HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — The IATP Annual Conference, held at the stunning Margaritaville Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, was an overwhelming success, drawing industry professionals from across the globe for three days of education, networking, and collaboration in a relaxed beachside setting.
Attendees were treated to a packed schedule of educational sessions, featuring a dynamic mix of expert competitors engaging in insightful panel discussions, as well as interactive roundtables that encouraged lively debates and idea sharing. The level of interaction and the diversity of topics made each session highly engaging and relevant for professionals at all stages of their careers.
The Trampoline Court Inspection Training Course took attendees offsite to a local park for hands-on learning about safety and industry standards. A special thank you to Off the Wall for generously allowing IATP to use their facility for the in-person training session. TCI attendees continued to follow the Equipment and Maintenance Track that included educational sessions to prepare them to take the Level 1 exam on Wednesday.
The opportunity to network was a highlight for many, and nowhere was that more evident than at the Flip-Flop Fiesta, where attendees kicked back overlooking the ocean while celebrating with their peers. During the Fiesta, several awards were presented to recognize outstanding contributions to the industry:
– Sacoa Cashless Systems/Sacoa K4 Kiosk for the Breakthrough Product of the Year
– Gina Elliott with Altitude Trampoline Parks for the Gravity-Defying Contribution Award
– Bron Launsby with Slick City for the Innovation Excellence Award
– Samuel Whittington with The Play Company for the Marketing Support Recognition
– Shock for the Exhibitor of the Year Award
– Dave Schaeffer and Paul McGeehan with House of Air for the Pioneer Award
– Ed Reed with Jumpstreet Indoor Trampoline Parks for Chairmans Award
The exhibit hall was buzzing with energy as vendors and attendees connected over the latest products and services in the industry. The fun continued with the “It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere” Meet & Greet Reception, where friendships were made, and old acquaintances reunited in the quintessential beach vibe setting of Margaritaville. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you goes out to Barry Zelickson and Nate Reinhart with Fun Across America for their energy and enthusiasm as the conference emcees.
“Our goal was to provide a relaxed yet impactful experience for our members, combining valuable educational content with plenty of opportunities to network,” said Alexis Kierce, IATP Executive Director. “The setting couldn’t have been more perfect, and the energy was incredible throughout the event. We look forward to building on this success for next year when we hold the 2025 Annual Conference at Harrah’s Ak-Chin in Maricopa, AZ, from September 8-10, so save the date!”
VANCOUVER, Canada — WhiteWater, the world’s largest designer and supplier of water parks and attractions, finished IAAPA Expo Europe last week in Amsterdam with a slate of good news.
WhiteWater CEO Appointed to IAAPA Board
Last week, IAAPA announced the names of the new members elected to its Global Board 2025. WhiteWater’s CEO, Geoff Chutter, will serve as Manufacturer/Supplier/Consultant (MSC) Director. As founder of the company that has designed, manufactured, and supplied to the worldwide attractions industry since 1980, he has a holistic understanding of the entire business value chain, from materials to fabrication, from construction to guest experience, across different venue types.
Geoff has long been an avid supporter of IAAPA, having exhibited at every IAAPA Expo show—in Orlando, in Europe, and in Asia—since 1982. Winner of IAAPA’s Outstanding Service Award in 2019, he strongly believes in the mission of the organization. Geoff and WhiteWater employees have contributed to IAAPA by lending time and expertise to numerous committees and task forces as well as education sessions and sponsorships and will continue to do so.
“IAAPA is not only a platform for networking and building relationships, it is becoming a driving force to advance the attractions industry in terms of safety, policy, and innovation, reaching more and more corners of the world,” said Geoff. “WhiteWater’s participation in IAAPA has been extremely beneficial, and I am honoured to be able to give back by serving on its board.”
Three European Star Awards
Winners of the annual European Star Awards were revealed as well, celebrating the continent’s favourite attractions, including three supplied by WhiteWater.
