Attractions Management Issue 4 2016

Home , Dreamworld (Australia), Dream World (Thailand), Motiongate Dubai, Polin Waterparks, River rapids ride

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@attractionsmag VOL21 4 2016 Creating the perfect soundscape

11 Future STEM projects

WWA report Pamela SATE review IAAPA news Landwirth Celebrating 30 years of Statue Give Kids the World of Liberty Museum LINDA CONLON Diane von Furstenberg on the big issues facing leading the investment drive science centres NWAVE PICTURES DISTRIBUTION PRESENTS

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GOOD DEEDS QUIETLY DONE

When illness strikes, it’s normality which suffers, along with time with loved ones and family fun. But there are charities working hard to mend this gap, by offering seriously ill children and adults the opportunity for days out, with all the care they need to make these the best they can be

his issue, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of orphaned, as well as children of terminally ill parents, those charity Give Kids the World (GKTW) (page 52), which who are victims of abuse and also young carers. T works to create magical moments for children with And this special work isn’t limited to the theme park sector. life-threatening illnesses and their families. In the Netherlands, Stitching Ambulance Wens Nederland Led by CEO Pamela Landwirth, GKTW raises around $40m (Ambulance Wish Foundation) has helped 6,000 people to every year in cash and kind to run its specially adapted village fulfil their last requests since its formation in 2007. in Kissimmee, Florida, where children stay while visiting the With a staff of 200 medically-trained volunteers, the charity state’s many attractions. Over 8,000 children are hosted each helps those who have become immobilised by illness, fulfilling year, while many more are given access to the on-site facilities wishes varying from museum and cultural visits to theatre while staying elsewhere. trips and sailing experiences. This is just one example Last year, the Rijksmuseum of the amazing work which These organisations and played its part by working with is quietly going on, day in attractions put compassion Stitching Ambulance Wens to and day out across the organise for three terminally attractions world, enabling before profit to enrich the lives ill patients to see The Late children to make great of children, adults and families Rembrandt exhibition, which memories with their families who need additional support included more than 100 works and to have fun in spite by the artist during the final of the many and varied phase of his life. The patients health, mobility and financial were taken to the museum by challenges they face. ambulance on hospital beds with nurses in attendance and Also celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2016 is Dreamflight, given private after-hours access to the exhibition. a UK-based charity co-founded by Patricia Pearce and Derek These organisations and attractions – and those like them Pereira to raise money to take deserving children to Walt – put compassion before profit to enrich the lives of children, Disney World and other attractions in Florida. adults and families whose circumstances mean they need Dreamflight gives the children a holiday of a lifetime, with additional care, assistance and resources to enjoy quality of life. adventures, camaraderie and life-changing experiences worth Such work represents our industry at its very best. It also many thousands of dollars, much of it donated by attractions shows just how much it means to many to be able to spend operators. It has helped over 5,000 children to date. time in attractions they personally identify with. A yearning for Also working to support children in a range of challenging normality is a huge part of illness and in offering this, these circumstances, Merlin’s Magic Wand, the charity arm of Merlin business are doing a power of good. We applaud them all. Entertainments, gives tickets and assistance to children who are in foster care or who have recently been adopted or Liz Terry, editor. Twitter: @elizterry

Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 attractionsmanagement.com @attractionsmag [email protected]

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 7 IN THIS ISSUE ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT

Q p44 A panel of experts delves into the world of sound design, with tips, advice and trends Q p18 Diane von Furstenberg’s Liberty Stars

Q p34 Science centre champion Linda Conlon Q p62 The 2016 SATE Conference took to New York City, exploring risk-taking and reward

07 Editor’s Letter 34 Interview 44 Ask an expert Linda Conlon How Can Sound Be Used to Create 12 People LIFE CEO and ASTC chair Linda Conlon Incredible Immersive Experiences? The people in the news, from director Ang talks about the issues impacting science Our panel of experts reveal the Lee to fashion queen Diane von Furstenberg centres and the wider attractions secrets of sound design industry, including migration, the ageing 20 Science Centres news population and workplace diversity 52 Proﬁle 21 Visitor Attractions news Pamela Landwirth 40 22 Waterparks news Science Centres We sat down with Give Kids the World CEO Millennium Innovation Pamela Landwirth as the charity turns 30 24 Theme Parks news More than £1bn was channelled 26 Museums & Galleries news into the UK’s Millennium Projects, 62 Show report 28 Heritage news which included pioneering science SATE 2016: Walking the Tightrope 30 Zoos & Aquariums news centres. We look back at the legacy The theme at the SATE conference was 32 Technology news taking risks. Christine Kerr filed this report

8 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT ISSUE 4 2016

Q p70 Rounding up the most exciting upcoming science centre and museum projects Q p92 WWA: waterpark professionals gather

Q p52 Pamela Landwirth on wish granting Q p82 Take a tour of the new Ark Encounter attraction and the Creation Museum

70 Science centres 92 Show report STEM Gems Best in Class Exciting science attractions opening soon Looking back at the recent WWA Show & Symposium in New Orleans, Louisiana 78 Analysis series The Attractions Business Part 4 96 Attractions-kit.net Consultant David Camp IAAPA Attractions Expo talks planning in part four of the series Supplier news and product innovation On the cover: Pamela Landwirth from the trade show floor 82 First person Subscribe: To subscribe, call: +44 (0)1462 471915 A tour of Ark Encounter 102 Web Gallery or visit www.leisuresubs.com and the Creation Museum A source of attractions services Web gallery: Scott A Lukas visited a Noah’s Ark For suppliers of products and attraction and found some of the best services in the worldwide attractions examples of immersive theming in the US industry, turn to page 102

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 9 the team

READER SERVICES Subscriptions Denise Adams +44 (0)1462 471930 Circulation manager Choose how you read Michael Emmerson +44 (0)1462 471932 Attractions Management... EDITORIAL TEAM Managing editor Alice Davis +44 (0)1462 471918

Editor PRINT DIGITAL PDF Liz Terry +44 (0)1462 431385 Attractions Management Read Attractions The magazine is also NEWS EDITOR is available in glossy Management free on available as a PDF Tom Anstey print on subscription. You Digital Turning Pages edition for readers +44 (0)1462 471916 can sign up any time at and enjoy extra links who want to read NEWSDESK leisuresubs.com and searchability ofﬂine or on tablet Matthew Campelli +44 (0)1462 471912 Kim Megson OTHER RESOURCES FROM ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT +44 (0)1462 471915 ADVERTISING TEAM Attractions Handbook attractionsmanagement.com Publisher The latest industry stats, trends Attractions Management’s website Julie Badrick and analysis all in one place: The features daily attractions news and +44 (0)1462 471919 Attractions Management Handbook is jobs, as well as access to digital Advertising sales a reference guide and global resource editions of Attractions Management John Challinor for decisionmakers. and links to other Leisure Media +44 (0)1202 742968 QRead it online: magazines and websites. Jan Williams www.attractionshandbook.com/digital QVisit the website: +44 (0)1462 471909 QDownload the PDF edition: www.attractionsmanagement.com WEB TEAM www.attractionshandbook.com/pdf Internet Michael Paramore AM2 +44 (0)1462 471926 Attractions Management E-zine Our sister title focuses on news, jobs Dean Fox The Attractions Management e-zine and training. It has a daily website, +44 (0)1462 471900 brings the best of the week’s www.am2.jobs, an e-zine and instant Tim Nash news and jobs to your inbox every alerts service. +44 (0)1462 471917 Wednesday. Covering everything from QRead it online: Emma Harris science centres and theme parks to www.am2.jobs/digital +44 (0)1462 471921 museums, zoos and planetariums. QDownload the PDF edition: PRODUCTS EDITOR QSign up here: www.am2.jobs/pdf Kate Corney www.leisuremedia.com/subscribe QSign up for the e-zine: +44 (0)1462 471922 www.leisuremedia.com/subscribe DESIGN Andy Bundy attractions-kit.net +44 (0)1462 471924 The search engine for buyers lists Instant alerts & RSS Ed Gallagher contacts and details for 5,000 Get the news as it happens and ﬁnd +44 (0)1905 20198 suppliers. Find all the connections you out about the latest job openings Jack Emmerson need to streamline your buying and and tenders the second they’re +44 (0)1462 471136 get news via the weekly e-zine. posted online, by signing up for FINANCE QVisit the website: our free, customisable instant Denise Adams www.attractions-kit.net news alerts and RSS feeds. +44 (0)1462 471930 QSign up for the e-zine: QSign up here: Rebekah Scott www.leisuremedia.com/subscribe www.leisuremedia.com/subscribe +44 (0)1462 471930

10 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 MORE TO ENJOY... What’s hot in Leisure Media’s magazines

HEALTH CLUB CLADMAG SPA BUSINESS ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT Q Patrik Schumacher Q Gwinganna’s top team, Q Sweatworking: work and the next chapter for including co-investor Q Diane von Furstenberg out ... and network! Zaha Hadid Architects Hugh Jackman supporting the Statue of Liberty Museum Q Let’s change the way Q Is timber the future Q Talking spa with Aman we age, says ICAA chief for tall buildings? owner Vladislav Doronin Q LIFE’s Linda Conlon on challenging times Q From prison cell to Q MAD founder Ma Q Trends, technology and http://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Health%20Club%20Management&codeID=3043&linktype=homepage http://cladglobal.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=CLD&mag=CLADmag&codeID=3041 http://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Spa%20Business&codeID=3037&linktype=homepage http://leisuremedia.com studio, Coss Marte’s Yansong on his battle strategies analysed in Q Inside a supersize new breed of bootcamp against conservatism Spa Foresight™ 2016 Noah’s Ark attraction

Read all of our latest magazines & back issues online: leisuremedia.com

SPORTS LEISURE SPA OPPORTUNITIES AM2 MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Q Blu Spas works Q Science Museum Q Looking back at Q Equinox to open two on Yellowstone hot debuts £6m Wonderlab Britain’s success in new clubs in London springs development Q South America’s the Rio Olympics Q Threat to parks is Q Global spa industry largest aquarium Qhttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Sports%20Management&codeID=3025&linktype=homepage Technology building ahttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Leisure%20Opportunities&codeID=3044&linktype=homepage ‘threat to activity’ worthhttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Spa%20Opportunities&codeID=3042&linktype=homepage almost $100bn nearshttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=AM2&codeID=3045&linktype=homepage opening date stadiums of the future http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3025 Qhttp://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3044 UK Prime Minister Qhttp://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3042 Delos expands Stay Qhttp://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3045 Disney’s Electrical Q Active participation for Theresa May commits Well programme to Parade moves to pensioners in Andorra to elite sports funding cruise ships and airports California for swansong

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 11 PEOPLE

Attractions People

At 120 frames per second your eyes get greedy Ang Lee ﬁlm director

ery few people will have yet had the opportunity to experience footage shot at 120 frames per second (fps) – perhaps just those Vwho’ve been on Disney’s brand new Soarin’ Around the World rides. Oscar-winning film director Ang Lee is changing all that, as his pioneering use of the technology may signal a new way of filming for both the cinema and attractions industries. If dark rides, 4D cinemas and flying theatres one day employ this process more widely, visitor immersion could be lifted to a whole new level. Lee’s new film, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, is the first movie to be shot at 120fps, in 4K 3D and with a screen luminance of 28 foot-lamberts – a technique that brings extreme clarity and almost hyperreal quality to the images for an immersive digital experience. Based on the book by Ben Fountain, the film tells the story of a 19-year-old soldier who suffers flashbacks from his time in Iraq whilst attending a Thanksgiving Day football game. “4K, 3D, 120fps capture gives extraordinary clarity to a film,” says Lee, who also directed Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi. “It allows us to explore new ground in cinema and engage the audience on a more emotional level.” There are challenges, Lee says, such as the actors being unable to wear make up and the ability to see more than ever before in the faces and expressions of the cast. “We could see everything,” says Lee. “That’s the scary part – you see the acting. The way we are used to actors

Ang Lee is the ﬁrst to use the technology in the cinema, though it has been seen in theme parks

12 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk was shot at 120fps, creating super high looking at each other looks dead and if deﬁ nition, high clarity images you try to act, it looks like you are trying to act. The ﬁ lm language has to change. I didn’t have much choice but to stick close to Billy Lynn. You feel how they feel, see the thoughts in their eyes.”

Data capture At September’s IBC show in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, clips from the Sony TriStar release were shown to a live audience, powered by two Christie Mirage 4KLHs projectors, with video processing bandwidth of 1.2 Gigapixels per second and the world’s brightest laser system. 7thSense’s Delta Inﬁ nity media server handled the demanding playback requirements.

Lee’s editor on the fi lm, Tim Squyres, has pointed out that not all movie theatres have the ability to screen the fi lm this way, but Billy Lynn can still be released in 2D 24fps, for example. “The normal paradigm is you shoot a bunch of frames and then project those frames in the movie theatre,” says Squyres. “With this, it’s more like we’re capturing data. We’re shooting with a 360-degree shutter and using that data we can create all kinds of different formats and all kinds of different looks.” In 2013, Peter Jackson fi lmed The Lee explains how he made the fi lm at the IBC Show in Amsterdam Hobbit at 48fps, considered a huge jump from the industry standard of 24fps.

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 13 PEOPLE

We’re looking at the Fourth Industrial Revolution and how it is likely to affect our business

Alberto Zamperla CEO, Zamperla

ntonio Zamperla is perhaps he taught me, including common sense and Zamperla is continuing the tradition of one of the most recognised values, and thanks to the unconditional keeping the company in the family, as his and respected names in the support from my family and my employees.” sons Antonio Jr and Alessandro are both attractions industry – and The ride company, which was born of actively involved in the business. Alessandro no less the name Alberto, a 100 years family history in the circus is in the US, while Antonio manages the Awho took over from his late father more tradition, was established in 1966. In company – which has an annual turnover of than 20 years ago. And the company – the 1976, Antonio Zamperla moved the sales €70m (£63m, $76m) – in Italy. But he says world’s biggest manufacturer of amusement office to Montreal, Canada, and soon his nothing is to be taken for granted: “They rides – has gone from strength to strength, son went to set up an office in New Jersey. have to demonstrate they have the qualities increasing ride design and production from The company grew rapidly, helped along to run the business in the long term.” 50 to almost 250 units per year. the way by some high-profile contracts. This year, the family business celebrated “One of the real turning points for us Innovation its 50th birthday, but the loss of his father was when Disney came to Europe and we Innovation has been central to the makes the occasion bittersweet for the were selected to build seven of the initial Italian company’s growth over the years, current president. 12 rides for Disneyland Paris,” Zamperla whether that’s with the success of the “Replacing my father as the head of says. “Because we delivered the job family thrill coaster Thunderbolt or the the company when he passed away in on schedule, Disney asked us to make brand new multi-feature Factory Coaster September 1994 was definitely the biggest another ride for California, and so we (which is themed like a factory). More challenge I have faced,” Alberto Zamperla started a very good collaboration which is innovations will be unveiled at IAAPA in told Attractions Management. “But I was still progressing to this day. We have sold Orlando, Florida, in November, including an able to make it through thanks to the things 25 rides to Disney, with more to come.” Oculus-powered VR ride and 100 per cent Zamperla theme park concept. “We have a natural inclination for Family values: Antonio innovation and for questioning our decisions Zamperla (left), who founded and strategies in an effort to improve the company; and Antonio Jr constantly,” he says. “We’re working on and Alberto (right)

14 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 Zamperla made its reputation as a maker of family coasters and kids rides

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 15 PEOPLE

Zamperla is set to announce a VR ride concept and its concept for an accessible family amusement park the ﬁrst Factory Coaster for an important Chinese customer. We’re also looking in depth at the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution and how it’s likely to affect our present way of working and doing business.” Another area where Zamperla is one of the few companies leading the way is in accessible ride experiences. The company donated an adapted Magic Bike Ride to the Give Kids the World park in Kissimmee, Florida, in 2014 (see page 84) and has since pursued this line of ride development. Zamperla admits that it’s difﬁcult, if not impossible, to create universally accessible rides because everyone has unique needs, but says it’s Watermania is a duelling Tea important to start somewhere. Cup ride on water, with each “Zamperla is already working on the The Disco Dancer, which bore similarities rider armed with a blaster to development of a family amusement park to Zamperla’s Disk’O came off its rails and shoot water at fellow riders concept where people of all ages and crashed. “It is important for the public to abilities can come together and have fun know that the ride involved in this accident in a safe environment. Giving seriously ill was not a Zamperla product,” said a “We are very proud of our designs, kids the opportunity to have fun is highly statement at the time. “The ride involved in whether special projects such as rewarding and a way to give back a little bit this accident was an unauthorised, poorly branded IP rides or ‘ready-to-go’ themed of the richness that a child’s smile offers.” executed forgery of the Zamperla design.” attractions,” says the 64-year-old Italian. It was an important move by the ride “I am very proud of our technical, art and Plagiarism maker, drawing attention to the level of prototyping departments and we invest Protecting the innovation and intellectual engineering and manufacturing needed considerably in research and innovation, so property of the company is something to achieve the high safety standards and I think it’s not only my right to protect my Zamperla is passionate about, even more the to the matter of creative ownership. investments and IP, but it is also my duty to so since the company was forced to issue It also sent a message to manufacturers protect the hard work of my employees.” a statement in May this year following a of forged rides and the operators who buy “I am very serious in addressing the ride accident that killed one and injured them. Zamperla’s determination to act issue of knock-off rides and I have no 23 people in Chennai, India. severely on these incidents is clear. intention of backing down,” he says.

16 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016

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PEOPLE

Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg is leading the fundraising for the Statue of Liberty Museum

It is my hope that the Statue of Liberty and her incredible story will live on and on Diane von Furstenberg fashion designer and philanthropist

fﬁcials have broken possibility and resilience,” says Von ground on a new Furstenberg. “It is She that millions museum dedicated of immigrants saw ﬁrst as they arrived to the Statue of in this country, their hearts full of Liberty, which is being dreams for a brighter future. Ochampioned by project “godmother” “Now it is my hope that the Statue Diane von Furstenberg. of Liberty and her incredible story will The legendary fashion designer, live on and on, inspiring generations who has backed the Liberty Island for years to come. What she museum since its conception, is represents out there is everything we leading the fundraising effort for the love about this country and everything development through her philanthropic that has to be protected.” organisation, the Diller-Furstenberg With an impressive network of rich Family Foundation. Slated to open and famous contacts, Von Furstenberg in 2019 and expecting to welcome came up with an idea to convince them 4.3 million visitors a year, the Statue to support the project – to create a of Liberty Museum already has $40m sculpture using original iron bars from (£33m, €37m) of the $70m (£58m, Von Furstenberg and Mayor of New the statue. The iron bars, which were €64m) required in the bank. York Bill de Blasio are among those at created by French engineer Gustave Eiffel, “Lady Liberty is a symbol of everything the groundbreaking event in October supported the statue for a century before America’s about: freedom, hope, they were replaced during restoration

18 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 works in 1986. The metal will now be used to create a mural of 50 stars, one for each state, which can be bought by donors for $2m (£1.65m, €1.84m). “People like what is limited,” explains The new Ellis Island museum, the Belgium-born Von Furstenberg. which should open in 2019, has Those who have bought a Liberty Star into the island surrounds and not compete been designed by New York-based so far include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos with the statue. Inside, ESI Design will architecture firm FXFOWLE for the Bezos Family, former New York handle the exhibits and interactive displays, mayor Michael Bloomberg for Bloomberg while the big reveal will be the original Philanthropies, Comcast CEO Brian torch, which was also replaced in the 1986 upcoming Thomas Heatherwick-designed Roberts for Comcast NBCUniversal, Star restoration. The Statue of Liberty-Ellis floating park, Pier 55, has also been largely Wars creator George Lucas, Chanel, Island Foundation and the National Park funded by the foundation with contributions Coca-Cola, the Diller-Furstenberg Family Service are overseeing the plans. of more than $100m (£83m, €92m). Foundation and the Walt Disney Company. As well as its philanthropic work to The designer, who became an icon of Designed by Nicholas Garrison, principal support human rights, education and women’s fashion when she invented the at architecture firm FXFOWLE, the 26,000sq community building initiatives, the Diller- wrap dress in the mid-1970s, is known for ft (2,400sqm) museum is a key part of the Furstenberg Family Foundation has raised being a shrewd businesswoman, with her beautification plan for Liberty Island, with funds for a number of cultural projects in fashion empire now rooted in 55 countries the grass-roofed building seemingly rising New York, including the High Line and the worldwide. In 2015, she was named one of out of the ground. The museum will blend Whitney Museum of American Art. The TIME’s 100 Most Influential People.

