York’s Largest Water Park, Splish Splash. The park officially opens for its 35^th Season on Saturday, May 24 at 10 a.m. This year, park-goers are in store for a whole season of thrills and entertainment as the water park debuts the all-new Stingray Bay water play area, adds its first-ever night event, Neon Nights, and debuts an all-new luxury cabana experience.  

Families will be hooked when the all-new splash-tastic water playground, Stingray Bay, opens for the 2025 Season. The new kid-friendly zone will offer guests more than 15 fun and silly ways to stay cool during their visit to Splish Splash. The all-new water playground will be decked out with three-pint sized water slides, six interactive spray features, five water play features, a dump bucket and fun for all to soak and spray.  

New additions continue at Splish Splash with the debut of the park’s first ever night event, Neon Nights. Families will get to experience the park in a whole new light where they follow the lights and sounds through the bubble tunnel to Kahuna Bay wave pool where the action pulses in full vivid color. A live DJ will dial up the energy while visitors zip down some of their favorite slides in the dark. Families will splash in the middle of the wave pool surge, immersed in a full LED light show with dazzling special effects. Neon Nights will run each Friday and Saturday from July 11 through August 16 from 7 p.m. through 10 p.m.  

Several themed events will also return to Splish Splash for the 2025 season. The park’s annual Kids Fest will kick off the event lineup weekends in June, Father’s Day Flop contest will take place on June 14, followed by Winter WonderlandandShark in the Park in July and Hero Appreciation Week in August. 

Upgrades to the guest experience continue at New York’s Largest Water during its 35^th season with the debut of two all-new luxury cabanas. Paradise Pavilion and Hang Ten Hideaway will be located right in front of the Kahuna Bay wave pool and will offer the perfect blend of sun and shade with comfortable seating, a dining room, kitchen area, dedicated cabana server, private shower, bar, and more. 

In line with its commitment to inclusive experiences, the park is expanding its dedication to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all guests and solidifying its position as a leader in accessibility within the water park industry. New for the 2025 Season, Splish Splash has become the first water park in North America to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, helping guests with non-visible disabilities feel seen and supported. This complements the park’s existing accreditation as a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). 

“We’re counting down the days until we welcome our guests for our 35^th season,” said General Manager Mike Bengtson. “We are excited to offer guests an enhanced experience with the debut of Stingray Bay and our new Neon Nights event. Our partnership with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower demonstrates our ongoing efforts and dedication to make the park accessible and enjoyable for every guest. ” 

Those interested in attending Opening Weekend can save $35 on Single Day Tickets now through June 2.  Thrill seekers that want to enjoy Splish Splash all summer long, can purchase a 2025 Gold Season Pass for the price of a Silver Season Pass for a limited time.  

NEW YORK — RWS Global, the world’s leader in live moments across entertainment and sports, today announced its plans to open a headquarters in Riyadh, expanding the company’s significant footprint in the Middle East. This expansion shows RWS Global’s commitment to the region’s continued investment in innovation across entertainment, tourism, leisure travel and sport. The RWS Global team has already forged partnerships with leading businesses in the region, currently working on some of the largest projects under development.

RWS Global, known for its work in sport presentation, destination design, world building and curating world-class entertainment experiences on land and at sea, has significant experience in the Middle East. Since 2022, the company has annually served as the successful producers of the Saudi Games, the largest national sporting event ever held in the Kingdom. The company provided technology-driven fan engagement programs to the competition across 52 categories. In addition, the RWS Global team delivered full sport presentation across 16 various martial arts and combat sports for the World Combat Games in Riyadh in 2023, hosting 1,500 elite athletes from over 120 countries and providing fan engagement for over 4,000 fans.

RWS Global’s extensive work in the region has also included the design of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, experiences for Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, sport presentation for SuperTri, the first sport event held in NEOM and the development of several other world-class entertainment venues. This milestone further solidifies the company’s position as a global leader in fan engagement, immersive entertainment and experience design. 

“After a decade of building incredible experiences in the Middle East, we are thrilled to expand the presence of RWS Global by opening a headquarters in the region,” said Ryan Stana, Chairman & CEO, RWS Global. “As we develop our partnerships with some of the most exciting global companies operating in the Middle East, having a permanent presence in the market is paramount to our continued growth and allows us to be more available for our clients as we create magical experiences tailored to a wide range of visitors.” 