Both “Stormfloden” at Fårup Sommerland in Blokhus, Denmark, and O2 SURFTOWN MUC in Munich, Germany, were named Europe’s Best New Water Attractions. At 21 meters in height, Stormfloden is Denmark’s tallest water slide and boasts the world’s first Boomerango + Tailspin Fusion. O2 SURFTOWN MUC features the world’s first Endless Surf lagoon for the industry’s most technologically advanced surf experience. Continuing its streak of European Star Awards since 2020, “High Five,” a Master Blaster + Constrictor Fusion at Aqualand Moravia in Pasohlávky, Czechia, took home its sixth Europe’s Best Water Slides award.
“We are as ecstatic as our clients for winning these awards,” said Rainer Maelzer, President, WhiteWater ERA GmbH. “They not only recognize innovation but also the incredible fun these attractions bring to guests.”
Four Park World Excellence Awards
The Park World Excellence Awards, recognizing exceptional work in the attractions industry in the EMEA region, were also held last week. Meryal Waterpark in Lusail, Qatar, with its record-breaking feats, won three awards: Best Product Innovation and Best Water Park Experience with its Icon Tower, as well as Best Water Park.
Icon Tower is the world’s tallest water slide tower at 85 meters in height and launches 12 thrilling water slides—the most from a single tower. Meryal is the most elaborate project WhiteWater has completed to date.
For its role in this groundbreaking water park and other outstanding projects in EMEA, WhiteWater was crowned Best Supplier.
“We are proud to be recognized for the dedication, expertise, and hard work that went into this massive undertaking,” said Onno Meeter, President, Water Parks. “It takes an extraordinary team and extremely committed partners to bring this spectacular project to life, and these accolades are well-deserved. Congratulations to everyone involved!”
Creativity Collective—Inspiring Future Award-Winning Projects
At IAAPA Expo Europe 2024, WhiteWater unveiled its latest corporate campaign, “Creativity Collective.” Recognizing that award-winning projects and memorable guest experiences stem from the creative energy of this industry, the company initiated a campaign to gather inspirations from projects and professionals in the leisure sector in the form of video interviews and short case studies so that we can learn from one another.
BURBANK, Calif. — The Themed Entertainment Association is pleased to announce the appointment of their new Chief Executive Officer, Melissa Oviedo. Following an extensive and open recruitment process including more than 30 highly qualified candidates, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has announced the hiring of Melissa Oviedo as the TEA’s CEO. Melissa will officially step down from her current position as International Board President and will assume the CEO position as of Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
Melissa has served in volunteer leadership within the TEA over the past twelve years, most recently as the International Board President from 2023 to current. At a time when TEA’s membership continues to grow internationally, expand within adjacent industries, and position itself in a dynamic cross-section of trade groups and associations, Melissa’s strategic knowledge of the market, intimate knowledge of TEA’s administration and forward-thinking approach to the capabilities of the TEA will allow for a transformative shift.
Incoming TEA President Matt Barton of 7thSense said: “Our commitment in the recruitment process was to hire a leader from within the industry who could help the International Board and TEA staff fulfill the strategic plan while at the same time identify and respond to the opportunities that are emerging from many directions.Melissa is the ideal fit, with both industry knowledge and insight, as well as a keen understanding of the current needs of the association to propel growth while also offering stability to the TEA staff and volunteer leadership collectively.” The TEA and B Morrow Productions (“BMP”), where Melissa has served as Chief Business Officer, have established a collaborative timeline to enable a smooth transition between roles, allowing Melissa to fulfill the operational and strategic requirements of her role, particular as it relates to the delivery and operation of BMP’s holiday programs through the end of the year. This approach will allow Melissa to immediately fulfill the role of CEO with TEA while completing obligations to BMP’s clients during this transition phase.
“As a long-standing member and financial supporter of the TEA, we wholeheartedly agree that Melissa is the best choice for the future of the association. BMP supports the association as she transitions to the full- time CEO and appreciates the out-of-box thinking of the Executive Committee to help ease the impact on our business and clients during this transition,” shares Brian Morrow, CEO and Founder of BMP.
Alley Cats Entertainment is excited to announce that all three of its family entertainment centers now offer Embed’s Mobile Wallet feature, the only Apple and Google-certified FEC solution, making the gaming experience smoother and more convenient than ever. The new technology allows customers immediate digital access to their game card directly from their smartphone, providing instant visibility of their game balance and ticket count.