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 19 SCIENCE CENTRES NEWS

Bloomberg donates $50m to museum INDUSTRY OPINION

Philanthropist and former Shifting practices and New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has techniques in face- donated $50m (€45.4m, to-face facilitation £40.6m) to Boston’s Museum of Science – the Brad Irwin single largest gift in the

institution’s history. TWITTER/@MIKEBLOOMBERG PHOTO: The thinking The contribution will around face-to- be used for endowment face interactions in payments to support the science centres and institution’s education museums is changing. division, renamed the Previously, “explainer” William and Charlotte was the go-to-noun for Bloomberg Science people who interacted with the public Education Center, in honour QBloomberg is a supporter of Boston’s science museum within our institutions, the key figures of Michael’s parents. who were responsible for connecting Bloomberg grew up in impact it can have on young number of other initiatives, scientific ideas to visitors’ hearts and Boston and has credited people because I was one including the $9m (€8.1m, minds in new and meaningful ways. the museum for sparking of those young people,” he £7.3m) renovation of But, there are other approaches. his intellectual curiosity, said. “Those mornings were the Charles Hayden For example, many informal science recalling travelling as a the highlight of my weeks – Planetarium in 2011. He institutions now deploy a variety child at weekends to visit and they helped define the has donated hundreds of of practitioners to participate in the museum and take in its course of my life.” millions of dollars to other public engagement including artists, educational programmes. Bloomberg has long cultural projects through volunteers and members of the “I know how important been a supporter of the Bloomberg Philanthropies. public. Many institutions ask their this museum is and what an institution, funding a QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=s2k5b_T scientists to spend time on the floor. This not only provides the public with direct access to expertise previously hidden behind closed doors, but also enables scientists to disseminate London Science Museum opens £6m Wonderlab their work, seeing the impact it has on our visitors. The museum floor is London’s Science no longer the reserve of the explainer. Museum has launched Engagement techniques are also the latest part of its changing. New perspectives such as transformation, with the tinkering and making are emerging, debut of its new £6m and with new models of practice, ($7.3m, €6.6m) permanent new challenges arise. The way we exhibition – Wonderlab: think about facilitation, training and The Statoil Gallery. professional development is shifting. Featuring a number of European practitioners have come live demonstrations and together to form the Facilitation immersive experiences, Group, a dynamic “thematic group” Wonderlab is the UK’s largest banded together to address the interactive science gallery. concerns of staff who deliver learning The new space features QFlash Bang Whallop show in the Wonderlab Showspace experiences. At the Ecsite Annual a range of more than 50 Conference we challenged current exhibits across seven says was inspired by the part in live science shows and future thinking around facilitation zones, all centred around Royal Institution’s world- featuring electricity, rockets and explored new and controversial “the wonder of science and renowned Faraday Theatre. and lessons about space. methodologies. In 2017, we’ll push mathematics”, with a team Among the exhibits on The gallery was designed the thinking in this area, exploring of science communicators display in the gallery, visitors by muf architecture/art – a the notion of the research-informed on-hand to explain how the will be able to ride a giant firm renowned for working facilitator. Join the conversation in science works. The gallery rotating model of the solar with artists on innovative Porto, Portugal, at the Ecsite pre- is also home to three live system to understand why we projects celebrating the conference on 13-14 June. O demonstration areas and a have seasons, learn about social and playful aspects 120-capacity showspace, the forces of friction with a of public spaces. Brad Irwin, partnerships development which the Science Museum slide installation, and take QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=T8V4r_A manager, Natural History Museum

20 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 VISITOR ATTRACTIONS NEWS

TripAdvisor bans ticket sales to hundreds of animal attractions

TripAdvisor will no longer sell tickets to PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM attractions that include direct contact with wild animals or endangered species following a change in company policy. The travel website has said the decision, which will affect hundreds of animal attractions worldwide, including but not limited to elephant rides, petting tigers, and swim with dolphin attractions. In addition to the change in policy, TripAdvisor will also partner with a number of trade groups, conservation organisations, academic experts, tourism experts, and animal welfare groups to launch of a new education portal. Working with the likes of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the new initiative will help inform travellers about the standards of care for QDolphin swims are among the list of attractions now excluded via the new policy wild, captive, and endangered species in tourism and their interactions with Viator – TripAdvisor’s booking service – captive hunts. The new policy does have tourists, and their impact on conservation. says for several years it has prohibited travel some exemptions, such as horseback While some attractions will cease bookings where wild animals are “killed riding and children’s petting zoos, as well as booking through TripAdvisor immediately, the or injured for blood sport”. TripAdvisor has aquariums, zoos or sanctuaries where there company plans to have both the portal and already banned reviews for businesses is supervised physical animal interaction. policy changes fully-launched by early 2017. promoting attractions such as bullﬁghts or QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=c2P4M_T

Saddam Hussein’s palace becomes museum

The palace of former PHOTO: AL-JURANI/AP/PRESS NABIL ASSOCIATION IMAGES Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has been given a new purpose, with Iraq’s government turning the former stronghold into the country’s ﬁrst new QThe attraction will include top BBC IPs major museum since its occupation in 2003. BBC theme park Funded through UK charity Friends of Basra planned for China Museum and oil company donations, the former home The BBC is teaming up with real- of Hussein has now become QThe museum showcases artefacts dating back to 400 BC estate developer Luneng Group to the home of Iraq’s national develop an amusement and leisure antiquities museum. a collection of antiquities Qahtan al-Abeed, director park on the island of Wenchang The project was initially dating back to 400 BC. of Iraq’s State Board of in the South China Sea at a cost allocated $3.5m (€3.1m, The institution says Antiquities and Heritage of C¥10bn ($1.5bn, €1.34bn, £2.7m) for the development, it hopes to unveil three for Basra, said in April £1.15bn). Luneng Group will use but those funds failed to more sections as originally that the long-term plan the BBC’s Top Gear and BBC Earth materialise. Friends of Basra planned. These would is to establish a heritage IPs for the new venture, which is Museum raised the lion’s focus on the Sumer, area with hotels and expected to attract 5 million visitors share of the $750,000 Babylon and Assyria restaurants and a heritage a year when it opens in 2019. (€668,000, £577,000) periods, with projected museum. This plan will be QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=F9k8Q_T used to initially open one costs of $585,000 implemented over 20 years. hall, which is showcasing (€521,000, £450,000). QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=h9D2y_T

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 21 WATERPARKS NEWS

WhiteWater developing active attraction INDUSTRY OPINION

Investment group Sanad Every waterpark has Capital is planning a AU$400m ($302m, €271m, a story – make sure £245.6m) “active lifestyle” your staff are telling it destination in Queensland, Australia, and has recruited Aleatha Ezra WhiteWater West to develop PHOTO: SANAD / WHITEWATER its waterpark. Hundreds of Sanad – the Australian waterpark offshoot of Dubai-based professionals came investment fi rm Najibi together for the Group – is fi nancing the World Waterpark “never-before seen in Association Show, Australia” project, which held from 11-14 will feature extreme water October in New Orleans, Louisiana. facilities and an Olympic- QThe attraction offers ‘active lifestyle entertainment’ One of the memorable messages standard training centre. came from Michael Donnelly, a The development will and the fi rst slide boarding details to be released later WWA best speaker recipient and include a number of area in the region. The in the year. Los Angeles- recognised expert and consultant in records and fi rst, including mixed-use project will also based Thinkwell Group have the principle of building successful Australia’s largest wave have a four-star hotel, been named lead consultant corporate cultures. During his pool generating 9-foot conference and exhibition on the Sunshine coast keynote, Donnelly shared insights on (2.7-metre) waves; the centre, restaurants and project, which is expected the power of world-class customer world’s largest interactive retail elements. to inject AU$30m ($22m, service and how it can only be aquaplay structure, able The development is €20m, £16.5m) into the achieved when it is communicated to accommodate 2,000 expected to offi cially break local economy each year. to every member of the team and people at any one time; ground in 2017, with further QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=b3C6b_T incorporated into every touchpoint. “Every waterpark has a story. Leaders can, and should, leverage the power of their story. Why? Because your people want to know that they Eight cleared of charges for Taiwan fi restorm are a part of something larger than themselves,” said Donnelly. Taiwanese prosecutors have He also explained why it’s dropped all charges against necessary to give team members the a group of executives at tools to deliver on- brand messages the waterpark where an that share a facility’s unique story. explosion of fl ammable “Positive emotional connections coloured powder killed 15 lead to positive economic outcomes,” people and severely burned he said. “Seek emotional connections hundreds of others. with employees through sharing More than 500 people and celebrating your organisation’s were injured and 15 people IMAGES ASSOCIATION STR/AP/PRESS PHOTO: heritage, and with guests through died when the starch-based providing exceptional experiences.” powder ignited during the According to Donnelly, any Color Play Asia event at the waterpark that wants to be truly Formosa waterpark in New QHundreds were severely burned in the accident successful needs to fi nd the sweet Taipei City on 27 June 2015. spot in the centre of people, place The fl ames engulfed a large general operations and not for blowing the colour and process. If any one of these is portion of the dance area in the planning of the event. powder into the crowd. lacking, the guests will not have the almost instantaneously. In addition to Chen To date, Lu Chung-chi – kind of experience that makes them Charges against Formosa Po-ting, Formosa executives the man responsible for want to repeat it again and again. waterpark chair Chen Chen Hui-ying and Lin Yu-fen organising the waterpark And everyone in the leisure industry Po-ting – one of eight had charges dropped, as party – is the only person knows that you need guests to want people connected with the did the manager and four to have been prosecuted, to come back if you hope to continue blast – were dropped after employees of the company receiving a jail sentence of upward growth in your business. O prosecutors said he could that leased the space. four years and 10 months for not be held responsible as Among those dismissed are his role in the tragedy. Aleatha Ezra, director of park he was only in charge of two workers responsible QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=j8N3d_T member development, WWA

22 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016

THEME PARKS NEWS

Four killed at Australia’s largest theme park on river rapids ride

Four people have died following an PHOTO: DAN PELED/AAP/PA IMAGES accident on a ride at Dreamworld – Australia’s largest theme park. Police and park officials confirmed that two men and two women were killed on the Thunder River Rapids ride on 25 October, when reports indicate a malfunction of the conveyor belt system caused a raft to be flipped. During the incident, two of the people were thrown from the ride and the other two were reportedly trapped in the conveyor belt, which takes riders back to the station. Water in the station area was drained by emergency services trying to rescue the people trapped by the conveyor belt. Six people were on the ride, including two children who escaped. “Dreamworld is working closely with police and emergency services to establish the facts around the incident,” said Dreamworld chief executive Craig Davidson. “We are shocked and saddened QThe raft flipped after leaving the conveyor belt to take riders back to the ride’s station by this and our hearts go out to the families involved and their loved ones.” “Police were called to the site at The family friendly attraction, which “Police are currently investigating an Coomera around 2.20pm (GMT 4:20am) opened in 1988, includes a float down incident that occurred this afternoon at following reports that a number of people a river with artificial rapids. It can reach a theme park on the Gold Coast,” said a had been injured by a conveyor belt. Four speeds of up to 45kph (28mph). statement from Queensland Police. adults have been confirmed as deceased.” QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=P3r2u_T

Wanda hires Disney executive to run parks

As Disney and Wanda’s public war for dominance across China continues to rage on, Wanda chair Wang Jianlin has hired former Disney executive Andrew Kam to lead its charge into QThe park will now open in phases the theme park sector. Kam, who is former Dubai Parks & Resorts managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland, resigned staggers 2016 launch from his position in March earlier this year, citing Dubai Parks and Resorts has “personal reasons” for his QKam has joined Wanda to lead its theme park division undergone a rebranding, with departure after spending the multi-billion-dollar venture’s eight years in the role. Wanda’s plan to build to topple Disney as the owners also announcing plans for According to Reuters, 15 multi-billion dollar world’s largest tourism a staggered launch. Now known as well-placed sources have amusement parks in enterprise by 2020. By DXB Entertainments, the opening conﬁrmed that Kam will China before 2020 as a that time, Jianlin wants his of LEGOLAND Dubai and Riverland lead Wanda’s theme “pack of wolves” versus parks to have welcomed Dubai went ahead as scheduled on park business, fueling “one tiger” – referring to more than 200 million 31 October, with Bollywood Parks the ﬂames of a power Disney’s newly-opened people and be earning opening on 15 November, and then struggle between the two $5.5bn (€5bn, £4.5bn) annual tourism income Motiongate Dubai on 16 December. entertainment giants. Shanghai resort. in excess of $14.9bn QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=w4x2f_A Earlier this year, With its Wanda City (€13.5bn, £12.2bn). Wang Jianlin compared plan, Wanda is attempting QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=Q4T6z_T

24 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 www.zamperla.com MUSEUMS & GALLERIES NEWS

African American history museum tickets sold out until March

The new Smithsonian National Museum of PHOTO: SMITHSONIAN African American History and Culture has proved so popular that the museum has sold out tickets through March of 2017. When the museum opened its doors on 21 September, Smithsonian officials expected around 7,000 visitors per day. That number has now more than tripled, with 30,000 flocking to the institution on a daily basis. Entrance to the museum is free for visitors, but date-specific tickets are required for entry. Visitors can queue up for a “day of” pass but thanks to overwhelming online demand, these tickets are limited. “The historic significance and high visibility of the museum are attracting an unprecedented number of local, national, and international visitors,” said a museum statement. “Due to this, the museum implemented the Timed Pass system to serve QOfficials expected around 7,000 visitors per day but are actually welcoming 30,000 as many visitors as possible while maintaining a secure, safe and smooth flow of people.” The nine-story building features primary public space in the museum; and The 400,000sq ft (37,000sqm) museum, exhibition galleries, an education a reflecting pool at the south entrance. which focuses on themes of African centre, a 350-seat theatre and a The building was designed by the Freelon American history, culture and community, is café. Signature spaces are the Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup collective, with located on a five-acre site on Constitution Contemplative Court, a memorial area architect David Adjaye leading the project. Avenue next to the Washington Monument. for reflection; the Central Hall, the QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=V9w7u_T

PHOTO: MOTOWN MUSEUM Washington gallery ﬁnshes $69m renovation

The National Gallery of Art PHOTO: TWITTER.COM/@MARKALANANDRE in Washington, DC, has reopened its East Building following a three-year, $69m (€61.5m, £54.2m) renovation process. The IM Pei-designed QThe campus will transform the area building gains an additional 12,250 sq ft Motown Museum (1,140sq m) of ﬂoor space, split between two new campaign launched galleries to house the works of Alexander Calder Perkins + Will is leading development and Mark Rothko, and a QA giant blue cock now stands on the gallery’s roof for Detroit’s recently announced $50m new rooftop terrace. (€45.6m, £40.6m) Motown Museum Katharina Frithsch’s new stairway and elevator (€26.7m, £23.6m) was – a 50,000sq ft (4,650sqm) attraction giant Hahn/Cock – a giant installed to better-connect sourced through private dedicated to the music genre. blue sculpture of a cockrel the different levels of the donations including former The capital campaign will add – sits on the new terrace museum. The ﬂooring has gallery president Victoria 40,000sq ft (3,700sqm) to the after moving from London’s also been replaced. Sant and philanthropist existing 10,000sq ft (929sqm) Trafalgar Square where it The $69m (€61.5m, David Rubenstein. space. Planned improvements include resided between July 2013 £54.2m) renovation was Washington-based new interactive exhibits, a theatre, and February 2015. funded in-part by the federal architects Hartman-Cox recording studios and a bigger store. Movement through the government, which granted were in-charge of design for QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=s8c7X_T East Building has also $39m (€35m, £30.6m). the renovation work. been improved, with a The remaining $30m QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=e9a5c_T

26 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 A Global Leader in the Tourism & Leisure Design Industry

Tourism & Leisure Zones Theme Parks & Water Parks Themed Resorts & Amenities Cultural Attractions Mixed-Use Retail & Lifestyle Centers MasterPlanning Concept Design Detailed Design Attraction Design Feasibility Study Brand Design

IDEATTACK Inc. 1055 E Colorado Blvd Suite 500 Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A. Visit us at Phone 626-204-4087 IAAPA Attraction Expo [email protected] Orlando / Florida ideattack.com STAND 1054 HERITAGE NEWS

Africa mining plans for UNESCO sites ‘short sighted’: WWF

The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) has TANZANIA OF COUNCIL CHRISTIAN PHOTO: responded to reports that African nations are arguing for countries to extract oil, gas and minerals from beneath natural World Heritage sites, calling the approach “short-sighted” and a risk for “the long-term value of some of the planet’s most ecologically-rich places”. Noting locations including the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve, Frederick Kwame Kumah, director of the WWF’s Regional Office for Africa, said that more than 60 per cent of Africa’s natural World Heritage sites are threatened by oil, gas and mining. “When faced with the imperative of alleviating poverty through economic development, it is understandable that our leaders may feel a strong urge to exploit QUranium mining in Tanzania would cause significant damage to the Selous Game Reserve Africa’s resources, even if they are to be found underneath World Heritage sites or other “Once pristine places are damaged and Kumah added that with limited capacity protected areas,” he said. “But a narrow changed, sometimes irreversibly. And that’s and expertise to limit or respond to such focus on mineral resources overlooks other, to say nothing of the risks that extractives risks, governments must consider if the more sustainable options for achieving human industries pose to sensitive ecosystems, benefits match the cost for the loss of natural and economic development in some of the such as oil spills, toxic tailings from mining, heritage, for “short-term unsustainable gain.” continent’s poorest countries. pollution and contamination of water.” QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=9A4J9_T

PHOTO: ROWAN UNIVERSITY Japan designating 88 anime ‘sacred spots’

Japan’s government wants PHOTO: TOHO the nation’s popular anime and manga franchises to boost tourism in the country, with plans to designate 88 “animation spots” nation- wide in places where popular QThe site is rich in ancient fossils characters are presented. The heritage plan will Fossil park unveils identify train stations, school campuses, shrines and plans for revamp other landmarks depicted in manga or anime as “seichi” Rowan University in Glassboro, New – or “sacred spots”. QShows such as Your Name will be used to promote Japan Jersey, has announced plans to Anime and manga fans develop its fossil park into an attraction worldwide can now vote Hollywood,” said Tsugihiko a railroad crossing near comparable to the likes of the on which landmarks are Kadokawa, vice president Kamakura, Kanagawa “Smithsonian and Franklin Museum.” designated, through a of the Anime Tourism Prefecture, which is popular Following a $25m (€22.7m, website set up in several Association and the chair of with fans of anime series £20.3m) donation, the site will be languages, including publisher Kadokawa Corp, Slam Dunk, and a stairway transformed to include a museum Chinese and English. which is backing the scheme. leading to a shrine in and visitor centre, fossil lab, “It is impressive that Anime tourism has Tokyo, which has seen an nature trail, palaeontology-themed the presence of Japan’s proved popular for Japan increase in visitor numbers playground and social spaces. pop culture in the world on an unofﬁcial basis, thanks to the runaway QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=m7H6S_T has grown into something with examples of popular success of Your Name. that can be on par with destinations including QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=M6x6H_T