To support the expansion, RWS Global is hiring a VP, Business & Client Strategy, along with several additional team members local to the market, building on the strong foundation of its existing teams delivering destination design and live experience projects across the GCC states. Interested applicants can submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. RWS Global is exhibiting on the show floor at the Saudi Amusement Expo this week (Booth #4A 491). For more information, visit the booth or rwsglobal.com. 

DOSWELL, Va. — Kings Dominion today announced the details of its 50^th anniversary celebration. Dubbed the A Golden Summerbration in honor of the summer-long golden anniversary celebration, the event features a packed line-up of new shows and entertainment for guests to compliment the opening of Rapterra, the park’s new world record-breaking roller coaster.

Golden Summerbration experiences include:

• 50 Years of Fun Street Party, starting June 13 – Vibrant performers sing and dance as they celebrate 50 years of music and fun with a street party for the ages. This party highlights music from the past five decades, and includes a performance of the brand-new, original song “Right Here! Right Now!” written to commemorate Kings Dominion’s 50^th birthday.
• Light the Night, starting May 24 –This extraordinary visual experience takes place on International Street every evening. Festive lighting around the park’s most iconic location is sure to leave guests mesmerized and wanting more.
• Singing Mushrooms – Catch Kings Dominion’s stalwart, always-on performers and their brand new set list made especially for the 50^th anniversary celebration.
• Prism: The Ultimate Laser Show presented by The Original Bomb Pop^TM, June 13 to July 6 – The Kings Dominion Theater gets lit this summer with this unique, family-friendly laser show. This awe-inspiring, multi-colored, visual spectacle will dazzle audiences as it celebrates the golden anniversary of the park.
• Gazillion Bubble Show, July 12 to August 3 – Guests will have their minds blown like a bubble when performers and magicians display their unique brand of bubble artistry in the Kings Dominion theater this July. The combination of stage magic, lasers and creativity will leave guests delighted and astonished.
• Kings Dominion Clown Band, starting May 24– The beloved Kings Dominion Clown Band make their triumphant return. The zany musicians in their hilarious costumes will roam the park throughout the day, always on the lookout for a chance to put a smile on guests’ faces.
• Specialty Foods – Giant elephant ears, special funnel cakes, blue ice cream, and other mouth-watering foods are appearing at park restaurants all summer long. The Three by Land sandwich, a stacked mega-sandwich made with chicken strips, a cheeseburger and bacon makes its debut at Jukebox Diner soon.

Guests will be able to enjoy the fun all summer long with the purchase of a Season Pass. More information about the 50^th anniversary, including details about shows and information on ticket and season pass purchases is available at kingsdominion.com.

GILROY, Calif. — The Gilroy Gardens Board of Directors has given final approval and entered into an agreement with the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association to utilize the South County Grove to host the return of the Gilroy Garlic Festival in July 2025. 

The Gilroy Garlic Festival has long been a beloved event for the Gilroy community. Since it was founded in 1979, the Festival has promoted the local community and supported countless schools, service groups, and non-profit organizations through fundraising and volunteerism.

“Gilroy Gardens is pleased to be able to assist the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association and support their efforts to bring back this iconic food festival,” states Dan Harney, Gilroy Gardens Chairman of the Board. “The Gilroy Garlic Festival Association and Gilroy Gardens share similar goals of working collaboratively with local businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations to strengthen and showcase the Gilroy community.”

The Gilroy Garlic Festival will take place July 25, 26 and 27, 2025 at South County Grove, a separately gated special event space at Gilroy Gardens that features a large, shaded patio and ample lawn space ideal for hosting special events. The 2025 Gilroy Garlic Festival will be a separately ticketed event, independently managed by the Festival team, with attendees entering directly through the South County Grove entrance. Guests visiting Gilroy Gardens will not have access to the Festival, and Festival attendees will not have access to Gilroy Gardens, without purchasing separate tickets.

Strikz Entertainment is turning 20 and inviting the community to celebrate this Saturday, May 17 with a full day of throwback fun, contests and community spirit. Locally owned and community-driven, Strikz has been a Frisco favorite for two decades.

That celebration includes:

• Throwback Pricing: Bowl for $20/lane/hour and grab arcade cards at half price
• Grand Prize Raffle: Win Free Bowling for a Year
• Social Media Contest: Post with #20YearsofStrikz to win a $50 gift card
• Community Fundraiser Days: Coming June 1, 8 and 15 to benefit local nonprofits

This local milestone is a great weekend mention for community calendars, digital roundups or morning show segments—perfect for showcasing affordable family fun and supporting a business that’s given back to Frisco for 20 years.