PHOENIX, Ariz. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), headquartered in Springfield, Mo., looks forward to the highly anticipated 2024 IAFE Convention, themed Building On Strong Foundations, set to take place Dec. 1-4, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz.
“At the 2024 IAFE Convention and Trade Show, we will celebrate the success of our members and continue to build on our strong foundations. The 2024 Convention is shaping up to be a very well-attended event, focused on education, mentorship, networking, and growth. We look forward to hosting the fair industry in sunny Phoenix, Ariz.,” IAFE President and CEO Marla Calico said.
The IAFE Convention is renowned as the ultimate gathering for industry leaders, fair organizers, and suppliers from around the world. The IAFE Trade Show is the largest of its kind, offering all you could ever want for a fair.
Educational content at the IAFE Convention is driven by member input. IAFE industry committees each submit topics for consideration. Then, the entire membership votes on those topics to identify the most popular subject matter. The execution of each session, including speakers and session format, is completed by the committee who originally submitted the topic.
Some key highlights of the 2024 IAFE Convention include:
Recognition and Awards: The IAFE Convention will celebrate outstanding achievements in the industry, honoring the innovators and visionaries who have made significant contributions in volunteerism, leadership, and more. Awards include: Hall of Fame, Rising Star, Heritage Awards, Associate of the Year, and State & Provincial Executive of the Year. Additionally, we will recognize Institute of Fair Management (IFM) graduates, Coca-Cola Membership Award, and our new Certified Volunteer Fair Manager (CVFM) recipient(s).
Third Street Party: Get ready to “Party on 3rd”. Soar high on the Ferris wheel, dance to the beats of the DJ, and enjoy food and drinks as strolling entertainers add to the atmosphere. Presented by Ray Cammack Shows, this unforgettable event promises an evening of fair-inspired fun and camaraderie. Don’t miss your chance to make memories with your fellow fair friends!
Wagons & Whiskey Fundraiser: This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the IAFE Education Foundation and it’s also where special guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, and an auction.
Keynote Speaker Manley Feinberg II: Manley is recognized as an award-winning international keynote speaker, business leader, and author whose work has been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox, and in The New York Daily News, Entrepreneur, American Express Open Forum, and World News. Leveraging more than 20 years of business, professional speaking, and adventure experience, his insight and energy will inspire and equip you to step up and reach your next summit.
Educational Experiences: We’ve got some special “experiences” lined up for 2024. Attendees can choose from a tour of WestWorld of Scottsdale, the Footprint Center, and Sysco Arizona. All Educational Experiences require pre-registration.
IAFE Trade Show: Taking place Dec. 2-3, you won’t want to miss the largest and most comprehensive event in this industry. The IAFE Trade Show is currently sold out; however, an application to join the waitlist is currently on the IAFE Convention website.
For more information about the 2024 IAFE Convention, including registration details, schedules, and more, please visit www.iafeconvention.com and follow the IAFE on Facebook for more information.
The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), based in Springfield, MO, is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations, and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all interested in improving fairs, shows, expositions, and allied fields. For more information, visit www.fairsandexpos.com, follow the IAFE on Facebook or Instagram, or call 417.862.5771.
ST. LOUIS — Intercard’s latest cashless technology was chosen to manage the state-of-the-art arcade at Advent Health Sports Park at Bluhawk in Overland Park, Kansas. The 200,000 square foot facility will be the premiere venue in the central United States for traveling sports teams, tournaments and local youth sports play. An in-house FEC will provide entertainment for visiting sports teams as well as local residents. The park is scheduled to open in October 2024.
The 6500 square foot arcade consists of 75 top games provided by Shaffer Distributing, a Triotech XD Dark Ride 8 seat simulator, and a Rollglider aerial ride above the game floor. Next to the arcade are 10 lanes of bowling from Brunswick Bowling, with an additional 6 lanes on an upper level. “Our Intercard system will manage the games as well as access to the Rollglider and Triotech attractions,” says Scott Sherrod, CEO of Intercard. “It also integrates with the Brunswick Sync system for the center’s 16 bowling lanes, making it easy for guests to enjoy a variety of activities with one card.”
