Pitcured on the ProSlide booth are, from left ro right: Jeff Janovich, Chelsea Ogilvie, Rick Hunter, Randy Flint, Robin Edwards and Phil Hayles
on guest safety, operational excellence, customer service, employee training and much more. Throughout the show, many rooms were filled to capacity with attendees ready to hear fresh ideas, ask insightful questions and communicate proven tactics.
“My head is spinning with concepts and ideas I never considered before the
WWA conference,” reported Brenda Sylvia, City of San Marcos, California. “We are now looking at our aquatic facilities through a greatly improved lens thanks to the info I gathered at this year’s show.” “As a presenter, I was impressed with the engagement of the participants and
the interaction between everyone,” said Marc Gran of Carolina Harbor Waterpark at Carowinds, North Carolina. “You could feel their excitement about this industry.”
Knowledge gathering A newcomer to the event this year was Maria Arredondo from Aviva Water Park in Chile: “We really enjoyed out first visit to the WWA Show. We will go back to to Chile with a lot of knowledge and practical information to apply in our business.” “I came here to meet decision makers and owners to see if there's a match
between our acquisition company and their organisation," explained Ken Kobane, Apex Parks Group (USA). "I also wanted to renew and reconnect with many colleagues and friends I've made over 35 years in the industry.” “Continuous improvement is the name of the game,” asserted Evan Barnett,
Typhoon Texas. “As we are faced with many challenges throughout the season, the show is the ideal place to collaborate, brainstorm and reflect with other top quality industry leaders. We always leave energised and ready to take on another season.” In addition to the various breakout sessions and workshops, this year’s event
offered two keynote addresses. First up was Aaron Davis, a national champion football player with the University of Nebraska. Davis discussed the need for waterpark operators to focus on actions that mean the most to guests. “What are your HPA's” he asked, referring to high payoff activities. “Those things that you and your teammates should be doing each day to elevate your customers’ experience in your park.” He also shared the need for champion leaders to take time off to recharge. “You absolutely must take time for a personal ‘off- season.’ Time for you to personally refuel, refocus and rejuvenate your mind, body & soul. You can't give your customers an unforgettable experience if your running on empty.” Already recognised as a WWA best speaker, Michael Donnelly is a consultant in the principle of building successful corporate cultures. During his keynote, he shared insights on “the power of world-class customer service” and how team members need to be given the tools to deliver on-brand messages. “Positive emotional connections lead to positive economic outcomes,” said Donnelly. “Seek emotional connections with employees through sharing and celebrating your organisation’s heritage, and with guests through providing exceptional experiences.”
Steady traffic The WWA Show floor for 2016 featured 100,000 square feet (9,290 sq m) of exhibit space with more than 230 participating companies. "This show has gone well," reported Phil Hayles of ProSlide. "We've had steady traffic. We're expanding our uphill coaster technology, so we are getting a lot of market traction with it both domestically in North America and internationally.”
"It's been a good show," agreed Hannah de Bie, Sub Sea Systems, "a little slower than last year's in Palm Springs when we had many quality people visit
NOVEMBER 2016 47
It’s Team Whitewater (left to right): Andrew Thatcher, Marshall Myrman, Franceen Gonzales, Scott Haycock, Ron Lausman, Geoff Chutter, Paul Chutter, Emily Colombo, Jordanna Bower, Alan Heuss, Trish Hughes and Dawn Kirby.
our booth. It's good to be able to network with other exhibitors." “We always look forward to the WWA show every year," WhiteWater's
Trish Hughes informed Park World. “It’s a chance for us to reconnect with our industry partners and to make new relationships. New Orleans was a great location the city definitely contributed to the fun and collaborative atmosphere of the show.” “This is my ninth WWA show and there are five or six really new things here
I'm interested in,” offered Bob Williams, Key Lime Cove (Illinois). “We're always looking for the most cost-effective maintenance. Safe Shade has some new materials. PPG Paints have new epoxy coatings. Jonite is showing some much improved pool grates, both safer and maintenance free.” Next year WWA members will feel the sun on their face and the breeze in
their hair when they attend the World Waterpark Association Show, October 16-19, 2017, in West Palm Beach, Florida. It will be headquartered at the Hilton West Palm Beach hotel, which is located next to the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
For more details of next year's show or to join the World Waterpark Association see
www.waterparks.org
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