SAN SEBASTIAN — The world’s leading company, Wavegarden, redefines once again the limits of innovation in artificial waves for surfing. Its latest project at Beyond the Club, São Paulo, marks a turning point in the development of surf lagoons. With a powerful combination of cutting-edge engineering and a revolutionary technological approach, it has exceeded all expectations.  

The key lies in the new bathymetry design and the 62-module Wavegarden Cove wave generator, the largest and most powerful of its kind ever built. This synergy results in a reef that generates the highest-quality waves to date: more powerful, longer rides (up to 30 seconds), bigger (up to 2 meters), new wave types, and greater versatility.    

Now, let’s dive into the details of what we really like. What surprising things do these new waves bring?    
Most notably, the new reef has proven beneficial for all types of waves. The new high-performance waves are powerful and characterized by a broad, natural face that offers a wide variety of lines. They maintain constant speed and shape until the end, finishing in a gentle bowl.         

The barrel section is about nine seconds, potentially eleven for experienced tube riders. The barrels are wide and easy to ride for their size. They stay open, even in onshore conditions and sessions with over 200 waves per hour. While the accessible takeoff version will likely be a public favorite, pros clearly prefer the slab version with a somewhat challenging, direct drop into the barrel.    

Aerial waves have also greatly benefited from the new reef with different ramps for boosting major airs with soft landings. There are different difficulty levels to suit various surfing abilities. New features include the double-section wave and the alley-oop section. Not to mention the new combinations: turns + aerial, turns + barrel, or barrel + aerial.  

Similarly, the Malibu waves have improved. They are notable for their length and offer mellow rides of approximately 34 seconds at a consistent speed.

Another remarkable aspect of the new bathymetry is the spectacular behavior of the body of water when our most powerful waves are generated. It delivers between 200 and 250 premium-quality waves per hour with virtually no chop or currents.   

This reef has taken a long time to develop (more than a year), and this installation marks its initial implementation. Moving forward, every Wavegarden facility will have this capability, and the existing facilities can be upgraded.   

Beyond The Club: a game-changing private social, sports, and leisure club   
Gabriel Medina, three-time world champion, Olympic medalist, and Beyond The Club business partner – tested the first waves at Beyond the Club, an unprecedented sports lifestyle club, spanning over 70,000 m2 and located adjacent to the iconic Transamerica Bridge and in close proximity to São Paulo’s city center.   

“It just doesn’t get better than this,” said Medina after wrapping up his session. “I’m so proud to be part of this project and to be working with these people. Together, we can achieve so much.”

The central element of the club is the 28,000 m² surf lagoon surrounded by a sandy beach, offering a Wave Menu with more than 25 different wave types – from soft, rolling waves ideal for beginners to steep, barreling waves perfect for expert surfers to perform turns, aerials, and deep barrels with the lowest energy and water consumption in the market.   

Members and guests can also enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, soccer fields, and high-tech simulators for skiing, snowboarding, golf, and motorsports, offering entertainment options that go far beyond surfing. The facility includes a 78-room hotel, nine restaurants offering diverse cuisines, a surf academy, a retail surf shop, a multi-sport club, courts for beach tennis, tennis, padel, and squash, a 2,000 m² gym, skate park designed by professional skater Bob Burnquist, spa, physiotherapy center, beauty salon, wine cellar, jazz bar, and a nightclub.

Although the full opening is scheduled for October, KSM Realty and Founder Oscar Segall is pleased with the results: “I envisioned Beyond The Club as a place with waves and a beach, sports, and leisure – designed for families who value well-being, connection, and the joy of creating unforgettable moments every day. It’s a space built on purpose, innovation, and the dream of transforming São Paulo into a lighter, more soulful, and more connected city.”

Project ambassador and two-time world champion Filipe Toledo summed it up: “I love the vision and feel projects like this are changing the sport for the better. While I see myself involved in events, coaching clinics, and other promotions, I think the waves and the technology we now have are shaping the future like never before.”

The Wavegarden technical team, along with engineers and specialists, continues to fine-tune the full menu of waves. Beyond Medina, other top Brazilian surfers have been equally impressed with the wave quality and diversity, including Krystian Kymerson, Alex Ribeiro, Jadson André, Matheus Navarro, Rodrigo Saldanha and Mateus Sena.    Now, thanks to Beyond The Club, São Paulo boasts a beach with perfect waves in the heart of the metropolis, accessible every day.  