28 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016

ZOOS & AQUARIUMS NEWS

Hot weather delays AED150m Dubai Safari INDUSTRY OPINION

After more than a decade of Four facilities host US development, visitors hoping to explore Dubai’s new Department of State’s state-of-the-art safari park first Zoohackathon will have to wait just a little longer after the opening Jennifer Fields date was pushed back until the end of March next year. Poaching and Originally scheduled wildlife trafficking to launch at the start of are decimating January, the park will now populations of open on 31 March 2017, animals such thanks to delays caused by as elephants, an extremely hot summer, rhinoceroses, and which slowed construction tigers. The US government is working and hampered plans to QA number of animals have already arrived at the zoo with governments and members of import and home a number the public around the world to reduce of rare animals. development which first Financed by the Dubai demand of these products. According to safari park opened its doors in 1976 Municipality, the AED150m The US Department of State director Tim Husband, – with plans dating back ($40.8m, €37.1m, £33.5m) organised a Zoohackathon, which the entire park is around to 2005. During that project by design and occurred from 7-9 October at 60 per cent finished, with timeframe, the project construction firm Cape conservation centres in Sydney, 70 per cent of the drive has been scrutinised, Reed will eventually include Australia, and London, as well through section and African reworked and revised for a zoo, safari, butterfly as at four zoos accredited by the village also completed. a method of relocating park, botanical garden, Association of Zoos and Aquariums The park replaces around 1,000 animals from hotel and golf course. (AZA) in the US: San Diego Zoo in Dubai’s zoo – an outdated their existing habitats. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=V4M7p_T San Diego, California, Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington, Saint Louis Zoo in Saint Louis, Missoouri, and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, DC. Put Harambe incident ‘to rest’, says zoo director Supported by the US government’s Task Force on Combating Wildlife Cincinnati Zoo has said Trafficking and other partners, the that while interest in event gathered teams of coders, Harambe remains high, it programmers, designers, and must close the book on conservation experts in a friendly the incident in which the competition. The participants’ goal gorilla was shot and killed was to use their technological skills to protect a three-year-old to develop applications, systems, who fell into its exhibit. and tools to combat wildlife Speaking to Hamilton trafficking and other conservation County commissioners, challenges, raise public awareness Thane Maynard, the zoo’s about these issues, develop demand director said that the zoo and reduction technology, and highlight its staff are having to adapt international collaboration. to a post-Harambe world. QHarambe has become an online meme sensation At the end of the Zoohackathons, “There’s still a lot of teams presented their ideas to Harambe interest,” he said. Officials approving a tax safety of its gorilla exhibit, an expert panel of judges, who “We’ve got to put this to rest levy before it went to ballot, making the barrier 42 announced the local winners. The because our constituents said they were “satisfied” with inches high – six inches winning teams from each site are have asked us to.” the handling of the incident. taller than the previous wall now eligible to compete in a global Following the gorilla’s “You did it right,” said – also including a mesh competition, with the winner to be death, famous sportspeople commissioner Dennis fence from top to bottom to announced in November 2016. and other celebrities have Deters. “The measure of prevent small children from For more information, visit paid tribute to the gorilla, an organisation is how you crawling through. The barrier www.zoohackathon.com. which has become an deal with adversity.” had been active for 38 online sensation in the form The zoo has completed years without incident. Jennifer Fields, of an internet meme. work on increasing the QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=j5Z8j_T communications coordinator, AZA

30 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Atari founder Nolan Bushnell launches new VR company

Atari founder Nolan Bushnell has launched a new VR company which is introducing a hands-free, moveable version of the medium that can be used over large areas. The Los Angeles-based Modal VR has been co-founded by Bushnell and Modal tech developer Jason Crawford. The company touts itself at the high end of the virtual reality market, pitching its products to businesses rather than the consumer. The new technology uses standing sensors the follow and record movement. Combined with a full-body tracking suit, Modal’s technology offers a wireless platform that works in an area as large as 900,000sq ft (83,600sqm) with a latency of less than 10 milliseconds, offering near perfect visuals for multiplayer action. “We have been working to bring ambitious mixed reality content to our QThe Modal VR system is currently still in the prototype stage fans and Modal VR is well beyond the limitations we thought possible,” said compelling experience in and out of the The Modal VR tech’s advanced system Shaun Novak, senior director of production headset. Modal VR has been a great could well provide competition to market at Machinima – a company using Modal’s partner in showing the fun of VR.” leaders such as the Microsoft HoloLens technology to develop software. “The The Modal system is currently still and Oculus Rift, which are aimed wireless portability, full-body tracking in prototype stage, according to Modal, at consumers rather than business. and massive play area really allows for with Beta developers kits shipping soon. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=p6U2R_T

HoloLens gets public outing at Mars experience

Legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin was among the ﬁrst to try out Microsoft’s HoloLens technology in a visitor attraction, with a new exhibition at the Florida’s Kennedy Space Center QThe system helps solve balance issues allowing visitors to virtually explore the surface of Mars. Disney revolutionises Open until the end of the year, Destination: Mars has 3D printing with tech been developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Disney’s research lab has taken (JPL) in collaboration QBuzz Aldrin experiences the power of Microsoft’s HoloLens the 3D printing process up a notch, with HoloLens. Using the using movable embedded masses augmented reality headset, Hines, explain the work experiences like Destination: to act as counterweights, creating visitors can explore parts NASA is doing on Mars Mars will continue to solutions to complex balance issues. of Mars as observed by today. Using the HoloLens inspire us to explore.” Using a set of hollow capsules NASA’s Curiosity rover. headset, visitors can explore Microsoft made its and embedded metallic spheres, the Using JPL’s OnSight geographic features on Mars HoloLens developer kit method can change the centre, or technology, which allows and even plan future routes available for pre-order in centres, of mass within 3D models, NASA’s researchers to for the Curiosity rover. March 2016 at a price of resulting in objects that can change their participate in a shared AR “Technology like the $3,000 (€2,750, £2,150) centre of gravity depending on pose. experience, a holographic HoloLens leads us once ahead of the technology’s QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=7X4w7_A version of Aldrin and again towards exploration,” public release. Curiosity rover driver Erisa said Aldrin. “It’s my hope that QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=w9H3m_T

32 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016

INTERVIEW

LINDA CONLON

Linda Conlon, a longtime champion of science centres, talks about the issues impacting the attractions industry, including migration and workplace diversity, warning it’s time to strategise for a diff erent future

Alice Davis, managing editor, Attractions Management

Linda Conlon warns of a post-Brexit “new divide” in a recent speech

34 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 This year’s ASTC Conference was held at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa, Florida

The event featured workshops and live demos, while seminars covered diverse topics, including transgender visitors, the migrant crisis and fundraising trends

hen Attractions Management The pace of change of their mission, and by design they must caught up with Linda Conlon, tackle such topics in an impartial, evidence- CEO of the International in the world has based and educational way. But, it’s also Centre for Life (LIFE) accelerated to the time to take stock of how these changes W science centre and chair of point where it’s are affecting science attractions – in fact, the Association of Science all types of attractions – themselves. and Technology Centres (ASTC), she had becoming critical just returned from the organisation’s Tipping point annual conference in Tampa, Florida. The “The world is on the move and globalisation conference, which was attended by more these are problems that science centres brings tremendous benefi ts, but it than 1,700 delegates from 45 countries, and museums tackle on a daily basis. also brings challenges,” Conlon says, is an important opportunity for members “When I gave my speech at the ASTC reminding us that one of the principal of the science centres and museums conference, I said that the pace of change drivers behind Britain’s vote to leave the community to network, learn, exchange in the world has accelerated to the point EU was the issue of immigration. ideas and debate the issues of the day. where it’s becoming critical,” says Conlon, “Every business – not just attractions And there’s no shortage of issues to from her Newcastle offi ce. “And I would – has to reassess its model because discuss – many of them impacting (or set say that the burning topic for the sector is the audiences are going to change in a to impact) huge swathes of people and globalisation and changing audiences.” relatively short period of time,” she says. even humanity itself. Climate change, Science centres, of all the attractions “The business model of today may not be migration, war, mass inequality, water and sectors, are uniquely placed to address fi t for purpose tomorrow. We’re going to energy crises, the ageing global population; these global and local issues. It is part come to a tipping point where the majority

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 35 INTERVIEW: LINDA CONLON

It’s more than being accessible to everyone, it’s Refugee children take part about being relevant in Deutsches Museum’s Science Without Borders to everyone and programme (top left); that’s “a big ask” Explora adopts a “listen, welcome, co-create” approach to collaborating audience of today is going to be the with diverse audiences minority audience of tomorrow.” Reexamining who a business or an organisation actually serves is a huge undertaking, but a vital one. Conlon points out that if the demographics of your community are going to change radically, you need to make sure you know how to communicate with and cater for those people. Some attractions are already doing this. There are art galleries that run special programmes focused on visitors of the global youth population will be in Mexico, efforts have been made to engage who suffer from dementia – catering to an developing countries. Is it going to be with – and employ – people from Mexican, ageing audience. There are waterparks possible to integrate these young people Vietnamese and Chinese immigrant groups that offer ladies-only sessions and sell into saturated labour markets? Are those in the community, showing diversity of staff burkinis and modest swimwear – catering young people going to stay or seek work is as important as diversity of visitors. to an increasingly multicultural audience. elsewhere? What all of that means for “It seems to be a success. Visitors liked Conlon likes looking at megatrends, people in leisure, not just science centres, that there were people like them working defi ned as huge, decades-long shifts is we’re going to have to start redefi ning our there,” she says. It’s more than being in environmental, social and economic defi nition of the typical visitor. accessible to everyone, it’s about being conditions that will substantially change “Does it mean that we need to start relevant to everyone and that’s “a big ask”. the way people live and have an impact on thinking more about older people? Does everyone. The world getting older is one. it mean that our workforce is going to be Living LIFE made up of older people? And that brings But how about closer to home? Conlon, Redefi ning the visitor us back to the argument about audiences who in 2015 received an MBE for her Always ready with facts and statistics, – and workforces – being increasingly services to science, is highly regarded Conlon says that in 2012, 11 per cent of diverse because people are moving round for the success she has made of the the world’s population was over 60. By the world more than they’ve ever done.” Newcastle attraction. With a background 2050 it’s going to double to 22 per cent. There are examples of actions sciences in regional development and large-scale She says we’ve reached “peak child” – a museums are taking to address these urban regeneration projects, Conlon was term coined by statistician Hans Rosling. matters at grassroots level. In Munich, able to nurture LIFE when other so-called “There’ll never be more children in the Germany, the Deutsches Museum is “millennium projects” failed. LIFE receives world than there are today. That’s quite a responding to the refugee crisis by offering no funding but manages to be 100 per staggering thing, isn’t it? We’ve reached German lessons and workshops. At the cent fi nancially self-sustaining thanks to peak child,” she says. “Soon, 90 per cent Explora science centre in Albuquerque, New its commercial partnerships.

36 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016

INTERVIEW: LINDA CONLON

LIFE offers adults-only workshops (below) and GCSE Astronomy classes IMAGES: NORTH NEWS & PICTURES LTD & PICTURES NEWS NORTH IMAGES:

LIFE is part of a £90m ($109m, €100m) We’ve been wanting science village, which has diversifi ed to include a university medical research to do something institute, two National Health Service (NHS) of a global stature clinics, a fertility clinic that’s helped create more than 5,000 babies, biotechnology for some time businesses, a nightclub and a pub. The science centre benefi ts from increased Science Centre Day will be on 10 November visitation because of these faculties and to raise awareness of both individual amenities, which draw in 500,000 people attractions and their uniting missions. The per year. They raise money, too – about 75 news came after long talks between the per cent of LIFE’s income is from rental ASTC and UNESCO. A “Year of the Science from the pub and nightclub and leasing the Centre” was considered, but they thought a outdoor square for concerts and events. one-day celebration every 12 months would (It’s an ice rink for three months each year.) pack more punch, with UNESCO willing to “In the UK, the wave of science centres continue the initiative for years to come. Animal Inside Out is a major travelling that came into existence around the “We’ve been wanting to do something exhibition currently on show at LIFE millennium has done an incredible job in of global stature for some time. It’s about being entrepreneurial in their approach,” getting greater recognition for science Conlon says (see page 40). “They’re centres and a recognition of the role they with UNESCO’s director general Irina entrepreneurial because they have to be. play in helping to address some of the Bokova in attendance – “quite a coup,” “LIFE is unusual in that our income is really critical issues facing the world.” says Conlon – and live video links to 100 per cent earned. This was inherent in UNESCO’s Sustainable Development science centres around the world. the original concept and business model. Goals are designed to improve education Looking further forward in the diary, Newcastle is not a big city. It doesn’t have and alleviate societal inequalities, protect Conlon is involved in the triennial Science a large population and it’s not a destination the environment and the oceans and Centre World Summit, which is coming so it was absolutely critical to introduce preserve culture and heritage for future to the Miraikan science centre, Tokyo, in complementary income generators.” generations. Conlon says science centres November 2017. The super-conference is Conlon admits it’s an unusual mix of have long been addressing these issues, led by ASTC in association with Ecsite and ventures in the village, but they work in whether looking at gender equality, health ASPAC, making it a truly global occasion. synergy and attract different people. and wellbeing, clean energy, climate “It’s an opportunity for us to elevate “Every attraction works differently, change, sustainable cities or numerous ourselves from the everyday and to look at but the key is to identify and establish a other universal topics. “All of the goals as things from an international point of view, business model that is going to work for expressed through UNESCO are things that look at things strategically,” Conlon says. you, given the product that you have and science centres are already doing.” “We bring in signifi cant external speakers the environment in which you operate.” Every science centre in the world is – commentators, science communicators, invited to sign up to do something to politicians, business people – so that it’s World Science Centre Day celebrate on 10 November, with a few not simply the fi eld looking in on itself, The international science centre community hundred ASTC members set to participate. we’re getting the perspective of external recently announced the fi rst ever World There will be a high-level forum in Paris, parties as well. It’s a big event for us.”

38 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 EURO ATTRACTIONS SHOW 2017 SAVE THE DATE BERLINGERMANY

Messe Berlin Exhibition Center Berlin, Germany WHERE THE

Conference: 24–28 Sept. 2017 Expo: 26–28 Sept. 2017 BUSINESS OF

www.IAAPA.org/EAS FUN BEGINS WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Millennium Innovation

In the run-up to the millennium, £1.3bn of National Lottery money was invested in more than 200 projects. Some were controversial, a tiny number failed, but these science centres have gone from strength to strength

@Bristol

Location: Bristol Twitter: @AtBristol Cost: £96m Millennium funding: £44m Opened: July 2000

@Bristol, which recently installed the UK’s only ultra-HD 3D planetarium, attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year. IMAGE: LEE PULLEN LEE IMAGE: Live shows are popular at the hands-on science centre

Magna

Location: Rotherham Twitter: @MagnaScience Cost: £47m Millennium funding: £23m Opened: April 2001 Magna is set in a former steelworks and tells the story of the region’s steel industry. In recent years, the science centre’s ﬁnancial stability has been in question. The 4D motion ride at LIFE

The International Centre for Life (LIFE)

Location: Newcastle Twitter: @scienceatlife Cost: £67m Millennium funding: £33m Opened: May 2000 LIFE explores human biology through IMAGE: JOHN EDLER hands-on exhibits and multimedia displays. It welcomes 250,000 visitors per year.

The venue is often used for events and gigs 40 attractionsmanagement.com IMAGES: OSBORNE HOLLIS OSBORNE IMAGES:

Moon rock and rockets are on show

National Space Centre

Location: Leicester Twitter: @spacecentre Cost: £84m Millennium funding: £32m Opened: June 2001 Featuring a state-of-the-art dome theatre, this attraction uses personalities and technology to explain our understanding of space.

Winchester Science Centre

Glasgow Science Centre Location: Winchester Twitter: @WinSciCentre Location: Glasgow Cost: £11m Twitter: @gsc1 Millennium funding: £6m Cost: £71.5m Opened: March 2002 Millennium funding: £35m Previously known as INTECH, Opened: June 2001 this Hampshire science centre Glasgow Science Centre is one of the attracts 150,000 visitors a most popular paid-for attractions year, and sells 100,000 tickets in Scotland, attracting more than to its digital planetarium. 350,000 visitors annually.

Millennium fails Our Dynamic Earth Projects like the Tate Modern, the Millennium Bridge and the Eden Project have seen great success, but Location: Edinburgh a few Millennium Commission attractions did not do so well and were forced to close their doors: Twitter: @ourdynamiceartharth O The state-of-the-art £5m received £36m from the Cost: £39m National Millennium Faith Millennium Commission but Millennium funding: Experience in Bradford, which went bankrupt in 2004 Opened: July 1999 predicted 40,000 visitors OThe £14m Big Idea in Irvine, a year but drew less than Our Dynamic Earth is North Ayrshire, a museum 10,000. It closed in 2001 located behind the sitee ooff about inventions and inventors, the Scottish Parliamentt andand OThe £42m Earth Centre closed in 2003 due to lack of formed part of the £150m0m in Doncaster, a project that ﬁnances and low visitor turnout regeneration of the area.ea.

attractionsmanagement.com 41 HOLOVIS PROMOTIONAL FEATURE New technology and guest personalisation are transforming theme parks

A park-wide interconnected ecosystem, powered by Holovis’s mixed reality Extended Experience technology, enables guests to engage before, during and after their visit

ew technologies are transforming ABOUT HOLOVIS Holovis calls it the Extended Experience theme park attractions and the (EE). Based around the guest’s own guest experience. New forms of smart phone or tablet and a dedicated interactivity, real-time media and Holovis Attractions has always been at downloadable app, EE unlocks a rich, virtual and augmented reality the forefront of creating experiences. interactive park-enabled environment where N (VR/AR) are taking guests to Whether conceptualising and Holovis’s own proprietary Augmented Mixed places they have never been before. When advancing early dark ride formats, Reality technology gives the guest a variety combined with exciting, narrative-driven devising the most effective Immersive of opportunities to enhance their visit. storytelling, compelling IP and effective Tunnel experience or adding new levels “Augmented reality is aptly named – personalisation, experiences can deliver of immersion to Media Coasters, 4D it’s about transforming the ordinary into new levels of engagement and immersion. Theatres or FEC solutions, Holovis something extraordinary, making magic out At Holovis, this is all part of the Total always delivers something extra. of the mundane,” says Stuart Hetherington, Attractions offering. By adding guest Holovis has heavily invested in CEO of Holovis. “There’s something personalisation, new engagement formats, in-house media creation to achieve exhilarating about watching the real world gamiﬁcation techniques and back-end high-quality guest experiences, with a come to life through a layer of AR magic.” database connectivity, a completely particular focus on rendering content in new kind of product offering becomes real-time using advanced game-engine Expert delivery possible. No longer are attractions systems and bespoke middleware EE has been developed partly in response standalone three-minute events with long technologies. This allows each guest to changing park usage patterns and the waiting times, but they’re part of a park- to participate more effectively in the need to increase repeat visits. Parks simply wide, interconnected ecosystem, giving storytelling, giving each person a have to deliver more bangs per buck. But guests completely new ways to plan their different and personalised experience how do we deliver this most effectively? visit, more intensive engagement during depending on the decisions made “As experience designers, we need to their visit and the ability to share the during their engagement and play. effectively use the available tools and the experiences and memories afterwards. smart phone/tablet is a fantastic device to

Holovis is working on ways to extend and personalise ride experiences

42 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 “Augmented reality is aptly named – it’s about transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary, making magic out of the mundane”

Holovis created the app, Battle for Cedar Point, to gamify the park experience for guests

work with —they’re slim, powerful, with an BATTLE FOR CEDAR POINT expanding sensor array, everyone has one and most regularly upgrade,” he says. From the moment they download an app, Holovis recently delivered its Extended the environment around them with guests can start engaging with the theme Experience (EE) solution for Cedar Fair their mobile device to discover hidden park, earning points ahead of their visit through The Battle For Cedar Point. This content, complete quizzes and ride the and answering cleverly hidden questions is an AR experience accessed through attractions. They can even save captured about their interests. All of this can be a custom-designed app that gamifies video content and share with friends used to personalise the experience when the park, revealing various levels of across social media channels. Guests they arrive at the attraction. interactivity. Five key park coasters each are incentivised to reach point targets to represent a “clan” from which guests then access special merchandise that is only Game play select a favourite and engage throughout available to the winning clan. Holovis and The game play continues during the visit, the day to earn points and incentives, Cedar Fair are now working on major with more hidden AR “treasure” to find with the overall winner announced during new upgrades to the existing Cedar Point around a site, again leading to extra points the Luminosity show in the evening. installation, as well as rolling out the and incentives which could mean queue Points are earned by guests scanning product to multiple parks in 2017. jumps or the ability to trigger something magical nearby, such as a water explosion from a cannon overlooking the queue line in the game. It’s another layer of showing friends, sharing on social media by pressing the virtual button that appears. entertainment, turning a passive activity and wanting to collect them all. “Once users are in the attraction space, into a participative experience. It can “The next step for Extended Experiences the app draws upon a variety of sensors also benefit the whole park ecosystem by is to synch them with the content people to blend the physical and virtual worlds, driving footfall to all areas.” are experiencing during media- and motion- using the phone’s camera to recognise key Brand merchandise can be given based dark rides. Combine with real-time elements in the park and overlay digital a whole new lease of life, with AR media, and when a group of guests ride an media to create epic videos for sharing on characters jumping from T-shirts or attraction, the content can be personalised social media,” says Hetherington. specially created pin badges and to them based on demographics, interests “This is an excellent way of eliminating merchandise. This encourages people to or even skill level. With other innovations to queue boredom, as people are engrossed keep using the app outside of the park, come, the future of EE is very exciting.” O

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 43 ASK AN EXPERT How can sound be used to create incredible immersive experiences?