Intercard’s industry partner Pinnacle Entertainment Group is the arcade/FEC consultant to The Sports Facilities Companies, which manages Advent Health Sports Park and dozens of others across the country. “The Sports Facilities Companies are the best in the professional sports center management business,” says George McAuliffe of Pinnacle. “We are proud to be their trusted advisors on arcade and FEC operations. This is our third FEC for them with Intercard technology, and there are two more under construction that will also use Intercard.”
Shornaa Island Amusement Park, opened its doors in Accra in September, bringing a new world of fun, excitement and adventure to visitors of all ages.
The park has partnered with Sacoa Cashless System and installed their state-of-the-art solutions. Shornaa Island has chosen to implement Sacoa’s Spark readers, POS system, and triple-award-winning, self-service K4 Kiosk, ensuring a seamless guest experience from start to finish, increased revenues, and decreased costs. Many more implementations are expected for the second phase of the park’s development.
“We at XtremeFun Limited together with our First International Amusement Park are proud to feature Africa’s first cashless card system at Shornaa Island”, stated Richard Lee, General Manager. He added “It gives each customer the control to spend and with the coming of the rewards credit systems makes the Sacoa card a valued entry for all.”
Ing. Magnus Lincoln Quarshie, President of XtremeFun Ltd, commented regarding the installation “A huge thank you to Sacoa Managment Team and with the arrival of Pablo who spent many hours being as late as 2am dialy to ensure the smooth instalation and training to our Ticketing systems for our Amusment Park . Pablos training and expertise methods helped my teams from both techinical and Casheirs perform there duties well and even to this very day Pablo is aways on line to assist us further . AGAIN thank you Sacoa and a special thanks to Pablo . – 5 stars at the very best s.”
For his part, Pol Mochkosky, CEO of Sacoa International, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “We are thrilled to have played a part in making Shornaa Island Amusement Park a reality, and it’s wonderful to see the positive reception from visitors right from the start.”
Strategically located along the A1 Lagoon Bypass, behind the Accra Trade Fair, Shornaa Island offers a unique blend of thrilling entertainment and serene relaxation, set against the stunning backdrop of a tranquil black water lagoon. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as bumper cars, convoy cars, mini golf, and more, ensuring an unforgettable experience for families and tourists alike.
LAS VEGAS — Lovatics, get ready! Fresh off the release of her directorial debut with the acclaimed new Hulu documentary Child Star, GRAMMY-nominated and award-winning musician, actor, and New York Times best-selling author Demi Lovato has revealed her latest wax figure, this time for Merlin Entertainments’ Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. While her first U.S. figure debuted at Madame Tussauds Hollywood in 2015, her second will take center stage in Las Vegas, standing ‘Stone Cold’ under the ‘Neon Lights’ for fans to begin visiting on September 26th.
The figure is adorned in the skirt and top from Lovato’s Alternative Press Magazine photoshoot, with the entire look generously donated by the artist for this special occasion. This marks Lovato’s second sitting with the Madame Tussauds studio artists, who captured around 250 new measurements and photographs from every angle to ensure precise accuracy of her facial and physical features. The figure was crafted in London, with meticulous detailing and months of visual research, taking a total of six months to complete and perfect. Lovato herself revealed the figure, expressing her excitement at the remarkable likeness.
“The first time I ever saw my wax figure in person, it was actually a very healing experience for me because I had dealt with so much body dysmorphia,” said Lovato. “I realized ‘Oh wow, that’s what I look like.’ Not a lot of people get to see themselves in 3D, it was a very healing experience and one that I’ll remember forever.”
Lovato was first known for her onscreen talents, and soon after became a musical phenomenon for her remarkable vocal ability. With over 50 billion streams earned worldwide, she has enamored audiences with her renowned powerhouse vocals and illustrious songwriting. As a mental health advocate, she serves as Global Citizens official ambassador for mental health, with a special focus on vulnerable communities around the world. Most recently, Lovato’s advocacy work which was highlighted in Child Star led her to join California Gov. Newsom as he passed two new laws which offer financial protections for child influencers and content creators, setting aside a percentage of their earnings in a trust fund that they can access once they turn 18.