SAN ANTONIO — Aquatica San Antonio, Texas’s best waterpark, is the ideal summertime destination, offering both fun and relaxation. From exhilarating daytime fan-favorite attractions to the nighttime excitement of the ALL-NEW AquaGlow, an electrifying nighttime swim party that transforms the entire park into a vibrant neon escape, there’s something for everyone to enjoy from sunup to sundown. Starting Friday, May 23, Aquatica kicks off daily operations, welcoming families and thrill-seekers to enjoy their favorite slides, lazy rivers and splash zones just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. The best way to experience all the summer fun is by taking advantage of the Memorial Day Sale that starts today – buy a SeaWorld Pass for as low as $99 and get Aquatica for FREE!

New for 2025 – AquaGlow
Introducing AquaGlow – an all-new after-dark event debuting June 6 and running throughout the summer on Friday and Saturday nights. Under the starlit sky, guests will be immersed in an ocean of vibrant colors and pulsating rhythms during this high-energy nighttime celebration that transforms the park into a vibrant, glowing oasis of lights, music and non-stop fun. From serene strolls to energetic dance parties, AquaGlow delivers a full-sensory adventure for guests of all ages. Party-goers will experience the park in a whole new light with enhanced glowing and illuminated elements:

• Dazzling Light Tunnel – Guests can float down Loggerhead Lane beneath a canopy of sparkling lights that dazzle the senses and make every moment photo-worthy.
• Glowing Tree Trail – Wander through an illuminated forest of neon trees that guide guests through a colorful wonderland of pathways.
• Foam Party Frenzy – Dance the night away in a sea of suds! This epic foam party features pulsing beats, kaleidoscopic lighting and foam-filled fun that will have everyone on their feet.
• Adrenaline levels will be taken to new heights as guests take nighttime rides on Tonga Twister, Stingray Falls, Riptide Racer and more while being immersed in a prism of colorful lights and surrounded by heart-pumping music around the park.

“We’re excited to unveil AquaGlow—an all-new, high-energy nighttime experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind,” said David Skelton, Vice President of Aquatica San Antonio. “When the sun goes down, Aquatica takes on a whole new illuminated party vibe, and AquaGlow is a unique way to enjoy summer fun in a never-before-seen way in San Antonio.”

Tickets are now on sale for this separately ticketed event, designed to offer an enhanced experience with limited capacity to reduce wait times and ensure an unforgettable evening for all guests. Tickets are $29.99 for general admission, and Pass Members get a special admission price of only $24.99. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.AquaticaSanAntonio.com 

Summer Fun in the Sun at Aquatica
No summer is complete without visiting Aquatica. Known for its resort-like atmosphere, Aquatica has relaxing pools scattered throughout the park and plenty of shaded cabanas and loungers for guests to decompress and unwind. Thrill seekers can enjoy intense waterslides including Riptide Race, a dueling racer where guests can compete against each other to the finish line; Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, the tallest drop slide in Texas; and Tonga Twister, a colorful 400-foot exciting water slide in which guests can experience a light show and music. Kids and kids at heart can cool down at Tikitapu Splash, a towering rain fortress with over 100 kid-friendly water elements including three giant dumping buckets, four exciting water slides and an array of geysers, water cannons and waterspouts.

Those looking for animal encounters can take a ride on the park’s signature attraction, Stingray Falls, a family raft ride that sends riders through an underwater grotto where thrill seekers go face-to-fin with stingrays and tropical fish. Then guests can dive even deeper into these fascinating animals at KeRe Reef where they can get in the water and swim with stingrays and tropical fish during the one-of-a-kind Stingray Encounter. With its diverse array of attractions, Aquatica San Antonio promises an unforgettable waterpark experience for friends and family all summer long.