Sound and music can make or break an attraction, so how do we make sure guests reach maximum aural pleasure? We asked a panel of experts

Visitors enter the immersive world of Woodstock at the V&A’s new exhibition, You Say You Want a Revolution?

ound has just as much inﬂuence rise of 3D sound, a binaural technique Here, Sennheiser used sounds from IMAGE: VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM on the way we interpret and feel that creates a sound environment that’s Woodstock festival in 1969 to create an the world around us as the things like the real world. Binaural sound needs authentic, historical experience (page 48). we see and touch. Some argue to be fed through headphones and – like But operators don’t have to invest in it’s an even more visceral sense, VR – can be considered too isolating for top-end equipment to create an immersive S yet sound designers are too often most attractions. However, with clever soundscape for their attraction, ride the unsung heroes of a winning exhibition sound design and cutting-edge sound or exhibit. Planning how and when to or theme park experience. systems, ultra-realistic sound is being use sound, building in suspense and As audiovisual technology continues used in projects like You Say You Want considering how to make the most of to advance, guests are able to be more a Revolution? – Records and Rebels the available technology are all vital deeply immersed in experiences than ever 1966-1970, which is currently showing at ingredients that can make a real, before. With the rise of VR has come the London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. emotional difference on any scale.

44 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 I visually map out where the moments of emotion, tension and drama should occur

DAN SAVAGE images, there will be moments Dan Savage uses soundscapes to enhance visitors’ emotional experience Founder where the two can combine Dan Savage Design & Sound with impact. Some of the tricks employed in the cinema can is the on-site mix. You could entering the Olympic stadium. To create a cutting-edge aural be used in attractions, but in a have the best sound system There were surprises around experience in an attraction, more three-dimensional way; for in the world, but if you don’t every corner. Musical refrains I visually map out the sound example, physically moving the sit in the space and “design” came in and out of focus and experience on paper first and sound around the space and the sound to work in it, you will each scene enveloped visitors pinpoint where the moments using ultra-low-frequency sound, never get the best results. in sound at different intensities. of surprise, emotion, tension which is not necessarily heard, In summer 2016, with In some places the rhythm and break, peaks and troughs but can unsettle people. Centrescreen Productions, I would play a key role: the sound and drama should occur. All of A suitable sound system is designed my most immersive of running steps formed part this is invisible to the visitor, essential, but it doesn’t have piece of work yet: a 30-minute of the rhythm track; using sub- but they will feel it – if only to be technically complex or walk-through experience at the bass and volume swells to hit subconsciously. My aim is prohibitively expensive to be Rio Olympics, which followed hard at certain points. always to create something a success, it just has to be the journey of an athlete. At In the last scene, I created that the visitor will recall later: deployed in the right way. As a certain points, you heard the a natural high by resolving an earworm melody, a mood, a 3D designer, I’m always thinking narrator talking directly to you the musical refrains heard surprise or reveal. Sometimes, about sound in 3D – where it and at others you’d be visually throughout and combining them silence is as powerful as noise. should be and how it could be and aurally submerged in water, with the final uplifting speech. If I’m making sound to used to maximum effect. One of standing in a field of corn The whole experience was an synchronise with moving the most important processes or experiencing the rush of emotional rollercoaster.

Sound is the glue that holds an attraction together. You can’t have a great attraction with a mediocre soundtrack

JOEL BECKERMAN White space, or perceived of time, thinking about guests Founder silence, is more important and employees. We explore, Man Made Music as attractions become more experiment, add and subtract. complex. We simply need a One trend we’re seeing is that The most important elements break from the action. The trick less is more. The more realistic are immersion, contrast, isn’t to try to create “silence” and exciting experiences are surprise and white space. but create ambiences that not made up of highly layered Immersive sound, where mask sound. These ambiences sound, but soundtracks that the sound and music pulls can be quite specific in terms are more sparse and carefully audiences “in”, is vital. If we of their emotional takeaway. crafted, where every single constant pushing sound “out” They can make you feel a sound element is perfectly at people, it can get wearing. sense of calm, anticipation, refined, but still very rich. Contrast is key to creating magic, wide open space. It’s an Sound and music are the a soundtrack story. Surprise incredibly powerful tool. where it can’t. We’re looking at glue that holds an attraction after surprise raises the heart When we start a project, where sound can complete the together, tying every stage of rate, but there are no effective the first thing we want to picture, and thinking about what the experience together to surprises without contrast. It’s understand is what audiences sound exactly that might be. complete the illusion. The vast like a horror movie soundtrack, should feel at every moment. A tremendous amount of majority of the time when an where the set-up before the Thinking equally about the work is done iteratively attraction is not all that it could scare is everything. It’s tricking foreground, mid-ground and through trial and error. We set be, it has something to do the mind into thinking it knows background sound, we find up a 20 channel sound system with the soundtrack. You can’t what’s coming next and then opportunities where sound can in our facility and we’ll run the have a great attraction with a breaking that expectation. make a big difference – and soundtrack for long periods mediocre soundtrack.

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 45 ASK AN EXPERT

BRIAN EIMER One of the most significant technical President challenges is the on-site mix. It’s the only Images in Sound

To create a thrilling aural way to maximise the audience experience experience, there are some key points to remember: keep ceiling, the side and rear walls, design for Kiki and Kaka’s Big the sound design as “clean” adding additional speakers in Adventure, a 5D attraction with as possible; move as many headrests and “butt kickers” motion seats for 1,000 guests elements as you can; wrap the under seats. Depending on at a time. The soundtrack’s audience in sound; and use all the screen size, there can also audio channel configuration the speaker channels you’ve be upper and lower rows of was 27.1. The task was been given in the venue. speakers behind the screen. to maximise the speaker As venues get larger, allowing One of the most significant configuration to create the more guests to experience the technical challenges is doing most immersive sound design attraction at the same time, the the on-site mix. It’s the only possible. I did this by creating challenge is how to maintain way to maximise the audience “zones”, designing elements this thrilling aural experience experience. To do the on-site specific to those zones, then for audiences. Attractions are mix, we need to interface with having other elements move adding more speaker channels the on-site technology. The large speaker configurations, is through all the zones. to their configurations, filling the easiest way to do this, for these through the use of MADI. This At Guangzhou Chimelong’s allows for up to 128 channels Alien Attack, the system was Eimer designed the sound for Alien Attack at Guangzhou Chimelong through a single light pipe. 27.2. This venue had two There are other technologies, 3D screens on either side but MADI is the most efficient. of a tram. The design of I tap into the audio chain at the the soundtrack had unique top of the signal flow, to see elements for each screen, how the audio is effected all but then I needed to move the way from player to speaker. elements from one side of the In China, at Chimelong’s tram to the other to create a Ocean Kingdom, I did the sound fully immersive environment.

The new generation of audioguides automatically streams soundtracks depending on a visitor’s location

PETER KEY sound experience in open synchronised sound effects Sound consultant gallery spaces where many and one can create a truly and producer sound sources may be playing immersive audio experience. simultaneously is to ensure Binaural sound can create Peter Key Sound Design narrative is clearly heard and a powerfully immersive aural To create a pleasing aural interaction between adjacent personal space. Unfortunately, experience, visitor attractions sounds is kept to a minimum. this does not work well need to engage the services That’s easily said but a over loudspeakers so, in its of a sound professional challenge to achieve! present form, it can only be early in the design process. When it comes to the latest a one-to-one experience. 3D This ensures the correct trends in sound in attractions, sound over loudspeakers can equipment is speciﬁed and I particular like the new provide inspiring spacious capable of reproducing the generation of audioguides soundscapes, but again can required effects, loudspeakers where visitors are given ensures critical sounds such only be experienced as the are successfully integrated specialised “headphones” as speech and music are producer intended by small into the exhibition design containing small speakers heard with clarity and audio numbers of listeners seated in and the acoustic properties positioned over the ears, spill issues are eliminated. the “sweet spot”. of the space are recognised but without touching the As visitors can still hear In my experience, a fully and tamed to prevent that ears, to automatically everything around them, they immersive experience uses unwanted ‘bathroom’ effect. stream soundtracks to them don’t feel isolated from their a variety of audio techniques One of the most important depending on their location in surroundings or companions. depending on the situation elements of a successful the attraction. This technique Add loudspeakers playing and visitor effect required.

46 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 FROM AUDIO-VISUAL SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND EFFECTS TECHNOLOGY TO 4D THEATER SOLUTIONS - WE ARE YOUR AV SPECIALIST FOR HIGH-QUALITY MEDIA-BASED ATTRACTIONS.

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CURIOUS WHAT‘S NEXT? VISIT US AT BOOTH 1075! ASK AN EXPERT

You Say You Want a Revolution? explores the music and the political issues of the late 1960s

UWE CREMERING AMBEO 3D Audio co-lead Sennheiser Effects were added to For a visitor attraction or museum to have the greatest restore the ‘live’ feeling impact on their visitors, it is of paramount importance to – to make visitors feel fully immerse them into the experience. Perhaps more than like they’re in the any other, hearing is the sense Woodstock audience that makes this possible with the greatest of ease. Whether you want to create As the exhibition’s audio add effects that would restore complete soundscapes or use partner, Sennheiser enabled the the “live” feeling – to make ABOUT music to subtly evoke a certain creation of this experience with visitors feel as though they’re Sennheiser supports the atmosphere, 3D audio is able a 14.1 AMBEO installation. in the Woodstock audience. sound experience for the to transport visitors to other For this, high-quality stereo In the exhibition, the AMBEO V&A’s You Say You Want realms. Sennheiser’s AMBEO audio files (24 bit, 192 kHz) 3D sound is played back a Revolution? exhibition, 3D audio program has been of the original analogue via 14 Neumann KH 420 where AMBEO 3D audio used in several high-profile Woodstock filmtapes were loudspeakers for an increased technology helps to exhibitions and forms the sonic converted to 3D using an impact, with the LFE being immerse visitors in the heart of the Victoria & Albert AMBEO upmix algorithm – played back by four KH 870 music and ambience of Museum’s new show, You the very same algorithm that subwoofers. As is usual for the time. The 3D sound Say You Want a Revolution? was also used for producing such high-quality installations, installations evoke the – Records and Rebels 1966- the 3D audio installations for the subwoofers reproduce political issues and anti- 1970. You can hear it in action a previous V&A exhibition, all bass frequencies below establishment protests of in the Woodstock area, where David Bowie is. As the original 80 Hz, so that the 14 KH 420 the late 1960s and the the curators have expertly and Woodstock tapes had only little can ensure the highest Woodstock festival using lovingly recreated the sound atmosphere, careful attention reproduction quality for the authentic audio material. and feel of the original concert. was paid in post-production to mids and the treble.

48 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 D J WILLRICH LTD TECHNOLOGY BEHIND YOUR STORY

CONSULTANCY AV SYSTEM DESIGN SHOW CONTROL DESIGN LIGHTING DESIGN INTERACTIVES SUPPLY & INSTALLATION SERVICE & SUPPORT

+44 (0)1590 612603 [email protected] www.djwillrich.com

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 49 IDEATTACK PROMOTIONAL FEATURE FROM SHANDONG Concept for the Lost World zone at Jinan Adventure TO HAINAN Theme Park Destination park designer IDEATTACK has built a reputation creating story-led, cultural themed experiences in China. We look at three projects, in Shandong, Hainan and Ningxia

JINAN ADVENTURE THEME PARK

LOCATION: Jinan City, Shandong Province, China

BUDGET: $135m

AREA: 100 acres (40 hectares)

CLIENT: China Resources DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: Jinan Adventure Theme Park is where features four original thematic lands, the magic of storytelling happens each representing a storytelling genre: everyday. Stories are constantly created Lost World – adventure stories of lost by a unique device in the centre of the civilisations, exotic animals and wild park, the Storymaking Machine. This jungles; Fairytale Valley - fairytale peculiar machine works around the clock stories about magic kingdoms and their producing stories that guests can enjoy inhabitants; Cosmic City - science-ﬁ ction through immersive environments and stories about space adventures and exciting rides and attractions. The park, distant planets; Frozen Kingdom – mystic which is scheduled to open in July 2017, snow-covered mountains and icy worlds.

Main Street at Jinan Adventure Theme Park, masterplanned and designed by IDEATTACK

50 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 SEAWORLD ADVENTURE PARK

LOCATION: an artiﬁ cial archipelago off the north coast of Hainan Province, China

BUDGET: $240m

AREA: 32 acres (13 hectares) Pore cust, ipissi blacest, sectas et CLIENT: Evergrande Group quis es aut mo vellabo. Nemquis DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: quoditatusDucilign istrum harit, suntiam essi am fuga. Ut eaqui SeaWorld Adventure Park is conceived Each zone features a diverse and as highly immersive, entertaining and original set of attractions, ranging experiential destination, not as typical from animal enclosures with animal exhibit-based ocean park. The interactive information displays, project features four distinct zones: virtual animal displays, live Boardwalk zone, Polar World zone, animal show stadiums, motion- Deep Sea Fantasy zone and Tropical based rides with multimedia technology, World zone, combining high-end themed interactive science pavilions, aquariums, environments with rides, a lifestyle centre special effects shows, edutainment IDEATTACK introduces the storytelling with original dining and retail offering, a halls, to numerous smaller attractions elements of a theme park to the vacation leisure park and an educational, enriching the visitor experience including oceanarium concept at SeaWorld interactive animal exhibit complex. event areas for weddings and parties. Adventure Park in Hainan, China

EONTIME WORLD

LOCATION: Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China

BUDGET: $100m

AREA/SIZE: 50,000sqm (540,000sq ft)

CLIENT: Eontime DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: The theme of the Eontime World, an indoor Yinchuan, an ultimate theme park that’s part of larger mixed- fantasy place and use development, draws inspiration from dreamlike twist on the A rendering illustrates Eontime World indoor theme park the cultural and natural background of setting of Yinchuan its location. The inspiration comes from City. Eontime World is the notion that water brought life to the a fantasy dream world consisting of three represents a romanticised city which is desert and as a result, a beautiful, glowing realms. Once visitors pass through the themed on the Silk Road, Xi Xia Kingdom “Oasis City” appeared in the area. The exterior entrance to the building, they ﬁ nd and local legends, and myths. The park is project is envisioned as the main family themselves in front of the guarded Magic divided into three zones: City and Palace, entertainment destination in the city of Gate. The world behind the Magic Gate Oasis and Water, Desert and Sky.

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 51 PROFILE PAMELA LANDWIRTH This year, Florida’s best-loved charitable resort turns 30 and welcomes its 150,000th family. Its president and CEO talks about the legacy of Henri Landwirth and her ongoing work with Give Kids The World Village

Alice Davis, managing editor, Attractions Management

Can you describe Give Kids The by Vekoma in 1994, a train ride and a the Candy Land game. Everything is World (GKTW) Village? beautiful wheelchair-accessible playground. childlike, such as the Ice Cream Palace, We have a 79-acre (32-hectare) ‘storybook A new addition is our magic bike ride, which looks like a huge banana split, the resort’ in Kissimmee, Florida, especially Lori’s Magical Flight, which was donated Gingerbread House where families dine made for children with life-threatening last November by Zamperla. The ride is at breakfast and dinner and the dinosaur- illnesses. Wish-granting organisations wheelchair accessible and it’s amazing to themed miniature golf course. arrange for the children to come here while see a child go on a ride for the ﬁrst time. they visit Florida’s many attractions. The entire Village is wheelchair How many visitors do you normally have? There are 144 two-bedroom villas, where accessible, even the resort area pool, About 80 per cent of the year, we have to the child and their family stay for a week. which has a a zero-entry pool where kids in locate families off property because we’re We’re building 24 additional villas because wheelchairs can go right into the water. full. Those families can still come and enjoy visitor numbers keep growing. all the activities, but it’s our goal to get as We’ve got a number of attractions, In terms of theming, what is it like? many families staying on-site as we possibly such as a carousel, which was donated It’s very whimsical, like it’s right out of can. We host about 8,000 families per year.

What’s the process for families who want to visit? GKTW is for children between the ages of three and 18 who have a life-threatening illness. After a diagnosis, a child life specialist or social worker sometimes sits down with the family to talk about the things that are going to happen next. One of the things the families learn is that they’re eligible for a wish. They’ll be given a list of wish-granting organisations that they can call when they’re ready to have their wish. The organisation will send someone out to meet the child and discuss what they would like. About 50 per cent of children wish to come to Central Florida and experience the magic it has to offer. It’s pretty impressive – and shows what an amazing industry it is.

What do families get to do? Families get to go to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida and the local attractions like Gatorland completely free. Thanks to the IAAPA World Passport for Kids, families can visit any participating member park in the world for 12 months after their stay with us. With around 200 participating parks, it extends the wish. CEO Pamela Landwirth is pictured with ‘Princess Do you provide special medical facilities? Alyssa’, an alumni wish child Our whole mission is to take children away from the environment they’re

52 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 GKTW Village has a number of rides on-site, with a carousel donated by Vekoma and a wheelchair accessible ride donated by Antonio Zamperla

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 53 PROFILE IMAGE: BRIAN PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY

A number of fundraising activities take place at the IAAPA Expo, including a popular fun run and a golf tournamant

accustomed to, so we don’t want to How do you go about fundraising? We’re able to do what we do because of have anything that will remind them of We raise about $17m (£14m, €15m) every all of the donations, but also because we doctors’ offi ces. We’ve got a wonderful year to operate the Village. Then there’s rely heavily on volunteers. We fi ll roughly relationship with the local hospitals, in an additional $24m (£20m, €22m) in time, 1,500 volunteer shifts every week. case there’s any need for the child to tickets and those other things, so it’s pretty have any treatments that need to be pre- expensive and takes a lot of fundraising. Who are the volunteers? scheduled while they’re there, or in case We’re very proud of the fact that our It could be people from the local area of emergency. However, if the child needs costs are under 7 per cent, so 93.3 or college kids who come down on their any specifi c medical equipment, we’ll have cents of every dollar spent goes directly breaks. We have a lot of senior citizens, that waiting for them in the room. to the mission. We’re considered one of visiting volunteer groups and youth groups. When people see a child who’s very the best charities in the world because We get volunteers from around the world. ill, they tend to stare or ask awkward of our transparency and our fi nancial We have approximately 170 full and part- questions – out of curiosity, compassion, accountability. You’re considered good with time staff, but 1,500 volunteers a week, concern or whatever – but at the Village costs of 25 to 30 per cent, so to be under so it’s predominantly volunteer-driven. nobody stares. Even if a child doesn’t 7 per cent is pretty impressive. show the outward manifestations of IAAPA is a wonderful partner of ours, Are there any specifi c risks or challenges illness, these kids are so used to being in and we raise money especially around involved in running a resort like this? hospital, seeing other children with, maybe, the IAAPA Expo in Orlando. We have a golf There are some things that are unique. bald heads or in wheelchairs, so they tournament, a fun run and a motorcycle Most non-profi ts don’t have a facility like feel normal for a while again. Just feeling ride, and a lot of different activities to raise normal is just a great feeling for a family money throughout the trade show. IAAPA that’s going through so many struggles. just opened their hearts up to us.

