Show Review
parkworld-online.com
Aerophile’s Jérôme Giacomoni with Aleksandrova from Concept 1900
Michele Bertazzon with his company’s latest bumper car
It’s the Big Idea Boys: Taylor Jeffs, Gary Goddard and Forbes Candlish of the Goddard Group
noted Jim Seay of Premier Rides. “I wish we had another day or two. We ended up prior to the show with a fully over-booked meeting schedule. It’s clear because of the global expansion, especially in Asia, the work opportunities are limitless.” “We haven’t seen this kind of energy at the show since 2007,” revealed Ramon Rosario of Zamperla. “We sold several Air Races and other major rides, plus quite a few family rides and we’re in negotiations for 2015 deliveries. In past years the last day was dead, but this year we have real activity and negotiations. It feels like old times.” “Yes,” confirmed Alberto Zamperla, “we are fully booked through to June of 2014. This is a good time for the entire industry. Everyone is happy.” “I think the show has been improving over the past few years,” confided Fred Miler of American ride builder E&F Miler Industries. “We’ve had some very encouraging contacts. We’re building a children’s coaster now for a North American park, with several other possible projects to follow.” “Good show,” concluded Tom Rebbie of Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters – IAAPA’s oldest continuously appearing exhibitor. “We’re always here, and saw a lot of friends and customers. They’re happy with what they get from us, the pricing and the delivery. We have no complaints.”
A new Ferris Wheel gondola from SBF/Visa, destined for Iraq
Alberto Zamperla with a dazzling Air Race ride
Awards, education and networking For a second year, the IAAPA Theater was accommodated in a far corner of the show floor, and hosted such fixtures as the Tuesday morning Kickoff Event and Wednesday afternoon’s Brass Ring Awards, honouring the industry’s best. But what about the action off the floor? There was a 5% increase in attendance at the education sessions, as 11,300 people participated in over 80 seminars, panel and roundtable discussions, multi-day institutes and behind-the-scenes tours to local attractions. SeaWorld was the chosen venue for this year’s Thursday night IAAPA Celebrates event. Marred only a little bit by the rain, approximately 1,600 guests enjoyed a nice selection of food and drink and access to the attractions Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, Manta and Atlantis, rounded off with a firework finale.
Other networking opportunities during the week included the IAAPA Chairman’s Reception, Opening Reception and dedicated receptions for members from Europe, Latin America, FECs, waterparks and the carnival industry.
There were also networking opportunities during the week at parties hosted by, amongst others, the Themed Entertainment Association, BRC Imagination
Forrec’s John Plumpton, raising cash for Prostrate Cancer with his Movember moustauche
24
Left to right: Vince Kudler of Majestic Manufacturing with Preston & Barberi’s Francesco Ferrari and Lino Ferretti, and bumper car marathan rider Marcus Gaines
Capping off a successful show at the Rides 4- U booth were (left to right) Len Soled, Stephanie Falzarano, John Coburn, Joe Migueles, Richard Madden and Mark Blumhagen
JANUARY 2014
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52