Ultimate Summer Savings During the Memorial Day Sale
Heading into summer, SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio are giving guests more reasons than ever to become a Pass Member during the Memorial Day Sale. Starting as low as $99, guests can get a Season or Annual Pass to SeaWorld and get Aquatica for FREE. Pass members get unbeatable benefits including free parking, invitations to exclusive special events, giveaways and discounts on merchandise and food. This is a limited-time offer, so guests should take advantage of these amazing deals before regular prices return. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanAntonio.com

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Sesame Place Philadelphia is celebrating its 45^th birthday this spring and summer! The park is kicking off the un-official start to summer with sunny, splashy fun beginning Saturday, May 24! Select water attractions will open for the 2025 season, and weekend festivities include:

• The ALL-NEW 45^th Birthday Beach Bash is full of sun-sational birthday fun with the Furry Friends Beach Bash Dance Party, a new seashell-themed scavenger hunt, and photos with everybody’s favorite furry friends in their summertime outfits! This limited-time event takes place only on May 24 and 25.
• The Memorial Day Weekend Celebration on May 24 and 25features a Patriotic Dine with Elmo & Friends dressed in their star-spangled best! To close out the weekend, guests can watch as the “C…is for Celebrate!” Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks light up the sky exclusively on Sunday, May 25, at 9pm. Prior to the fireworks display, guests can enjoy the ultimate dessert experience with the option of Sweet Treats packages. Dine and Sweet Treats packages require park admission, reservations, and additional fees.
• An exclusive Season Pass Member giveaway of birthday-themed drawstring backpacks, only on Saturday, May 24 from 10am to 1pm.

Highlights of Sesame Summer Splash, beginning on June 20 – the first official day of summer, include:

Sesame Place Summer Nights: Fridays & Saturdays, beginning June 20
Extended hours return Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer! Guests can enjoy their evenings with extra time to splash in Big Bird’s Beach, a DJ Dance Party, and an encore of the Sesame Street Birthday Parade.

Blippi Meet & Greets: Saturday, June 21 & Sunday, June 22
Popular children’s performer Blippi returns for a weekend of fun Meet & Greets!

Elmo’s Pirate Weekend: Saturday, June 28 & Sunday, June 29
A swashbuckling pirate adventure awaits with fan-favorite show “Elmo and the Bookaneers,” a treasure hunt, and photos with everyone’s Sesame Street friends in their pirate garb!

July 4^th Fest: Friday, July 4 – Sunday, July 6
To celebrate America’s birthday, Elmo will be available for photos in his patriotic attire, and only on Friday, July 4, the spectacular “C is for Celebrate” Fireworks will light up the sky!

Tango’s Gotcha Day Celebration: Friday, July 11 – Sunday, July 13
Guests can celebrate all things Tango with a fun-filled scavenger hunt, Meet & Greets, and more!

45^th Birthday Bash: Wednesday, July 30
Sesame Place is celebrating its 45^th Birthday all spring and summer, with an extra special birthday bash on the anniversary of its opening in 1980, including dazzling fireworks! Even more furry birthday fun throughout July will be announced soon – and in the meantime, guests can enjoy energetic entertainment, specialty snacks, and more birthday fun!

Snuffy’s Birthday Celebration: Monday, August 18 – Thursday, August 21

Guests are invited to celebrate Aloysius Snuffleupagus on his big day! Guests can take photos during exclusive Meet & Greets with Snuffy and more!

Back to School Bash: Monday, August 25 – Friday, August 29
Before the summer ends, the park will host a week of back-to-school fun, featuring Honker’s Super Fun Science Show and the Back to School Bash Dine with Elmo & Friends! Dine require park admission, reservation, and additional fee.

Labor Day Celebration: Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31
Elmo will be available for photos in his patriotic attire! Exclusively on Sunday, August 31, the “C…is for Celebrate!” Labor Day Fireworks display will close out Sesame Summer Splash.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The Resorts Companies, Inc., owner of Massanutten Resort and Bluestone Peak in Rockingham County, Virginia near Harrisonburg, and Wilderness Presidential Resort in Spotsylvania County, Virginia near Fredericksburg, today announced the appointment of John Alvarez as general counsel. In this key leadership role, Alvarez will oversee all legal matters for The Resorts Companies and support ongoing strategic expansion initiatives at Massanutten Resort and Wilderness Presidential Resort. 

“John’s appointment is a reflection of our commitment to thoughtful growth and the long-term strength of our organization,” said Steve Krohn, president and chief operating officer of The Resorts Companies. “As we continue to grow and diversify, John’s expertise in managing acquisitions, development, and complex transactions will be essential in helping us execute on our strategic vision.”