HENRI got a job running a hotel died while waiting several in Florida. His career as months for a place to stay LANDWIRTH a hotelier progressed to be available. Landwirth steadily and Landwirth was so moved by the story, Henri Landwirth was born began to host terminally he founded Give Kids in Antwerp, Belgium, in ill children who were The World, calling on his 1927. He spent his teenage visiting Florida’s theme contacts in the hospitality years in Nazi concentration parks with wish-granting industry to help him host camps, including Auschwitz. organisations. They stayed the children. By 1989, Both his parents died in his properties for free, he had opened an entire during WWII, but Landwirth with their families. 31-acre resort where wish- was eventually reunited Landwirth noticed, granted guests could stay. with his twin sister Margot, though, that there were Thirty years later, Give and they headed to the few rooms for the families Kids The World Village US with just a few dollars to stay in and they often covers many acres and has Henri Landwirth, a Holocaust survivor, between them. had to wait a long time for 144 villas, as well as its used his experience as a Florida Landwirth studied hotel their trip to be possible. own selection of rides and hotelier to build a resort to help management and in 1954 In 1986, a girl called Amy water attractions. terminally ill children get their wish

54 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 The Ice Cream Palace at the Village is a favourite with kids, who can order a sundae at any time of the day

we do, where we are welcoming families from all over the world and they’re living with us 24/7. The other challenge is that so many of our families do have children who are in wheelchairs or have very speciﬁc special needs or who are just very fragile, so we have to be very careful. The theme park industry wants to provide the perfect guest experience so families will keep coming back. But for us, we try to provide the perfect guest experience because our families can’t come back – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Do you look to the industry for ideas about your own operations? I had a wonderful career at Disney before GKTW, and I learned many things that I was able to bring over. Safety is the number one priority at the Village, as it is in the whole industry, so our rides are inspected to the same standards and as IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL IF THERE WAS A often as any theme park. WISH-GRANTING PARTNER IN EVERY COUNTRY, The training process is critical for our volunteers, who all have to go through BUT RIGHT NOW THAT’S NOT THE CASE strict background checks. We have new volunteers coming in and operating those attractions every day, where in the to. Volunteers learn how to get down to countries and we would get them from corporate world you’d have the same the child’s level to communicate with many more countries if there were wish- employees operating them, so we have to them, they learn what’s appropriate and granting organisations. We just recently do training on a daily basis. inappropriate behaviour, what language to welcomed our very ﬁrst Portuguese family When the volunteers arrive, they have use, those sorts of things. and that’s because there was not a wish- to go through an orientation about the Since we’re getting families from all granting organisation in Portugal before. It Village and how to approach the children, over the world, there are also cultural would be wonderful if there was a wish- because the circumstances are very differences too, so in a very short time we granting partner in every country, but right different. We want to interact with the have to make our volunteers aware of all now that’s not the case. families and make them feel welcome, but the different challenges they may face. This experience is really meant for the we also have to be respectful of the fact whole family. Some of these families that you can’t just pick a child up and hug Did GKTW start as a US-based vision? are falling apart because the siblings them, because maybe they’ve had surgery We started getting international families get forgotten, often shuttled off to or maybe they have a port, for example. right from the beginning because we are grandparents or babysitters while the At the Village, you don’t ask what’s wrong partnered with all the different wish- attention is focused on the wish child. with a child. You don’t ask questions, granting organisations. Today we have They don’t get the big Christmas, the but let the family talk to you if they want families from all over the US and 76 vacations, and so this is an opportunity

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 55 PROFILE

Landwirth, who will soon welcome the Village’s 150,000th family, says kids get to feel normal during their stay

to re-connect the family. We hear over and over from families that they can just enjoy being there. They don’t have to worry about doctor appointments, their next meal or the mortgage. They can just relax.

You must all be very proud of Henri’s legacy? He has such an incredible story. He has not been as active with GKTW over the Every wish child receives past 10 or 15 years and he’s 89 now, but a gold star to personalise he’s still an inspiration. and place on the ceilings When you think about somebody who in the Castle of Miracles went through what he went through as a child, you can see that he understands what it’s like to lose your childhood. He HENRI MADE IT THROUGH SUCH A HORRIFIC was in concentration camps from the age of 13 to 18. Many people come out of that CHILDHOOD, HE FELT THERE MUST BE SOMETHING situation feeling really bitter about the THAT HE NEEDED TO DO TO GIVE BACK. AND world, and rightfully so, I mean, I can’t even imagine the horrors of going through what THAT’S BEEN HIS MISSION, TO GIVE BACK he went through, or feeling like he was spared for some reason, and I think that’s what his thought has always been. put it into perspective, though, roughly about this little four-year-old girl, who visited He made it through such a horriﬁc 27,000 children are diagnosed with a the Village. On her return home, a pastor childhood, he felt there must be something life threatening illness every year in the sat with the child and asked whether she that he needed to do to give back. And US alone. So worldwide, that number is had any questions about Heaven. that’s been his mission, to give back. staggering. If half of all children wish to ‘I’ve already been there,’ she said. I think Henri was especially involved come to visit the theme parks in Central He replied: ‘You’ve been to Heaven?’ in children’s charities because he didn’t Florida, we should be doing a lot more ‘Yes, my whole family and I were there in have his own childhood. It’s his way of wishes than we currently are. Heaven,’ the little girl said. making sure that other children will have It’s a matter of awareness of GKTW and ‘You and your family went to Heaven?’ a childhood. Some of the kids who visit of having more wish-granting organisations. the pastor asked again, confused. us may not live past childhood – and they ‘Yes, it’s in Florida. And, do you want to don’t have a normal childhood because It must make a huge difference to know a secret about Heaven? They let you they’re in hospitals and unable to do those kids who do get to go. have ice cream for breakfast.’ things that normal kids do. The children have such an amazing time. I And so it was in her mind, Give Kids mentioned the Ice Cream Palace. We serve The World is like Heaven on Earth. That How many families have visited ice cream from 7.30 in the morning to 9.30 gives the parents such a a feeling of since the Village opened? at night, so the kids can have ice cream peace, that their child isn’t afraid of what We’re close to 150,000 families in 30 sundaes or banana splits for breakfast. I lies ahead. I get goose bumps every time years, which is pretty amazing. When you just learned this story a few weeks ago, I even think about that little girl. O

56 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 Product Manager – Waves Location: Richmond, BC Reports to: Chief Operating Ofﬁcer

The Product Manager is responsible for the product planning and execution CLICK TO PLAY VIDEO throughout the product lifecycle, including gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements, defining the for a given product, products or family your cover letter and resume in your product vision, and working closely of products, in this case, Waves. application with “Product Manager - with engineering, product development, Waves” in the subject line of your email manufacturing, sales, marketing and Experience and Qualifications: to [email protected] project services to ensure revenue and 8 Electrical or Mechanical Engineering As a part of ensuring a safe and secure customer satisfaction goals are met. The degree with Product Management place to work, successful candidates Product Manager’s job also includes experience may (role dependent) have to complete ensuring that the product supports the a pre-employment drug & alcohol test Company’s overall strategy and goals. 8 5+ years’ experience in a product management role and/or background check (references, credit, identity check and criminal). Throughout all the stages of the 8 Professional business acumen Only candidates who are eligible to product lifecycle, the Product Manager 8 Experience in, or knowledge of the represents the needs of the end- waterpark business is mandatory accept employment in Canada users, evaluates market trends and WITHOUT sponsorship will be considered. competition, and uses this information To Apply: to determine what features to include. Applications will continue to be No agencies please. Thank you The Product Manager is the team leader accepted until position is filled. Include for your interest in this position!

For more information about this role and to apply please visit: http://lei.sr?a=s2s1L

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 57 SIMWORX PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

QSimworx and Thorpe Park worked alongside illusionist Derren Brown Real and virtual worlds collide in Derren Brown’s Ghost Train

Simworx plays a central role in bringing the groundbreaking multi-sensory attraction to fruition

erren Brown’s Ghost Train – one Park owner Merlin Entertainments with 58 HTC Vive headsets, an array of of the most hotly-anticipated approached Simworx to oversee the special effects and a vibrating floor. In the attractions in UK theme park provision of the ride systems and various pre-ride area of the attraction, Simworx Dhistory – opened this summer, ride elements. Simworx combined VR and supplied effects like smoke, sound, AV with Simworx working closely with Merlin AR technology, grand illusion and live action projection, and a groundbreaking motion Magic Makers to make the illusionist’s with motion simulation and advanced base capable of a 35-ton lift. mind-bending vision a (virtual) reality. dark ride vehicles, central to which is a “This is a very different attraction to The groundbreaking addition to Thorpe anything people will have experienced Park, near London, is touted as a ghost before and is truly a Ghost Train for the train reinvented for the 21st century, with “This was probably 21st century,” says Simworx managing Brown himself claiming the multi-million- director Terry Monkton. “This was probably pound ride would “rewrite the rules of what our most challenging our most challenging project to date, a theme park attraction can deliver”. with many bespoke elements designed “I firmly believe that this kind of multi- project to date” and created specifically for this unique sensory, mind-blowing attraction represents attraction. The technology involved a glimpse of what the future holds for has taken this form of entertainment theme parks the world over,” says Brown. 20-metre (66-foot) Victorian train carriage – to a completely new level and we are Simworx played an integral role in the seemingly suspended in mid-air. absolutely thrilled with the end result.” design, manufacture and installation of the Simworx worked with Severn Lamb, The theming throughout the ghost complex 13-minute experience, which plays Figment and HTC on the project, delivering train is modelled on a real Victorian train with guests’ perceptions, pushing them to three 58-seat motion-based passenger depot near Willesden Junction, with every their psychological limits. The ride is Thorpe train carriages and 110 metres (360 feet) stylistic and architectural detail recreated Park’s largest single investment to date. of train track. Each train carriage is fitted by the Merlin Magic Making team.

58 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 QThe ride building is modelled on a disused Underground station

QThe VR content can differ for each person on the ride SIMWORX PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Blackstorm Bay joins Dino Island in Simworx turnkey offerings QThe order includes 360º cinemas Ever-popular pirates, a readymade fun-time solution for operators Simworx to deliver 30 attractions to Chinese partner

Simworx has secured a major contract to supply three attractions each to 10 venues worldwide, with the ﬁrst two in China in the next two years. Each location is being equipped with a 360° 4D cinema with seats in a circular conﬁguration inside the panoramic screen and a new-generation simulator themed as an explorer’s vehicle with LED screens for windows. Each venue will also take delivery of a VR motion simulator experience. Each rider in the 12-seat 3DOF simulator will have a VR headset. QThe Curse of Blackstorm Bay is an exciting pirate-themed Immersive Tunnel experience

Simworx and Dutch design and theming specialist Jora Vision have created a brand new pirate concept for the ever popular Immersive Tunnel experience. The Curse of Blackstorm Bay QFurther advances in the signature ride is an original storyline that immerses guests RCX robotic attractions from the pre-show and queue line areas through continue evolution to the main show. The full turnkey attraction Simworx has been working on the features a dark ride QSimworx has had success with its Dino Island IP development of its RoboCoaster RCX scene with projections product portfolio. Based on the new and physical theming as “We believe Curse of Blackstorm three-axis robot motion base for a part of the show, while smooth dynamic ride, the RCX attractions the ride vehicle is not the Bay will be a popular addition will be available in various conﬁgurations usual train or tram, but and with on-board or off-board dome a pirate galleon. Water for theme parks worldwide” screens, incorporating a projected AV surrounds the galleon to media system, audio solution and guest simulate a journey on the themed Immersive A jeep-style simulator management load station. The RCX sea. The ride comes in Tunnel was installed in takes visitors into the line supports the best media-based 30 or 60 seat versions. 2015 on the Malaysian show area, where the simulation attractions currently available. The Curse of Blackstorm island of Langkawi, a experience includes 3DOF A demonstration track should be ready Bay follows the success 30-seater version of motion with platform for clients early next year at the Simworx of Simworx’s in-house Simworx’s tracked tram drops and immersive 3D premises in Kingswinford, UK. Dinosaur Island concept. ride accompanied by an projection to the front and An example of the dino- original dino ride ﬁlm. two sides of the car.

60 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 QDragon Age has been reinvented as a quarter dome four- seat RoboCoaster ride

Game changer: Video games come to life in Dubai’s immersive entertainment park

Simworx installs three high-throughput attractions at Meeras’ Hub Zero in City Walk

The computer games Asura’s Wrath, Final Fantasy and Dragon Age have been reinvented as immersive rides by Simworx for a brand new state-of-the-art indoor entertainment destination in Dubai. Hub Zero, which is located in the Meeras-owned City Walk retail complex, is the ﬁ rst gaming theme park in the Middle East, boasting eight global games IPs and the latest in attractions technology. Final Fantasy, an IP from Square Enix, is the basis for a 30-seat futuristic Immersive Tunnel, while Sony’s Dragon Age can be experienced as a quarter dome four-seat RoboCoaster ride. Meanwhile, Simworx also installed a 50 1DOF-seat 4D cinema based on Asura’s Wrath from Capcom. The Japanese video game is more exciting than ever when experienced with leg ticklers, air blasts, water sprays, QDragon Age attraction at Hub Zero wind and special effects lighting. in City Walk, Dubai (above); Simworx Other experiences at Hub Zero are based created an Immersive Tunnel inspired on Electronic Arts’ Battleﬁ eld, Resident Evil by characters from Final Fantasy (left) from Capcom, Gears of War from Microsoft and PopCap’s Plants vs Zombies. There is also an exclusive VR shooting game, Time “Hub Zero is a gamers’ Zombies, built for Meeras by VRStudios. And in addition to Hub Zero, Simworx paradise, bringing another has also completed a Thomas and immersive dimension to these Friends-themed 4D cinema at the nearby Mattel Play! Town, also in City Walk. hugely popular games”

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 61 SHOW REPORT WALKING THE TIGHTROPE Risk-taking was the big theme at this year’s SATE Conference. Christine Kerr ﬁled this report

he Themed Entertainment And they challenged the group to embrace Association’s (TEA) annual risk and move outside their comfort zone storytelling and experience in order to achieve even more. conference hit the bright lights of New York City and Broadway, New RISKS VS REWARDS T York, in October. The speakers were consistently excellent. Taking SATE 2016 to New York was a Some stood out for the contrast they change of pace for the TEA, shifting from represented, the newness and boldness of successful partnerships with educational their work and indeed the risks they took. institutions over the past three years to a Manon Slome shared the story of her location in the heart of Manhattan’s thea- non-profit initiative, No Longer Empty, tre district. The vibrant setting enhanced which makes transitional use of public the pace and dynamic of the conference. Christine Kerr is vice president at BaAM spaces to make contemporary art In many ways, a tightrope walk aptly Productions and a former president of accessible to underserved communities. represents the project development the TEA. For more information about The installations go beyond being simply journey – preparing oneself to traverse an the SATE conference and the Themed “pop-ups” because they are connected to unknown void. This void represents risk, Entertainment Association, visit the people who live and work in the area, which is dependant on many factors. The www.teaconnect.org along with the artists who work there. risk is mitigated by factors like whether The installations make transitional use the right safety net(s) are in place (such of generally abandoned public spaces as a good team, a realistic schedule and of historic or architectural significance. budget) and the team’s response to the While the art is the hub of the experience, inevitable challenges along the way. Of programming is the key to attracting and course, there is also the omnipresent connecting with as many members of the sense of tension and risk represented by local community as possible. the tightrope itself. Using tension and risk The risks for No Longer Empty are to your advantage can yield unexpected palpable – they include precarious results and much greater success. funding to bring art to seemingly tough The essence of SATE is founded on neighbourhoods with no previous exposure the idea that Storytelling + Architecture to such culture. But the rewards are + Technology = Experience. Conference significant, creating lasting legacies and co-chairs Traci Klainer of Luce (a subsidiary connecting communities beyond the of JBA), Chris Conte of Electrosonic and duration of the installation itself. The Michael Blau of Adirondack Studios brought installations also connect other businesses together an excellent team of segment within communities, creating cultural chairs – Paul Osterhout from Universal tourism opportunities within each area. Creative (Storytelling), Deanna Siller from The work of No Longer Empty is currently Gensler (Architecture) and Chris Manson focused on the five boroughs of New from Fox & Crow (Technology) – to curate a York City, but Slome and her team of five series of speakers and conversations that have a dream to create a franchise which each embodied the essence of risk-taking. introduces art to underserved communities Each set of speakers explored TEA president Steve Birket and throughout the world. It’s a risky dream, experiences from their own unique TEA COO Jennie Nevin kick off the but one that, given the success and impact perspectives and helped the attendees proceedings at SATE 2016 in New of the programme over the past seven become more aware of the risks we all York City, New York, this October years, is on the right track. Initiatives to take everyday, often without realising it. programme under-utilised spaces are

THE RISKS FOR NO LONGER EMPTY ARE PALPABLE – THEY INCLUDE PRECARIOUS FUNDING TO BRING ART TO SEEMINGLY TOUGH NEIGHBOURHOODS. BUT THE REWARDS ARE SIGNIFICANT, CREATING LASTING LEGACIES

62 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 Top to bottom: Cirque du Soleil Theatrical’s Scott Zeiger and Thinkwell’s Francois Bergeron; Christine Kerr and colleagues; Manon Slome and Universal’s Paul Osterhout; and Electrosonic’s Chris Conte

Paramour, Cirque du Soleil’s ﬁ rst resident musical theatre show at the Lyric Theatre on Broadway, New York

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 63 SHOW REPORT

growing throughout North America, with and part of doing varying levels of success. No Longer Empty business. If failure seems to have developed an approach that creates knowledge, has the right mix of impact and legacy. The then why are we so audience was in awe of the commitment afraid of it? and courage of Slome and her small team. KILL BORING OUTLAWS AND ICONS Viacom’s MTV As the focus shifted to Architecture, creative director Siller introduced a group she described Sean Saylor took as “outlaws and icons”; leaders in their the audience industries who were “fearless thinkers”. on a journey through the re-defi ning of She encouraged the attendees to expand MTV International as they challenged their comfort zone, fi rst by stretching it, themselves to “evolve or die … or become which will lead to growing it and eventually irrelevant”. Given that most SATE attendees lead to risk-taking. She also reminded were not MTV’s target audience or had the group that they should not walk the not watched MTV in the past year, Saylor tightrope alone – there is strength in fi rst provided a reminder that the scale numbers, the team is important. And if they of impact of the audience share MTV has have a long leash, the team will take risks globally is massive. But, they still compete and know they have support if they fail. for the time of their ever-changing audience The fi rst of outlaw/icon was David – and its decreasing attention span. Schwarz, creative partner at HUSH, an MTV went to external agencies for their experience design agency working at the help on the development of a completely intersection of the physical and digital new approach, but they ultimately came space. At HUSH, says Schwarz, they can up with the mission after a select internal tolerate risk but not failure. He talked team spent many days in typical (and about the legendary baseball player Babe some atypical!) brainstorming. Viacom’s Sean Saylor presented MTV’s Ruth who was famous for saying, “Never Their new mission as of 2015 became Kill Boring campaign, designed to let the fear of striking out get in your way”. “Kill Boring”. Imagine presenting that to a encourage user-created content and It’s important to build experimentation into board of directors or your CEO. However, appeal to an edgy young audience what you do, make it part of the process, it has ultimately been embraced and

the rollout is focused on making MTV Cirque de Soleil’s different, creative, young, real and fun. Paramour, inspired by the The MTV platform is now built around Golden age of Hollywood, the idea that “I am my MTV”. The style has double the cast of a guide is at once clear and yet very loose. regular Broadway show MTV has become very interactive, it encourages user-created content and provides the tools for viewers to be creative. The new look is fast-paced, edgy and contemporary and the target audience loves it. It feels chaotic, very risky and deﬁ nitely not boring.

CIRQUE ON BROADWAY The SATE 2016 “Conversation with” featured Scott Zeiger, president and managing director of Cirque du Soleil Theatrical, with questions posed by Francois Bergeron, COO of Thinkwell Group. Bergeron spent many years working with Cirque and his insights into the traditional working of the business and their creative processes were invaluable in asking the right questions. Zeiger is a veteran of the theatrical touring industry who is leading the Cirque organisation through new waters with the production of Paramour, their ﬁ rst Broadway show, which opened in May 2016.

64 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 Clockwise from top left: Chris Manson (Fox & Crow); Deanna Siller (Gensler); Kathryn Woodcock (Ryerson University) Tracey Klainer (Luce)

IT’S IMPORTANT TO BUILD EXPERIMENTATION INTO WHAT YOU DO, MAKE IT PART OF THE PROCESS, AND PART OF DOING BUSINESS. IF FAILURE CREATES KNOWLEDGE, THEN WHY ARE WE SO AFRAID OF IT?