“Demi Lovato is a global sensation, captivating audiences with her powerful voice, extraordinary talent, and impactful mental health advocacy,” said General Manager at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Gabriel Hewitt. “Las Vegas is the perfect place to honor her remarkable career and showcase her newest wax figure.”
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Conservation efforts are already making waves at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, with guests diving into action to protect marine life even before the new SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium is built.
During a special structure-signing event at the Park, guests were invited to leave their mark on the project— both literally and figuratively. Hundreds of guests proudly signed the last piece of steel beam for the new building and generously contributed, raising over $1,400 in support of SEA LIFE Florida’s partner charity, SEA LIFE TRUST. This effort further strengthens the Resort’s dedication to ocean conservation. The steel beam carrying those signatures has been placed on the building of the new aquarium, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward completion.
Scheduled to open in in early 2025, SEA LIFE Florida will offer a truly immersive experience for guests of all ages. A key attraction of the Aquarium will be the main ocean exhibit, which will showcase a unique “Theme Park Under the Sea” theme, a first for SEA LIFE. This underwater world will include beloved attractions such as a coral palace and a reef- inspired Ferris wheel.
SEA LIFE Florida aims to inspire children and families with the wonders of the ocean and the importance of protecting it for future generations. Featuring over 25 stunning exhibits with fascinating creatures like a captivating seahorse gallery, an interactive invertebrate touch pool, and a breathtaking underwater tunnel, the new attraction will bring guests face-to- face with the beauty and mystery of the ocean, all while promoting awareness for the environment. Visitors can look forward to seeing a diverse range of animals’ native to Florida waters, as well as species from the Pacific cold waters, Indian and Southern Oceans, and North American freshwater environments.
The donations collected will directly support SEA LIFE TRUST’s conservation projects, with a focus on local initiatives in Florida. Once SEA LIFE Florida opens, its curator will have the opportunity to apply for project funding from the TRUST. This ensures that the donations raised during the structure-signing event will have a direct and positive impact on Florida’s ecosystems locally and across the state.
Dive into Adventure:
Grab your annual pass now and get ready for exclusive access to the Aquarium as soon as it opens at the Resort! Don’t miss out on all the amazing underwater adventures waiting for you.
Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries showcased its roster of breakthrough innovations at IAAPA Expo Europe in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from 24 to 26 September 2024.
“We’re excited to be back in Europe for the showi Now that our expansion plans for the European market are in motion – starting with bringing in a dedicated Sales Account Manager-we look forward to more FECsjoining the cashless and contactless revolution and experiencing the Embed difference,” says Renee Welsh, CEO at Embed. “Being a family-owned company with deep roots in the family entertainment business, we want to see FECs not only make the move to cashless to increase their profitability, but also to experience transformational growth – which includes lowering costs and getting the best rates possible.” Part of Embed’s strategic European market focus is the reason for Welsh’s move from the company’s Singapore office to Dubai, UAE, where Embed’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa operations are managed. Aside from showcasing its dynamic Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions at the show like the award winning, Apple-and-Google-certified Mobile Wallet and STATS business intelligence dashboard powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Embed layered value to the the growth these solutions bring by conducting complimentary payment processing consultations at the show.
“We know for a fact that our operators can do better than paying fluctuating published rates for their credit card processing fees,” says Jeremy Dickamore, Payment Gateway Guru at Embed. “By analysing their bank statements, we’re able to help them cut their losses and take advantage of the savings they can get from simply switching to another provider. We’ve had a great turnout and European market reception, with hundreds of consultations at the show and are expecting more, as the exercise is raising awareness in the industry that “thinking twice” about their current rates will keep them from losing 40% of their revenue to processing fees.”
Likewise, Embed educated operators about outsmarting dual pricing schemes, which puts the burden of payment processing costs to guests but is actually costing the FECs more “By giving our Embed family of customers the most competitive processing rates, highest security measures, and highest reliability, our operators won’t need to get duped by dual pricing and lose more revenue and guests because of it,” explains Sara Paz, CMO & Growth Officer at Embed.