A seasoned real estate and development legal executive, Alvarez has more than 25 years of experience specializing in timeshare, mixed-use, and residential projects. Prior to joining The Resorts Companies, Alvarez served as vice president of acquisitions and development for Holiday Inn Club Vacations, working closely with executive leadership to execute the company’s growth plan and lead significant expansion across domestic and international markets. His career also includes leadership positions at Land Resource, where he served as executive vice president and general counsel, and at Fairfield Resorts (now Wyndham Vacation Ownership), where he led the Acquisitions and Development group, helping grow the company’s footprint across the U.S. and Caribbean. Earlier in his career, Alvarez also served as land acquisition manager at Centex Homes, where he spearheaded a $150 million portfolio of residential land acquisitions, secured key entitlements, and forged municipal partnerships to drive market expansion.

In addition to his real estate acquisition and development background, Alvarez has extensive experience negotiating and structuring complex transactions, including raw land purchases, turn-key developments, and capital-light deal structures. His expertise extends to real estate financing and securitization, with a proven ability to collaborate across executive teams to optimize financial outcomes and position companies for large-scale, sustainable growth.

Alvarez earned his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Duke University and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Florida College of Law. He is an active member of The Florida Bar and the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), where he will serve as Resort’s representative on the Legislative Committee and General Counsel Council. 

“I am honored to join The Resorts Companies at such an exciting time, with growth underway and on the horizon,” said Alvarez. “The company’s forward-thinking approach to expansion, commitment to excellence, and 100% employee-owned structure strongly resonate with me, and I look forward to helping the leadership team shape the next chapter of success.”

NEW YORK — RWS Global, the world leader in live moments across entertainment and sports, has announced two strategic leadership appointments as part of its continued global expansion. Hans Vollrath joins as Executive Vice President of Land Production, while Ashley Hong steps into the newly created role of Vice President of Licensing. These additions emphasize the company’s commitment to delivering world-class experiences and setting the standard in live entertainment globally.

Hans Vollrath, Executive Vice President, Land Production
With more than 30 years of experience delivering world-class productions and guest experiences, Vollrath will lead and expand RWS Global’s land-based entertainment portfolio, including theatrical productions, theme park shows, immersive experiences, seasonal activations, branded attractions and events. Before joining RWS Global, Vollrath served as General Manager at Meow Wolf, overseeing daily operations and full P&L responsibilities.

Vollrath worked for over two decades at The Walt Disney Company, where he played key roles in cruise operations, themed entertainment, international expansion and new business development. After his time at Disney, he joined as Senior Director at Vail Resorts in Broomfield, CO, leading operational strategy for the company’s summer business.

“Bringing Hans on as our EVP, Land Production is a game-changer,” says Jake McCoy, Chief Operating Officer at RWS Global. “His vision, drive and influential background in themed entertainment are exactly what we need as we scale upwards. Our team is excited about the powerful leadership and fresh perspective he will bring to elevate everything we produce.”

Known for his approachable leadership style and passion for guest experience, Vollrath has built a career around operational excellence, team empowerment and delivering large-scale projects on time and budget. His specialties include executive-level business strategy, operations, guest experience development, multi-departmental budgeting, business process optimization and customer service management.

Ashley Hong, Vice President, Licensing
Hong brings over 20 years of global licensing experience, having driven profitability across multiple product categories for major consumer brands. Most recently, she pioneered the establishment of Icon Licensing, a full-service licensing agency specializing in creating strategic brand partnerships and innovative licensing deals across entertainment, lifestyle and fashion.

Hong previously served as Global Merchandising Group Manager for Asia Pacific at the National Basketball Association (NBA), where she spearheaded the strategic retail expansion of the brand, notably identifying and negotiating with strategic partners to develop NBA Lifestyle stores throughout the APAC region, which significantly enhanced brand visibility and fan engagement. She then served as Head of International Licensing at Elegance GmbH, managing 17 licensed categories globally to ensure a focus on product and retail strategy before serving as Vice President, International Business Development at Authentic Brands Group, where she led the company’s fast-growing international expansion and licensing strategy.

In her new role, Hong will oversee licensing strategy and business development across IP-driven experiences and retail offerings.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ashley to our team,” says Veronica Hart, Chief Growth Officer at RWS Global. “Her passion for fandom, her expertise in global brand strategy and her deep knowledge of the licensing industry will be invaluable assets as we expand our offerings globally and strengthen our position in the market.”

Hong’s exceptional background in working with licensees and forging IP partnerships enables RWS Global to enhance its position as a leader in IP-based experiences, helping expand the company’s footprint in global partnerships, experiential marketing activations and “retailtainment.” Hong will be attending the forthcoming Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 20-22.