From its inception, the production visitors has been strong. The producers information required to make an informed process was far from traditional, for many have used audience research as a way decision, guests can choose whether to reasons. Paramour has twice the cast of a to fine tune the show with a focus on participate. Therefore, safety is not about typical Broadway production, incorporating attracting more of the traditional Broadway things that are forbidden. an acrobatic corps and an acting (singing audience. Applying their learning with a Woodcock also suggests that it is the and dancing) corps and required a recent refresh of the show has already designer’s job to “make the invisible rehearsal period more than twice what impacted the attendance numbers visible and provide authentic danger clues is typical, in addition to five weeks of significantly. Many conference attendees so that things look as dangerous as they previews. The scenic design integrates were able to see a sold-out performance are”. If the right clues are provided, there the required circus equipment, traditional of Paramour during their visit to New York, is inherent safety built in. She reminded spectacular scenic elements and some with an overwhelmingly positive response. the group that if we don’t provide guests clever integration of new technology. with the full story within the experiences The approach to music was very different DANGER CUES we create, they will be more likely to from Cirque’s typical process and results A highlight from the Technology stream personalise or modify things to complete in a score that is the best of Broadway came from Dr Kathryn Woodcock, human the story for themselves. with the soaring unique musical interludes factors (ergonomics) professor at Ryerson more typically associated Cirque. The University in Toronto, Canada, who GARBAGE IN, BEAUTY OUT orchestra includes a core band that is challenged the group with the idea of “the Darren David, CEO of Stimulant, works in very well rehearsed and can respond to necessary risk”. Woodcock’s research is the world of architectural scale interactivity. the timing challenges associated with the focused on ride safety and she shared the He shared perspectives on how technology unpredictability of circus-style acts. fact that most ride incidents are the result can be used to bring people together Attendance and response from the of poor decisions made by users. When and how the devices we all own – smart typical Cirque fans and international designers and operators provide all the phones, tablets, etc – have raised the bar

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 65 SHOW REPORT

Stimulant’s Darren David says everyone is a creator (left); Gensler’s Vaki Mawema says design is about people, not things

and changed people’s expectations and He is excited and inspired by the change Attendees then heard from Richard behaviour when they encounter something in the city, a shift in the demographic of Brandenburg, director of cultural strategy, they perceive to be interactive. the population and culture sparked by the and Norma Perez, director of design, In today’s world, everyone is a creator infl ux of Millennials into the city during US at EDENS, who talked about disrupting so experience designers need to leverage President Barack Obama’s administration architecture through food. The strategy is this in their work. The way to exceed years. The result is a new vibrancy to to use architecture as a theatrical stage expectations is to provide experiences the cultural landscape that is infl uencing and not as a mould. They have created that empower the user and make them development projects in the city. Mawema an open space where there is no behind- feel like they have superpowers. Digital drove home the idea that design is about the-scenes, where food preparation and interactive experiences can make this people, not things. That’s why it is critical creation is out in the open for all to see. happen if they are programmed to ensure to use the stories of the community and It is a true community space. There’s success from every interaction: “garbage the place as design drivers. an opportunity for small businesses who in, beauty out,” he said. This helps people The Union Market District retail centre produce great products to develop and move out of their comfort zones to the owned and developed by EDENS in grow, moving from a shared incubator-style place where they will feel able to take Washington, DC, was a risky project that space to a more permanent location in the more risks. They are not simply building is reaping huge rewards. It has been complex. EDENS selects the right mix of magic, they are becoming magicians. called one of the fi ve best food halls people and products and gives them access in the US and, during SATE, one of the to Brandenburg’s expertise to grow and PEOPLE FIRST restaurants located in the complex was succeed. Union Market is rooted in human Vaki Mawema from Gensler is a awarded a Michelin star. This is certainly relationships and the stories of food. passionate and inspiring architect who’s true of Union Market which was brought committed to the redevelopment of his from disrepair and ruin to the vibrant, LIVING UP TO THE THEME adopted hometown of Washington, DC. community-centred space it is today. SATE 2016 lived up to its risk-taking theme. The speakers provided varied perspectives on risk and the countless rewards that come from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. They emphasised that with greater risks come greater rewards. The strong sense of community that fl owed through the presentations was an important part of the risk-reward equation. Everywhere from Union Market to the new approach to user-generated content from MTV, it’s all community. Projects in the themed entertainment industry require a community of like-minded individuals ready to support each other as they step out onto the tightrope. If we have any doubts, we just need to look around at the incredible successes – large and small – that come from working outside our comfort zone, doing things we’ve never done before and learning as we go to Union Market in Washington, DC, was a risky project that’s reaping big rewards accomplish great things. O

66 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016

7thSENSE DESIGN PROMOTIONAL FEATURE EXTRA SENSORY

Meet 7thSense Design, whose mission is to deliver unbeatable display experiences and the highest quality visual content

thSense Design supplies the media servers that power some of the industry’s most breathtaking digital environments, from state-of-the-art 8K planetariums to dark rides in 7 top tier theme parks to exhibitions in the world’s most visited museums. The company’s high-performance uncompressed Delta Media Servers are the product of choice wherever high Matt Barton, managing director (left) quality, high resolution, high frame rate, and Richard Brown technical director high fidelity video content is required. And those products are fully supported by 7thSense’s Stack content management we can process is our claim to fame. We framework, which can be used to believe our server is capable of processing intelligently design, schedule, control and the largest throughput, the highest develop shows and content of any kind. performance and highest number of pixels 7thSense Design managing director on the market. Our niche is high quality Matt Barton and technical director Richard image rendering, so the timing, the frame Brown explain more about the company. rate and the bit depth are core elements. MB: For example, the use of Delta Infinity What’s the driving force behind 7thSense? technology marked the world’s first ever MB: For the company, the team and the live-action uncompressed 4K 120Hz per product, it’s always been about getting eye 3D test during previews of Ang Lee’s through quality. The core team of 7thSense as many good high-fidelity pixels on the technologically groundbreaking film, Billy has a background in flight simulation, screen as possible. The architecture Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, in September. so from early on they knew that for an of Delta from day one has been experience to really work, a fighter pilot has uncompressed and every evolution of the Why is 7thSense a good fit with to truly believe he’s on a mission. To do product has stemmed from that baseline. the attractions industry? that the simulation has to be so realistic RB: The amount of uncompressed pixels MB: It’s about the feeling of immersion and seamless that he can’t be distracted.

BACKGROUND BRIEFING

7thSense Design was founded in 2004 by simulation experts Adam Neale and Ian Macpherson, who wanted to take what they knew about display systems and apply it to the entertainment industry. They developed software which they were able to sell into the planetarium market, and since then the company has consistently innovated and improved the solution to build the highest quality product. In 2015, long-term colleagues Matt IMAGE: ELECTROSONIC Barton, Richard Brown, Ian Cannell and Ken Showler took over the growing company, which today has a UK ofﬁce, a US ofﬁce serving its busiest market and trusted distributors around the world.

68 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 IMAGE: LD COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTROSONIC

7thSense has supplied numerous projects, including the Rolling Stones’ Exhibitionism

IMAGE: WINCOMN show (above); the Ultimate Energy Theatre at Wuhan Movie Park (left); and Mass Effect: New Earth, a 4D Holographic Journey (bottom left)

In a theme park ride, the audience PRODUCT OFFER the big projects, to make sure that the has to be entirely immersed in the story confi guration from architects is as good from the minute they step into the queue. as it can be, consulting on how best to They will see the story in the theming, in Delta Media Server approach the confi guration for a particular the written text, on monitors, all the way Delta Media Servers are an integral display system on an attraction. As well as through to when they load into the vehicle. part of numerous cutting-edge AV working with leading-edge integrators, we Everything builds up to this point, so it’s attractions. The product provides real- also work directly with the large theme park essential that when the ride starts, the time uncompressed video serving, operators in the US, China and Europe. visuals are as immersive and believable as show creation and display matching. everything else they’ve seen. We’re ideally The range starts with Infi nity, the most What other projects can you talk about? suited because we have that background powerful, and includes the Nucleus, MB: We work on big-budget rides, but also of understanding what it takes to fully Proton and Nano, so there’s a model to on unique or smaller scale experiences. For immerse someone in the experience. suit the requirements of any project. example, Madame Tussaud’s in New York is using a Delta Nano to create a Pepper’s How do you work with clients? Ghost of Slimer in the Ghostbusters MB: We enjoy in-depth relationships with Experience. We’re also involved in 3D the most respected AV integrators in the projection mapping projects, such as New world and with experience designers. We York’s One World Observatory. We support talk to them at a detailed level about the digital signage in Times Square. We’re product and how it can be used. upgrading some high-profi le planetariums. RB: Some clients just buy what they need. Stack And interactivity, whether gesture based, They know how it works, plus 7thSense has Stack is an intuitive advanced modular or through VR or AR, is something we a comprehensive support system, including framework for content management. increasingly deliver as part of a solution. a customer portal, live chat and trained Developed hand in hand with Delta, Stack We’re involved in a new 3D LED computer customer support representatives. enables remote access show control and, game-based ride. Delta is ideally suited MB: We often contribute to the project through special modules, access to digital to projection, large format, high resolution design and development process. We signage, closed captioning and more. LED walls – and pretty much any complex can get involved at the early stages of display environment you can think of. O

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 69 SCIENCE STEM GEMS

Attractions Management’s round up of new investments in science-related museums and planetariums across the world

The marine science museum and aquarium will house at least 300 species

National Museum of Marine Science and Technology OPEN 2018 KEELUNG, TAIWAN

Foster + Partners is designing the $5m (£3.9m, €4.5m) National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (NMMST) in Keelung City, Taiwan. It will be the country’s largest aquarium, housing more than 300 species of marine creatures. The design features titanium and green to create a modern light-ﬁ lled environment, reminiscent of the ocean shallows. Conceived as a social hub for the community, the museum’s focal point will be a new public plaza which will feature a shop, café and a restaurant. The attraction will attract tourists but also act as a social hub for the local community

70 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 Bell Museum and Planetarium OPEN 2018 MINNESOTA, MINNEAPOLIS

Minnesota’s Bell Museum of Natural planetarium and theatre will be one of the Perkins+Will have created the box structure, History has broken ground on a $79m main new features, in addition to expanded which will be partially clad in white pine (€71m, £62m) complex near the galleries and a host of interactive and weathering steel. The environmentally- State Fairgrounds on the University of exhibitions. The museum’s dioramas will friendly development will be landscaped Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus. be integrated with new exhibits to create a with native trees and plants, while rainwater To be renamed the Bell Museum journey through Minnesota’s biomes. ponds will be included, as will a pollinator and Planetarium, a 120-seat domed Minneapolis-based architecture ﬁ rm garden for the museum’s bees.

The gallery aims to explore stories behind mathematics, making it more accessible and fun to the general public

Mathematics: The Winton Gallery OPEN 2016 LONDON, UK

The late architect Zaha Hadid’s design for a WWII Enigma machine, an early aircraft the patterns of airfl ow that would have a new maths gallery at London’s Science and a 17th century Islamic astrolabe streamed around it when in fl ight. Museum will explore how mathematicians, – will show how mathematical practice “Mathematical practice underpins so their tools and ideas have helped to “has shaped and been shaped by money, many aspects of our lives and work, and shape the modern world over the last 400 trade, travel, war, life and death.” we hope that bringing together these years. Mathematics: The Winton Gallery is Mathematical principles defi ne Zaha remarkable stories, people and exhibits expected to cost £5m ($6.4m, €5.7m). Hadid Architects’ curving design for will inspire visitors to think about the More than 100 objects from the the gallery. The 3D swooping surfaces role of mathematics in a new light,” says Science Museum’s collections – including around the exhibited aircraft represent exhibition curator David Rooney.

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 71 SCIENCE

Science Island OPEN 2018 KAUNAS, LITHUANIA

SMAR Architecture Studio, SimpsonHaugh will celebrate recent achievements in and Partners, and Donghua Chen Studio science and global technologies with the have been shortlisted in the design aim of inspiring visitors to expand their competition to create a Science Island for knowledge and support innovation. the Lithuanian city Kaunas. “The initiative has clearly resonated, The centrepiece of the 18-hectare being both universally and humanly relevant, (44-acre) Science Island – the new as well as of great national importance name for the currently disused Nemunas for Lithuania,” said the country’s prime Island – will be the National Science minister, Algirdas Butkevicius. “We believe and Innovation Centre of Lithuania. that Science Island will show how science As a museum and innovation centre, can inspire positive change for the planet the 13,000sqm (140,000sq ft) facility and humanity.”

Science Island will have a museum and innovation centre celebrating global technological advancements

Carnegie Science Center OPEN 2018 PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Science Center has detailed plans for its $21m (£16m, €19m) Science Pavilion to include 1,300sqm (14,000sq ft) of new exhibition space. Designed by Indovina Associates Architects, the three-storey building will be built around the existing Omnimax Theater with the pavilion facing out over the Ohio River. In addition to temporary exhibition space, the extension will feature nine STEM learning labs and a top-ﬂ oor space capable of hosting corporate events and Carnegie Science Centre is social gatherings. getting new space for touring “With this new travelling exhibition space, and permanent exhibitions we’ll be able to bring to Pittsburgh the kind of blockbuster traveling exhibitions that are all over North America now, that come to Philadelphia and Chicago and Washington DC, but bypass Pittsburgh because there isn’t adequate space,” said the science centre’s co-director, Ann Metzger. The pavilion’s development is part of a larger $34.5m (€30.7m, £26.5m) campaign to expand the science centre’s STEM programme. Dubbed SPARK!, the campaign will also fund two new permanent exhibitions for the science centre, as well as a giant screen digital theatre and future endowment costs.

72 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 Esplora OPEN Esplora is at the site of the largest naval 2016 military hospital in the Mediterranean, KALKARA, MALTA responsible for treating numerous sick and injured soldiers through the years Malta’s fi rst interactive science centre, science, eco life, human biology, motion Esplora, offi cially opens on 28 October. and forces, light and optics, illusions, The €26m (US$28.7m, £23.5m) science music, nature of matter, engineering and attraction is located in the former naval telecommunications. hospital site on the Grand Harbour, The building was designed by Malta overlooking the historic capital city of architecture studio DRT. Dutch design Valletta. The project is supported by the agency NorthernLight and museum Malta Council for Science and Technology. technology experts Bruns are designed the The site consists of four buildings universe exhibition and the ground fl oor and an outdoor space, each displaying of the main building, featuring over 100 exhibits and presenting live science. interactive hands-on exhibits. There is also Esplora’s thematic areas include the a brand new planetarium with a Colorspace universe, electricity and magnetism, earth 4K fulldome theatre system from SCISS.

Experimenta OPEN HEILBRONN, GERMANY 2018

Experimenta in Heilbronn, Germany, is expanding with a next-door museum funded by the Dieter Schwarz foundation and designed by Berlin architects Sauerbruch & Hutton. The extension will include four permanent galleries, a glass biosphere, a dome, workshops, studios, a restaurant and shop. Bruns and Northern Light are working on two galleries, dedicated to world perspectives and living matter. Big German companies like Audi and Lidl are said to be collaborating as well as Berlin studio inges, construction manager Drees & Sommer and brand agency Milla & Partner. Kraftwerk Living Technologies is responsible for AV and show control in the Science Dome. The Experimenta extension will include new galleries, workshops and studios

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 73 SCIENCE

Cairo Science City OPEN 2021 CAIRO, EGYPT

Architecture studio Weston Williamson + Partners is designing a Science City for Egypt. The fi rm won a competition to design a concept for a 12.5-hectare (30- acre) complex that will promote scientifi c knowledge to the public. The Science City will be built in the desert in a new town on the western edge of the Egyptian capital. The complex will house interactive science exhibitions, a museum, a planetarium, an observation tower, research and development facilities, workshops, plus a conference centre. It will be the fi rst 21st-century science museum, learning and research facility in Egypt. The brief called for “a set of buildings and spaces that must be inspiring on the outside and motivating and exciting on the inside to visitors and employees alike.” “Needless to say that Egypt has a unique cultural heritage, but we were also attracted by the ambition of the project, clearly expressed through the brief,” says studio co-founder Chris Williamson.

Architects Weston WIlliamson + Partners say they aim to design a facility that will serve Egypt’s future generations

Science Centre: The Planetarium and The Exploratorium OPEN 2017 QUY NHON, VIETNAM

Construction of the fi rst visitor science and a space observatory complete with a complex in Vietnam’s coastal province of café, library and souvenir shop. Binh Dinh is under way, with the state- Designed to “be in complete harmony funded project costing around $8m with the area’s natural landscape and (£6.3m, €7.2m). space”, the eco-friendly complex will aim to The 38,000sq m (409,000sq ft) Quy provide a public science space and foster Nhon-sited development – designed by scientifi c engagement among the younger French architect Jean-Francois Milou generation. The complex – which is being of Studio Milou in collaboration with built beside the three-year-old International Vietnamese fi rm TAD Consultancy and Centre of Interdisciplinary Science and Architecture – will include an 80-seat 4K Education (ICISE) – will also act as a hub planetarium, exploratorium, science centre The new facility will have a planetarium for scientifi c tourism development.

Shanghai Planetarium OPEN 2018 SHANGHAI, CHINA

The 38,000sqm (409,000sq ft) Shanghai Planetarium – a part of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum in the city’s new Linglang district – will explore the mysteries of space, celebrate the history of Chinese astronomy and reﬂ ect the future ambitions of China’s space exploration programme. The attraction will feature an optical planetarium, a digital sky theatre, an IMAX cinema, a solar telescope, an observatory and a range of galleries. The futuristic planetarium design is by New York-based Ennead Architects.

The new attraction will look at the history of Chinese astronomy and the future ambitions of China’s space exploration programme

Patricia & Phillip Frost Museum of Science OPEN 2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA

The embattled $307m (£251m, €281m) Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is set to open next year after multiple delays. The three-storey, 250,000sq ft (32,225sqm) facility is sited on a prominent location on the Miami waterfront. Structured around a ‘living core’ comprised of terrestrial and aquatic exhibits, the attraction will have a 510,000 gallon aquarium, planetarium, a health The project, which was gallery, hands-on exhibits and interactive designed by Grimshaw digital technology. It’s being touted as the Architects, will include a “next generation” of science museum. planetarium and aquarium

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part four THE ATTRACTIONS BUSINESS Planning a new attraction

In part four of our series, David Camp explains the step by step evaluation process that every new venture should follow

David Camp isitor attractions are like least amount of early-stage research. restaurants; everyone visits All too often developers secure a site, them, and everyone feels they have designs drawn up and build up a SERIES ROADMAP could run them better than the business case to support their vision, V current operators. I’ve lost track sometimes solely based on their belief of the number of people I’ve met that if they build something that they think This eight-part series outlines who have no background in the leisure, is entertaining then people will come. the patterns and dynamics entertainment or hospitality industries, It is only when they go to seek funding that defi ne every attraction but are convinced they know exactly what and the potential investors undertake an – from visitor behaviour and Disney did wrong in Paris or why a particular external due diligence assessment that guest spending to operating attraction is not performing well. they realise that the basic assumptions costs and profi tability Like all businesses, there are multiple underpinning their plan are fl awed. factors impacting attractions, and the most For new attractions, it’s critical developers CONTENTS common problem is not treating them as are realistic with their proposals and design 1. An overview businesses. Attractions are expensive and plan for market opportunities. 2. How are you perceived? to create, challenging to operate and are The worst thing they can do is to look at 3. Benchmarking completely reliant on the public being what total attendance a similar attraction 4. Planning a new attraction interested enough to make a visit. Visiting in a different location is achieving and use 5. Driving revenues a leisure attraction is a discretionary that fi gure to set the target. It takes no 6. Controlling costs activity and there are many external factors account of markets, competition, product, 7. Is it worth it? affecting attendance levels. price or operations, but is often the most 8. Benefi ts and impacts This footfall risk is the biggest concern common basis for forecasts. to funders, yet is often subject to the When we assess the potential attendance that a new attraction could generate, we follow a well-established, sound evaluation The fi rst step in evaluating a process. In this article we’ll cover the core proposal is to look at the concept aspects of this assessment process, shown in the diagram below:

Concept / Vision

Site Markets Competition

Comparable Attractions

Attendence Projections

Physical Evaluating the Planning

IMAGE OF ZOOTOPIA: BIG ARCHITECTS opportunity

78 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 Shanghai Disneyland: physical planning was key to accommodating the anticipated crowds

“Understanding the size, topography, accessibility, distance from resident or tourist markets and land cost of the proposed site is critical” IMAGE: SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND SHANGHAI IMAGE:

Vision, site, catchment markets inclusive package The fi rst step is to understand the vision tourists may not offer for the attraction. Attraction developers as much potential as often declare that their concept is unique. one that has 500,000 While this may be true for the city or region independent, mobile that they’re operating in, there are always tourists, for example. attractions somewhere in the world that are In a similar way, 1 the same, or have similar characteristics. million young, affl uent It’s important to recognise this and look to residents may be a learn from how these have performed. stronger market than CAVANAGH ENDA IMAGE: An assessment of the site is important. one with 3 million low- Understanding the size, topography, paid people. accessibility, distance from resident It’s important or tourist market centres, adjacent to evaluate which land uses, constraints, environmental segments of the considerations, planning context and land market are the core targets for the cost of the proposed site is critical. attraction. Nothing attracts everyone. Catchment needs to be assessed: The most important aspect is the size As discussed in part two of this series, Guinness Storehouse attracts more and nature of the available catchment different attractions appeal to different international tourists and fewer locals markets. In this respect, size is important, age groups, while some attractions are and bigger markets are generally better interesting to tourists but actually hold than smaller ones, but the dynamics of the little interest for people who live locally. Competition and comparison markets can change this. This analysis needs to refl ect likely The scale and nature of the local area future changes in market sizes and competition needs to be examined to Evaluating the market demographics. In most European counties understand pricing, attendance levels, We look to evaluate the market within the population growth is low, for example, and audience profi le, length of stay and the four segments discussed in the previous the market is ageing. In the Middle East, dynamics of the market. Any new attraction article, which looked at benchmarking: by contrast, counties have young, rapidly- needs to refl ect local area pricing, although 0-60 minute residents; 60-120 minute growing resident markets. it’s possible for new, stand-out attractions residents; overnight domestic tourists; and Often schemes are devised with the to change the nature of a market. international tourists staying in the area. aim of growing tourism to an area. While Learning lessons from comparable Within resident markets, age profi le, this can happen over time, it is rare for a attractions’ performance is critical. As employment levels, income, expenditure, single attraction to fundamentally change discussed in part three of the series, an and leisure behaviour patterns need to the market. It is, therefore, important to examination of market penetration rates be considered. Among tourists, aspects evaluate the potential based on the current achieved by similar attractions around the such as visitor origin, age profi le, party tourism market and if the market grows world within the four catchment market composition, purpose of visit, length of stay over time this can be factored in. Basing an segments provides an important base and expenditure patterns are all factors, attraction’s success on signifi cant growth in appreciation of the potential for a new so a market that attracts two million all- the tourist market is a recipe for disaster. attraction. This is an important stage

One World Observatory, New York: high-up attractions are a growing area for investment

in the research process and is often of the potential for the attraction. In projections. In this regard it should be the most time-consuming, as it should this regard it’s important to undertake recognised that attraction attendance include an assessment of pricing, physical a qualitative review of the scheme to rarely increases over time. In fact, planning and the financial performance of complement the quantitative data. This attendance often declines after the first a wide range of attractions. needs to consider the proposed scheme year or two, and it will certainly do so if the It’s important the benchmark attractions in relation to the local area market and business plan does not allow for regular which are selected are relevant to the will include the relative strength of the ongoing reinvestment to be made. concept. There’s no use comparing a small concept, pricing policy, site considerations, The next step is to determine the kiddie park against Disneyland or a local market size and demographics, and the physical planning requirements for museum against a national collection. competitive environment. the attraction to meet the anticipated Comparable attractions should have a attendance levels. This takes account of similar product, be located in similarly- Attendance and planning the target audience, likely seasonality of sized markets and have similar pricing. From here it’s possible to prepare high, visitation, guest length of stay and area Once the base data has been gathered, medium and low attendance projections available for development. In designing an then it’s possible to make an assessment for a stable year, along with five- or 10-year attraction, it’s important to allow for enough space to accommodate guests on busy days but not so much that it feels empty during quiet periods, and so the planning is typically based on a “design day” attendance volume rather than a peak day. This provides an output of design day and peak on-site attendance volumes, guest area space requirements and parking demand levels, which equip the design team with guidelines that help them plan or refine the size and scale of attraction that will meet the opportunity. Obtaining a sound assessment of potential demand is the cornerstone of a good business plan. In future articles we’ll examine how to evaluate potential revenues and operating costs and how to carry out a valuation of the business. O

Get in touch with David Camp at D&J

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Look beyond the controversies surrounding the monumental Ark attraction and its sister museum and you’ll ﬁnd some of the best examples of immersive theming in the US, says Scott A Lukas

Ark Encounter is built to the exact scale described in the Bible. Inside, the exhibits illustrate how Noah and the animals lived

n August, I had the opportunity to videos and blog entries that focus on a tour two attractions that have been number of controversies, ranging from on my themed and immersive spaces concerns about tax funding, “ideology” map: Ark Encounter, which opened tests for potential employees, political and I in 2016, and the Creation Museum, religious differences between Answers which opened in 2007. in Genesis (the fundamentalist Christian The two biblically-themed attractions, apologetics organisation who also founded separated by a 45-minute drive through the attractions) and Ken Ham (the CEO About the author Northern Kentucky, are signiﬁcant in many behind the attractions), and disagreements senses, not least because they represent about whether it’s appropriate to use Scott A Lukas is a cultural anthropologist, a growing awareness among spiritual evocative techniques to present religious consultant, and videographer of themed organisations that religious experiences may information to the public. and immersive spaces and author of The have more impact when developed through These last concerns stem from the Immersive Worlds Handbook and the contexts of theming and immersion. nature of Answers in Genesis’ (AiG) speciﬁc newly released Reader in Themed and A quick Internet search of these and unique beliefs. As we’ll see with a tour Immersive Spaces. attractions will result in numerous articles, of the two attractions, each promotes a

82 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 It took 3.3 million board feet of lumber to construct the Ark, making it the largest timber structure in the world

IN NUMBERS IMAGES: SCOTT A LUKAS

Young Earth and literalist view of the Bible Q $40 - price of adult entry those who visit them. The tour of these (with an emphasis on the book of Genesis). to Ark Encounter attractions that I offer reflects on the Yet, this interesting and unique Christian Q $60 - price of adult Ark + guest experiences of the attractions worldview is not the focus of my tour. Museum combo ticket that I observed in my two-day visit to I’m a cultural anthropologist. I wrote Q 2 million - estimated annual visitors the spaces. Ultimately, we may discover about my experiences working at a Six Q 155 metres - length of that such insider’s views of themed and Flags theme park and I now travel the the Ark structure immersive spaces provide designers and world making its museums, theme parks Q 19,122sqm - area of the Ark other professionals within the attractions and attractions my fieldsites. Q $150 million - total cost industries a valuable opportunity to better When I had the opportunity to visit Ark of Ark Encounter understand design approaches. Encounter and the Creation Museum, Q $18 million - amount I wanted to keep at the forefront of my received in tax credits The complete space experiences what we anthropologists Q 3.3 million board feet - amount I approach Ark Encounter with openness call an “emic” or insider’s perspective. of lumber used to build the Ark and mystery. After parking and the ticket The idea being that we try to understand Q 30 - Amish carpenters who built the Ark line, I board a bus. I glance around on the our fieldsites from the perspectives of bus and I detect notable excitement and

A range of exhibits tackle the practicalities of living life on the Ark anticipation on the faces of the guests a museum that uses design and interactive who join me on the tour. The driver says approaches from the world of theme parks. little during our trip, and he doesn’t have It’s worth noting that AiG’s key attraction to as we all look in awe at the structure designer is Patrick Marsh, who may be as it enters our fi elds of vision. You can’t remembered for his work on Universal’s quite grasp the attraction’s scale of 155 Jaws and King Kong attractions. metres (509 feet) long, 26 metres (85 As I move through the queue house of feet) wide and 25 metre (82 feet) high the Ark and enter its fi rst spaces, video from photographs, but needless to say, a loops remind guests of the monumental but complications resulted in these real structure of such magnitude reminds us of design and construction efforts behind it – versions being relegated to petting zoos the impact that scale and exterior form may the world’s largest timber frame structure. I outside the Ark and the sister museum. have on our being immersed in a space. recall the infl uence that theme parks have The animal pens that house these many The Ark’s structure serves an immersive had on contemporary spaces of all types. species are supplemented by audio effects purpose. Here, the guest is enveloped The fi rst thing I note is a remarkably that include the animals’ sounds as well as fully in an enclosed space, all the while designed deck that includes mockups of those of raging sea waves and storms. refl ecting on what Noah, his family and the urns and food storage devices that were animals experienced during the Flood event. used for the animals aboard the Ark, The outside world We exit the bus and enter the queue as well as cages that hold a number of During the fi rst hour of my tour, I visit the area as we might at any theme park. curious animals, dinosaurs (which were fi rst of three decks. I realise the challenge Incidentally, the operators of Ark Encounter part of the bestiary inside Noah’s vessel), of striving for “total immersion” in a space, refer to the space as a “theme park.” I and “proto animals” that represent earlier or the condition in which a guest has realise that in the world of edutainment, forms of today’s creatures. completely left the other or outside world the lines between themed and immersive The designers originally planned to behind, suspended his or her disbelief and spaces have blurred, but for me the Ark is house some live animals inside the Ark, has entered the new world. No doubt, I think to myself as I wander THE STORY OF THE ARK the fi rst of the Ark’s decks, that the Bible’s texts, coupled with a dose of devotion come in handy during the guest’s fi rst experiences Ark Encounter, a biblical theme park in Canyon, a non-profi t subsidiary of Answers inside the space. The many families I Kentucky, opened on 7 July. With a full-size in Genesis. The attraction also consists of observe – and I have taken care to respect recreation of Noah’s Ark at its heart, Ark a zoo, a lake, a zip line tour, a garden and my media representatives’ requests to not Encounter explores the Biblical account of a 1,500-seat themed restaurant. Plans are interview guests while on site – appear to the Great Flood and Noah’s work to build in place to build a theatre, a fl ood-walled move from states of joy, awe and admiration an ark to save his family and two of every city, a recreation of the Tower of Babel and as they explore the Ark’s interiors. animal on the planet. a fi rst-century village. In addition to the evocative animal The boat was built to the exact During development, the project came pens, visitors are treated to an array of dimensions mentioned in the Bible, under fi re several times, mainly after explanations and illustrations that give converted from the cubit measurements, AiG allegedly refused to hire anyone who context to the events of Genesis. Notably, following nautical engineering practices doesn’t believe in the biblical fl ood. This one encounters reminders of AiG’s task of from the era. The project was designed initially led to the state withdrawing $18m providing context for its attractions. Keep and engineered by Troyer Construction (€16.3m, £14m) worth of tourism tax in mind that much more than revenue is Group and erected by Amish carpenters. credits from the project, but this move was at stake here at Ark Encounter – think Ark Encounter is operated by Crosswater successfully challenged by AiG in January. salvation and life change — and thus the providing of such context is no easy task.

Ark designers were allowed some artistic license in their interpretations of things like “proto animals”

Quassincid quassun tiistru The attraction is mendiamendi tendi sedit ut quas split over three etur, quiaecaectas ut utas molupta et decks, or levels perum experiberrum deliquiae latur?

“Total immersion occurs when a guest has completely left the outside world behind, has suspended disbelief and entered the new world ”

What is most interesting in this regard is Surprisingly, for all the remarkable are also plans to expand Ark Encounter emphasis on interpreting Genesis. A video timber and woodworking on the exterior to include the Towel of Babel, a pre-Flood loop of designers speaking about how they and interior of the Ark, less attention to walled city, and many other attractions. interpreted the proto animals and a text detail seems to be the case in terms of the Unlike the religious-themed Holy Land discussing “artistic license” illustrates a attraction’s technological interactive design. Experience in Orlando, Florida, which I sense of design awareness in terms of the While there were a number of creative video visited in 2005, neither Ark Encounter nor creative processes behind the Ark. Yet, screens that explained the water, waste and the Creation Museum stress performance context of this sort will go only so far in food handling procedures used aboard the and music, which could be seen as lost terms of guest immersion. It is, after all, vessel, there is no opportunity for the guest opportunities to immerse the guest in the about the design. to interact with the contexts of their visit. worldview promoted by AiG. My wife, who accompanied me on my Design and aesthetics visits, disagrees with me on this point. She Creation Museum By the time I make my way up and around suggests that this could be a deliberate I now turn to my tour of the Creation the three decks of the Ark, it occurs to me effort to not intrude on the guest’s Museum. At the onset, the guest should that what makes any themed or immersive consciousness with the distractions of be aware that the two attractions comple- space relevant is the care designers have technology, but I would say that, one can ment one another and, while almost an given to the elements of design and the design such technology and interactivity hour apart, it is valuable to experience the aesthetics of their space. This sounds in a way that complements the theming two within the same period of visit. brutally obvious, but it’s a reminder of the of the space. Inside the Ark, I yearned One could say that Ark Encounter many mantras that have been passed down for a similar device or technology. As the represents a clear and more detailed from the attractions eras of early 1900s’ attraction was about a month old at the expression of the cosmology or worldview Coney Island, Disneyland of the 1950s, time of my visit, it is likely that some of the behind AiG and related groups that practice and those of the present. Clearly, AiG has empty spaces on the decks will be ﬁlled Young Earth and literalist interpretations taken great care to create an exterior and in with new attractions. Perhaps they will of the Bible with emphasis on Genesis. interior space that is likely not to be seen provide this missing level of interactivity. On many occasions inside the Ark, I found anywhere else in the world. The overall I used the second day to focus on the myself asking, “What, exactly, is desired effect of the space’s design reminds me Creation Museum. To review, AiG’s museum of the typical guest?” This question is of the powerful combination of aesthetics predates the Ark by nine years and the answered fully at the sister museum space. and story that is noted in the impressive success of the former allowed AiG and My tour begins on an overcast morning Dennis Severs’ House in London. Ham to open the Ark attraction. There touring the lush gardens outside the

©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 85 FIRST PERSON IMAGES: CREATION MUSEUM CREATION IMAGES: The Creation Museum has a clear focus on educating visitors about its Young Earth interpretations of the Bible

Creation Museum. I was impressed with WHO IS LUCY? the grounds and the relaxing opportunities they provided. Next to them is a petting zoo that resembles the similar space at the Ark, Lucy, or AL 288-1, was though this one seemed to more clearly the name given to the articulate how the chosen animals connect hundreds of pieces of to specifi c Biblical events, parables and bone fossil from a female values. Stepping inside the museum, I was hominin (Australopithecus quite surprised to discover how vast the afarensis) skeleton found by spaces were. In fact, the museum covers paleoanthropologist Donald over 7,000sqm (75,000sq ft) and includes Johanson in 1974 in Ethiopia. over 50 videos interspersed throughout the The bones, thought to many rooms and individual attractions. be about 3.2 million years One of the most effective aspects of old, showed that Lucy the museum’s approaches to theming walked upright and the and immersion is its use of AiG’s “7 Cs of discovery explained a missing link The Lucy exhibit questions the History”. These are Creation, Corruption, in understanding human evolution. scientifi c interpretation of Donald Catastrophe and Confusion, and three In the Creation Museum, the Lucy Johanson’s 1974 AL 288-1 discovery additional areas that will be represented exhibit is used to illustrate how one in future exhibits of Christ, Cross and piece of evidence can be interpreted Consummation. Each of the Cs is in many different ways, meaning that, is the Lucy room. You may have studied expressed through one or more rooms of ultimately, Christians must trust the Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis) in an the space and each is reinforced in various word of God when seeking explanation. anthropology class, as did I, but her place senses throughout the museum. in the museum serves a different purpose. The museum has a clear focus on While on site, I made four passes pedagogy or education so, in the senses of that these sorts of key symbols are also through the room and in each case I promoting its specifi c Christian cosmology, found at the Ark, not just in the form of paused to refl ect upon the conversations it has a very clear organic appeal. The the Ark itself but in a door of the ark that taking place among the many guests in Cs are expressed through a number of is interpreted through a focus on a devout the space. Some common expressions plaques that typically greet the guest at Christian stepping through, symbolically, included: “She is supposedly related to the entrance of a new exhibition area. the door so as to accept Christ. In their you” and “They say we came from apes”, Again, I would say that they ground the use in the Creation Museum, the symbols among other variations. visitor as well as give a purpose to the have been more clearly interpreted along At fi rst, I was startled by these overall message of the Creation Museum. I the lines of AiG’s teachings. This use comments, but later, as I refl ected in my have been to many museums that lack this begins with the fi rst two rooms, which fi eldnotes, I understood their foundation: sense of grounding as they never seem to focus on the Grand Canyon, geology and “Leaving the Lucy room for the last time, express to the visitor what is expected of paleontology and explanations of the past. I am thoroughly impressed with the degree him or her during the visit. The museum here relies on short yet to which designers have used Lucy in a effective video loops that contextualise the symbolic sense. They have referenced Lucy Key symbols goals of AiG in the context of the Cs. Like knowing that many guests will have heard The focus on the Cs is complemented by the other displays in the attraction, these of her, but they have turned that knowledge the use of symbols throughout the museum are not dull and instead provoke the guest on its head and have given guests a spaces. Such symbols are given physical in line with AiG’s missions. greater sense of purpose in the moment of dimensions as they are constructed as One of the most curious of symbolic their confrontation with what can only be major points of emphasis within the displays, and what I would say is perhaps described as contradiction. This is brilliant, museum’s many spaces. I should mention the centrepiece of the entire museum, evocative use of symbolism, albeit it in a

BRINGING THE INDUSTRY TOGETHER IN TWO GREAT SHOWS

Supported by Produced by 17th – 19th Jan 2017 ExCeL London Exhibition Centre FIRST PERSON The Culture in Crisis exhibition encourages visitors to look inwards

“By this time I realise that I’m experiencing one of the most evocative examples of a themed/immersive space that I have ever visited”

political and controversial sense. The aim Inwardness and the journey of churches that do not focus on the IMAGE: SCOTT A LUKAS here is to use such symbolism to affi rm In many ways, the Culture in Crisis section teachings of Genesis. Guest after guest group identity and to dissociate the guest illustrates that theming and immersion may pauses to view the video screens – each from the outside world.” have an inward-looking purpose. Here is surrounded by what appears to be the In fact, the symbolic attractions illustrate how I described this area in the fi eldnotes broken windows of a home or church – the most unique and powerful senses of that I composed during my visit: and so many seem moved by what they theming and immersion at the Creation “I enter into a dark and dirty corridor are watching. Truly, a highlight of both of Museum. Unfortunately, and somewhat that resembles a city street. One window the spaces that I have visited.” surprisingly, in a few spaces like the fl ashes a neon XXX sign, two walls are After capturing still photos and video of Wonders and Flood Geology rooms, this covered in magazine covers that speak this attraction, I refl ect upon the fact that symbolism is minimised in favour of a of sin, terrorism, violence, evolution and such an evocative use of immersion is more explanatory, lecture-like approach. other topics, while a pole is covered in not only inward-focused on the individual, The museum loses some of its immersive images of missing children. Turning a but it represents a method of creating potential when it falls into this didactic corner, I note a sign that reads, ‘Today, doorways that further complement the mode. One exception is the Culture in Crisis man decides truth [in strike-outs] guest’s journey through the museum. space. In this case, symbolism and lecture whatever’. By this time I realise that I’m What is striking about the Culture in seem to work in a hand-in-hand sense. experiencing one of the most evocative Crisis area of the museum is that it uses examples of a techniques of theming and immersion themed/immersive in the most political and confrontational space that I have senses imaginable. It is daring, pulls no ever visited. Another punches, and reminds us of the possible dramatic symbol effects of theming and immersion on – a wrecking ball the individual, especially those beyond a with ‘millions of typical consumer agenda. years’ written on Both of AiG’s attractions, Ark Encounter it – buttresses and the Creation Museum, represent one of four seven- evocative projects that aim to impact minute video loops guests at the most personal levels. As whose topics controversial as they have been to many, include pornography we must not lose sight of their innovative and video game approaches to theming and immersion. violence, abortion, Even if we do not agree with the values that gossip, laziness and they promote, we may visit them in order to

IMAGES: SCOTT A LUKAS family decline, and better understand our own approaches to Different themes are addressed throughout the museum the ineffectiveness themed and immersive attraction design. O

POLIN PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Polin Waterparks has products in 100 countries and has designed and installed major waterparks across the world to become a truly global enterprise The Antalya waterpark has more than 70 slides A WORLD OF WATERPARKS

Legends of Aqua opened at the $1bn Land of Legends theme park in Antalya, Turkey, this summer

90 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 s it celebrates 40 years in the waterpark business, Polin Waterparks is working harder than ever before. A The company has hundreds of major and award-winning waterparks under its belt, including Europe’s largest outdoor waterpark, King Cobra is a signature ride Europe’s largest indoor waterpark, the Middle East’s largest waterpark, and Sohret Pakis, Polin the largest waterparks in Iran, Russia, Turkey, Vietnam, Ukraine, Greece, boasts 72 waterslides, plus many Czech Republic, and many more. The Asia additional aquatic attractions. “Polin Waterparks has designed and Polin Waterparks’ responsibilities installed more than 2,500 waterparks in market is growing included development and design, 100 countries,” says Sohret Pakis, director consulting, waterslides, rafts, tubes, FEC of marketing and communications, of the exponentially equipment, interactive play structures company’s continuing rise. “Some were and other children’s equipment. immense projects with 50 waterslides and many kids’ play attractions; some were Legends of Aqua in Antalya, Turkey, is no ASIAN MARKET smaller parks with fewer attractions. Some exception. Polin Waterparks delivered “Cartoon Network AMAZONE was another were themed, some were not. Many were a wide assortment of waterslides, game-changing project and Thailand’s very for parks with world-renowned reputations, in addition to a water playground, a fi rst internationally branded water theme and others were local venues. Some spray zone, wave and river systems, a park with themed waterslides,” says Pakis. were indoor, and some were outdoor. SurfStream, a Wave Ball and an entire In that park, every waterslide is “We have worked with a wide variety of hydromechanical system, including water themed and each attraction refl ects a clients, installing our signature rides or circulation and fi ltration to the park. character from the Cartoon Network creating specially designed rides based The $1bn (£817m, €917m) facility animation series, such as Ben10, Johnny on that client’s needs and desires.” opened its fi rst phase in July. The family- Bravo and Power Puff Girls. But that’s friendly waterpark – with a Greco-Roman just the tip of the iceberg in Asia. LIVING LEGEND theme – is strategically located in a “Polin Waterparks has reached Polin Waterparks is known for its work picturesque setting between the Taurus remarkably high export rates in the on some of the waterpark industry’s Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. past three years,” Pakis says. “With most exciting projects and the brand new The 28-hectare (69-acre) waterpark the increase in spending power of Asia’s middle classes we have seen the increased potential of the waterpark Experience the Innovation market across the continent. The Asia market is growing exponentially.” Polin Waterparks has developed a range of ride technologies to create the best possible experience for waterpark guests COMPANY GROWTH Further to that, Polin Waterparks’ range Q Technology-integrated waterslides: a smooth and shiny fi nish on of innovative signature rides, especially Slides that include automated both sides. RTM waterslide King Cobra, have helped create a 55 systems, such as waterslide traffi c manufacturing technology is also per cent increase in sales with company control/signal light systems, sensor less wasteful and quicker. It’s turnover almost doubling since 2012. systems, timing systems, control available in a range of patented To support growth and ensure the units, and the integration of special translucent, natural light and highest quality, the company moved to a effect and media-based attractions special-patterned effects. state-of-the-art facility in 2014. According such as visual and auditory effects to Polin Waterparks, it’s the world’s largest and augmented reality. Q Natural Light Effects: waterslide manufacturing plant. Special pattern effects “We also repositioned our brand,” Pakis Q RTM (Resin can be incorporated into says. “As it’s our 40th anniversary, we Transfer Molding): almost all Polin’s projects. wanted to change our corporate image to Polin is the pioneer The new design options better refl ect our evolving business vision. in the advancement can be customised for We rebranded with a new logo and slogan and application of the each project. Choose that refl ects both our heritage and the RTM process in waterslide Slide ’n’ Roll, one of from Graffi ti, Mosaic, future vision. The logo represents a bird’s manufacturing. The seven new stylish slide Triangulated, Wood ‘n’ eye view of a spiralling waterslide created method creates the designs from Polin Slide, Refl ection, Honey from the company’s initials. And our best-looking slides with Comb and Slide ‘n’ Roll. slogan, the Experience, refers to our 40 years of experience across the globe.” O

BEST IN CLASS

The annual WWA Show, the highlight of the waterpark industry calendar, brought networking, workshops, educational programmes and a huge trade show to New Orleans

he WWA Symposium & Trade Show took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, in October, with visitors from 23 countries making the journey to the 36th edition of the The WWA Show provided a T annual event. wealth of educational and More than 1,500 waterpark owners, networking opportunties, operators, developers, suppliers and including a keynote designers were in attendance, an 8 per cent speech from motivational increase on the previous year. As well as speaker Aaron Davis, aka American waterpark professionals, people “the expert on attitude” travelled from as far as Australia, China, Southeast Asia, South America, the Middle East and Europe to be at the four-day event. “It’s incredibly exciting to see how much the waterpark industry continues to expand on a global scale,” says Rick Root, WWA president. “With new projects in China, Turkey, the US, the UAE and beyond, we know that our show attendees came to hear from the best in the industry and uncover new ways to advance their businesses.” their show experience,” says Aleatha Ezra, interactive, presented by a selection of The organisers also debuted an app that WWA director of park member development. respected industry speakers. would help people make connections and Breakout sessions focused on trending plan their activities during the show. Education topics, such as developments in water “This year we launched the WWA Show As ever, the WWA conference thread treatment, understanding the new FSLA app. Before, during and after the show, covered a wide range of topics, including law, employing trackable marketing WWA attendees were chatting, sharing guest safety, operational excellence, strategies, improving lifeguard vigilance, pictures, making dinner plans, beginning quality customer service and employee hiring, training and retaining employees new friendships and generally enriching training. Seminars were well attended and and motivating people to lead.

ProSlide’s Rick Hunter and Nick Scott, Splash Lagoon, on the trade show ﬂ oor (left); Attendees could visit 360 booths during the trade show

“As we face many challenges throughout the season, the WWA Show is the ideal place to collaborate, brainstorm and reﬂ ect with other industry leaders”

“Continuous improvement is the name number of new exhibitors such as Surf 9, of the game,” says Evan Barnett, general the company behind the wetsuit brand manager at Typhoon Texas in Katy, Texas. Body Glove, and Sentag, who promoted a “As we are faced with many challenges new drowning prevention wristband. ProSlide, for Cyclone Saucers at Beech throughout the season, the WWA Show is Bend Park & Splash Lagoon in Bowling the ideal place to collaborate, brainstorm Awards Green, Kentucky; Aquatic Development and reﬂ ect with other top quality industry The WWA Show recognises waterpark Group for Cowabunga Beach at Hyland leaders. We always leave energised and industry legends when it inducts people Hills Water World; Murphys Waves for the ready to take on another season.” into its Hall of Fame. They can receive the development of Surf-Air; Polin Waterparks There was also a keynote speech on honour for a variety of reasons, such as for artistic theming of waterslides, leadership from motivational speaker and leading the way in safety, leadership or and WhiteWater West for Massiv at former College footballer Aaron Davis – innovation and creativity. Schlitterbahn Galveston Island, Texas. known as “the expert on attitude” and “the Three people joined the WWA Hall of The industry’s best marketing campaigns enthusiastor” – who gave attendees food Fame for 2016: PR guru Tom Bergman of were recognised with the Wave awards. for thought from a non-industry perspective. Bergman Communications, Roger Currie, “The marketing professionals in the “What are your HPAs?” he asked the sales director at Neuman Aqua and Steve waterpark industry continue to dazzle audience. “High-Payoff-Activities. Those Loose, general manager at Hyland Hills us with their creativity and innovative things that you and your teammates Water World in Denver, Colorado. campaigns both in print and through should be doing each day to elevate your The WWA Board of Directors awarded a social media channels,” says Ezra. “We customers’ experience in your park.” number of suppliers for their innovations are thrilled to be able recognise the The trade show showcased products over the past 12 months with its Leading work of so many parks that are using from 360 different companies, including a Edge Award. The list of winners included such inspiring approaches to building relationships with waterpark customers.” Winners included Splash Zone in Wildwood, New Jersey; Wild Wadi in Dubai, UAE; Hurricane Alley in Corpus Christi, Texas; Vana Nava in Hua Hin, Thailand; Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix in Arizona, and Splash Kingdoms in Hudson Oaks and Canton, both in Texas. The 2017 WWA Symposium & Trade Show has been announced for 16 to 19 October at West Palm Beach, Florida. “West Palm Beach delivers for our attendees on so many levels,” says Root. “The weather is beautiful, our headquarters hotel Hilton West Palm Beach is affordable, accessible and practically brand new and we have an A group photograph shows the winners of this year’s WWA Wave Awards for marketing amazing waterpark partner located nearby. What could be better for 2017?” O

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©CYBERTREK 2016 AM 4 2016 attractionsmanagement.com 95 For full company and contact details SHOW PREVIEW please visit attractions-kit.net

More than 1,000 exhibitors will be at IAAPA Attractions Show The biggest attractions trade show of the year is returning to Orlando, Florida. We asked industry names what’s going on at their booths

Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida Dates: 15-18 November 2016 Who’s there: 1,000 exhibitors and more than 30,000 attendees What’s on: 100 educational opportunities On-site tickets: $209 for members and $395 for non-members

TRIOTECH Triotech is coming to IAAPA’s Orlando expo with its new technology that will be showcased in the Triotech Lab. This year’s surprise, “will take you to the skies,” the company says. In Triotech tradition, trade show visitors will be able to try the experience ﬁ rst hand with a demo unit on the show ﬂ oor. Triotech is unveiling a new technology Booth #3254

ProSlide hybrid slide at Jamberoo Action Park INNOVATIVE GATEWAY LEISURE PROSLIDE Gateway’s Galaxy Connect Adventure attractions ProSlide is introducing Jamberoo is a cloud-based platform specialist Innovative Action Park in Jamberoo, Australia that connects operators Leisure is taking part and Wanda Hefei Water Park, Hefei, with third-party distributors in IAAPA with company China. Jamberoo features the ﬁ rst to enable the selling of representatives on the triple TORNADO hybrid slide (TORNADO live tickets. It eliminates booths of three US 24+24+60) from ProSlide, delivering paper vouchers so guests manufacturing partners. more than 60 seconds of ride time. can proceed directly to the Innovative Leisure Meanwhile Wanda Hefei Water Park, gate, provides live tickets supplies fun, physically Ropes courses are on show which was masterplanned, designed to capacity-managed challenging products, and installed by ProSlide, features events and streamlines including high ropes courses and junior ropes courses the TORNADO 60, HydroMAGNETIC implementation. from Ropes Courses (5400), climbing walls from Spectrum ROCKET, MAMMOTH, KrakenRACER, Booth #4847 Sports (5110) and the Water Wars water balloon game FreeFALL and more. Booth #5140 from Water Wars (5106). Booth #5106, 5110, 5400

Meet Splash and Bubbles at IAAPA IDEATTACK SIMEX-IWERKS IDEATTACK is presenting, among others, a new The Jim Henson Company and Herschend Enterprises have waterpark project, CITIC Beihai Waterpark, in partnered with SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment to create a 4D Guangxi Province, China. The theming revolves experience based on the PBS KIDS pre-school series Splash around the history of Beihai, transporting and Bubbles. Like the series, the ocean-themed immersive guests to a time when Beihai was a famous experience encourages children to explore the marine world, international harbour. The park mascot is an featuring endearing characters and fun-ﬁ lled storylines. old sailor, Captain Dugong, who shares his tall Splash and Bubbles 4D debuts in April 2017, with attendees stories with waterpark guests. Visit the booth able to see an exclusive clip at the booth. Booth #2264 to ﬁ nd out more about this and IDEATTACK’s other China projects. Booth #1054

SALLY CORP immersive dark ride, The Walking Dead: Battle For Survival, based on the Sally Corp is unveiling a new interactive dark ride based on the video post-apocalyptic AMC zombie series. Sally continues its partnership with game Five Nights at Freddy’s. Combining animatronics, large-scale video Six Flags, installing three more Justice League: Battle For Metropolis projection, special effects and immersive sets and scenery, the six- rides next year. Finally, a ride is being installed at the upcoming Movie person motion-base ride makes guests feel like they’ve stepped into Animation Park Studios (MAPS) in Malaysia, featuring Casper the Friendly a life-size version of the game. At Sally’s booth, ﬁ nd out about another Ghost and a journey through a spooky mansion. Booth #2254

KRAFTWERK First-time exhibitor and leading provider of 4D attractions, Kraftwerk Living Technologies is showcasing its third-generation 4D SFX motion seat with an integrated special effects armrest. The seat, which is installed at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom’s record-breaking and award-winning 5D TECHNICAL PARK Castle Theatre, the world’s largest 4D Technical Park is launching Skydiving, one of its theatre, sets the stage to showcase newest creations, at IAAPA – a scalable project various types of content in a variety that offers the possibility of customising the of settings – from theme parks ride in different ways. Skydiving can be equipped to museums, from entertainment virtual technologies such as augmented reality to education.Visit the booth to to enhance the guests view from the ride. experience the 4D SFX Motion Seats. Booth #4734, 7110 Kraftwerk’s new SD SFX seats Booth #1075

Empex Waterplay is a growing trend WHITEWATER Learn about a range of Empex Watertoys’ Following the success of last year’s projects at the IAAPA expo, including a new ‘I heart waterparks’ campaign, splash park for children up to 12 years old WhiteWater has launched a strategy at a Lake Garda camp site. A shallow area to educate IAAPA visitors on the of the pool at the Italian San Francesco four- company’s continued focus on star camping site was raised and covered customers’ success. “Everything with the Myrtha PEM soft non-slip surface on we do is driven by a single-minded, which Empex installed its creative, interactive customer-centric objective, to make watertoys. According to Empex, interactive their parks safe and successful,” waterplay is an ever-growing trend within WhiteWater says. The new campaign, the playground market, and the demand ‘With you’, promotes that when for splash parks is constantly increasing cruise ships. At the San Francesco camping clients choose WhiteWater, they in municipal parks and recreation centres, resort, interactive spray nozzles, hand wheels, embark on a partnership that lasts hotels and resorts, campgrounds, zoos, tipping buckets, water jets, spinning wheels, season after season. Find out more FEC’s, waterparks, theme parks and less water games and water shooters have been at www.whitewaterwithyou.com. obvious places such as shopping malls and added to the fun. Booth #1401 Booth #2240, 2037

Vekoma’s Space Warp coaster

VEKOMA custom-designed attractions to clients. Vekoma offers design, Vekoma Rides Manufacturing is one of the largest rollercoaster engineering and manufacturing of a full range of coasters and manufacturers in the world and a leading innovator in the leisure and attractions, including family coasters, thrill and mega coasters, theme park industries. With in-house concept design, engineering indoor coasters, and attractions and specialties, all characterised and manufacturing divisions, Vekoma is uniquely placed to offer by their innovation, high quality and durability. Booth #5131

HUSS Huss Park Attractions has created PICSOLVE the Movie Base XS, a compact Picsolve is launching its Theme Park of the Future version of its Movie Base Classic vision report at IAAPA. The report will reveal how ride, which is being presented at evolving technology is impacting visitor demand, IAAPA. It’s a fl ying theatre-style highlighting growth areas over the next 10 years. immersive attraction, with sensory The report fi nds visitors are demanding the latest experiences integrated into the technology, with a particular focus on integrating VR, ride to include a ‘fl ight’ experience, wearables and AR in parks worldwide. By embracing with lifting and tilting seats, and such technologies, operators can enhance guest 4D effects. The Movie Base XS satisfaction, while stats suggest 87 per cent of is available from Huss as a full guests are more likely to visit a theme park if turnkey solution, including the AV it includes VR. The report will combine unique and show control system. The fi rst visitor research and exclusive industry expertise, Movie Base XS has been sold to a with future visions and predictions from Picsolve European client. Booth #4624 and its partner Dubai Parks and Resorts. Movie Base XS from Huss

Holovis extends the experience JRA FORREC Jack Rouse Associates is presenting At IAAPA, Merlin Entertainments a brand new project at IAAPA. Rixos and FORREC are announcing plans Hotels’ 64-hectare (158-acre) Land for LEGOLAND New York, opening of Legends theme park in Antalya, in 2018. The entertainment design Turkey, will add a landmark attraction company worked with Merlin on to the Turkish Riviera. When fully LEGOLAND Dubai and the upcoming completed, the resort will include a LEGOLAND Japan. LEGOLAND New fi ve-star hotel, theme park, shopping York will feature fully themed play boulevard, wildlife park and FEC. The areas, more than 50 rides, shows HOLOVIS fi rst phase of development, Legends and attractions and a LEGOLAND Holovis reveals the secrets of experience personalisation of Aqua, has recently opened and Hotel. It will be the third LEGOLAND at IAAPA. Bespoke apps integrate with existing and new features an aquarium, a dolphinarium in the US. Visit the booth to fi nd attractions to ensure guest engagement before, during and a waterpark with 72 slides. out more about FORREC’s global and post visit. Gamifi cation beats queue boredom. Data is JRA provided master planning, project portfolio. Booth #2069 tailored to attractions, making them unique and constantly concept and schematic design for updating to encourage repeat guest visits. Booth #778 the waterpark. Booth #1369

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Soaring With Dragon is an Intamin coaster

INTAMIN forward) and the highest non-inverted loop at 60 metres, reaching a An Intamin signature coaster, namely the Vertical Ring Coaster, maximum speed of 125kph. Another recent opening from Intamin is themed around a soaring dragon, made its debut at the latest the Suspended Twin Hammer, named Doomsday Destroyer, at Warner Wanda theme park in Hefei, China in late September. This unique Bros Movie World, Australia, a rotating thrill ride with spectacular LSM Launch Coaster features a swing launch (forward-backward- theming. Visit the booth to learn more about Intamin. Booth #3824

DYNAMIC ATTRACTIONS IPLAYCO Dynamic Attractions has installed International Play Company is a state-of-the-art fl ying theatre at a displaying its new Turbo Tube historic attraction in Washington, with clear top and side views, Seattle. The Wings Over Washington and side by side features, at ride offers guests a “fl ying” the IAAPA trade show. The experience where they soar over the slide does well in both smaller state’s landscapes. The 20-minute and larger entertainment ride experience, located at Pier centre playgrounds. The 57’s Miners Landing attraction, was Turbo Slide made its debut created using the latest technology, at the 2015 IAAPA Show. including 6K cameras, innovative Since then Iplayco has art laser projection, image capture installed over a dozen and is drones, creative design agency Super forecasting 30 or 40 more 78’s virtual reality collaborative will be installed in the next planning tools and cutting-edge 12 months. Booth #3862 Iplayco’s Turbo Tube 6K fl ying theatre Wings Over Washington surround sound. Booth #1078

ALTERFACE Interactive ride technology company Alterface is celebrating its 15th anniversary at IAAPA with a new tagline, Enjoy the Ride. “‘Enjoy the Ride’ reﬂ ects the experiences of our customers during the exciting period when they create their dream ride with our technology and team,” says the company. “They keep us excited and remain at the centre of our activities.” Attendees can meet the team and experience Alterface’s latest technology in an interactive demo unit at the booth. Booth #862

100 attractionsmanagement.com AM 4 2016 ©CYBERTREK 2016 See us at IAAPA Orlando on the following booths: ORopes Courses Inc. - booth 5400 OWater Wars - booth 5106 OSpectrum Sports - booth 5110 Also at the Visitor Attraction Expo (VAE), London - booth 860

High Ropes Climbing Zip Lines Water Attractions

innovativeleisure.co.uk Call +44(0)116 271 3095

EXPERIENCE DESIGN VIDEO AND PHOTO SOLUTIONS

www.forrec.com www.tapemyday.com

4D RIDES & ATTRACTIONS CREATIVE DESIGN AND BUILD

Europe’s Largest Creative Design and Build Company

www.paragon-creative.co.uk

www.trio-tech.com www.paragon-creative.co.uk

IMMERSIVE RIDES & ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL REALITY & 5D FILM

DO YOU MANAGE A XD THEATRE OR SIMULATOR & ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NEW EXCITING MOVIES? We’re working for you!

www.holovis.com www.redraion.com

IAAPA ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2016 Conference: Nov. 14–18 • Trade Show: Nov. 15–18 • Orlando, FL, US

Your top priority is to deliver an immersive, customized, and exceptional experience to every guest, every time they visit your attraction. IAAPA Attractions Expo 2016 connects you with a global network of renowned experts ready to offer insights into their own experiences, allowing you to grow your business. Join us in Orlando and discover everything you need to exceed your guests’ expectations. Because every experience matters.

#IAE16 www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo/AM @IAAPAHQ